Sunday 28 June 2009

Potted sketchbook

the above and following images are from my sketchbook. i have become interested in the 'detail' of graffiti such as the shape of brush strokes, marker pens, drips and layers visible through these marks. and have been trying to see the unusual and quirky such as the dorset buttons above influenced by the rivets in the door (above left).the white brush stroke is painted on acetate over torn tissue and watercolour wash.
i love lace, and a number of years ago i learnt how to make bobbin lace, although i no longer make it i am still very influenced by and involved in lace on a daily basis! seeing the many graffiti tags out there i was drawn to how 'lace like' the structures are. above i have used a tag and repeated its image and cut-out a paper overlay.
still with the lace cut-out this image above is a graphite rubbing on handmade paper (its amazing what you can do with old xmas cards) made over a thicker cut-out/stencil. the voids to the right were stencilled and shadows added to give a 3d effect.
again using the same 'lace' image i layered various papers,stitched and then cut back to reveal lower layers.
getting into layers i worked 5 pages as a series. based on the first image in this post i took the brushstroke theme and worked downwards and staggered the layers to reveal edges.
the final layer, sequins was based on the flat surfaces produced by spray paint and how it can dazzle. some years ago ron arad chose various artworks to exhibit at the V&A one of which was a life size kitchen by liza lous completely covered in bugle beads, cereal, pots and pans kitchen sink, the works. it was amazing! perhaps i could do a whole wall in sequins!
i have also been working with arrows and again layering to catch glimpses below. above burnt out arrows.
finally, more layering but with stitch imitating 'tongue and groove' wood panelling. going back to lace, last year brugge put on a city wide exhibition called 'the face of lace' concentrating on artists/craftspeople who use the influence and structure of lace to create new, modern works such as wire fences, wallpaper, chairs, lighting etc.

1 comment:

  1. Hi 'Max'
    I have enjoyed looking at your blog especially the laser graffiti link and then going on to seeing your ideas. I live in Lancashire and don't think I'd travel to Devon for woolfest. I was only there as a visitor and had the good fortune to have some og my brooches on the IFA stand.
    (By the way, if you add your e mail to your profile people can click 'reply' to your comments. You are a 'no reply' at the moment.)

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