Materiality of Fear

Yangzi Wang is a surface textile and new material designer. She completed an MA Textile/Material Futures course at  Central Saint Martins having previously graduated from BA (Hons) Textile Design, specializing in weave and print.  Now she  experiments in different ways to combine several materials together with different hand made skills, discovering new ways to produce textile related products, challenge the limits of both handmade and machine-made.

She investigated how can people materialize attraction of fear through materials?

Fear is a natural survival mechanism, an instinctive response to a potential danger which is important for the survival of all species. Yangzi is  fascinated by peoples interest in and attraction toward fearful situations. She investigates why some people more prone than others to inducing a sense of fear?

In this project she  tried to engineer a fear attraction, embedding fear within physical materials. Incorporating textures, forms and patterns commonly associated with phobias and instinctive human fear, she aims to explore the fine line between fear and attraction. Her work aims to encompass a sense of fear but also be highly seductive and alluring.

Her designs are aimed at the celebrity or performer who wants to attract people’s attention. She has used fashion garments as a platform for gauging a reaction. Fashion for her has long since been used as a testing ground for new ideas and a stage for future fantasy.

Yangzi is setting up a studio  in Hangzhou, China, for the purpose of teaching, experimentation and technical exchange, as well as design project collaboration.
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Call for applications
“We are keen to support weavers who have recently graduated to help them pursue their skill and build a career. This scheme provides an opportunity for several talented designer-makers to access affordable studio space, equipment and business support to help them achieve their goals.”

Andrew Blessley, Clerk, The Clothworkers’ Company

Introduction
Applications are invited for the Cockpit Arts / The Clothworkers’ Foundation Awards 2014 which aim to assist weavers to set up in business by providing studio space and business support provided by Cockpit Arts as well as shared use of looms.

There are 6 Awards available and the selection panel (including a representative from The Clothworkers’ Foundation, and the acclaimed ikat weaver and designer, Mary Restieaux) will be looking for individuals who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit as well as creative excellence and craft skills. The Awards will include space in a shared studio equipped with Leclerc and Louet looms and the following benefits:

The Award
The Cockpit Arts / The Clothworkers’ Foundation Awards 2014 recipients will be awarded a match funded place, worth £2,000, with shared use of looms at Cockpit Arts Deptford for one year, with the possibility of support for a further year.
This includes the following benefits:
• Up to 6 Awards worth £2,000 with the remaining £2,000 fee being provided by the Award winners, payable on a monthly basis.
• Studio space and use of looms within the creative community of Cockpit Arts at Deptford, London SE8 with access to office facilities and resource centre.
• Business and professional development services including on-site coaching, a personalised development plan, access to finance, workshops and events.
• A range of selling and promotional opportunities including Cockpit Arts Open Studios selling events.
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