Again here i am starting to think more about the relationship between two elements. These simple plaster experiments are looking more at the subtleties between two parts working together, and how simple changes in there position can be read as completely different situations or relationships. For example when twisted towards each other the pieces take on a slightly more romantic feel, whereas when turned away theres a sense of discomfort. #Soft #Experimentation #Plaster

After a little evaluation of what i have been doing so far on the MA, i started to realise that something was missing in what i have been doing. I went right back to the beginning, to my first sketchbook and tried to pinpoint what it was that was lacking. I realised that when i started my work was going to focus on the idea of the relationship between elements/material ect. The relationship between two 'things', and so i have started to bring that back. I am interested in the

'An object that gives in is actually stronger than one which resists, for which reason it also permits the opportunity to be oneself in a new way' - Max Kozloff 'The Poetics of Softness' I have consolidated some of my most successful experiments done so far in practical form in these new pieces. I have used metals mixed with the welding, stitching and beading, and also in most cases left the metal on in order to create more of a contrast between the hard and soft elements. S

'The fossilization process takes place when objects are neither used nor looked at, but still remain in position in the home'- Daniel Miller (The Comfort of Things) Here i have started to develop the ideas i was working with for the Sudbury project, around women's craft, to see how i can get textile techniques cast into the plaster in a much neater way. Using Digital stitch i designed floral motifs, that were simple and bold enough to cast in plaster. I'm really happy with ho

Here they are... A selection of my little plaster babies! 'For many years the artistic talents of women were unappreciated. Although women were expected to be proficient at needlework, and complete craft activities to occupy their many solitary hours, the beautiful pieces crafted were never considered more than superfluous household objects. The artistic processes 'ladies' were permitted to learn where strictly limited and so true self-expression was discouraged. Secretly sto

I have had a little play here at developing the rust idea further, keeping the fabric quite basic and stretchy to enhance the restrictive look of the metal. I particularly like where i have used super rusty metal as it has left the plaster vivid orange colours. I think i will play with the patination of the metals further, using different metals to see what colours i can achieve on the plasters surface. I also really like where the metal residue begins to take on quite a deco

To celebrate 100 years of women having the vote The National Trust are holding a year long event, 'Women and Power'. Many exciting things will be part of this event, just one of them being Sudbury Hall, in Derbyshire, being transformed into an art gallery from February to October. My work will be shown alongside the very talented students of Derby College, in an exhibition that celebrates the women of Sudbury. Heres a sneaky peek of what i've been up to. There will be much mo

Just a few more metal, fabric and plaster samples!! :) Here i am trying to bring the hard metal in as a restrictive force around the soft fabric forms. Both the metal and fabric have been removed and have only left an essence of there presence in the plaster. I think this could be developed however these experiments are not hugely successful. I quite like some of the effects when the delicately patterned fabrics are used with then mottled orange marks the rust has left as res

Busy Busy Essay writing at the moment, so not much practical! However i have developed my samples further with the addition of metal... i quite like it and with a lot more work something exciting could happen! #Hard #Soft #Plaster #Samples

This week i have begun to develop the experiments i have been doing with plaster and fabric further, by making larger samples. Im particularly enjoying the effect of the old fabrics when used with the plaster, the fibres and colours seem to be transferred better. Its almost a form of printmaking onto sculpture... i will definitely pursue this further. #Hard #Soft #Plaster #Samples