STATEMENT for EXPLORATORY PROJECT

For me, this task is about starting a new habit (daily/regular), whilst exploring new ways of working (open material/process led) in an area I haven’t previously developed (collage / layers). Plus further exploration using technology (already owned/available to me .... camera/phone/scanner/printer/laptop/edit programmes ... phone apps, picassa, gimp, psychopaint)

...so I’m going to play and make collage/ layered/textured surfaces, then photograph and  digitallymanipulate them creating digital imagery of this work.

This project will require me NOT to undergo preliminary research as I usually start with a period of research and use found images for initial reference.

 My starting points of reference for this project will be the experience/memory of making day, take2influences  and FFF.

I will use found/ available materials already to hand, with no further research, but using my memory of influences from Kurt Schwitters, Merz, Alberto Burri, Matisse, Gerhard Richter, Anselm Kiefer, Ben Nicholson)

A lovely new book has just arrived so I will be reading ‘destroy the picture: painting the void, 1949-1962’. MOCA, Los Angeles. 2012.

I think I have built in enough challenge/ diversity to keep me engaged with project, but with definite boundaries. Also factored in life/work balance so that I  can build a sustainable  practice.

Apart from starting this process with cardboard, glue and scissors, I have no idea how it will unfold, or what shape the end body of work will form. ... feelings of excitement, worry  and fear; a non- planned adventure into unknown.

1.    What do you want to explore? Be specific.                                                                       1. i) I would like to create non–thematic abstract, textured work using found or everyday materials.                                                                                            1. ii) I would also like to explore the difference between the original textured artworks and new artworks created using digitally enhanced versions of initial work. (I am interested in how we view most artworks today through the medium of photography.)

2.    What is your personal challenge?

2 .i) My first personal challenge is to create unplanned, abstract work without referencing research material eg, photographic ideas, sketches etc as I haven’t worked in this way before.

2. ii) The second challenge is to stay with this process and be consistent over the extended period of 12 weeks. Up till nowI have only worked for up to week on a project.

3.    What methods will you use? What rules will you set yourself?                                           
 3. i)  I will be in my studio (home) or alternative workspace eg. outside /utility room/ garage, by  9am, to start working no later than 9.30/10am and  will work till about 5pm, taking time out for appropriate coffee and lunch breaks.

3.ii)  I will do above 4 days each week.                                                                     3. iii)  One day a week I will not go in my studio and have a day off/out.                    3. iv)  I will spend up to an hour each working day at local sports centre class or out walking. (promise?!)

3. v)  I will not think about work before bed, so that I can switch off and sleep well.

3. vi)  I will think health and safety and use certain paints and varnishes outside etc..

4.  Plan an outline programme over 12 weeks; build in time for reflection and evaluation. 4. i) Just before or after lunch and after 4pm would be a good time to stop and reflect   and write up journal, or first thing in morning.

4. ii) I need to give myself permission to not plan/ think through my work too much but to have chance to play creatively and allow materials to have own momentum. Usually I think too much and plan my work.

4. iii) I want to work without an outline programme to let created work  naturally evolve.

4. iv) I will work with the assortment of materials I already have, unless I have a specific need to buy more (and not get distracted by shopping!!)

5.  What challenges do you anticipate?                                                                                    5.i) Frustration over time -boredom or not enough time.                                         5. ii) Feelings of not doing anything good or useful.                                                5.iii) Fear of not being a good artist... creating rubbish.                                            5.iv) Evasive action .... ie needing  to clean  bathroom.                                           5. v) Drying/storage of work, not tidying up                                                            5. vi) Eating/drinking too much, or not enough                                                        5. vii) Forgetting to move and breathe when concentrating.                                                                                                        5. viii) Not wanting to start/ stop on time

6. What will you do when you get stuck?                                                                                   6. i) Just stay with the process.                                                                                  6. ii) Swap from using materials to photography/digital and vice versa. Start a new piece.                                                                                                                         6. iii) Listen to music.                                                                                                                          6. iv) Allow 15 minutes reading novel.                                                                                           6. v)  Allow 15 minutes on Pinterest.                                                                                             6. vi) Allow 15 minutes in garden.                                                                                                  6. vii) Sing/dance/drum.                                                                                                                    6. viii) Eat chocolate/cake/fruit.                                                                                                       6. viii) Sleep.