STARTING THE PROJECT
The initial “Issue” we wanted to tackle was bringing more awareness to Coral Bleaching.
We chose the medium of a World of Wearable Art Competition Entry as a way to push ourselves further than just a “standard” Uni e-textiles project.
Source - retrieved 1st August 2019, http://animalsbirds.com/coral/
Source - retrieved 1st August 2019, http://animalsbirds.com/coral/
It was time to make these ideas "meet in the middle". We did this through surveying individuals about different large scale issues, there was enough interest in coral bleaching to have it as our focus. Later surveying different individuals about proposed styles of showcasing coral bleaching, it was found that most people preferred a gentle approach that allowed them to reach their own conclusions about the problem for lasting effect. This allows us more creative freedom in colour variation, as well as shapes for our designs.
Concept Designs to survey audience preferences in an Avant Garde style, made by designer Tiger Shao
Concept Designs to survey audience preferences in an Avant Garde style, made by designer Tiger Shao
Concept Designs to survey audience preferences in an Avant Garde style, made by designer Tiger Shao
Concept Designs to survey audience preferences in an Avant Garde style, made by designer Tiger Shao
CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES SHOWCASE 2019
An initial realistically sized prototype of the upper portion rounded out our work at the end of 2019. A lot of the groundwork was laid to continue over the break by ourselves, then come back with a final solid creation period in 2020.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
Using his design skills, Tiger reshaped and fitted pieces of coral together to create a variety of concept designs for possible garment looks on both masculine and feminine forms. While making the designs, the team discussed having a goal of making the garment fit be towards more of an androgynous style for the competition.
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We surveyed and refined our concept design down to one.
The design after surveying individuals on preferences in an Avant Garde style, made by designer Tiger Shao
Final Hero Image for Creative Technologies Showcase 2019, made by designer Tiger Shao
The initial full scale prototype setup at the 2019 Creative Technologies Showcase, made by designer Caitlin Maeve
The design after surveying individuals on preferences in an Avant Garde style, made by designer Tiger Shao
PROTOTYPING
After getting to the Final Concept, we began prototyping on how to make the garment, using 3D modelling, Adobe software and various other methods.
Then continuing to iterate and construct as the project moves forward, with each prototype as a valuable set of lessons.
COVID-19
The garment creation was on track at the start of the year, everything was a clear go. Though as we haven’t been able to access the AUT facilities our garment creation has been halted. There are few pieces able to be worked on outside of the facilities at the time creation was halted. Ordered materials were also stopped before shipping by the sellers.
These setbacks have not diminished our passion to finalise the garment and enter it into the World of Wearable Art Competition. Though it has presented a lot of different difficulties in continuing it as only a university project.
As part of completing this semester and giving our garment a stronger digital influence, we are compiling and showcasing the entire process. Then as we are able to continue work on and complete the project, this website will continue to be updated to complete the journey.
For a more in-depth detail of our process, we post on Tumblr:
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Caitlin Maeve:
First Semester of the Project - https://mybctexperience.tumblr.com/post/188649549639/studio-assignment-index-ocean-meridiem-wow
Over The Break Work - https://mybctexperience.tumblr.com/post/611072424385085440/ocean-meridiem-over-the-break-work-index
Second Semester of the Project -
Final Work - To Be Updated