Vector Works

These images show the cuttings I have had done using the roater machine, for this I have had to use Vector Works to create the vector lines.  Due to the size of the boards I have I have had to create it in two sections, which will then be plated together.  This is shown in the first image, to do this I have used a plywood plate which is screwed to secure both sections together. 

Anish Kapoor - Flashback

When I am Pregnant, 1992, mirrored surface

Her Blood, 1998, mirrored surfaces

Turning the World Inside Out, 1995, mirrored glass

I recently visited Manchester Art Gallery and got the chance to see a selection of Anish Kapoor's work, something that I have wanted to do for a while.  I saw some of his pieces from Turning the World Inside Out in a book and was instantly attracted to the highly polished reflective surfaces.  I was even more amazed by his interactive sculptures when I was face to face with them.  His sculptures are characterised by his distinctive use of materials, sense of scale and an on going investigation into positive and negative space.

He uses mirrors as a tool to project the audiences image back on themselves, the highly polished surfaces become abstract forms that have optical effects and produce sensual and beguiling sculptures.  Looking into the surfaces the image projected back is distorted and changes its distortion as you move around the sculpture, forming more moments of optical confusion.  These sculptures hold a tight link to my work and the effect that they have on the audience.  I think it is the highly professional finish that each sculpture holds that sets them above the rest, Kapoor works very hard to eliminate any sign of the artists hand, making his work appear perfect and effortless. 

Her Blood, is a configuration of three large, separate concave mirrors.  Together in the room they form an interactive sculpture, all reflecting from one another and projecting noises around the room in distortion.  I enjoyed the connection you had to each mirror even if you were stood solely looking into just ones surface.  Your eyes find it hard to focus as multiple images form a single distorted frame.  Another, piece which plays with your vision is a piece where a ballbous shape protrudes from the wall in a fluent fashion.  It is only possibel to fully see the shape from the side as looking head on it blends into the background of the wall and distorts your vision.  I enjoy this interactive element which Kapoor brings into his sculptures.

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My Chemigrams

After seeing Pierre Cordier's work at the Shadow Catchers exhibition I was interested in experimenting with my own chemigrams.  The process involves the manipulation of the surface of photographic paper, where I have used a variety of substances.  Including; oil, nail varnish, salt, vinegar, alcohol etc, while also using developer and fixer at different times to usual.  These have all created varying effects on the paper, some causing variations in depth of shadow while other brings out an orange colour in the paper.  This orange colour also appeared alongside a purple hue when I placed a piece of photographic paper into a lake for a night under moonlight.  The substances in the lake have caused a reaction on the paper creating rather abstract images.  The chemigrams I have produced so far are all random and I have had little control over the effects that I have created.  Compared to Cordier who can be so exact with his manipulation of the papers surface, maybe this si something that comes with time and patience. 

Multiple Lenses

These unedited images show the results of my multiple lens tests. I have created a cardboard construction which works in the same way as my spiral construction will.  I have placed five lenses on the exterior wall and there is a large round screen on the interior wall.  I wanted to test what happened when you focussed multiple lenses onto one screen.  I was very pleased with the results that I got, I was able to see multiple images passing over each other and forming one large image of optical illusion.  The confusion was only added to when movement could be seen and people walked past the structure.  For my final piece I am to place about five lenses focussing onto each screen.  The screens will be of a similar size to my test version, which has a diameter of about 40 cm.  I have chosen to use circular screens as they link with all my pinhole work throughout the year, as I have a keen tendency to work with images in the round, but also with the shape of the pinholes themselves.

I intend to continue my work with me test model as I love the distorted images which they capture and I hope my final construction will be just as exciting.  One thing I do wish is that I could display my piece in an outside space, as my working practice has strong links to the natural environment, but maybe this si something for the future.