Thursday, April 14, 2011
Final sculptural week and assessment...
Its all over now..... 3 weeks of material manipulation and its all finished now. I've really enjoyed this time and hopefully (fingers, toes and eyes crossed) il be able to enjoy the next 3 years in sculpture.
The room has really seemed to gel together and with so many ideas floating around and everybody willing to give their opinions constructively it will definetaly be a group to be reckoned with.
Late this week we removed all the tables (with Mike Cannings encouragement) and after quietly grumbling about the reality of working on the floor and the lack of storage space I finally accepted the fact that it did make sense (although I wouldn't be able to work that way for long), with all the tables gone the room seemed bigger and the sculptural pieces were able to be presented in less conventional ways.
My area seemed almost clinical compared to everywhere else, due to the lack of color (black & white) but it did seem to fit in well with all the other works that were created around the room. I finished the brainstorm wall off by running the images onto the floor, the screen was turned around so the inside became visible which gave an interesting visual effect (nothing like what I had imagined) I had intended to lay out my pieces in an installation style grouping with all of them working together but in hindsight the pieces I created worked much better as seperate works and overall I was happy with the layout.
I will upload the images as soon as I get a spare moment and good luck to everyone, I hope you all get your first choices x
The room has really seemed to gel together and with so many ideas floating around and everybody willing to give their opinions constructively it will definetaly be a group to be reckoned with.
Late this week we removed all the tables (with Mike Cannings encouragement) and after quietly grumbling about the reality of working on the floor and the lack of storage space I finally accepted the fact that it did make sense (although I wouldn't be able to work that way for long), with all the tables gone the room seemed bigger and the sculptural pieces were able to be presented in less conventional ways.
My area seemed almost clinical compared to everywhere else, due to the lack of color (black & white) but it did seem to fit in well with all the other works that were created around the room. I finished the brainstorm wall off by running the images onto the floor, the screen was turned around so the inside became visible which gave an interesting visual effect (nothing like what I had imagined) I had intended to lay out my pieces in an installation style grouping with all of them working together but in hindsight the pieces I created worked much better as seperate works and overall I was happy with the layout.
I will upload the images as soon as I get a spare moment and good luck to everyone, I hope you all get your first choices x
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
2nd week of ranking project...
The pace of work within the room seems to have quickened this week, its seems like over night large alien-like structures have sprung up everywhere. Im still working within the confines of my brain, trying to push my thoughts and visual interpretations as far as I can to reach an unknown end. At this stage I am surrounding myself with brainstorm images and creating a closed off space where I intend to keep my thoughts, the outside of this space (screen) seems to be taking on an air of calm which I suppose is the way the brain works (everything goes on inside your head and others only know what your thinking when you speak and give them a glimpse).
The patterns within the brainstorms (including the screen which is, in itself a burst of thought) is based on the neuron network inside the brain. Each image or thought is connected in some way, regardless of how remote it may seem.
At the moment I am working on the screen structure, a video piece which is based on the neuron waves and a metal work 3d sculpture which I am in the process of welding together so that it can represent the chaotic thought processes that go on inside your brain.
All in all im really enjoying the freedom allowed within this brief and by working on several different pieces at the same time I have found a way of making sure I don't get bored (remind me of this last comment when im up to my ears and have several different projects to complete for an early deadline ha)
Will upload the final video piece and more images when completed.
The patterns within the brainstorms (including the screen which is, in itself a burst of thought) is based on the neuron network inside the brain. Each image or thought is connected in some way, regardless of how remote it may seem.
At the moment I am working on the screen structure, a video piece which is based on the neuron waves and a metal work 3d sculpture which I am in the process of welding together so that it can represent the chaotic thought processes that go on inside your brain.
All in all im really enjoying the freedom allowed within this brief and by working on several different pieces at the same time I have found a way of making sure I don't get bored (remind me of this last comment when im up to my ears and have several different projects to complete for an early deadline ha)
Will upload the final video piece and more images when completed.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Research Project
Tried to upload my research PowerPoint presentation but an error occurred so IL just have to try again later, needless to say the research week is over, the presentation has been presented, the brain storms have provided results and the initial outline of an idea has been planted.
What a long week, can't wait to start getting my hands dirty.
What a long week, can't wait to start getting my hands dirty.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Ranking Project ....
So.... the electives are over and the choices made and after many days of deliberation I can finally say that I have made my choice. It took me till the very last min to make my decision and even now I'm not sure if its the right one, only time will tell. Don't get me wrong, I really love sculpture and I'm excited about getting my teeth into the brief but there is a part of me that is still drawn to ceramics.
My overall decision was based on my own experience within the elective and the conversations I had with other students who studied either ceramics or sculpture. After weighing the pros and con's and looking seriously at what I wanted to achieve I decided that sculpture could offer me more of a challenge and I just hope that it proves true.
