Design Effective Solutions and a Cultural History of Japanese and Chinese Beauty - Research Proposal Example

RESEARCH METHODS al affiliations Research Methods Introduction Sometimes beauty is achieved through painful processes or at the expense of comfort. Corsets are uncomfortable; yet, many women wear them to trim their waistline. During the 18th and 19th century, as it is today, corsets were mainly worn in order to trim the figure and give a wasp shaped appearance. Cruel beauty started long before women and men wore corsets in Europe to reduce their waists for aesthetic purposes. It reminded me of the Chinese small feet, where women’s feet were prevented from growth by tying them tightly from the 10th to the 19th century. Consequently, I researched the course of the corset and found that every period made improvements and adjustments to it. Corsets from the 11th century are different from those found during the Victorian fashion but serve the same purpose. I also realized the significant part of rope art in corsets, which reminded me of the rope artist Hajime Kinoko. His work triggered thoughts about tie and dye and Japanese Shibori and Chinese short foot. The pain involved Chinese short foot reminded me of face surgery, which is a modern form of cruel beauty. The V-line face surgery provoked thoughts of its similarity to the human pelvis bone, which I like. However, my connection to cruel beauty was strong because I draw Japanese style tattoos. Although not all women get tattoos, many undergo cruel beauty by wearing high-heeled shoes all the time. All these thoughts made me decide on the following elements as the focus of my project Corset Rope Art Japanese shibori Tie-dye fashion Japanese tattoo Research Methods Qualitative and quantitative forms of research are the main methods of research (Seivewright, 3). Quantitative data collection often concerns facts and statistics used in regression analysis, correlation analysis, SWOT analysis, and other forms of analyses that large corporations require to advance their business. Data collection is large scale and often occurs after a qualitative analysis. On the other hand, qualitative seeks to understand the non-quantifiable elements of an issue by uncovering widespread trends in opinion and thought. Qualitative research seemed more suitable for the project in comparison to Quantitative research. Qualitative research is cheaper and convenient under the current circumstances. I did not have the resources to fund a full-fledged research. Data collection in qualitative research includes Literature Review: it involves reading the available material on the issue being researched (Yin, 52). a) Participant observation: it entails collecting data in the moment by observing and taking record of behaviors in their natural context. b) In-depth Interviews: data on the interviewee’s personal history, opinion, or experience is collected. It is best for one on one interview because the interviewer has an opportunity to explore sensitive topics. c) Focus group: best applicable in the data collection of a group’s cultural norms and issues that they find alarming. For this project, a literature review and participant’s observation were used to collect data (Seivewright, 3). Participant’s Observation The Participant’s observation involved a visit to the V&A museum. I took photographs of the corsets displayed in the museum. The designers of the corsets from the 19th century are unknown. However, the information for 20th century designers is available. Studying the photographs made me realize that pattern presentation and proportion details are essential in corsets. At the time, corsets needed to be thick and rigid to enhance the slender figure and conceal the layers of the clothes underneath (Salen, 54). The lines also had to be flawlessly stitched and flow together across the garment. The pictures below are some of those I took at the museum. Figure 1: 1890 to 1895 corset Figure 2: 1863 Corsets The tie-die fashion at the museum was mainly from the 20th century and consisted of bright colors, as well as, organized lines, shapes and patterns. The museum also had many designs of the Japanese shimori (Chō & Selden, 23). Most were kimono from the 19th century all the way to the 20th century. A small collection of rope art from the 19th century was also available. Figure 3: 1968 tie-dye trousers Figure 4: 1993 tie-dye T-shirt Literature review The literature review involved collecting data from fashion magazines, books and internet sources (Martin, B., & Hanington, 31). I studied the popularity of the corset, rope art, tie-dye fashion, Japanese tattoo and the Japanese shibori. The corset seems popular in making wedding gowns and lingerie. Tie- dye fashion is commonly used in making Maxi dresses, trousers and t-shirts. Japanese shibori is also commonly used in making dresses. However, it also seems popular in making beddings and scarves. The literature review also involved internet search which revealed that Japanese tattoos had gained popularity in contemporary society around the world. Mood and Color The research showed that color is an essential part of art and design because it sets the mood. Tie-dye fashion and Japanese shibori are mainly preferred in bright colors. The bright colors create a blissful and cheerful mood. In addition, the patterns in the designs create a form of bouncy and jubilant energy. Similarly, the Japanese tattoos are gaining popularity due to the colors used in the art. The mixture of cool colors and warm colors exude a form of positivity and beauty that is incomparable to a single colored tattoo. Brightly colored rope art also seems more attractive. Subsequently, bright colors create a good mood and are preferred in the forms of designs for the project. In the case of corsets, the color mainly relies on the choice of the consumer based on their purpose for it. Figure 5: contemporary tie-dye Figure 6: Japanese Shibori in contemporary fashion Rationale The information collected from the research is assuring in regard to the project. It confirms most of my suspicions and will help me move forward with my project. The research confirmed that the consumer demand for corset remains high. Corsets are mainly used in lingerie due to their ability to enhance a woman’s figure and stature. They are mainly preferred due to their sexual appeal. The market for lingerie has been on the rise with most women trying to maintain their shape especially after childbirth. Some celebrities promote corsets by testifying that corsets helped them regain a trim figure after childbirth (Flam, 1). The addition of lace and silk in making corsets ensures that they remain fashionable and relevant. The availability of a growing market for corset products confirms that choosing the corset for my project is good (Keegan, 86). The depth of the research will be useful in making decisions in regard to