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Manchester Metropolitan University   2008/2009

Julie Cassels

Throughout history clothing has been represented in sculpture. It exists in many forms and represents fabric, as static and as flowing, capturing elements of movement. It reflects symbolism and allegory, it can be realistic or abstracted, whilst clothing itself can be sculptural in form or represented as such. Historically clothing and textiles have a constant significance in art.

I would like the opportunity to research how the rendering of fabric, in all its forms is achieved. That is, the inter-relationship between sculpture and clothing, the study, practice and execution of a sculptural rendition along with consideration of its affects. As an inherently static form, sculpture and its representation, calls on the sculptural imagination to assimilate its three dimensional presence. I am fascinated by the concept of a form that primarily requires the senses of sight and touch produced and appreciated by sight alone. The touch experience being absorbed into the assimilation of its visual form. As a photographer, primarily, I see this as a challenge for photographic representation.

The possibility to carry out this research would enable me to reflect on areas of my artistic practice. I would also like to produce a body of work in response to my findings which would lead to a long term project of amalgamating sculptural form with photography and textile. The intention of my project would be to focus on the artists view point and to produce creative work in response to my findings but do so from an informed position. The AA2A scheme would provide the opportunity and facilities for me to carry out this project along side study at the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds and Platt Hall, Gallery of Costume, Manchester.