Sofia Lira

After carefully reading some of the blog posts which were written by my peers, I decided to review Maisie Henderson’s second blog post. This blog post was about how the better lives themes may change the way you work in the future within the industry. 

Maisie began by stating that project thus far had made her more aware of the responsibility she had, when beginning to create or when collaborating on a project; this made her more aware of the ethnical responsibility whether that be upcycling clothes or accessories to the general materials used when creating for a character or costume. Therefore, I believe that overall Maisie had a good understanding and a good foundation when continuing developing her project within the better lives’ unit within the area of Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics.

When delving into Maisie’s blog post I learnt how the film, television and theatre industry had developed to be predominantly be a white and male industry. Whilst further educating myself through Maisie’s blog, I learnt that these ‘norms’ had only begun to be challenged with in this current decade. There are also mentions of movements such as ‘Me Too’, which are part of a group of missions which are dedicated to challenging diversity within this area of performance. In addition, there is also mentions of the lack of its diversity when showcasing, award-winning films such as “Moonlight”.

Furthermore, I acknowledge that Maisie has delved into the depths of what social responsibility she has within her chosen profession of 3D Effects, but also within day to day life. As she seems to be very aware of the social responsibility she has as a woman within the industry. This is in respects of working alongside projects which encourage other women, to thrive and prosper. 

As well as striving to work on projects that support equality and create permanent spaces for women within the creative industry as a whole. This way of thinking would create a more inclusive workspace. However, one way that Maisie could research more into the theme of social responsibility, would be to also look into supporting actors or worker in the creative field within film, television and theatre which have a disability or from other minority groups. One group which may be of interest to Maisie is the company ‘Graeae’ which is a creating a voice and a platform in world-wide theatre, by confidently placing deaf and disabled actors on stage and challenging notions people may have.

Maisie also writes about the theme of sustainability in 3D Effects and how many of the industry products and chemicals are of single use, therefore also mentioning how these can have a negative impact on the environment. One way I consider Maisie can develop and grow in the future with upcoming projects and other collaborations is to focus on the theme of sustainability more. Whilst working with tutors, technicians and other peers to change many of those one-use chemicals and products to be more sustainable; among looking at the overall growing issue. Overall, I consider Maisie will have a very positive outcome not only in the better lives’ unit but in the totality of her course and projects.

During the Better Lives Unit, my tutors pushed me to do the best work possible as well as try and develop my own unique personal style within portrait photography. During workshops we were invited to work with one another to help expand our knowledge; this allowed us to meet new peers, but also work alongside new ideas, concepts and perspectives brought on by others. This made us have ability to connect with other students from the different subject areas around the university together with emphasising the College’s ‘Better Lives’ themes of; Sustainability, Diversity and Social Responsibility through the exploration of these contemporary photographs. 

When beginning this unit, it was a valuable opportunity to work with new values and a chance to encounter new prospects. Fashion photography is mainly devoted to showcasing clothing as well as other fashion accessories. However Contemporary portrait photography allowed for more experimentation-based view. However, due to the current environment we are living in with Corona Virus; this prevented many activities and events occurring during the duration of the course. Because of this, the Better Lives structure had to be modified and therefore led us to move to an online, interactive space.  

This meant that there were limited socialising opportunities, which hindered the process of taking pictures of others, outside of the household in addition to experimenting further. I was however able to get some feedback and one way around this matter was to photograph people who I currently live with; but also creating portraits of myself. Amongst this I also trilled taking stills of an open space, hence creating a “portrait of someone who wasn’t there”. Personally, I thought this concept worked very well with the current situation we are all facing. This allowed for a deeper meaning in the photographs to be presented, with an opportunity to concentrate on the social responsibility not only towards ourselves, but to those who are most vulnerable in this current time. 

When taking self-portraits one of the key pieces of advice given to me was being able to let go of the notion of “perfection”, as this would allow me to be more open minded and have a chance for further trial and error. When creating a self-portrait, I did not have an initial direction therefore I felt overpowered; but after careful consideration and brainstorming a few prevalent ideas a theme was able to guide me in the correct direction. Some of the crits which were given spoke about how some of the best photographs conveyed a story or took the voyeur on a journey. This mainly focused on creating a sense of various emotions that the viewer may feel, therefore I decided to take my pictures in black and white (additionally editing some), Thus when capturing an image in black and white, many generations would feel automatically connected to the message behind the image, linking this with diversity within target audiences. This ultimately also detaches the distraction of colour, allowing the viewer to solely focus on the photo.

Overall, I believe that the Better Lives unit allowed me the opportunity to experiment, grow and adapt; as well as taking into consideration the different prospects in using social responsibility, diversity and sustainability throughout.

