Observation & Analysis Clay Head

One of my university modules is called Observation & Analysis, where we learn different skills for drawing and making from observation.  A lot of my drawings wouldn't come out properly when I tried to scan them, so that will not be appearing here at any point...

For three weeks we created clay heads.  We had a life model and had to take measurements from her, which was actually really interesting and worked on my observation skills.  Here are some photos:

Connections and Continuity

This a sample of my work from our first project at uni.  We had to come up with an idea that was personal to us and make work based on that idea.  I took inspiration from my photos of 'Love Padlocks' taken in Prague, Czech Republic.  Each padlock has been put on by someone to represent an eternal relationship, the key thrown in the Vltava river.  To me this represents my close friendships and brings back memories of an amazing trip with a close group of friends.  I have also worked from photos that I have taken of keys. 
Here are some of the photos:

When drawing the padlocks I noticed that complementary colours were next to eachother, which helps to enhance them and make them appear brighter.  Therefore, when I moved onto use acrylic paint, I looked at the image in a different way, painting coloured shapes rather than actual padlocks, making the piece more an exploration of colour harmonies.

In print I created an etching plate based on key shapes and used various techniques to print with it.  I had never done etching before so was very pleased with my results.  When using colour, I contrasted the blue and orangey yellow to enhance the shapes, continueing this exploration of colour harmonies.

My work continues into sculpture, where I constructed some padlocks from chickenwire and modrock. I continued this idea of contrasting colours, using the paint in layers to try and get a rusty effect.

This also translated into plaster pieces, made by pressing locks and keys into clay and filling it with plaster.  I decided to keep this the original colour so as not to complicate it.

In ceramics my work became more abstract as I began to make box structures based on key shapes.  This is currently unfinished as I  haven't decided what sort of glaze to put on it yet.  I have also made paper sculptures like this, and these fit together to represent this idea of locks.

 

I have actually been developing some of these pieces further and made some more bits but I have left them at uni, so they will have to be added at another time!

A2 Textiles

Domesticity was the theme for my A2 textiles project.  Naturally I looked at Tracey Emin, but I was also inspired by lesser known artists such as Caren Garfen, who lives locally to me.  My work here features traditions techniques and feminine fabrics, however these are contrasted to the use of text and the idea of distressing my work.  The themes of my work are emphasised through the fact that I have actually made domestic items.

My exam project was based on 'Puzzles'.  The final outcome was this colourful cube which uses various techniques including applique, cutaway applique, printing, patchwork and weaving.  I also glued on various cardboard shapes, puzzle pieces and playing cars.  Each side is a different colour and encorperates different puzzles and games.

A2 Fine Art

At A2 I looked at Erosion.  I played around with textures that represented erosion, and was inspired by the vibrant colours and patterns in eroded objects.  Using video work I was able to stress the fact that erosion is a process, and the importance of change.

Some abstract acrylic paintings, based on eroded objects

 Three works based on some eroded rocks.  The first is an acrylic painting.  For the second I layered up coloured paper on the board before painting the rocks.  Then I ripped through, physically eroding the paper to reveal different layers and create texture.  The third is a collage made up of the peices of paper that were ripped off.

This time-lapse style video is of the second piece.  I took photos at each stage in order to show the erosion process through video art.

The exam project I did was based on 'Journey'.  My biggest inspiration was David Hockney, especially his photo montages, but I also looked at some printing artists.  The final piece explores perspective and the use of photos through mixed media (photos on paper, acrylic paint, collograph prints and felt tip pen).





A/S Fine Art

For my A/S Fine Art coursework I worked on a project titled 'Autobiography'.  I looked briefly at portraits but then decided to delve into my interests, which led to me exploring junk food (I have brilliant interests I know!). 

 Some expressive portraits, using acrylic, felt tip and oil pastel.  The orange and blue were inspired by a Chinese Sweet & Sour Pot Noodle packet!

 My final piece for the project:

This box project is based on the effects of junk food on the body, the difference between appearence and reality.  The outside is bright and fun, whereas the inside is more dramatic, containing a heart made of paper mache and the effects of food on the body.  These include high cholestoral, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.





'Stacked' was the starting point of my exam project.  I discovered Mansoor Ali's 'Dance of Democracy' at the Saatchi Gallery and took many close of photos of it to paint from.  (http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/ali_mansoor.htm?section_name=new_india)  This led to me combining and layering both different chairs and different media.  Here are a few of my pieces from the project: