The focus grid project is the result of either taking away white or taking away black in order to expand upon the trans-figurative and dynamic conclusions that help morph the universal qualities of a grid into something unique.
With the research and addition of color, the results of the grid began to hit a new level of complexity and intrigue. Two colors were chosen to replace the basic black and white. A third color was selected through a design process to work with the first two colors. Maximizing the activity and interaction of this third color was key. Referring to Alber’s theory on color as well as Johann Itten helped determine the use of color. For example, it may be later utilized for type and integrated into the grid. The ultimate application was based off the associations that arose with the grid as it took on a variety of identities through color manipulation and curation.
With the addition of color, this allowed the grids to take on characteristics of quilts. The act of turning the grid into a quilt opened up an opportunity to involve the community, specifically the women of southeast Ohio. Attending college in Athens, Ohio exposed me to a region involved with Appalachia and the historical traditions the people of this culture hold. Quilting has been a long time tradition in the homes of Appalachian women, resulting in economic ways of warmth as well as a sense of unity and fellowship among the women. The fabrics were a lot of times held personal and sentimental to the individual who made the quilt, later thought of as family heirlooms.
The grid focus study allowed the beginning research and developing concept of gathering Southeast Ohio women to assemble the grid based quilts, creating a greater sense of community among the women, continuing the tradition of the craft that is custom to this region, and opening opportunity of entrepreneurship to the women involved.
The next step in this grid study involved the gathering of fabric, photographing of fabric, and digital manipulation of fabric to create the visual illusion of conceptual quilt pieces.
