These are my stitch samples I created based on my research of graffiti. The first is my test sample for creating the shapes of graffiti writing using the embroidery foot on the machine. I liked the bold shape the most and decided to use this on a piece of fabric I decorated using painted bonda web. I like working with Bondaweb because it creates interesting patterns. You can also trap things under the layers and build up a decorative piece

Mrs Smith - Textiles graffiti artist...

Whilst I was researching graffiti artists, I decided to search textiles graffiti artists. I thought there might be someone who use graffiti mixed with textiles techniques. But instead I 

found Mrs Smith. Found on an article from the BBC this anonymous artist decoreacted plymouth sundial with her creations. This inspired me to take my devore sample and photograph it in different places such as a wall or fence.

Graffiti devore...

From the drawing I made, based on my primary research. I created a devoire piece based around graffiti. I dyed it using a blend of bright colours like the examples I have seen in my research. Devore is made using a paste that burns away natural fibres but not synthetic. So a special fabric must be used that has a combination of fibres. Using the paper drawing underneath as a guide I painted on the paste following the lines of the letters. When the paste is dry the fabric is iron to burn the natural fibres which can be washed away to reveal the pattern. I reliased that it shows up best over a dark background. For my sketchbook I painted the page to look like a brick wall. I thought this would suit the design because of where you would normally find graffiti.

Graffiti...

 I selected some photos of graffiti from my city research. I looked at the shapes and tried to recreated them on paper. Something I really like about graffiti is the mixture of colour and shape. I think it looks fantastic how it blends together to cover a space. From this I will research actual graffiti artists. I think I will look at Banksy as well as other artists. Because everyone has to have their own style I think it is a lot better to research lots of people rather than just one or two.To start my samples for graffiti I drew out on paper some of the words I selected from the photos, words that I liked the style they were wrote in.

Unit 3 spider diagram...

Selecting my theme...

Adapted from City Forms, my new theme Urban Embellishment allows me to work on embellishment techniques which is something that I enjoy. I have decided to put it into an urban context so that I can move my project on from what I did at AS. It also allows me to use the primary research I collected over the summer. I took photos of around newcastle and when I visited London. I created a mood board with these to form a title page and from this I made a spider diagram of components that embellish a city. I will use this diagram as startng points to experiment with different techniques.