Project 1 Initiating ideas
Reading through the De Waal article took a couple of attempts
to take in and interpret what was being said. Reflecting back over the sections
of the article I have highlighted:
‘I don’t believe in the
lagoon’- what does this mean? Does he mean being pooled into a particular
art genre.
Using his art to tell a story, and the journey he went on.
‘I spent a life thinking
about porcelain but I didn’t know it. I knew bits of it. It was a journey of
genuine discovery, of finding the people and places who I need to understand
and then going to journals and poetry and narrative and topography and objects.
Of course it means it ends up fragmented and broken up’
Is De Waal trying to say that he
only became defined as a porcelain artist because of all the other avenues he’s
explored and researched along the way. That led him to porcelain not the porcelain
that defined him as an artists. De Waal describes his journey like as patchwork,
again I see that as him using all the other techniques on his journey to
porcelain.
There were several other parts from the article I had highlighted, as I was intrigued as to what De Waal meant. I am hoping as I go through this assignment I can reflect back and begin to understand what De Waal meant.
‘The new way of making with
more space between objects.’
‘They really are crossing
over between poetry and performance and art. And it seems to be really natural.’
‘Making is very close to
music’
Exercise 1.1 Identify and Labels
Joana Choumali
Whilst on a visit to the V & A in London looking at the
new photography exhibition I was immediately drawn to this piece of work by Joana
Choumali. It felt out of place amongst the flat still images, yet as soon as I
saw the thread I felt a connection to the work. I have no idea about photography
but the thread I felt I could give an opinion to the work. It gave depth with
texture and colour, and embraced the inner workings of textiles. Using slow mindful
stitches to help with the pain she was feeling whilst visiting the area, but
then using the colours and the bursting stitches to input a feeling of
positivity and hope. The way the stitches are placed invoke a feeling of safety
like wrapping something up in a blanket.
Although I still feel conflicted as to where it sits in the
are world, is it photography or is it textiles?
I suppose the base of the piece is the photograph with the
stitching an addition. Or is it simply that the two intertwined to make one piece
that sits somewhere between the two?
Judith Scott
I wanted to revisit Judith Scott’s work. Her work is a prime
example of challenging labels, creating sculptures from everyday objects such
as the image below which includes a bicycle wheel and a chair. Then covered in lengths
of fabric which is wrapped around and piled on top of the chair. Would this be considered
textiles or a sculpture?
She is listed online as being a Fibre Sculpture, which helps
to blend the two labels together creating a its own label. Her work is very
abstract and a first glance it is difficult to ascertain what the piece is.
Unlike a beautiful Monet painting or a magnificent Michelango sculpture, Scott’s
piece looks like an accident or gathered items thrown at a chair. This is not
what many people would call art, but this sort of art gets you thinking and
creates the magic and beauty in your brain rather than your eyes. With that in
mind why does art need a label is art not just what the artist wants it to be?
Jeremy Scott/ Antonio Pichilla
As soon as I walked into the room I looked and thought what
on earth is that!!
I was viewing the crown to couture exhibition at Kensington
palace. Yes there had been many elaborate outfits making up the exhibition but
this was definitely the most out there.
The chandelier dress was adorned by Katy Perry for the met
gala in 2019 designed by Moschino designer Jeremy Scott. Underneath the
chandelier is a beautiful 18 boned corset encrusted with Swarovski crystals.
Although it is lost beneath the illuminated creation.
Mixing an everyday object like a light fitting with fashion.
There are many artists that mix everyday objects into their work. In fact,
there was one I came across during a visit to Tate modern by artist Antonio Picilla
piece Grandmother. Unlike Scott’s work, Antonio Pichilla had a more meaningful
story to tell behind his work and expressing his gratitude to the woman in his
culture for the work they do weaving and making the communities clothing. He did
this by using to pieces that make up a loom and presenting them in a piece of
art/sculpture. He uses contrasting materials such as wood, thread, and textiles,
which is why I am torn between a sculpture, textile or art. But like the chandelier
when you think fashion you think of textiles but is it when there is not any
real textile to the main piece.
