Still in the Red
Another New Studio
the studio in a convex mirror
Quick, said the bird, find them, find them,
Round the corner. Through the first gate,
Into our first world, shall we follow
The deception of the thrush?
TS Eliot ‘Burnt Norton’
Despite my best efforts the concerns I had when developing the geranium project remain central to my practice and I feel as if I’m in a dialogue with the inherent nostalgia evoked, in particular, through the Four Quartets
The work I started and discussed in my last post led to me making the space to build a large sculpture based on the three trees maquettes I’ve been making. The sculpture must have spaces inside its mass that are inaccessible to adults because that’s the truth of the actual location (I am working alongside on a VR project that will express this better). In order to clear apples from the garden I need to get on my knees and that act immediately changes my relationship with the earth. I am attached more strongly to the ground, limited in my ability to move and given a different view of things. It’s this feeling I carry in to making and essentially try to replicate in the process. The object is the manner of its making.
The build process
In this case that starts with an external armature to which I can attach shapes based on those that have grown. Each of the stages is followed by a Polycam scan of the sculpture at that stage.
with the armature removed
When I’ve got the basic form I remove the armature and make sure the structure can stand.
with the armature removed
This, if you like, is the outline, and I can then build on this to fill out the form I envisage.
adding form
I used cartridge paper to do this and I’d normally make this more rigid with resin but my current studio arrangements don’t allow for this. It’s always worth noting that the material determines the quality of the form.
adding form
The form, once complete can be painted and in this case it will be red.
First coat of Red
The piece is about seven feet tall and will intially be painted using two shades of red. I’ve managed to put the first one on so far.
First coat of Red
I’ve found time to work on some of the drawings and my sketchbook, this is the third red garden drawing
Red Garden Three
Still not finished.
You’ll have noticed this at the top of the page, try to visit if you can, the other two are really good!
