Unit X - Research

The Research weeks for Project X consisted of trips and lectures by artists and designers. I found the trip to Blackpool dull and uninspiring. Instead I explored Manchester’s town, focusing on shop window displays and pop up pieces. I came across James Donegan’s wooden structure at the Craft and Design centre. His inspiration taken from the mathematical patterns found in macro shots of nature. My interest of this made me realise that i wanted to focus/design/build a large scale structure for the project. I had experience of installation work and felt confident in creating a piece for a gallery context.

SEED: James Donegan

SEED:James Donegan

During the initial MM meeting, I established my collaborative group, consisting of Hannah, Georgia, Jack and myself. I’d previously worked with these people, and so felt confident and comfortable with them. Our initial thoughts were centered on creating an artistic piece with the element of participatory practice. Specifically inspired by Luke Jerram’s work (and artistic talk) which holds elements of public interaction. My research and experimentation focused on the use of sellotape, where I could create a comfortable environment that people could interact with. This followed up with leaving finger prints (DNA traces) on the tape, which would build up and change overtime from the viewers.

Artist and Tape Inspiration- Numen/ For Use

Sellotape web, with finger prints

With Project X being collaborative, there were some struggles working within a group. The change of dynamics and input from four people overcomplicated our ideas. It was apparent at group critiques, that we were too focused on the concept and audience interaction, rather than the development of our own practices. I really needed to step back and refine my thoughts and ideas, before continuing.

Unit X - Reflection

Upon reflection, I have found Project X quite a struggle, with many up’s and down’s. The panic of not having a solid idea and path to follow, left me unmotivated. I think I could improve on staying confident and open minded. Having said that, once our concept was put into place, my work load and attitude towards the project rapidly improved. As the piece can only be fully viewed once it’s installed into the gallery space, its difficult for me to fully evaluate it. However I am confident that it will be successful and well received by the viewers. I’m hoping that people will be intrigued, and interact with the Pop Up Shop.

Working in a group was a new, yet important experience. I believe I made a strong commitment by regularly meeting up, presenting ideas in weekly crits, and staying in contact with my group via Facebook. When Hannah and I started working collaboratively, it really helped me focus on the structure and created new ideas. I do worry that I haven’t exactly developed my skills in terms of making, due to the simple process of the acetate piece. However I have gained experience from working in a group and having to adapt with people and their ideas. I know that I can apply this knowledge in the future as collaboration is necessary. If I had more time, i think I could really push and explore different materials. I am happy that we chose to not fabricate the acetate, as we wanted it to be clean and simple, to hold the heavily embellished scarves. I would however like to to introduce a source of light into the piece, to create interesting shadows. I would probably have to assess this when I visit the gallery space. My biggest learning outcome during this unit is that adapting and refinement is key. Less is most defiantly more.

Unit X - Lines Of Enquiry

Upon refinement of our ideas, we decided to carry over the theme of the body and DNA. This lead to the idea of creating a structure, acting as a ‘skeleton’, which would be embodied by scarves/ bandanas. Again, inspired from elements of the body. The natural, fluid bandanas would contrast against the rigid, man made structure. The suggestion of having a product, initiated a stronger individual focus for each member of the group. People could still interact by removing and replacing the bandanas in different areas of the piece.

Exploring structure- made from paper straws

The obstacle of using tape was what I needed to explore. The material was too temporary and not appropriate for the brief. Instead we experimented with acetate, which is a lot stronger and easier to work with, but still has transparent qualities. Focusing on the DNA structure, Hannah and I created some simple maquette’s made up of acetate tubes. From there we continued to develop and explore the compositions, experimenting with different sizes, and eventually enlarging the scale. The sculpture on a large scale is simple, yet well executed. Cornelia Parkers, Cold Dark Matter, has influenced the idea of hanging the piece. Although a simple technique, it can still create great impact.

Acetate Marquette

Shadows from acetate structure

Large scale piece

Cornelia Park, Cold Dark Matter