Assemblage forms

We started by gathering random objects and then kneading some clay so it became malleable. Once we had rolled it out and created a flat smooth surface I arranged the objects I had chosen on the clay and then pressed them in to make an impression. Then I made a ‘wall’ of clay around the edge to form a mold into which I could pour the plaster. I learnt that it’s important to construct the walls of the mold carefully as I found it quite hard making them entirely watertight and once the walls start collapsing it’s extremely hard to save the plaster cast if it’s unset.

I also started to see that by gathering ‘random’ objects and placing them together immediately gives them a contact in relation to each other. I wonder also if one’s unconscious has influence on the items you pick and how you place them? I think it almost certainly does as placing items together and creating a ‘story’ has to be led in some part by one’s own experience.

Choosing plastic figures of men and women gives a context to the other objects. The gun could be interpreted as a symbol of wanting to blow it all up. To end something. The lock symbolises being locked in; trapped. The Hammer head could symbolise smashing through the silence. The two figures are purposely placed not fully impressed in the clay, with the intention for the final plaster cast to show them as disappearing; partly hidden. I feel together these objects portray the claustrophobia of being stuck at a place in your life and the feeling of being invisible to others and even oneself.

Disappearing. Becoming invisible is a human fear and something that we all experience at some point especially as one gets older in a youth focussed society.

Plaster casts of found objects

Alginate molds

I learnt that although not an exact science, it is important to be aware of measurements, mixing and setting times.

This is a figure that is trapped in alginate. It was impossible to pull out and I photographed it once I’d taken off the outer plastic cup mold. I felt that as it was, it was in the same theme as the plaster casts of being trapped.

Finding objects outside

Noticing how things are asssembled

I noticed that how things are assembled can draw the viewer in and create an atmosphere.

Transforming an object’s meaning: Art…… or shit?

Taking an object and transforming its meaning. I collected horse manure from outside the stables in Hyde Park. I brought it home and placed it on a plinth and lit it as if it were a sculpture in a gallery.

It’s a pile of shit….. but it’s beautifully lit

I’d like to do this again with more time so I can collect more and better looking poop (!) and make sure it really is lit beautifully and the backdrop is properly ironed. I would also mist-spray the poop with water so it glistens. I think a larger pile would work better but overall I am very happy with this.