Dendrology Sampling

Here are just a few photo's of my samples, inspired by the images from Thorp Perrow and other tree walks in the local area.

I have focused on creating the textures of bark, using techniques that lend themselves to the bark texture. Although, maybe not technically challenging techniques, they lend themselves well to that of mark making for bark.

The rounded effect of the copper rings are to represent the protectiveness that bark creates around a tree, shielding the inner workings of the tree from the elements, this is much the same as our skin, that protects us from the elements and bacteria.

The technique I used for textile sampling also lends itself well to creating bark texture. Layering up differing fabrics, to create the tones, then machine stitching over the top to create the contours of the bark. To create the texture, using a combination of fabric soldering iron and heat gun to burn away the edges, revealing the fabrics underneath. The burnt texture adds to the roughness of tree bark.

The leaf sample, used a mixture of media to create the different tones, from organza to bubble wrap. Machine stitched edges to get the outline of leaves, then cut out with the soldering iron or scissors. All leaves were individually stitched into place on a base of calico and brown organza.

Ceramic samples are to follow!

Thorp Perrow Arboretum

We're going on a bark hunt,

We're going to capture lots of them,

What a beautiful day,

We're not scared...

Uh oh, trees!

Lots and lots of trees!!!

 

Yesterday, I went on an adventure, to Thorp Perrow Arboretum, at 85 acres of all kinds of trees and shrubs, my slight obsession of bark peaked at max out mode ... So five hours later, some 200+ photos and some fallen specimens of bark and leaves, I left with inspiration to last me a lifetime ... well a good few years at the least.

Most of the images focus on bark texture and forms, which are often intriguing and caught in the right light beautiful to look at.

As most of the deciduous trees are still 'leaf-less' after the autumn and winter, this meant the bark was clearly visable and due to the lovely day we had, the sunlight glinting off the bark made fantastic photos!

Here are just a few of the photo's I took throughout the day:




















Thorp Perrow Arboretum website: http://www.thorpperrow.com/index.html

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thorpperrow



Final Major Project - Dendrology

 So finally getting around to posting on my blog, after many months, of saying 'must up-date my blog!'

During these months, it has been rather hetic with dissertation work, minor project work and an exhibition at the Empty Shop Gallery in Durham.

On to the Final Major Project (FMP) which is again natured inspired, this time focusing on Dendrology, the Study of Trees.

I have been looking primarily at the textures and patterns created by the bark, and also the leaves. Currently experimenting with the textures of trees and trying to recreate these textures with differing materials.

The samples that are pictured all focus on the textiles side of the sampling process, both metal and ceramic sample pictures are to come!

The right hand side sample, after much manipulation has a bark feel to it, which I didn't expect to achieve, with this process.

The leaf samples have a mixture of techniques that create the differing shades and textures, all layered up creates a caotic sample!

One last note, please check out my Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jeni-Robinson/149833248508727