My overall decision was based on my own experience within the elective and the conversations I had with other students who studied either ceramics or sculpture. After weighing the pros and con's and looking seriously at what I wanted to achieve I decided that sculpture could offer me more of a challenge and I just hope that it proves true.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Ceramics Elective ....
So here we are, the end of the final elective and im not sure if im any the wiser about my upcoming choice. I have really enjoyed the last two weeks in ceramics and have learned so much about the technical side of this disipline. The naked raku firing was amazing and I couldn't wait to see the result after taking the pieces out of the bin and chipping off the glaze.
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| 2nd Kiln Firing |
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| Piece before glaze is chipped off |
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| Some of the pieces after the naked raku firing |
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Some of my pieces from the painting elective ..
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| Recreating a Fraud painting |
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| Installation painted with palette knife |
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| Installation |
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| Installation study |
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| Charcoal and ink |
Saturday, February 26, 2011
mmm..... Food for thought....
Okay... I get the fact that we have to try everything out.... and I get the fact that we have to choose only one option ... but... what I don't get is how this process is meant to work when you love doing all of the electives...
I have just finished my sculpture elective and im even more confused than ever, I love the freedom of expression that this dicipline offers and that a group of people working together in a brainstorming session can have such varied takes on the same word.
To look around the studio today and not to see any two pieces that were even remotely connected was astonishing. The fact that sculpture is fundamentally conceptual is more than I could have imagined, how could an artist not be happy in this area?
In the past two weeks I have managed to produce an array of pieces that I can only describe as eccletic. Who knew that a ball of string and an old battered palette could go on such a journey. I am truly overwhelmed by the endless posibilities that this dicipline offers, however... how do I know if it is really the one for me?
During the painting elective I worked hard to learn the techniques to enable me to produce a successful piece and I felt a huge sense of achievement when these techniques proved successful. Yet in sculpture the pieces seemed to take on a life of their own and almost dictate their own direction, so would it be true to say that the achievement I felt on their completion was belittled by the fact that I had no real techniques to qualify them as successful?
For the moment I suppose I will just have to leave the final decision in the laps of the gods, who knows where my mind will lead me after the next elective, so onwards and upwards and roll on ceramics.....
I have just finished my sculpture elective and im even more confused than ever, I love the freedom of expression that this dicipline offers and that a group of people working together in a brainstorming session can have such varied takes on the same word.
To look around the studio today and not to see any two pieces that were even remotely connected was astonishing. The fact that sculpture is fundamentally conceptual is more than I could have imagined, how could an artist not be happy in this area?
In the past two weeks I have managed to produce an array of pieces that I can only describe as eccletic. Who knew that a ball of string and an old battered palette could go on such a journey. I am truly overwhelmed by the endless posibilities that this dicipline offers, however... how do I know if it is really the one for me?
During the painting elective I worked hard to learn the techniques to enable me to produce a successful piece and I felt a huge sense of achievement when these techniques proved successful. Yet in sculpture the pieces seemed to take on a life of their own and almost dictate their own direction, so would it be true to say that the achievement I felt on their completion was belittled by the fact that I had no real techniques to qualify them as successful?
For the moment I suppose I will just have to leave the final decision in the laps of the gods, who knows where my mind will lead me after the next elective, so onwards and upwards and roll on ceramics.....
Friday, February 11, 2011
Sculpture elective...
I started my sculpture elective this week and it really couldn't be any further away from last weeks elective. The approach is very different, even relaxed to an extent. We started off the week with a group brain storming which I found extremely interesting, its hard to believe how many tangents you can go off on when your given one word.
From this initial brain storm we were able to list a huge amount of verbs to which we then individually broke down into words that interested us personally. I chose words like devour, intoxicate, salivate, convert, emancipate and cannibalize. From these lists we discussed with Mike ways of initiating them into the manipulation of materials. I finally settled on 'To Cannibalize', as I felt that this was the word that would give me the greatest scope.
From there we were left to work out materials and processes that would enable us to use the verb and in doing so get us started and a path of discovery.
All in all the first week was a time for exploration. Can't wait for week two.
From this initial brain storm we were able to list a huge amount of verbs to which we then individually broke down into words that interested us personally. I chose words like devour, intoxicate, salivate, convert, emancipate and cannibalize. From these lists we discussed with Mike ways of initiating them into the manipulation of materials. I finally settled on 'To Cannibalize', as I felt that this was the word that would give me the greatest scope.
From there we were left to work out materials and processes that would enable us to use the verb and in doing so get us started and a path of discovery.
All in all the first week was a time for exploration. Can't wait for week two.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The end of the painting block...
