Lizards

I chose to research lizards because of their incredible colours and patterns. Within the lizard species, there are many different types; Geckos, Iguanas and Chameleons, among others. I mainly focused on geckos and chameleons. I looked into their unique patternation and amongst other things, how lizards are used in fashion. I focussed on their elegance and beauty and created a number of pattern designs that could be used for homeware. I made wallpaper rolls and samples of these designs.

 

 Ella Tomkins

Squids

I chose to look at the squid for this project.
Scientifically, little is known about many species of squid, and some have never actually been seen alive, so one of the themes I looked into was the unknown, and how curious and fascinated humans are about things they know little about. I also looked into what makes the squid a unique creature, and focused a lot on how they glow in the dark, and their skin.

I was mainly interested in the mythology associated with the squid, so I looked into the legend of the giant squid, old pirate stories and maps and eyewitness accounts of the huge creatures. I wanted to create something that people would be curious about, and illustrate the mystery that surrounds the squid, so I looked into victorian curiosity cabinets and had a try at making my own version.

aggie davies

The Rabbit

I looked at rabbits, first focusing on how they live in the wild,

but then moving on to examine how they are kept as pets.

Through my research, I found that many rabbit-owners are not aware of basic

rabbit needs and rabbits are frequently abandoned when they are more work than the

owner anticipated. I wanted to show that rabbits are not 'easy option' pets and in

particular communicate the fact that they can live for 10 years. I also experimented

with how I could visualise the inquisitive nature of this creature.

Pomeranian

I based my methodical research on the breed of dog named, Pomeranian. After informing myself of its interesting history and origins, I began exploring social issues involved in owning a 'Toy' breed, its personality and behaviour. With the Pomeranian being a symbol of fame and decadence, I experimented with different ways I could portray this, considering the use of media, texture and colour. I directed my ideas into screen printing on pillows to conclude and convey the symbolic depiction of social class and fashion of Pomeranians.

Danielle Noakes

Fireflies

Fireflies by Fiona Simpson

Domestic Cat

I chose to base my project on the domestic cat. I focused mainly on the textures found on cats for example, their rough tongues and their soft fur. I also looked in to their sensitivity to their surroundings and also their sensitivity and fragility in general. I tried to use different mediums, techniques and materials to reflect these qualities such as using thin paper and origami techniques, paper cutting, and using stick and ink to create looseness in my images.

Barn Owl

I initially chose owls as my subject of research, later deciding to focus mainly on barn owls. Owls have always fascinated me, barn owls in particular, there is a certain silent beauty and mystery about them which I wanted to explore further. I researched a lot into the mythology and symbolism of owls,  I was surprised at the amount of cultures that believed and still believe that owls are connected with death. I decided to look further into this aspect, linking it with the mystery of the creatures. I created a few prints and wallpaper designs as well as some jewellery that I felt reflected the aspect of barn owls that I wanted to present. I mainly used photoshop, as well as fabric printing and polymer clay to create my pieces. I liked the idea of the repetition and mirrored images representing the mysterious aspect, I also chose to portray the owls mainly using skulls to represent death but with roses, a symbol of beauty, in the eye socket, combining the aspects of beauty and death that barn owls are seen to connote. The jewellery was a similar approach, depicting the beauty of barn owls.