WOOD DRAPING

After developing the sampling in my sketchbook, I wanted try out some formations with actual wood.  This was my form of draping in a sense. 

What I found challenging about this task was the fact that it's harder to play an manipulate wood as a material due to its properties. What I did find though was that there are some cool affects that you can achieve in terms of surface manipulation. For example, making groves in the wood to then snap it off to create a jagged edge and sintering effect (obviously not good for the hands). I really admired the way that this made the otherwise clean cut wood look. It reflected the tone of mess and destruction that can bee seen in my samples. 

I tried loads of different formations as I would with actual draping. I found this one (the image above) to be the most successful. Everything is on a diagonal which for some reason appeals to me. I researched into why this may be and apparently its because diagonal lines excite the brain. This explains why as a child, I was so drawn to making these sort of messes. 

Now I had achieved a design that I was happy with, I had to secure it and look to surface design. Again I looked to my samples. There were a lot of distressed tapes, threads and paints used throughout. This is what I want to portray on my final piece. So I turned to my book to do some experimentation. 

I used the same elements used on my samples but on a flat surface as this is more similar to the wood. This will hopefully give me a more realistic idea of what it will be like on the final piece.

SAMPLING FUN

As a result of research, I conducted some sampling. This process was actually extremely fun! It took me back to my childhood. The process felt limitless! However, it wasn't at first. This was because I initially had issues with getting started and getting into to the right mind frame of a child creating. to overcome this issue, I just started making a mess . I found this to be an effective method of channelling momentum in this task.

 I made a total of 5 samples all involving the materials; roof slate, khaki nails, plumbers putty, rotten wood fencing, brown sealant and fluorescent red acrylic paint.

It was really interesting to see how different they all came out and how the materials all worked in correlation with each other. From doing this process, it has given me an idea of what I want to make as a final piece. As one of my chosen words is sculpture, I want to make an abstract accessory. I'm not quite sure what at the moment but I do know that I would like to work with wood as my main medium.

From this overall task, I have learnt to be a lot more free with experimentation. That way, I will produce the most varied results, being a positive for the development process.

I am happy with all of the outcomes as they will be helpful in the development process. I hope to make shapes out of the samples and possibly start to think about structure.

PICK AND MIX

FRANK STELLA ILLUSTRATION (AUTHOR'S OWN)

For this new project, I selected three words from the list that I felt a personal and creative connection to. These were; Frank Stella, childhood memories, wood and sculpture.

Following my political fashion project where I worked with my younger cousin, I wanted to revisit my childhood. I have a distinct memory of being on my dad’s building sites when I was young, playing with random things found on site, such as plumbers putty and plaster. I would then, when finished playing, destroy my creations, creating sharp edges and unique shapes. Also, making a mess, much to my dad’s dismay. What a shame nothing has changed.

Frank Stella was also a selection of mine as his work to me is so simplistic yet powerful and magical. His effective use of colour and shape is something that I really respond to. For example, Hyena Stomp and Had Gadya are two pieces of his that I am really drawn to. 

Following the research that I have conducted on both Frank Stella and my childhood memories, I began to make links and incorporate my other two chosen words. 

By realising how all the words link so early on in the creative process, it was much easier to decide how I was to develop my idea. This will also benefit my time management! Which feels amazing as that is always something in which I have had an issue with.