Among the many reasons I decided to apply to do this residency was the
opportunity it could present for experimentation with materials. For reasons such as available studio space
and conflicting priorities I’ve found it can be difficult to dedicate extended
periods to exploring new materials and processes. A residency provides a time, place and
structure in which this can be achieved.
I arrived at the school this morning feeling quite unsure of how I would
get started. I made some interesting explorations into materials yesterday, but
nothing that I was itching to get back to this morning. Then while walking along a corridor I noticed
a recycling bin overflowing with paper products. One of my interests is in using simple
materials on mass to create multiples of forms.
Using materials that would otherwise be considered waste enables me to
do this cost effectively. So, call me
odd, but finding a collection of discarded cardboard is a bit exciting for me!
My bounty, and some painted to obscure unwanted marks.
From there a chain reaction was set off, and I have spent the morning
experimenting with my found treasures: folding, tearing, painting, scrunching,
dipping in liquid clay. From the outside
it may look like a bit of a manic process, but I’ve actually been feeling like
a kid in a candy shop! By the nature of
the fact that I am working in a school environment I have at my fingertips many
materials and tools that I would normally need to plan for and source
externally. To be able to lay my hands
on a little bit of paint, or wire, or a particular tool enables the creative
process to go on uninterrupted, responsive to ideas as they occur and evolve.
Scrunched and strung.
Dipped in liquid clay (called 'slip') and hung to dry
So, a day that started out with a lack of direction has become a productive
one thanks to time, space and opportunity to explore.
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