Maybe this is what makes it art, the story the piece has to
tell. The depth of the meaning? There are so many questions I keep asking
myself but I’m struggling to decide how you label something. Is a chandelier
made into a dress fashion, or is it art, or perhaps a sculpture. Is the
workings off a loom laid across a canvas art or sculpture. Does the technique
really matter is art just art does it have to have label?
When does it go from fancy dress, comical, to fashion and a
statement piece? I find myself battling with myself about this. It is so
difficult to set on a specific label. Can art not be a blanket description and
vague one to make the viewer decide what label they wish to stick on it. Why
not just make art? Tell a story with it, be creative, express your feeling,
make a statement. Make it what you want it to be!
Scrolling through my MMT work, I selected works
I felt crossed labels. Some more subtle than others, in fact the majority were
questionable. The one I felt was most successful in showing the crossover of
labels was the final piece for MMT
Crossing over between sculpture and textiles, the first
thing that strikes you is the vessel. So initially someone would put into the
sculpture label. Its not until you study the piece and understand the meaning
that the textile’s part comes in as the yarn is more subtle.
I think I haven’t really explored the different types of art previously which has meant I have kept within those labels rather than branching out and experimenting with different types. This has led me to research further the different types of art. I began to realise there was a crossover depending on how I worded my search, as this is where I began to see the crossover of mediums and labels.
Art Mediums
Painting
Sculpture
Drawing
Collage
Instilation
Assemblage (3D collage)
Printmaking
Photography
Textiles
I feel confident with
using different mediums, but it is distinguishing between a medium or a label. Now
I feel I have a better understanding of the two categories and the
subcategories that fall beneath them.
Researching artists, I came across Jamele Wright. Not the
usual type of artist I would be drawn to but I thought I’d explore him further.
And watching the videos the many video interviews helped to inspire me to work
in a different manner.
Video clips:
https://youtu.be/XxCmO3784Yw?si=s6HcTkg1zUH54vEn
https://youtu.be/lM7u8SjZjhE?si=ktNTJ9vrAUC_cGSv
https://pkeenan1.medium.com/jamele-wrights-got-his-mojo-working-12b190a9f565
Beginning with a piece of fabric I came across and liked the
colours, then choosing a selection of fabrics that I felt represented the theme
of the fabric. As Jamele added clay to his work I wanted to try and do the same
helping to combine the two different types of art. Using terracotta clay
watered down to make a paste and plaster of paris mixed with paint to keep with
the colour palette. Putting on some music to put me in my happy place I began
brushing the paste on and then placing the fabrics on. Working out where I wanted
to put each piece before stitching each piece in place. Trying to capture the
movement in the fabric with folds and creases being stitched into place. I
wanted to capture the relaxed mood I was in whilst creating the hanging.
Exercise 1.2 Personal experience
Taking a walk I was automatically drawn to the thought of
going for a nice pretty walk somewhere peaceful and picturesque. It wasn’t
until I took my daughter for a walk around the block to try and get her to
sleep that I realised how many different sounds there were. Life is usually to
busy rushing about or in the quieter moments I am thinking about stuff I should
be doing. Emptying my mind and becoming more aware of my surroundings, aware of
the sound the buggy wheels made of every different surface it rumbled across.
Or the car reversing, the bird calling and the trains click-clacking across the
track.
Reflecting on the images gathered on my journey I realised
there wasn’t much colour in the images, there are glimmers of colour, in the
tiles, the piping and sprigs of nature peeking through. Whereas I would usually
look for nature and the pretty things, this time I was drawn to the manmade
textures and the sounds it created. Recording my journey with a video to
reflect back on all the background noises.
I also noticed the contrast between the hard surfaces we were
walking over and the softer sounds around me, even the softer sounds created by
the hard ground. The low rumble as we walked our journey. Then the whirring of
the cars as they passed us, but there were also harder sounds such as banging
from building work and the beeping of the traffic lights telling us it was safe
to cross.
Trying wanted to capture the patterns and textures in the
form of rubbings being taken from the surfaces we passed, trying to use every
way I could think of to visually capture my journey. Whilst on my journey I needed
to think of how I could represent the sounds on paper in a visual image.
Trying to visualise the sounds on paper, using ink and a
brush for the softer more continuous background noises and then for the using a
pen for the bolder sounds.