After delving into the key themes within the Better Lives unit, which include, Sustainability, Diversity and Social Responsibility, I will change the way that I work in the future. Sustainable fashion is a movement and process which can take part in people’s lives every day from upcycling clothing, to reusing technology from the past or recycling general iteams. In terms of fashion it is vital that we promote change to fashion products and towards the fashion system. Together creators, artists and companies can promote a positive ecological change and focus on the social responsibility that each person has. Sustainable fashion requires more than just addressing fashion textiles or products; the fashion system must be looked at as a whole.

For the unit of Better Lives my chosen discipline is Fashion Photography during these first few lectures and speaking to the course leaders as well as guest lecturers, my personal views have been broadened. Within this course we have explored a number of practitioners who’s aims, and intentions all focus on different aspects. However, majority of these practitioners have made a prominent stance for obvious reasons. One artist, Leonor Von Salisch, originally from Amsterdam, is working as a visual storyteller and photographer for fashion labels who focus on sustainable and ethical aspects of their brands. Von Salisch, wants to be able to educate people and wants people to be more aware of the fact that every single piece they purchase can have a significant impact on the fashion industry (Leonor Von Salisch: Photography and Sustainable Fashion – Impakter, 2020). Statistically, it takes 2,700 Litres of water to make one T-Shirt; This is equivalent to what an average adult consumes over three years. 

Therefore, through her work she wants to present ethical styling throughout the photographs she takes as well as merge editorials into a meaningful creation; in a conscious protest against the current season or collection driven by the fashion industry, which shapes our consumer behaviour and is gradually destroying our planet. 

Social Responsibility within fashion also responds to the numerous workers that are put under pressure behind the scenes when making and putting together these garments and clothing for the industry. Workers, from the farmers that grow the fabrics to the garment workers stitching pieces together; need to be taken care of. Being an influential industry, we need to find more healthy, sustainable ways of provided working conditions for these workers. The industry also plays an important role throughout all of this and through innovation; designers will need to develop different kinds of alternative materials; distinctive yarns should be developed as an alternative to cotton, which is very exhausting for the environment.

As a 3D Effects student learning about various different practitioners who have adapted to more sustainable and ethical ways of working; this has had a significant impact on the way that I will be working in the future with my projects, the way that I make and produce art, along with everyday iteams. Buying from sustainable brands, Vintage or Upcycling brands. 

Impakter. 2020. Leonor Von Salisch: Photography And Sustainable Fashion – Impakter. [online] Available at: <https://impakter.com/leonor-von-salisch/> (Accessed 16 April 2020).

When beginning this unit, I did not know what to expect, but over the past two weeks, a series of lectures has been able to educate and expand my knowledge upon my thinking on how fashion can create better lives. Fashion can be described in a way in which iteams are made. Fashion is most commonly defined as the prevailing style of dress or behaviour. 

When looking into fashion within the 21^st century; sustainability, diversity and social   responsibilities are words which come up, time again. When referring to sustainability it is vital to remember there are many great natural resources which can be used in order to maintain an ecological balance. Diversity allows for a range of different things to be explored within our current climate as well as taking into consideration the social responsibility we have with each material or brands we purchase from. 

One lecture which spoke volumes to me was the first lecture on power. This lecture was primarily focused around the idea that power within the fashion industry may not be as evenly distributed as we thought. The question of power is the central most topic within this sector and is highly relative within today’s fashion industry. There are many subtopics which may contribute to this topic such as sustainability and human rights, which are key issues that have a heavy impact on. Along with the influence of power and who may hold the title.

Power in the fashion industry can be perceived differently by each individual. However, a question which surrounds everyone involved is, “who holds the power?”. There could be a number of answers to this question; could it be the designer? the brands? the consumers? or could it be the government? Many people are eager to know the answer to this question as it can spark new ideas and challenges can be formed. However, it can be questioned whether power is balanced within the industry and whether fashion itself is used to project different forms of power and identity; through the diversity it shows. 

Clothing has powerful connotations in itself and can silently spark conversations and arguments. Clothing can convey and reflect key messages in which individuals want to project outwards, making them a part of propaganda or almost a symbol. Some examples of this can include, the dress of royalty; the majority of royal dress has connotations of wealth and dignity these are reflected through the accessories and the quality in which the garments are made. Military dress also denotes power as there are constant uses of recognisable symbols. Politics, Business and Fashion throughout music also show case power.

Therefore, this power can be used in a positive light and can start new movements as well as introduce consumers to more sustainable fashion concepts; as many people look up to these idols who have the platform to communicate and spread the word. Exposure to upcycle materials or recycling fashion. Ultimately “Power in fashion boils down to economic power”.