The project seemed to be taking quite a dark turn as I explored memory and in effect loss. I decided to lighten the mood as I allowed my more serious thoughts to simmer in the background. This sample was an amalgamation of ideas.
Firstly, I switched to draping fabric as a dressmaker would clothe a human form:
I often find this course pushes me to try alternative materials so much, that I almost forget what I am actually good at: the manipulation of fabric. I really enjoyed this tactile experience, which led me to consider using knit once more.
I loved BBC 2’s Great Pottery Showdown, although I am not a big Johnny Vegas fan I was entertained by his ‘One Minute Teapot’ Challenge. I had no idea he was previously a ceramist, although given the nature of the pots he is most ‘famous’ for he has always been a bit of a joker!
The idea of the challenge was to create a functional teapot, with spout and handle etc. within a minute. For a ‘slow-burner’ like myself, this was intriguing. Then I remembered ‘Washing Machine Spoon’, I can work quickly!
It seemed too good to be true to discover amongst Erwin Wurm’s irreverent One Minute Sculptures, people stuffed into knitwear:
This is everything we tell children not to do with a jumper and more! It also breaks some of my rules about ‘Art’ needing to be careful and meticulous. I thought it would be a bit of fun to challenge my beliefs and combine all the ideas above into one sample.
CHALLENGE: Wrap a teapot, in knitting, within one minute. Just like the pottery challenge it still has to function……….READY, STEADY,GO!
The sample amuses me, I think because of the ideas behind it. The fact that a teapot should be wrapped in knitting just feels right because in effect it is merely a tea cosy!
I drew the ‘Tea Cosy’ in quite a traditional, realistic style to balance the humour of the idea itself. What I found interesting was that I soon realised I could not maintain the level of detail across the entire object without the drawing becoming confused. For this reason, I concentrated the detail in the ‘important’ areas, such as around the handle and spout allowing the drawing to become looser as it passes over the belly of the pot. Here the pattern of the stitches becomes almost cartoon like.
I think what I learned from this challenge was that my work can be intricate and meticulous but it doesn’t always have to be. Art can be serious but it doesn’t have to be either!
hummingbirdmixedmedia 