Future Plans

 

During the third unit of study, I encountered several challenges and issues within my project. Some were identified and rectified as I progressed, while others remain unresolved and continue to require attention. As a result, I plan to extend this project and treat it as an ongoing, long-term endeavor, continuously refining the expression and exploring additional methods.

 

Technical Issues to Resolve:

 

1. Storage and Discoloration of Cyanotype Fabric: Through experimentation, I found that storing cyanotype-treated fabric in the refrigerator effectively prevents premature discoloration. However, I have yet to pinpoint the cause of discoloration, as this issue does not occur with paper. I suspect it might be related to the material composition of the fabric, and I need to investigate further.

 

2. Washing Method for Cyanotype on Polyester-Spandex Fabrics:During the process, I observed severe color loss during washing, despite using relatively gentle washing techniques. The fabric tends to lose color completely when scrubbed vigorously. To address this, I need to conduct more tests to determine the cyanotype’s effect on different fabrics or find better methods for color retention, such as using gelatin or other solutions.

 

3. Preservation of Finished Cyanotype Fabrics: After the skirt was completed, I found that exposure to water caused the color to fade. I need to identify an effective method for fixing the color permanently to prevent this issue.

 

Project Development and Future Plans:

 

1. Space Selection: In the Summer Show crit, the issue of space selection was raised. Due to the UV exposure required for cyanotype processing, I am limited to working in spaces where ultraviolet light is present. This restriction means I cannot experiment with indoor spaces that may offer more privacy and potentially different effects. I need to resolve the UV exposure issue or explore alternative materials that might be sensitive to other environmental conditions for recording.

 

2. Recording All Hugs on a Single Skirt: I also plan to record all the hugs on a single skirt. Since I am the consistent subject in this experiment, the emotional experiences of the hugs accumulate on my body. I believe this method can express my emotional reactions in a tangible way. However, I found during the cyanotype process that multiple layers of exposure may completely obscure previous traces, preventing the creation of a layered effect. I will conduct more experiments to explore how material changes, chemical ratios, or reduced exposure times might yield the desired multi-layered result.

 

3. Exploring the Use of Pillows as Substitutes for Human Hugs: Another concept I plan to explore involves replacing human participants with pillows for the hugs. This idea emerged as I reflected on my project exploring mother-daughter relationships. A pillow serves as a very intimate object, like a comforting toy, and in the absence of maternal hugs, a pillow can substitute as an emotional replacement.I believe this represents two different concepts and modes of expression compared to hugging a person. Therefore, I am considering creating a video that features hugging a pillow or another comfort object as a substitute for the maternal role.

 

4. The exploration of consciousness, the body, and the relationship between the individual and the other, as well as the spatial distance and method of engagement, has led to different understandings before and after the experiment. Reflecting on the practice, I realized the significance of small details and nuances that could be incorporated into future developments. These insights will be crucial for refining my practice, especially when considering the emotional and physical boundaries explored through hugging.

 

 

The process of working through these technical and conceptual challenges has been invaluable for the development of my project. While some aspects still need refinement, each experiment has offered new insights into both the practical and emotional dimensions of the work. Moving forward, I will continue to explore the intersections of intimacy, bodily interaction, and emotional expression through ongoing experimentation, with a particular focus on resolving the technical issues and expanding the creative possibilities. This long-term project will allow me to continue refining my approach and uncover new methods to express the complex relationships between the self, others, and the spaces we inhabit.