In my final year I have to complete a creative project as well as my modules for Art and Textiles. Originally this was going to be a research project on sustainability and waste, however when I found I wasn't really getting into my research as it seemed to merge too closely with my other modules, I changed my ideas.
I am right-handed and wanted to see if it would be possible to train myself to write with my left hand. As this idea developed, I decided I would use Charles Darwin's book 'Origin of Species' and as I progressed through the book my handwriting would, in theory, evolve! It is a rather long book and I do realise that I have, yet again, set myself a long, repetitive and meticulous task, nevertheless, fingers crossed at the end of the project I might be ambidextrous.
In order to document this development, I am going to use a single roll of paper, approx. 60cm wide, so that when finished I can display the piece unravelled allowing people to see the whole process of my progress.
At the same time as writing I will video myself, to see if I acquire any subconscious habits in which to facilitate my learning, and I also believe that when displaying my work it would complete the installation to have the video, the actual piece, and the pens which I have used.
Wish me luck!!
Tea Bag Embroidery
I decided to look at sustainability and recycling this year in textiles. I wanted to dye my own materials using natural dyes. I started off using tea, and when I was given a large quantity of tea bags I was very pleased. I got some material ready to dye and then opened the tea bag sachet. I was so surprised at how beautiful the actual tea bag was I took a photo of it! It wasn't made from paper but a material mesh and it was machine sewn round the edges to keep the tea in. Straight away I knew that once I had used the tea bags to dye, I couldn't just throw them away and tried to come up with an idea as to how I could use them. I decided to try and embroider them and the following are the first two that I made.
Since making these I have made a few more and feel my technique is improving, as shown in the next image. This is by far my favourite one to date due to the detail.
Rice Sculpture of The Eiffel Tower
For my art project this year I looked at structure and multi-culturalism in the modern society. This rice eiffel tower was a much bigger project than I first anticipated and find that the photos of it do not do it justice, however I am pleased with the final result and that I persevered to get it finished. I felt it was important to show the making of it by leaving one of the sides open. It is made up of over 11500 grains of rice, glued together individually with a pin and PVA glue.
Inspired - An Exhibition At The American Museum
Since starting my blog I have posted various times under the title "Chair Project". These have been documenting the main parts of the preparation throughout the year for a mixed-media textiles exhibition at the American Museum in Bath. Inspired is the second exhibition which I am taking part in, and runs from 28/05/2011 - 05/06/2011, I hope it will be as successful as the first. This is the finished piece 'United' and my statement describing it below.
'United' is a piece inspired by the symbolism of America and the George P.A. Healy 1868 painting, 'The Peacemakers'.
I originally looked at how I could use symbolism; the buildings, the eagle and the flag to create a unique piece, however as I was working I narrowed my ideas down to the colours in the American flag.
The painting depicts a meeting which took place during the final days of the American Civil War in which the main figures in America decided what was to happen.
The three colours used are taken from the flag however I want them to hold specific meanings; Red symbolises valour, hardiness and the bloodshed, Blue symbolises perseverance and power and White represents the innocence of people caught up in this war and the peace agreed on at the end.
The leaders 'United' in order to end the war, as the colours unite to make the National flag.
The peacemakers
I originally looked at how I could use symbolism; the buildings, the eagle and the flag to create a unique piece, however as I was working I narrowed my ideas down to the colours in the American flag.
The painting depicts a meeting which took place during the final days of the American Civil War in which the main figures in America decided what was to happen.
The three colours used are taken from the flag however I want them to hold specific meanings; Red symbolises valour, hardiness and the bloodshed, Blue symbolises perseverance and power and White represents the innocence of people caught up in this war and the peace agreed on at the end.
The leaders 'United' in order to end the war, as the colours unite to make the National flag.
Tom Friedman
Tom Friedman is an American artist who creates art using the everyday and mundane. His obssessive and meticulous detail is what interests me most about his work. Here are a few of his artworks which I particularly like.
This is a starburst made from over 30,000 wooden toothpicks.
A self-portrait carved in an aspirin tablet.
A whole pencil sharpened in one long coil.
This is a starburst made from over 30,000 wooden toothpicks.
A self-portrait made using sugar cubes.
A self-portrait carved in an aspirin tablet.
A whole pencil sharpened in one long coil.
Sheila Fournier
When taking part in 'Between the Lines' exhibition, one visitor commented on my "Feathered Cauliflower Bowl" and how it reminded him of the work of potter Sheila Fournier (1930-2000). I was intrigued as to what she had created and found her online. The beautiful layered effect of "Torn" relates hugely to "Feathered Cauliflower Bowl" whilst also having a very different feel. It's appearance is very serene and tranquil and has been made so delicately and exquisitely.
"Torn"
My First Exhibition at The Walcot Chapel
I am taking part in my first exhibition "Between the Lines". It is a collaboration of work by 10 students from Bath Spa University and included a variety of mediums. The private view was on Tuesday 12th April 2011 and was a great success. Here are a few pictures of the exhibition and the work I have entered.
'Feathered Cauliflower Bowl' and 'Wonky Bowls'
'Hand'
This is my drawing 'Fashion'. As the graphite lines are so faint, it does not show up well on photographs.
The Guestbook
Thank you to these businesses who sponsored us.
This has been a fantastic opportunity for me and I have really enjoyed getting a taste of the practicing artist's world. I have learnt a lot about myself and acquired many new skills throughout the process of putting this exhibition on, appreciating the hard work involved and learning the importance of teamwork.
Magazine Publication
One of my ceramic bowls has been chosen by The Bath Magazine to advertise the exhibition "Between the Lines" which I am taking part in. Please click on the link to see the ad and try to drop by the exhibition at the Walcot Chapel 13th-16th April. http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/53a2e9e8#/53a2e9e8/34.
Textured Surfaces
Chair project
This is some fabric I created to cover the chair.
I wanted to get a very textured surface which is also intricate and interesting to look at. Although a time consuming process, I think it works well, what do think?
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