I have been commissioned by UPPERCASE magazine to create two visual solutions, one type, and the other image-based, explaining the meaning of a new word added to the Oxford dictionary last year. My interpretation will be featured in print and online at a finished size of 210mm x 210mm. 

"Inspired by craft, design and illustration. A playful exploration of creativity, an affinity for vintage ephemera, and a love of handmade are some elements common in each issue."

I considered the new word 'craftivism' heavily. However, felt I lacked the technical skill to create a solution that honoured its definition and sentiment.

There is a great history surrounding craftivism. Women have used it as a means to have their voices heard across seas, over sexism, and for the greater good of the planet. Today we see craftivism in political and social movements, such as black lives matter. The fist symbol was spray-painted onto the clothing of the marches' participants as a means to support and send a message for change and empowerment. 

These works of Andrew's were set to a similar style of brief as mine: creating art for a set story or theme using his skill of metalwork. His work is similar to paper collage so I plan or take note of the simply coloured, exaggerated shapes and proportions. 

Ingrid moulds coloured paper pulp together to create these works. The technique appears to hold a lot of potential for dimension and tone. The process seems very direct but sculptural. I'm especially impressed by the amount of detail she was able was to create in the first painting, 'Country House' and the vibrancy of the colour. 

As well as vibrant conceptual paintings, this artist duo create the organism/alien vegetation like structures out of paper pulp. I enjoy their vibrant colour pallet, quirky patterns and surreal dimensions. I too would like to explore this imaginative style of paint. 

Denise is known for her exciting children's book works created with paper pulp. Her technique is different from Ingrid's as she uses coloured pulp and stencils within the common paper making method. This technique and her interesting understanding of colour values make her art so seamless. 

The creative XYZAidan developed a process to turn paper pulp into sophisticated three-dimensional material using his 3D printed moulds and compression. He explains, "The resulting material has the texture of paper, but is as hard and rigid as plastic, mouldable into an infinite variety of shapes, and completely biodegradable."

I think this is a hopeful discovery to reduce waste materials and harmful plastic. I hope he is successful in further research into the engineering of the moulds and production. 

I trailed paper casting with a 3D print. I enjoyed the look of the end product but the printing process is long, about 2 hours each letter. Although, I feel think it could've been shortened if I decreased the P's thickness by 0.5cm  I would like to try this technique again. 

The pulp mostly consisted of collected egg cartons. It's good to use egg cartons. As they're made from recycled paper themselves but the material has come to the end of the cycle so would not have been repurposed. 

I was able to create natural dyes for the paper with pomegranate skins and red cabbage. I boiled each for half an hour and then simmered for an hour before draining.

I discovered an article saying you're able to create patterns with a mixture of milk and water. The milk enhances the colour as the dye bonds to the milk's proteins. However, I think my dyes were so strong, they overrode the milk's ability. 

I enjoyed the whole process and the colours created. 

I feel it would be more efficient to use 'cookie cutters' for the lettering but I suppose it takes away from the charm and control oversizing. On the other hand, I could design and 3D print my own.

I feel the mixture for the second set of letters were more malleable with more flour added to the drained pulp. I think it would help to have a pronged tool which could separate the fibres to help them stick. 

I painted the lettering for 'CRAFT' in exciting colours and patterns, similar to the work of Adam Frezza & Terri Chiao. I chose not to paint 'PAPER; as I think it does well to explain the process and definition of 'papercraft'.  

I created these colour variants so that the lettering contrasted but tied together with the existing colourways. I ended up not choosing one of these as I felt they needed something else to excite the space and give it balance. I found the square layout set within the brief quite limiting for such a long word. 

I had the idea to create a diorama style piece. I felt its ability to show-off the abilities of paper and dimension would be exciting. 

I admired the use of a frame I thought it adds to the character and improves my presentation.  It was helpful to see how these examples use the space they have to create a fulfilled piece. 

Not having proper marbling ink, I had to create a solution in which diluted acrylic paints would sit on top. This solution was composed of corn starch and water. This was my first time experimenting with this technique. I thought the marbling process was very therapeutic but setting up was time-consuming as I had to wait for the water to completely cool.

My aim was to create a textured surface which resembles water. I chose deep blue and greens, I thought they'd be the most relevant and atmospheric. I also marbled my handmade paper. It took the pattern but I could tell the fibres were starting to fall apart. 

I cut out a square into a cardboard box, then glued gold foil around its opening. I am not the most apt at this, so I am thankful for photoshop.

I created watercolour scenery to the box's dimensions. I didn't have watercolour paper to their size, so I had to use ordinary paper which wasn't ideal for the technique. I also created bulrush like plants for the scene by cutting into multi-folded paper. 

For the origami featured, I followed Origami Tsunami's tutorial for the crane and Priti Sharma's for the lilies. The lilies remained loose with the diorama but the cranes were stung from the top with transparent thread. 

I presented this photograph to my teacher, Claire for feedback. She suggested I take another series of photos using a digital camera rather than my phone camera to improve the photo resolution. 

I also showed the diorama to my peer, Emrah. He the idea presented that I could extend on the golden frame in the foreground. We discussed that it should act as something to peer through of a solid colour and style that matches the scene. 

I researched classic lily pond depictions to find out what type of plantation they're shown and grown with. I found willow trees to be popular and thought their shape would be ideal for the diorama. I developed the idea by fist exploring ways it was possible to literally create the similarities with paper. I then worked out what size and placement would pair with diorama. 

This was my first experience working with a digital camera without it being on auto. I feel I gained a better understanding of white balance and light sensitivity to improve my photography.  I am happy with the better quality pictures. 

I developed both solutions using photoshop. I was happy to clean up the diorama, to improve the paper crafted illusion of the scene, easing the cracks where the paper joins. I was also able to make the translucent string hanging the cranes truly invisible. I am not content with the level of realism the golden frame has at its opening but I was able to smooth out the imperfections. 

I split the piece into thirds, I think it was the best way to balance the piece. I was happy to feature my handmade paper. I explored its texture and colour pattern created with marbling which made this final edit visually interesting. I kept the minor imperfections on the paper's texture, I think it further defines the craft element of the solution. Looking to improve, I think the 'C' isn't contrasting with the background as well as the others but it's still legible.

I think the two solutions are compatible as they share similar colours and marbling techniques. Although, would've been good to include some further similarities, such as gold leaf within the paper created or lily pond themed paint on the letters. 

It was my first time practising most of these skills to successfully explore the definition of papercraft. Many of the elements took lots of research and time to fulfil. Having the ability to hire artists who practise these skills would've improved the end piece of course. While it gives the opportunity for revisions and various insights.