Creation Through Destruction

I've been asked to submit a proposal for an exhibition held by the Student Curatorial Team at college. I'm really flattered but equally pretty nervous about it all. My proposal for this semester (with a few tweaks...) fits very nicely into what we're being asked to do. Some pics;

I've done a tonne of research so far this semester and think its perhaps time I got on with a bit more practical work. I'm looking into the idea of creation through destruction, as a way of mimicking dementia. I've been rusting etching plates and burying prints, but have a lot of other things I want to do to my prints/plates aswell. I'm only using natural elements to destroy my work as dementia is a 'natural' process. Look up Gustav Metzger, if you dont already know his work. It's really interesting.

I'm starting to realise how much the lectures we receive this year are feeding into my practical work.

Semester One.

Im really reluctant to post this as I've moved on from last semester, but as promised;



The Images measured 15 x 15 inches, the paper 16 x 20, using a Zenith 80 medium format SLR, on Ilford HP5+.

I was looking at my Grans' body as an object; in the sense that her dementia means she is leaving her body behind. The process of producing the photographs in the dark room were reflective of caring for my Gran; its time consuming and laborious. I was really pleased with first semester and my grades, so lets hope that continues.

I'll update with what I'm doing this semester shortly.

First Semester.

First semester is finished, I can't beleive how fast it went. I got my grade back for all my work, and I'm very pleased.

I looked at my Grandmother a lot this semester, as she is dying and suffers from dementia. Our third breif was 'Objects of Desire', so I looked at her body as an object that she is leaving behind through her dementia and through the process of dying. My final outcome consisted of 3 16x20 inch black and white dark room prints, and another peice containing a collection of colour photographs. They all contained a mixture of portraits and the traces she leaves behind in her home.

My studio space, dont know if you can see much, but its a collection of research and development. Better photos soon, promise;


Now we have to write our own brief, which is exciting. I'll be working on it over the Christmas holidays, so I'll keep this up to date with ideas.

Hopefully the new year will bring better luck than 2010.

Cyanotype

I made some cyanotype prints this week;

The images above were taken with my Ensign Selfix 420, on 120 film that used to belong to my Grandfather. I found it in my attic earlier on in the year. I never met him so it means a lot to me. The above image was taken in my bathroom, and the lower one of the window sill in my parents house - it didnt work so well as the negative was too dark.

Some more prints, 120 film from my holga;

The above three images were taken at Armchair Books in Edinburgh.