Sketchbook of marks
Placing my treasures out to admire my collection, a selection of rubbings, found objects and photos. Placing them randomly out, this helped me to think about how the groupings could work. Thinking about the texture as a grouping? perhaps the images that created the interesting sounds? how about colour? Where would the found items sit?
At this point I am reminded of the De Waal's article, I imagine him on his journey discovering, journals and poetry and narrative and topography and objects. Collecting them on his journey, like myself collecting sounds, images, rubbings and found items.
Choosing to group interesting textures and then the drops of colour in the grey journey. But actually on reflection I preferred the scattered images it reflected my journey more, there was no order to my journey I just walked. And collected my treasures as I found them.
Using a technique, I had learnt earlier in the degree, folding
the A2 paper to make a sketchbook that meant that I could unfold the paper to
create a long sheet. Taking a larger brush and watered down ink and marking out
my journey along the page. Marking out the roads and turns I made, then flipping
the page to continue on my journey. I wanted to use ink as I wanted to drag the
brush for as long as I could, allowing the brush strokes to wobble and separate
to make a visual image of the rumbling background noise.
Then adding the photos gathered along my journey. I then
wanted to add another dimension to my map I want to add the sounds. Making marks
to represent the sounds I heard along my journey, I feel like this is going to
be interesting route to follow converting sounds into marks.
My Journey
I wanted to communicate the important elements from my walk. The key elements I took away from my journey were texture and sound.
How do I show this in a creative way?
I chose to display the sounds in marks, using the drain covers to print off. Capturing the patterns onto calico fabric using this as a base, like a map. Using the different patterns like the different coloured areas of a map. Using a patchwork style to sew the pieces together, varying the stitch lengths and alternating between straight stitch and zigzag. Finally using the mark making techniques from my journey and creating marks on my patchwork map.
Why did I choose the colours?
Using black, blue and orange printing ink, these were all colours I captured in my photos on my walk. I didn't want to add too many colours and take away from the print/marks.
Have you captured the essence of your journey?
My aim was to capture the sounds along my journey, I wanted to do this in the form of mark making. I feel I have done this within this piece. It captures the bumps, rumbles and the click-clacks.
Does the sample work in aesthetic terms?
I feel that aesthetically this sample works, the colours and prints work well together. The stitching is subtle but I feel it makes you look deeper into the sample you see the different stitches and I hope it would then lead the viewer to ask what it meant? what story is the artist trying to tell?
Have you learnt anything new from this process?
I fell I have combined technics learnt in previous units and combining them together creating unique piece.
Words and Writing
Research point 1.1
Caren Garfen
Words to convey her message within her art
Serious life issues eating disorders, work life balance, and more recently which is very relevant to the worlds current situation, anti-Semitism.
Mixing everyday items with her embroidered message
One of her pieces Lifeline 2018 I found really thought provoking, working in a secondary school I have come across teenagers with eating disorders and have struggled to understand why they can't just eat? This goes some way to visually represent the struggle people go through. And then words depicting the torment they go through in their own minds. Describing the dark thoughts as a fairy, which is conflicting with how I would think of a fairy, they are usually seen as good. Like a fairy godmother, come to make your life better.
Star Witness Project
I was curious as to what was written on the little yellow stars, researching into the piece was heart breaking. The 600 stars represent the 10,000 Jewish life's lost. Capture facts, stories and emotions. I found myself scrolling through wanting to read them all, to show respect for what these people have gone through. And also learning at the same time, I never knew Jewish people were made to pay for their star and the Nazi's even made a profit out of it. This is depicted with 10 pfennigs coins stitched onto the stars.
Garfen does it justice and in a respectable manner keeping the style of writing simple and clear. Art can definitely help to educate others, tell the history and help to change the views of others.
Rob Ryan
I wanted to find a second artist that used words in their work. I remembered an artist I had researched in a previous assignment Rob Ryan. I already had a book of his so off I went to find it.
Flicking through the pages the words in some of the pieces resonated with me.
The words become part of the art, entwined with the detailed borders or across the branches. The words naturally wind their way across the design. Using a simple but clear font, which appears to be cut out from paper and then placed on a simple white background. Robs work really celebrates the words, designing the artwork around the words and to match the story Rob is trying to tell.
