Merging Forms
2019-20, An Extended Study
Transient implications made stagnant.
Focusing on the transient interaction of water and human forms, this extended study consists of 7 sub studies and a formation of a end concept.
An Excerpt from the notebook “Merging Forms could suggest both a physical interpretation like interacting objects and more abstract interpretations with ideas of fantasm. I wanted to explore the interaction of not only physical entities or conceptual ideas individually but how those mediums themselves interconnect. I chose to specifically narrow down on the interference of humans with feelings and emotions of their own or of another person. This brought me to think of how some people are so detached to their own feelings but yet so attached to others’. I started exploring hands as the ‘human’ element of my artworks as they could represent this thought well; hands are like an extension of our expression and directly links to our sentiment and thoughts.”
ONE : “An Introduction”
An Excerpt from the notebook "I have created this piece as I wanted to explore the interaction between water and hands as I want to use it as a starting medium to then merge with other forms. I found that working with coloured pencils, graphite and charcoal gave me control with various aspects of the drawing. This work links to my Artist Influences as I have explored the interaction of hands with another medium. I would describe the line and tone of this drawing as soft, flowing, sombre and mellow. With creating this piece, it helped me being able to explore how water interacts with the skin and then could be used and applied when merging with other objects.”
TWO : “A continued start”
An Excerpt from the notebook “After initial ideas and starting to investigate mediums to ‘merge forms’, I wanted to explore closer and more intricate details of the hand to then use to develop towards a significant piece as this would be beneficial when doing sculptures to help add detail making it more realistic overall. When photographing, I made sure that the ink seeped in to the hand prints to then be able to create artworks with deep contrast as well as using a two light setup that highlights and exposes the hand properly. This will go on to be beneficial to create a more photorealistic sculpture and convey the message more prominently.”
THREE : “Three Dimensional Study”
An Excerpt from the notebook “I think a three dimensional study of both mediums that I am studying is crucial for an intimate understanding of perspective and light which will go on to inform my upcoming detail studies. I started with water studies; utilising semi-opaque cloth with plaster to create stagnant bodies of water. Leaving some white to study closely how light falls on flowing ‘water’; and some coloured with blue dye to be able to study shades of blue in relation to light. Some I finished without full coverage of plaster as when light is shined through, can also be used to study translucency in relation to light.
Wire mesh was used to form the shape of the fingers to ensure a strong attachment which then was used to cast the shape using gypsona forming the palm and wrists; then went in again with carving tools to carve out wrinkles and folds of the skin. I additionally tied this sculpture to studying themes of self control and physicality in relation to sentiment. Consequently, the wires replacing the forearm with wires trailing off are for me implying growing insensitivity as well as a disconnect to themselves or in a more optimistic reading of letting go.”
FOUR : Hand Gestures and Body Language
An Excerpt from the notebook “After exploring and understanding human forms in three dimensions, I have now decided to look further into connotations and depictions of emotions through hand gestures as well as body language as a whole. I studied hand gestures that would convey feelings of serenity as well as struggle and power and studied whole body poses that signify release and freedom. I particularly looked at lyrical, ballet and contemporary dance for studying body language as they are mediums of significant and heightened expression. This will go on to help me develop a piece of artwork where my intentions can be implemented in it through human forms.”
FIVE : “Portraiture and Expression”
An Excerpt from the notebook “When looking closer at portraiture, I decided to study closely different facial elements: eyes, nose, lips, ears and hair, also studying bone structure in the face by researching and looking at anatomy. Evidently shown by the piece on this board done with oil paints, looking closely at light and shades of skin as well as executing hair, eyelashes and eyebrows. The main piece I had produced for studying this was a watercolor painting looking at portraiture more holistically and making sure to capture and become familiar with an expression of serenity alongside being vague enough for the viewer to be able to imply their own interpretation; this was important to study as this is going to be the expression I would like to go forward with.”
SIX : Water and Light
An Excerpt from the notebook “The second component of my coursework to study water & light with the intention of merging this with human forms. i have done this through doing two detailed studies in charcoal/graphite and colored pencils. both these media allow for more intentional and precise work which suits my intention to study light, tone and color accurately. as my final portrayal includes cool toned water during daytime, consequently my pieces for this board will aswell: one being an inverted nighttime picture of light reflection and another splashed water in a pool during daytime.”
SEVEN : “Interactions”
An Excerpt from the notebook “When looking closer at portraiture, I decided to study closely different facial elements: eyes, nose, lips, ears and hair, also studying bone structure in the face by researching and looking at anatomy. Evidently shown by the piece on this board done with oil paints, looking closely at light and shades of skin as well as executing hair, eyelashes and eyebrows. The main piece I had produced for studying this was a watercolor painting looking at portraiture more holistically and making sure to capture and become familiar with an expression of serenity alongside being vague enough for the viewer to be able to imply their own interpretation; this was important to study as this is going to be the expression I would like to go forward with.”
