A4 Exhibition

The above images are of my final piece developed for the A4 Exhibition held within the Interdisciplinary studios at Leeds College of Art. They represent the conclusion of the brief “The Secret Life of Objects.”

The trace of Limestone particles are situated on three A4 glass panes. Raised slightly from the surface of the plinth shadows from the Limestone traces are visible.The glass enhances the Limestone and emphasizes the aesthetics qualities of the work.  The piece I feel is transient, reflective and thoughtful. Through the delicate process of realization the Limestone particles highlight the passage of time and the fragility of life.   

Limestone Particles

After reflecting on some of the processes I have worked with so far I have returned to the trace patterns I produced earlier.There is something about the delicacy and fragility of the work that intrigues me. Above are images of trace patterns created from images of the paths made by the sea on the sand at Filey beach (where the original stone was found)  reflecting the paths and journeys we take through life.Easily disturbed, the limestone particles portray the fragility of life. By using my fingers to manipulate it through the stencils, I have a direct contact with the natural stone which satisfies my need to be in contact with the elements. The tension experienced while making and revealing this work is challenging but rewarding.

Work In Progress



















I have been experimenting with the negatives a little more and taking my ideas forward. The sewing machine seems to be playing a big part in my work at the moment. Memories of hearing the sewing machine being used within the house as a child and wearing the clothes made from it set strong in my mind and is influencing my work.

Playing with light, beautiful shadows are created from the  "empty" stitching pattern sewn into the negatives.

Using a pestle and mortar I ground down pieces of Limestone into a fine powder and using the pierced negatives as a stencil created delicate trace patterns of the Limestone particles. While doing this process a pungent oily smell radiated from the substance which only seems apparent while being ground down. This would make sense as oil after all is made up of plant and animal forms from the sea bed!

I noticed how my fingerprints were left imprinted while working with the negatives, I thought of  how  fingerprints are a remnant of an individuals presence and using the limestone dust highlighted them in a forensic way.

Stephen Turner Tree Rings








Oak Tree Ring Canvas





















Growth, decay and rejuvenation are recorded directly onto canvas in Stephen Turners Tree Ring work. Remnants of the seasons and the passing of time are physically recorded on canvass place underneath trees. It is the use of the organic matter directly from the trees and it's physicality, I find interesting.

Boiling down brittle dry leaves and cherries he also created a solution that was smeared directly onto paper.

http://www.fermynwoods.co.uk/

There is pleasure in the pathless woods,..............

There is pleasure in the pathless woods,

There is a rapture on the lonely shore,

There is society, where none intrudes,

By the deep sea, and music in its roar:

I love not man the less, but Nature more,

From these our interviews, in which I steal

From all I may be, or have been before,

To mingle with the Universe, and feel

What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal.

 

Written in 1814 By Lord George Gordon Byron 1788-1824 

Scar Reservouir

I have to say one of my favourite places to spend time, a beautiful part of the Yorkshire.The wonder of the natural world and the shear vastness of our local countryside is experienced at Scar Reservoir. Built in the 19th century it took 15 years to complete and supplies 21million gallons of water a day to Bradford. While being constructed, a whole village was built to house the workers. http://www.nidderdaleaonb.org.uk/  

Autumn Pateley Bridge

Negatives

After attending a "Camereless Work Shop" with Cherry Kino @ ESA Patrick Studios http://www.cherrykino.blogspot.com/ I was really inspired by the process of manipulating film in unconventional ways such as leaving film in water, burying, exposing film with random objects on top (sugar, salt, lace etc). The cameras and cine film lend themselves to a real nostalgic feel and made me reflect on the past and times gone by. I dug out some old negatives on reels which I have started to work with. Unfortunately the medium is not as sensitive as cine film and is very difficult to manipulated with organic matter. Using stencils I scratched text into the reverse side of the negatives and used some crushed lime stone to soften the appearance (like sandpaper!) I think the result works well and conveys an aged and worn appearance. Slicing the negatives into strips and creating a 3D design produces some beautiful patterns when lit. Also machine stitched text onto negatives but not sure where I will be taking it all, if anywhere! 

Breaking Up Of The Limestone

To move forward with the "Secret Life Of Objects Brief" I felt I had to explore the physicality of the lime stone and engage in it's actual make up. As limestone is made up of animal and plant life I was expecting a little more to look at when I broke it open. The different layers are visible but not that interesting. However the stone does have a sparkly quality which lends itself to aspects of "finding something precious" or appropriating "a precious childhood."
Because the stone physically represents the passing of time through it's layers of plant and animal forms it is an important aspect and as a material needs to be incorporated into my work.