Exercise 1.3 Single words
Reflecting back over my journey, I had already written some of the sounds down as the sounds were a key element to my journey. It was also helpful to also have a video of some of my journey to use as a reference. These are the words that came to mind:
Rumble
Click clack
Beep
Concrete
Grey
Hum
Urban
Texture
Cracks
Busy
Slowly
Peaceful
Mindful
Banging
I took some time reflecting on the words thinking which words best replicated my journey and once I'd settled on my words how was I going to convey that word.
The first word I chose to focus on was 'Busy'. Although in my mind I felt peaceful I was also aware of the people rushing about their day to day life, the hustle and bustle of everyday life. My original thought was to have lots of different fonts printed in different directions.
But after some reflection I decided I wanted to create a busy background. I felt that newspaper would be the best way to represent the constant words and noise. A base of a constant hum in the background, then adding a louder, bolder layer. Using ink and a paintbrush rushing to write the word busy, using the words to represent the people I pass and rushing about their busy day.
Rumble was the second word that jumped out at me. It was the constant background noise of the buggy wheels on the pavement. I knew the word I now had to think about how I was going to create the word in a creative manner.
I spent some time thinking and then a parcel arrived and as I cut open the box I had that spark ignite. The corrugated cardboard would make the perfect material to cut the letters out of. Peeling back the top layer of brown card to reveal the textured middle layer. I could imagine the sound of the buggy wheels rumbling along it.
I originally thought I’d just stick the words onto a plain sheet of paper. And then I remember back to a previous assignment and crumpling up the paper to soften it to make it easier to mould. This certainly added another layer of texture to piece, and represents the sound visually.
Exercise 1.4 Poetry, prose, lyrics
I knew straight away what lyrics I was going to base this exercise on, lyrics I have sung nearly every night for the last 20 months trying to get my daughter to sleep. My Girl by The Temptations. Its a song that has so much meaning and the lyrics really resonate with me.
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
When it's cold outside
I've got the month of May
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin' 'bout my girl
My girl
I've got so much honey
The bees envy me
I've got a sweeter song
Than the birds in the trees
Well, I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin' 'bout my girl
My girl
Ohh ohh
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Oh yeah
I don't need no money, fortune, or fame
I've got all the riches baby one man can claim
Well I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin' 'bout my girl, my girl, talkin' 'bout my girl
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day with my girl
I've even got the month of May with my girl
Talkin' 'bout, talkin' 'bout, talkin' 'bout
With the words replying again and again in my head, thinking about how I could tell my story and connection to the words. The love that comes from the lyrics, the late nights rocking her in my arms singing the words softly to her. My collection of samples, include samples inspired by Rob Ryan's work, as well as images I felt depicted the mother and daughter love.
Playing with idea's I finally settled on this design, bringing the key lyrics in the song and an image of our hands reaching towards each other. With the sun and bees in background as a nod to the lyrics 'I've got sunshine on a cloudy day' with a wash of blue water colour creating the cloudy sky. 'I've got so much honey, The bees envy me' not only is the bee mentioned in the lyrics it also has a special meaning to us. With my surname being Blanchett we have always shortened it to Mrs B, I had a miscarriage before having the daughter I sing this song to and we named it baby B and I have a necklace with a Bee on it to remember.
Playing with idea's I finally settled on this design, bringing the key lyrics in the song and an image of our hands reaching towards each other. With the sun and bees in background as a nod to the lyrics 'I've got sunshine on a cloudy day' with a wash of blue water colour creating the cloudy sky. 'I've got so much honey, The bees envy me' not only is the bee mentioned in the lyrics it also has a special meaning to us. With my surname being Blanchett we have always shortened it to Mrs B, I had a miscarriage before having the daughter I sing this song to and we named it baby B and I have a necklace with a Bee on it to remember.
Taking black card and cutting the words out of the hands which were actually traced around our hands. Creating a similar technique to Rob Ryan. The words were tricky to cut out and even resulted in part of the F being cut off. I love the piece and when I explained the thought behind it to my husband he loved it as well.
Exercise 1.5 Action
Looking through the vast list of words I found it really daunting and perhaps overwhelming. There was so much choice, how could I show the meaning of these words in paper form.
