brace

This is an A1 size piece is intended to go into the exhibition at the beginning of march. 

The brace was measured, and I created a grid using these measurements then drew the image over it. The pattern is then filled in and cut out, leaving the original lines of the drawing intact. As I'm not filling a massive area, it isn't as time consuming as I thought it was going to be, however it takes twice the concentration. I would ideally have another one to display alongside, but time is the main factor in what is and isn't possible.

preparing for the exhibition

Have been playing around with the photographs and edited them so they fit in a microscope plate. Each strip measures 6x2cm, which is bigger than I had originally wanted. I might resize them again and play around with how small is too small. However I have sorted out magnifying glasses etc. so they can be viewed at a very small size.

I also need to print them high quality if people are going to be looking closely, otherwise it won't be effective. 

bringing shape into cutting

I wanted to start using my journal entries more in the larger work, and wanted to integrate it with the cutting process. This experiment below involved enlarging an image in the journal, then creating the pattern over the top (the pattern being made up of the original image itself) and then cutting these shapes out. This piece I felt was taking too long, so I have moved on to an A1 sized one which, if successful, will go in the exhibition in a couple of weeks time.

continuing

During my last op I used my journal again to document various things that happened, so returning to university this week I started working on the large piece again. I wanted to wait until I had more imagery so I could create a more narrative piece; to show the events as a story.

I have a lot more to do but over the next 5 weeks I can start filling the paper and see what using these patterns will create.

interim show

A little exhibition to mark the halfway point of the year. Very well organised and an eclectic mix of work. I decided to put in my framed cutout piece which looked really good under the lighting, and was hung at eye level so the detail was really clear. One person mentioned they thought it was a photograph at first look, which is quite an interesting thought!

post-op pondering

I apologise for the lack of images recently, as my physical state right now isn't letting me do as much practical work as I would like!

I have been thinking a lot about the ideas and themes that run through my work, and the past week has enabled me to delve right into these and expand them more. I want to change the 2d aspect of my work, and look into the alternatives available to me. Therefore going into hospital I started thinking what objects, imagery or shapes are really poignant to my time there? One of the most interesting things I noticed was the corridors, particularly walking down to surgery. The fear being felt made this journey all the more difficult, and this never ending maze of narrow corridors with terrifying ordeals being undertaken behind the doors I passed really struck me. If I could find a way to mix this ultimate feeling of terror with the calming process and feel to my work I think I could produce an experience, not just an image.

a brief note

As the way I work takes up a lot of time to produce, I find it important to think and clarify what it is I want to achieve and why. Through the work I am doing, I want to tell a story but not in the conventional way. My journey through all of these 'interuptions' has been anything but easy, yet has been an outlet and has helped me not only get better physically, but has informed my work more than I could have hoped. I want my work, whatever form it may take, to reflect this and be a narrative without being a story. More of an experience that can be appreciated through beautiful and intricate pieces, and most importantly something positive for me to take away from it.

finished piece

Very pleased with the outcome, however it is an incredibly time-consuming way of working. This is the piece I have chosen to show in the interim exhibition.

I decided to mount on white paper to keep the clean feel that I think fits well with my process and ideas, links back in to the medical influence. The shadow created also interests me and gives a hazed image (could possibly signify memory/uncertainty of experience?) Keeping them in the constraints of a circle however I feel isn't doing the work justice, and I want to push the boundaries of what I am capable of when working like this. Therefore, while away from university I can start playing with this, and then gain feedback from the experiments as well as this finished piece. Hopefully then I'll be on track for when I get back.

attempting the impossible?

I decided to mix the cutting with the pattern method I have been using previously, and this is the result. The finished article will be 45cm diameter, which is quite big. Its based on one of the drawings, and I hope to do 5, if not 8 of these (all different) for the degree show. This one I hope to frame for the interim show.