In this second episode of object translations, I took my inspiration from homegrown garlic. This presented a huge challenge to translate sculpturally as the garlic has so many separate elements.

My main interest in doing this particular translation was to see if I could take each of the elements in turn and then piece it together - which is an idea quite new to me as generally in my past work I have worked with one section of rope to create different shapes.

The approach that I took was to deconstruct the garlic into three main sections - the roots, the bulb and the stem and then to create each of these elements into stitched rope.

It took quite a bit of trial and error to figure out how to create the bulb section as you will see in the video. The jute tassel which represents the roots was probably the easiest element to translate and I think it really finished off the piece beautifully.

Translating garlic was an entirely new challenge for me technically and it has definitely opened a whole new vista in my creative brain about the techniques I can use in future work.

Catch the full episode below:

In this first episode of object translations, I took my inspiration from an incredible 1950's ceramic vase. The vase itself features a tulip style shape and a non symmetrical finish at the top. The interior of the vase is a striking red and hand painted feather motifs finish off the decoration beautifully.

My main interest in translating this gorgeous piece of history was to realise the shape of the vase into artisan ropework.

The approach that I took was to take as many measurements as possible of the original and then attempt to recreate this shape whilst stitching the rope on the machine. 

As you will see in the video the first attempt was not a roaring success but the second attempt was certainly a lot closer to the mark. I found the process hugely enjoyable and found myself really leaning in to the sculpture aspects of creating this piece. 

I have yet to decide how to decorate the translated rope vase. I don't wish to directly copy the original ceramic piece and so need to think carefully on how I would like to realise this final element.

Catch the full episode below:

 See you next time for the episode two of Object Translations

Jessica 

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Object Translations is the new series of artisan ropework explorations that launches this week. The series will launch one new episode every fortnight from Friday 21st January. Episode one features a stitched rope translation of an incredible 1950's ceramic vase. 

If you're not already - remember to subscribe to the Ruby Cubes YouTube channel to be notified when the episodes go live.