I decided I would circle all the words I was drawn to, reducing down the list. Then picked my first word and decided I’d then pick the following words after each set of samples were completed.
To Spray
The first word I chose to work with was spray. I instantly thought of a water spray bottle, like the one I use to water the plants. I gathered together a collection of papers for inspiration.
My first sample I used ripped pieces of coloured tissue paper using water to secure them to the paper in a spray effect. As though a rainbow was being sprayed from a bottle.
The second example is a little more subtle. Using a pin and black card to pierce holes in gradual density. Like a light mist being sprayed. I used a light box to make the effect more visible.
Tissue paper placed onto watercolour paper, water used
Needle used to create holes in black card, photographed on light box
To Weave
Next up was to weave, I found this a little simpler as it’s an action you would do with paper. Well I know I have at points during this course. For the first I had just received a completely over packed box for the size of the item, but on the plus side it had this really interesting paper. The paper packaging had little slits running through it, making it ideal to weave my folded pieces of striped paper bag through. This sample clearly resembles weaving I think!
For my second weave I took 3 lengths of tissue paper and twisted them to make them string like. Then began weaving them together like a plait.
Lengths of tissue paper twisted and plaited
Paper bag, weaved through packaging
Of Friction
I was drawn to the word friction, I’m not sure why as I really struggled to think about how I could make the word visual. Thinking of friction I thought of rubbing. Then I thought about what I could use to rub and leave a visual mark. Finding a nail file I began rubbing it against the black card creating light scratch marks across the surface.
I wanted to show a more defined mark for the second example. This time dampening the brown card and dragging a fork across the surface. Creating friction as I went!
To Gather
Did it mean to gather up something or to gather as in a group of things. I decided I wanted it to mean to gather up. Using some white tissue like packaging, stitching the tissue paper gathering the paper up onto the base card.
My other example taking a length of yarn stitching into the ends of the paper and pulling on the yarn to gather the papers ends up.
To Fire
I wanted represent fire in 2 different forms. Firstly using actual fire to create a example. The second to represent the feeling and look of fire. To do this I took a piece of tracing paper and held it over a candle to scorch and burn. Showing the effects of fire. I wanted to represent the heat that fire produces by painting a background piece of paper red. I think the feeling of fire really comes through in this example.
With my second example I took ripped lengths of tissue paper in the colour pallet of fire with reds and oranges. Then layers the different lengths on top of each other. Ruffling up the edges to give a feel of movement like the flickering of a flame. Although simple, I feel you would know it represented fire by looking at it.
One thing I have noticed whilst doing this set of samples is that a lot of the could fall into different categories. Could the spray sample with holes in it fall under holes or the friction sample created with a fork, could that be seen as scratching? Just a reflection that came to mind that I wanted to jot down.
Exercise 1.6 Music
Choosing my three items, I thought I'd try and bring my other children into my work as they made the bowl and the vase, the globe was thrown in as I thought it would be an interesting shape to sketch. Covering various, heights, widths and shapes with my selection. Although I did feel some flashbacks of a ATV exercise using a teapot over and over again. I was hoping this exercise was not going to be the same.
Black pen on cartridge paper
ink and brush
Gouache paint
Choosing the final gouache painting to base my pictures on. I usually work with background noise, either the tele on or a busy house. So, working with music was a different way of working. Using my phone I went on YouTube and found a classical music video to work to. I began by listening to some of the music before selecting the material to work with. With the classical music I felt drawn towards a black crayon, I'm not sure why but I letting the music help me make the decision.
Moving to the movement I felt like a conductor, conducting the orchestra. Swift, rapid movements across the page creating the outlines of the objects.
My next music selection came from my running playlist, which also became my birthing playlist. Help me to stay focused, determined and calm. Listening to the music this time I felt drawn towards blue watercolour, it felt like a calming medium to use. I felt focused, soft and calm whilst doing this painting. I enjoyed this way of working it felt like a calming session.
For my final picture I chose some upbeat pop music. Picking a selection of colourful acrylic paints, and slapping it on whilst singing and dancing a long. Which made it a very joyful experience, perhaps not the most accurate of work but I enjoyed myself.