Typesetting

Although a realy lengthy process in todays standards Typsetting was an enjoyable medium to work with. For me it was the physical aspect of making and the contact with the medium that generated a sense of satisfaction at producing a piece of work. I experienced a real sense of the past and the hard work which must have been endured to produce text before the advance of technology.

Susie Macurray

"Promenade" @ Kedleston Hall


















 "Maidenhair" French Knitted Human Hair

Echo And Reverence @ St Mary Church York

I am very much drawn to the work of Susie MacMurray. She evokes a response of empathy and sensitivity through the use of materials which carry the remnants of humanity. (Hairnets, violin bow hair, human hair.) She reflects a space with a transient and ephemeral quality. The act of repetition and direct link to traditonal methods such as sewing and the historical reflection of her work are aspects that interest me.  

My Childhood (1972) Bill Douglas

Autobiographical poetic, social realism film portraying a childhood in a deprived run down Edinburgh mining village.

Bill Douglas uses bare rooms and pared-down images to convey not the actual material appearance of his childhood surroundings, but what it felt like to be there. Very little dialogue within the film but the deeply moving images portrayed in the film play out the narrative with such sensitivity.(The scene above has Jamie, the main character, helping his Grandma to keep warm by placing her hands around a cup he has heated up with hot water. With only a slight tapping of his hands against his Grandmas an image of tenderness is portrayed amongst the deprivation and squalor.) It is this sensitivity that interests me and the way the non actors within the film portray a real and genuine narrative on screen    

Light Night @ Leeds College Of Art "Past Times"

These two images were originally taken last year as research for the brief "Psycho Cities" My starting point was the sight of the old red bus station which for me held associations with times gone by. The bus station symbolized the journey from Harrogate and arrival in Leeds for a night of clubbing in my younger days!!
The images show the deterioration of the buildings around the site, the decay, corrosion and how nature pushes it's way through and takes over regardless. They are part of the Light Night exhibition at Leeds College Of Art.

Light Night Film

Using alternated images of the elements and children interacting with the limestone I produced this reflective short film.The ebb and flow of  life's cycle, nostalgia and memory are key elements within the film as well as the act of play and exploration with the materials nature provides. The film will be situated in The Light in Leeds city centre along with other 2nd year Art &  Design Interdisciplinary work for the Light Night exhibition and Art In Unusual Spaces. 

Tear Drops Blossom by Micheal Aubtin Madadi

The story of a curious woman and the saddest man in the world.

"The Secret Life Of Objects"

This peice of Limestone rock was found on Filey beach. I was attracted to it because of it's texture and layereing qualities. Limestone rock is made up of layers of sediment, small plant and animal forms cemented together over thousands of years. As well as the stones aestheics I began to reflect on why we search and collect on the beach. We all have instincts to collect and hoard, searching the beach creates a kind of challenge to find something mystical, precious, beautiful and special. Subverting this analogy I will use this limestone to symbolise how "precious" my childhood was, through the media of film. 

Coldstones Cut

Visited Coldstones Cut today near Pateley Bridge.This sculptural platform looks over Coldstones quarry and the surrounding rural landscape and was created by artist Andrew Sabin The day was wet, wild and misty but this did not ruin the atmosphere the structures creates, infact it just added to the experience. Visualy and aesthetically brand new, I'm sure it will improve with age as it intergrates with the landscape and look forward to seeing it in years to come. Feel the only downside is that the actual organic form of the sculpturecan only be appreciated from the air! 

http://thecoldstonescut.org/

                                                 

  

Work in progress

Small mass of moss and acrylic fishing wire found on the beach seem to be so significant in the development of my work. Contrasts between organic matter and vibrant colour draws me. Net/web of the past entangled a mish mash of memories, the threads of lifes journey, the search for a starting point a meaning to it all.

Filey 2010

I was drawn to the photograph of George 'Dingle' Swales who was a Coxswain at Fileys Lifeboat station in the late 1800's. It is hard not to notice his lovely cheery face. The battle against the elements and hardship the fishermen and Lifeboat crew had to contend with during this time is something to be admired. I want to try and reflect the significance of these individuals by combining the concept of history and times past with ephemera collected.