Concentration
: comfy things
1. ¿WHAT IS THE CENTRAL IDEA OF YOUR CONCENTRATION?
The central idea of my concentration is comfy things. My work explores comfy things and investigates how they help people feel comfort and safety. Personally, in my bed, snuggled under my favorite blanket, is where I find comfort and safety. I will explore this topic by creating environments and objects with textiles in which people and things would feel comfy and safe.
2. ¿HOW DOES THE WORK IN YOUR CONCENTRATION DEMONSTRATE THE EXPLORATION OF YOUR IDEA?
The work in my concentration demonstrates the exploration of my idea of comfiness with the use of textiles on various surfaces. The tree in image 1 is located in a children's playground. This tree is normally rough and hard. However, once the tree is dressed in its knitted sweater it is transformed into a softer, cozier, more inviting tree; the sweater softens the environment for the children. In image 2, the knitted sleeve on the metallic bottle shows the contrast of soft and hard, easeful and industrial. The knitted sleeve also acts as comfy protection from either the cold or hot contents of the bottle, and it makes the bottle more comfortable for the user. The use of balloons in images 3-7 explores fragility; the knitted textiles containing the ephemeral material demonstrates a safe vessel protecting such vulnerability. In images 8-12, the textile around the human resembles that of a blanket, sleeping bag, or a cocoon, items that are associated with snuggling and coziness. It portrays a makeshift sanctuary in which one would feel safe and comfy. Images 1-2 serve function while images 3-7 display expression. Images 8-12 synthesizes both function and expression. I enjoyed exploring this intersection of usefulness and affect.