What I've learnt from this exercise is that music makes my work change, in style and method. I also found it kept me focused, rather than getting distracted by my surroundings. This is definitely something I will use moving forward.
Exercise 1.7 Place
As this assignment has been about journeys I thought I’d return to where it all began. The final assignment of my foundation course was based around Isabella plantation in Richmond park. I’ve spent a lot of time there over the years with my family. On this occasion just after Christmas, it was incredibly grey and dull. It was difficult to feel excited or inspired. Walk through collecting bits of bark and photos waiting to find that spark of inspiration. It wasn’t until right at the end I found it, in the grey this bush colour. Like a fire of colour warming the greyness away.
Going away feeling inspired I started to think about all the techniques I’d tried in ATV and MMT, what do I try, what did work that well last but I could try again?
My first choice was to return to wax, in MMT I discovered a love for it and how unique yet easy it was to work with. I began sketching an idea for my wax sample.
Being unsure how the end piece would come out was quite exciting to see how all the components would work together. Gathering together a selection of materials in the colour palette to represent the bush. The selecting pieces to dip into the melted wax and placing them over a very handy tin left over from Christmas treats. Creating a dome shape out of all the layers of materials such as, ribbon, yarn and tissue paper.
Leaving the wax to cool before peeling it over to see the final. I’m really pleased with the end product, it could be more refined in some area. Such as the thicker parts of was in areas. Reflecting on the piece I realised it reminded me of a piece I’d seen at Kew Gardens a few years ago by Dale Chihuly obviously his is glass but I feel it has similar qualities.
I wonder if I could try a weaving technique if I developed this sample further, how would that work?
Using another unconventional material, which again has an unexpected qualities to it. As in you never quite know what the final outcome will end out like as the adding heat can create wonderful reactions.
Layering a selection of plastics, including carrier bags, sweet wrappers and netting, in the same colour palette as the bush. And then sandwiching them between two sheets of bubble wrap. Then running an iron across them to seal the layers together whilst watching the heat work its magic in altering the plastics form. This created an interesting base to work with.
I then wanted to add more detail to the piece. Using cut up strips of plastic bags in red and yellow, layering them and heating them again. Due to the plastics thinness there was a delicate line between blending the two plastics and melting them completely.
Once my strips were created I began stitching the flame like pieces into place with embroidery threads in a fashion to appear like branches with in the bush.
I find the surface really interesting, the bubbles, holes and the wrinkles. All things you could never recreate exactly.
With this sample is successful and could be developed further looking at larger scales and the use of other plastics, looking at their melting qualities. I wonder what the outcome could have been with different types of heat?
image of the back
For my final make I wanted to revisit printing, a technique I had enjoyed exploring printing and there are other elements of printing I'd like to explore such a lino printing. Unfortunately I ran out of time, but perhaps it is something I can explore at a later date.
For now began with the colour palette I have used throughout this exercise, using printing inks. I then began with layers yellow, orange, and then red. Cutting out a template from a sheet of card to create all four prints make use of each part of the process. Creating a collection of prints that are all slightly different but all come from the one stencil. The edges creating soft flickering like edges like a flame.
Reflection
Reflecting over my work completed for Initiating ideas, I have definitely become more comfortable with working with colour. Something I struggled with at the beginning of my degree journey. I feel like I have built up a bank of knowledge that I am able to pull on for inspiration whether its an artist I've researched or a technique I've explored previously.
I have enjoyed exploring the use of unconventional materials again in this project, an area I enjoyed exploring in MMT. Using clay, plaster of paris, wax and plastics. I really enjoy the experimental nature of these materials. And exploring various techniques to see how far I can push these materials, whilst considering the design and composition of the piece I am trying to create.
I have found it really helpful to keep videos to reflect back on, such as my journey. As well as photos, with my hectic daily life sometimes I don't get to action the thoughts and research until the evening. During MMT I began to get more confident in using my sketchbook, taking that with me to jot down ideas. Combining the videos, photos and notes written on my mobile, help me keep track of my thoughts and ideas.
I feel I have created a interesting body of work, using research and reflecting on previous work to develop experimental, creative responses to assignment. Developing a style and working techniques that work for me.
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