A new year, means a new term, means a new project with new challenges, new techniques and new (and higher) expectations to meet. Well, that is most definitely the way it goes with this term. Not even been back in Bournemouth a week and I've already hit the ground running, but it's okay because I love the direction and theme of this next project:
Commedia dell'Arte.
All pictures sourced from 'Maschere Italiane nella Commedia Dell'arte' by A. Grignola
In short Commedia dell'Arte is a form of street performance, closely related to pantomime that originated in Italy in the early 16th Century. It has continued and thrived as a form of performance through the ages and is constantly revamped by different actors and cultures. It is a slapstick comedic performance, with the air of Punch and Judy.
We've been asked to create a costume off a given design. The costumes of Commedia are something else. Think harlequin patterns, bold shapes and bright colours, the Pierrot Clowns, the dastardly villains in sweeping capes. There is a lot of fun to be had.
With this project, we have been asked to be creative in our interpretation of the given design and create pattern and texture with a variety of textile techniques. We are also required to use at least some recycled or reused fabrics and materials. As we're working in groups, creating an ensemble of players for a Commedia play, we have to co-ordinate with each other to ensure all the players have a cohesive look and work well together. This means working closely with fabric selection, fabric dying and the overall colour palette. In other words, there's a lot to take on board!
I'm absolutely fascinated by this project, as it is unlike anything that I have previously undertaken and takes me completely out of my comfort zone.
Watch this space, there's more to come.
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