To create texture, I used tissue paper, loo paper, fabric, computer paper and brown paper. I looked through my heap to find objects with a variety of textures - hard, soft, smooth and rough.
My first choice is the cabbage coral below, taken from a photo on the internet.
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I twisted tissue paper with glue into 'florets' and skimmed the tips with emulsion paint.
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Mushroom coral.
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I pleated faux silk and steamed it in the microwave to set the pleats. I then removed the threads. Next I curved it into a circle and secured it onto card. I skimmed the ridges with emulsion paint.
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Cut strips of paper, folded in half and glued. Layered in differing lengths, painted with emulsion. Not very successful, I should have built up many more layers, but has potential as a fringe or edging.
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The oyster shell is covered in texture and the layers appear to be almost haphazard, compared to other shells.
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I enjoyed making this sample the most. I used torn strips of brown paper that I painted first with PVA glue and then with emulsion.
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Staghorn coral.
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I used a glue gun to create the shapes for this sample. I built the glue up in layers to try and create a 3D effect. I painted over the top with emulsion.
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I almost discarded this shell because I thought it was rather boring to look at. Quite by accident I turned the shell over and discovered this view! Live sea urchins, covered in spines, would also be a good subject to look at.
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I put modelling clay over the base of the shell to make an imprint and was amazed and delighted with the result. I painted it very lightly with emulsion as I didn't want to lose any of the details.
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My large sea snail shell, showing the spiral pattern.
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I cut a tapering piece of scrim and soaked it in PVA glue then wound it into a spiral. I skimmed the tips of the fabric with emulsion.
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Fan coral.
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I made a stencil from foam to represent a sample of fan coral. In reality it consists of many waving branches. However my design is a very simple one.
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I started by making a paper pulp, similar to the pulp I had made during the certificate. However it was too thick and lumpy to go through the stencil. I nearly gave up but realised that loo paper breaks up quickly in water, so I made some loo paper pulp and pushed the stencil into it. I was surprised and delighted with the results. I had layered the back of the stencil with extra paper, to give it strength. When it was dry I carefully peeled back as many layers as possible to leave a thin lacy layer.
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This is a picture of the lacy layer on a light box.
The textures I have created have great potential for incorporating into pieces of embroidery, especially if two or more textures are combined. Looking at the detail of the textures, from the rigid peaks of the hard mushroom coral to the flowing and delicate branches of the soft fan coral, a great deal of scope is offered to create some intricate and imaginative work.
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| Formal Presentation for Texture and Surface Relief Study |
