Fabric Manipulation

These textiles are some I produced on a textile workshop a few years ago using heat transfer. A design is painted with fabric paint onto paper and then a heat press/ hot iron is used to transfer the design onto  a fabric. This is great to play with and creates a huge variety of textures. These are very evocative of the refracted light on the seas surface and movement of the waves. The white showing through means that the projection would still add to the costumes. This technique is also quick, cheap and easy - designs can be multiple times when heat transferred and a more accurate design reached when painted onto paper rather than fabric. It also allows for both graphic and mottled prints.

Created by creasing fabric over design and pressing. Love its movement quality - very keen on using this on Neptune and the Mermaid.

Little gathered sections. Beautiful mottled blues from paintwork.

Using a print of a shell but also collaging onto the initial design to create a layered pattern with depth. Background has been reused a few times so it is paler against the bold foreground design.

Fabrics

Some additional fabrics - although I love the crocodile texture it's too think and not fluid enough for the aerial work to be done. Sequined fabrics are still my favourite with their fluid, wet look in movement which will only look more beautiful when projected upon. Silver will still show up the projection well.

Fins

Mermaid

Current favourite due to the use of fabrics, mystical quality that is both alluring and innocent. I also think that this will work well when altered to work best for the aerial work. 

Prince

Neptune

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Old Man

Sketchbook pages for my thoughts on the old man - most keen on his textural quality, something like an old barnicaled rock that can appear and disappear when required as he is constantly on stage. 

Like playing with the idea of manipulating an old suit which is commonly associated with their Grandad/ men's clothing from the past so his character is clearly identified. The suit can then be adorned with various texture to look of the seabed.  

Really love the beard intertwined with seaweed - simply and cheaply made from fragments of dyed material from other costumes, wool and string.

Colours and Textures

A selection of images that have inspired me in the form of their patterns, textures, silhouettes and colour schemes. I understand that projection is going to be used to evoke life beneath the waves so pale colours are preferable. Due to this I want to rely upon contrast and the textural quality and movement of the waves to be enhanced by the costumes, as well as contrast the environments of the prince and the merpeople. 

Image from a magazine and paper made with my cousin who does is professionally on the Isle of Scilly, uses textures and materials from the beach.

Postcard and my own photograph of the seaside

Initial Thoughts and Themes

The following pages document what I feel are the most dominant/important themes if the story from reading both my brief and the original H.C.Andersen story, as well as what is essential to include/ suggest each character costume design. This is going to be trickier than previous designs as these qualities will need to be depicted (I am assuming) without the assistance of dialogue as it is an aerialist piece.