Work progress 1

 

This is a snapshot of the disarray of papers that I have unconsciously collected together in a heap.  Some are torn from the sketchbook that I bought to replace the sketchbook that I had started, but was dissatisfied with. I am documenting this as part of my reflective process as I am very aware of my reluctance to begin anything.  No wonder.  

I must not judge harshly.  It is what it is. This is where I am.  Amongst this is the essence of the project, - chaotic organisation; nature v structure, a composite of initiated ideas, heaped in a bundle, neatly tidied away.  

My mind is criticizing me, preventing me from getting on with the task in hand.  It tells me that I can't do it. My ideas are rubbish, I'm not tidy enough, organised enough, pretty enough.  In that I do not mean facially.  I mean, my ideas are not presentable in a way that is understood and pretty enough to warrant attention.  They are still hidden. Buried under this critical mind.  If I could only use this mind of mine to more productive results.  Organise my thoughts and allow my ideas to come through in the media that I have at my disposal.  To be organised and freely creative is a juxtaposition of concepts that battle within. 

I will put some music on and sort it out. Small steps.

Artist research

 

Fiona Campbell - Nests

I'm inspired by this artist because I can easily relate to the sculptural creations and the powerful messages behind the artwork.  My interest in containers, nests and beehives is leading me to making something sculptured.  

These connected nests made of copper wire remind me a little of Ruth Asawa's hanging sculptures too.

Made of copper, they are more weather resistant and suitable for hanging outside.  I like the matted non-uniform combination of wire, woven in a tangled yet effective casing.  The structure seems naturally created, without a pre-scripted plan. It looks evolved and pieced together from the heart in a responsive sensitive process.

Another piece by Fiona Campbell has been in my mind for a while too.

I liked the combination of materials and the chicken wire was catching my eye with a view to the honeycomb structure.  My initial thoughts were that this is too industrial and not crafted by a textile technique.  The hexagons are already made and made of wire.  I didn't think I could use it.  I like that she has used sticks and paper and possibly other found materials too. I like how it is not a uniform work, but still pieced together with intention.

Test pieces

I have been testing my materials for durability outside.  Concerned about the fragility of the homemade plant paper and the exposed thread held together by water soluble fabric, I coated both these materials with natural beeswax and hung them in a tree to face the weather.  

I'm pleased to see that beeswax has done the trick.  

Both the paper and the thread basket have remained intact.  The basket has kept it's shape too.  This gives me confidence to proceed with my work.

 

Rust dyeing

I tried some rust dyeing with two rusty bolt like objects found on the pathway by the river where I regularly walk.  I'd like to think they are hundreds of years old, but they could just be remnants from the 70s.  Still, they are from my place and in quite a decayed, rusty state.

I'm not sure this has worked. I'm not convinced that the grey areas are rust. I think they are an impression taken from the rolled fabric being left on the coal bunker. I can see there are brown rust line marks that are maybe from the rusty bolt. The cloth is a remnant of calico that had been soaked in tea.  I may stitch into it or cut it up and re-attach it in a rearrangement.

I am going to do it again too, but this time, hang the rolled up cloth in a place free of being contaminated by another metal surface.

I am quite pleased with the results though.  The blotches are very bold and the faint brown lines add division to the splodge pattern.  From a distance, it resembles a piano keyboard.  The second print must have had less contact with the surface of the coal bunker and the resulting marks are more staccato and sparse.  

Beeswax

 

This could be the solution to my weatherproofing and durability problems. A natural, biodegradable product too, so a win, win all round. I've been wracking my brains to find this solution and was thinking about the lanolin in wool and waxed jackets and then remembered how another student had waxed her paper pockets. I made some enquiries on the internet to find out about wax, in particular beeswax and it's sustainability and asked the other student about what she did.  She directed me to a Youtube video and a book.  I found this very helpful  and it has inspired me to do my work, knowing that I can protect my paper and thread, but first I need to test it.