my project because I gained a lot of information about the tastes and modern’s predilections. Remarkably, women have a preference of Japanese shibori and Tie-dye in bright colours (Keegan, 86). Consequently, my project will focus consider this fact, and create a brightly coloured product. After the research, I decided that the information gathered on rope art and Japanese tattoo was inadequate. Further research must be conducted to help in making a decision on the manner in which they will be integrated into the research. Rope art is useful in designing lingerie. The existence of tie- dye and Japanese shibori makes it hard to incorporate rope art in the attire. I need to find out if I can use rope art in hairstyling, which may entail hairband creation or plaiting the hair in a way suggestive of rope art. While I draw excellent tattoos, not many people want a tattoo covering half the skin. The literature review showed that due to westernization, Japanese tattooing has reduced. In my project, I will retain its patterns, images, and colours and minimize it as a way of re-inventing Japanese tattooing. The relevance of the project is based on many factors. Design and art consumers appreciate the essence of sexuality in a piece of art. The corset provides the sexual appeal of the art. The Japanese shibori and the tie-dye fashion provide a hint of conservativeness and subtlety. These items are also on demand, which means that they are market oriented. Finally, the rope art and the Japanese tattoo will provide a touch of rebellion and recklessness to the art project. The factor that each form of art contributes to the project is meaningful. Conclusion The research was successful because qualitative research i. Attempts to acquire answers for a question ii. Collects evidence iii. Enlightens the researcher on matters that were previously undetermined iv. The findings it provides can be applied beyond the set boundaries The research helped confirm the hypotheses about a phenomenon. For instance, my suspicion that the corset was a form of cruel beauty was confirmed during the research. Women wear the corset in a week after delivery that is uncomfortable. Nonetheless, most feel that the discomfort is a small sacrifice for a beautiful body. In contrast, tie-dye and Japanese shibori are not forms of cruel beauty. Most clothes made in the techniques are loose and free (Chō & Selden, 59). Women that need to feel beautiful and comfortable prefer them. Rope art remains a form of cruel beauty due to its inability to be used in diverse ways. Its constant portrayal binding the arms of women makes it a form of cruel beauty. Similarly, Japanese tattoos make an individual appear beautiful permanently. Unfortunately, the process involved in getting a Japanese tattoo is extremely painful. The corset, rope and tattoos will ensure that I can illustrate cruel beauty in my art project. Reflective Statement Engaging in the project has made me appreciate the value of research. The project improved my research skill and broadened my intellectual capacity. Most times when I think about something, I barley follow it up to understand its potential or message. The process taught me that a simple thought comprises of many perspectives, views and opportunities (Knowles & Cole, 24). For example, the thought about the corset resulted in a trip to the museum. The trip was enthralling and enlightening. Although I was there to research the corset and other elements of my project, I was also able to see furniture, wedding dresses, jewellery, and other forms of art from the 18th, 19th, and 20th century. One of the most exquisite pieces was a lidded box from the 1450. The box’s decorations were well-dressed couples, heraldic badges, and. love inscriptions. The research broadened my intellectual capacity, as I was able to learn many new things. Most times artists simply express issues based on their point of view. Most art forms are a reflection of society; hence, it is important to paint a wholesome image of society. The research helped me understand cruel beauty in a broader and better way. For instance, the corset’s endorsement by celebrities has an underlying message. It shows the tendency of the masses to follow high society individuals without much comprehension. There is no scientific proof that corsets help people lose weight after childbirth; yet, many people purchase corsets due to celebrity endorsements. This made me think about many issues. I questioned the ethos of the designers to remain silent and keep selling corsets without correcting the false notion. Secondly, I wondered whether corsets will still be relevant after women realize that a corset does not guarantee a flat belly. I decided that despite the questions I had the evidence required to support my project and decided to retain it. Making an inference to cruel beauty made me wonder whether it had been replaced by voluntary cruel beauty. Most people associate tattoos with crime. As a result, westernization diminished the culture of Japanese tattoos in Japan. Cultural practices such as the Chinese short foot were abolished due to the abuse and torture caused on women (Chō & Selden, 59). Nevertheless, people continue to undergo various painful and dangerous experiences in search for beauty, for example, cosmetic surgeries (Chō & Selden, 59). It is as if the government outlawed cruelty toward women by other people but it continues to allow women to put themselves in harm’s way. The research process weakened my ability to draw or design spontaneously. It made me see the importance of research; but, reduced the spontaneity and naturalness of my work. I hope to restore the spontaneity and balance it with research on my work. The research process has improved my critical and creative thinking. I will continue to use it to improve my art and my school projects in future. Reference List SALEN, J., 2008, Corsets: historic patterns and techniques, London, Batsford. MARTIN, B., & HANINGTON, B. M., 2012, Universal methods of design: 100 ways to research complex problems, develop innovative ideas, and design effective solutions, Beverly, MA, Rockport Publishers. YIN, R. K., 2011, Qualitative research from start to finish, New York : The Guilford Press. KEEGAN, S., 2009, Qualitative research good decision making through understanding people, cultures and markets. London, Kogan Page. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=473913. CHŌ, K., & SELDEN, K. I., 2012, The search for the beautiful woman: a cultural history of Japanese and Chinese beauty. Lanham, Md, Rowman & Littlefield. FLAM, L., 2013, Corsets after pregnancy? It’s a thin thing, NY, Today Parents. KNOWLES, J. G., & COLE, A. L., 2008, Handbook of the arts in qualitative research: perspectives, methodologies, examples, and issues, Los Angeles, Sage Publications. SEIVEWRIGHT, S., 2011, Research and design, Lausanne, AVA Academia. Read More