In this project, we had to think about space and volumes implied using surfaces. We created a fantastical community and ritual to begin concept ideas for the piece. My project dove into Antarctica, more specifically, penguins. After doing research to learn more, I made an educated piece based on the life and culture of penguins in the Antarctic.
The ritual that I created was the crowning of the God/Goddess of the Antarctic penguins. I created this headpiece to reflect the values and lives of penguins. The main fabric part is to represent the skin of a seal, and its face is embroidered. The shape opens up the front part of the face and protects the back of the neck. There is a semicircle-shaped piece of wood in the bottom
of the fabric to have the piece hold its shape when the wearer turns and moves. The three pieces on top represent the ‘crown’ aspect or the part that differentiates the social hierarchy. There are three stones for balance, and to show that this person is worthy of more than just one, which is the ‘usual’ amount penguins give to their partners. I wanted this piece to embody the space in front of and within the realm of their face because facial features are what differentiate one from another. This is why I made the balsa wood pieces at the top arch ever so slightly downwards. I also didn’t want this piece to be exorbitantly extravagant, especially because within penguin communities, there is close to no social hierarchy at all. They are some of the most socially equal creatures. This aspect of penguin life is embodied in the rather ‘banal’ and ‘plain’ aesthetic. It’s a piece that is a little special, but still friendly.
I tried to focus on how the sheet of fabric ‘talked to itself’ by creating folds that would frame the face, but also close off and cover the back. I wanted it to still have a bit of give, while also keeping a structure so that my purposeful ‘pleats’ and open folds were noted.
If I were to redo or revise this project I would try to add more surface pieces to emphasize the meaning of the piece as well as try to make it more sculptural.
