Welded steel necklace

The Final Exhibition!

Before the photographs were added

Testing out what the photos would look like without the frames as instructed by tutor.

I didn't like the effect because the photos look really detached from the pieces.

I included pictures of the test piece becasue I wanted to show that this method and idea can be put into many different forms, not just the ones shown.  I thought that having the same person modelling in all the photos would look too repetitive so I  added some variation.

I am pleased with my final outcome as I feel they ended the projects well.  Although there were come issues with the final finishings of the piece.   When I was moulding the leather around the wooden moulds I leant the pieces of my lap.  The dye from my jeans transferred onto the surface of the leather making them look very dirty.

I researched ways of taking of the dirt on the internet and some tips looked promising;

Spray hairspray and then wipe off

Rub in toothpaste then wipe off

and nail varnish.

I used these methods on a test piece first.  None of the product worked full but hairspray worked the best, removing some of the ink.

Unfortuanly I went ahead and sprayed some onto my final piece and it created an unsightly dark patch and did not remove the ink either.  I i were to do this project again I would be very careful about he surfaces that I worked on, making sure my workspace was always clean.

Making the final pieces

some tests ....

Here are some photos of test pieces I did.  I used the moulds I made and used black leather to add details and secure the shape.  I really like the outcomes and feel I have made a great step towards my final pieces.  I decided to leave the excess leather strips because I feel it adds another dimension to the piece.  I like how it reacts with the body and opposes the rigidity of the main structure with its fluid motions.  I tried to capture this movement with these photos.

I also like the colour scheme of the natural with the black detail more than the dark brown leather arm  piece.  I think it makes the items have a more contemporary feel and I like how it blends in slightly with the skin tone, making it look like its is an extension  of the body or a means of abstracting the body.

I am going to ask people what they think about the colour schemes etc.... in a questionnaire, to help me with ideas for my final piece.