I finally reached the end of the 2 week painting block and all I can say is PHEW!!!! I have to admit that its been 2 of the busiest weeks iv ever had. We started in week one with life painting and learning about tone, colour plains, background, paint techniques, composition and under painting (to name but a few). It seemed to me to be like a very weird speed painting class and I found it difficult to keep up at first. Its hard being told that you have to complete two paintings in a day and some days it was extremely frustrating. Week two was a little more relaxed, I'm not sure if that has to do with the fact that I was now used to the routine or that the tutors were slightly easier on us, but whatever it was it felt like I had more control and in my mind that was an enormous relief.
We spent the week building installations which we then painted. At first I found this tedious and again was disillusioned by the process but as the days progressed and I started to implement the techniques I had learned in week one, things started to slot into place. I even found myself looking forward to starting new pieces and trying to discover my own style.
All in all I found the whole experience to be both exhausting and enlightening. I don't think for one moment that I know anywhere near enough about painting but I feel that in the two weeks that I spent in the studio I have now got the very basic skills needed to get onto the first rung of the painting ladder.
We spent the week building installations which we then painted. At first I found this tedious and again was disillusioned by the process but as the days progressed and I started to implement the techniques I had learned in week one, things started to slot into place. I even found myself looking forward to starting new pieces and trying to discover my own style.
All in all I found the whole experience to be both exhausting and enlightening. I don't think for one moment that I know anywhere near enough about painting but I feel that in the two weeks that I spent in the studio I have now got the very basic skills needed to get onto the first rung of the painting ladder.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
New year.....
For the past couple of weeks I have been trying to get my head around the idea of disappearing and have been working on a theory that I feel explains my thoughts as to how somebody can actually disappear and become invisible. This is my theory and it makes perfect sense to me, I just hope that it translates well to others..
- If X is a person or say, a pebble
- It leaves a ripple in the pond of life
- So... each X , uses its vibration to reach out and touch the next X near it
- In essence, leaving a memory of itself behind being carried on by those it touches
- BUT... If these vibrations are small and timid, they may never reach far enough to touch the next X
- SO... In theory... those X's that don't make big enough ripples, end up disappearing
- Yes???
Working with this theory I have created a series of drawings and paintings which I feel offer a more visual understanding of the process.
Phew... better take off the lab coat now... my Einstein moment has passed....
- If X is a person or say, a pebble
- It leaves a ripple in the pond of life
- So... each X , uses its vibration to reach out and touch the next X near it
- In essence, leaving a memory of itself behind being carried on by those it touches
- BUT... If these vibrations are small and timid, they may never reach far enough to touch the next X
- SO... In theory... those X's that don't make big enough ripples, end up disappearing
- Yes???
Working with this theory I have created a series of drawings and paintings which I feel offer a more visual understanding of the process.
Phew... better take off the lab coat now... my Einstein moment has passed....
Friday, December 31, 2010
Amazing pieces at the Tate...
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| Bed 1980 |
unconfirmed: 280 x 2200 x 1680 mm
sculpture
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| Keith Edmier Beverly Edmier 1967 1998 |
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| Ron Mueck Ghost 1998 |
Tate Liverpool| Current Exhibitions | DLA Piper Series: This is Sculpture
Spent the last couple of days in Liverpool and fell in love with a exhibition at the Tate gallery. It is an exhibition called the DLA Piper Series THIS IS SCULPTURE (curated by Michael Craig-Martin) and it included works by Dali, Bacon, Gormley, Mueck, Magritte, Warhol, Picasso, Klein, Mondrian and Tracy Emin. Totally fell in love with Sculpture so just thought id share..
Tate Liverpool| Current Exhibitions | DLA Piper Series: This is Sculpture
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
A burning loss....
Yesterday all of the pieces fell into place and I was able to complete my work on my bamboo sculpture. With the help of Des (Technician) and my 2 camera people Pat and John I was able to pay my quiet tribute to the invisible and forgotten people in our society. I thought long and hard about how, where and when this was going to happen and eventually settled on a quiet location in the grounds of the college just as it was starting to get dark.
Because this piece is based on a form of isolation, I chose not to have any witnesses (apart from those needed to fulfil a role in the production). I also felt that students who were passing by without noticing how the structure disappeared added to the overall feeling of being invisible and overlooked.
I need to edit all 4 camera's footage (will definately need help from dad with this) and add a soundtrack in order for the piece to really mean something. Overall I don't think the weather and the footage could have turned out any better so I am really looking forward to getting the full piece completed.
Thanks again to Pat, John and Des.
Because this piece is based on a form of isolation, I chose not to have any witnesses (apart from those needed to fulfil a role in the production). I also felt that students who were passing by without noticing how the structure disappeared added to the overall feeling of being invisible and overlooked.
I need to edit all 4 camera's footage (will definately need help from dad with this) and add a soundtrack in order for the piece to really mean something. Overall I don't think the weather and the footage could have turned out any better so I am really looking forward to getting the full piece completed.
Thanks again to Pat, John and Des.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
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