Sock workshop for studio activity and we were encouraged to look at things we overlocked, mundane objects that were too common that almost became invisible in our mind, in this specific case, socks.
The magazine Science of the Secondary explores various mundane objects, takes a close look at these overlooked objects, using photos, illustrations and text to talk about them, discuss the relationship with the objects.
How do you put your socks on?
You lie on the bed when putting the socks on? Sitting down and put on socks one by one? Or even standing like a flamingo to practice sock wearing process?
The diversity in the actions, for me, is not only a habit. We can think about things before the habit. How do they become habits? Where do they come from?
The different habits tie closely to one’s experience and personality (elements that are related to our identity), it may trigger a certain memory in the family, it may relate to a specific event. We constantly encounter with the outside world, being influenced and influence the outside. The habits and objects we have may reflect our personality, identity, preference, experience . . . Since I have already started the project of documenting, maybe I can document and analyse more people instead of focus on myself, and besides the daily design practice, I can also document personal objects.
Another concern is how to publish the documentation project? What are some possible outcomes? So far I am working on the design log blog which is published on the internet and invite everyone to read (but sadly almost nobody), I also want to continue with the idea of curation and display, therefore I reserve a section called “Store” on my blog, intend to display my works, skills, fonts etc., things that are created with the design log. Writing the blog is a constantly weaving process to recap, think and organise my digest of the tutorials, studio activities and personal thoughts, while the store might act more as a display platform, to sell myself, sell my skills, my works, my thoughts, and even time, as a designer.
Back to the sock workshop.
I managed to have a close look at my sock (haven’t been wearing them for a long time due to self-isolation) and approached them through illustration. As an illustrator, I usually draw from imagination (the definition of the object is already in mind) or draw from observation, either directly or from photographs.
When I illustrate the sock, I have a good look at it, look at the seams, look at the colours, look at the pattern of the yarns.
When I take off the sock, my foot feels sudden freedom, I see the marks left on my ankle by the rubber band on the sock.
I zoom to my wardrobe, take out my socks and have a close look. Then I find certain common elements in the design of the socks. I selected these socks, my taste helped me to make ti decision, and my taste reflects who I am.
Hence I talked to my flatmates regarding their socks (most of them are not wearing them at the moment of conversation), and some of them gladly shared with me their sock collection. While some thought socks are very intimate and personal garments that they resisted to share.
Here are some observations from my and my flatmate's socks.
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