Module 1, chapter 1 Getting started

Before actually starting on any proper design work, I thought it might be a useful exercise to identify what it is about church architecture which so appeals to me.  From looking again at the numerous photos, I was surprised to see that they actually fall into just a few categories:

1)  the juxtaposition of different planes, how roofs, walls and buttresses relate to
     each other, rows of wonky gravestones, vaulted roofs etc.

2)  tracery patterns, positive and negative shapes

3)  stained glass windows

4)  adornment, e.g. gargoyles, carvings

5)  the fabric of the building itself, i.e. stone, brick, wood and how these are affected
     by time

Should be enough material there to keep me out of mischief for a while.

Module 1, First thoughts 2

Well Siân has approved my choice so it’s over to me now!  I know I’m supposed to be spending my time finishing off the bits for the Certificate, but I couldn’t help just putting a few backgrounds onto the pages of my sketchbook.  I hope to be able to do a few things whilst we’re on holiday next week, so I’m preparing as best I can.
I went to a talk by Janet Edmonds on Saturday at my local Embroiderers’ Guild.  She works a lot in grey and proves how beautiful a potentially “boring” colour can look.  Some interesting ideas perhaps for representing my church stonework, though a number of my churches are Dutch and made of brick, so a whole different set of colours.

Modudle 1, chapter 1 - First thoughts

My first task is to decide on a research subject to form the basis of much of my work on the diploma course.  Initially it was going to be “doors and windows” but as I looked at my mind map, it soon became apparent that my particular interest was doors and windows in churches, a subject which I touched on a little in the certificate course.  I live only a few miles from Canterbury Cathedral and my mother-in-law lives in Ely, so I have access to two of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country and already have a wealth of photos.  Funnily enough, I also remember that my favourite destination for a walk as a small child (many years ago!), was to the local church.  I loved the peace and quiet inside, the smell of the wax polish and the play of the light shining through the stained glass windows, not to mention the gravestones!  All I need to do now is run it past Siân.