Getting Making

I rushed - mildly panicked -trying to gather the 6 objects that would help me explain my project during my first ‘Getting Making’ session. As I slowed down, I realised I was already surrounded by the tinder of the project. Over years I have documented my inspiration, gathered objects that resonate, and collected materials that make sense and intrigue me. The workshop forced me to make a start with how I might begin to weave all this creative ‘baggage’ into the project I’m here to create.

Something I’ve struggled with in the past is jumping ahead to find a resolution, and feeling I need to know the answer for every stage before I reach it. Often I’ll become paralysed at that point, fearing that exploring the project and beginning to define it, might somehow diminish it or let down the concept in my head.

I found the short deadline here lead to instinctive decision making and this proved incredibly helpful for me. I’ve learned from this that when I’m feeling stuck, its really beneficial to trust in a process/ method, to give myself a time constraint, and to lean in and enjoy the exploration. A protocol I will take forward. .

Closed loop, meditative, playful balance, animated, ephemeral, connection and therapeutic.

I started with 12 words, and throughout the workshop I was able to narrow them down to the 7 above, realising many of the concepts fitted together and could be amalgamated. Although I was initially anxious about editing down for fear of not being able to communicate the breadth of my project, as I whittled the list down, I gained a lot of clarity about where I wanted to take the project.

Object 001

The first object is actually an observation. Ive become aware of sun light projected into my home during these months of isolation. I accidentally left a paint tray on my deck and as it filled with rain water I witnessed animated shadows from the sun form on my wall. For months I have been documenting these dancing animated projections, observing how they both distract and soothe me, connecting me to the natural world in motion outside.

Connecting to nature is known to ease anxiety and watching the light brought me peace. Water and light are in abundance even in an urban environments. Im intrigued by what design intervention might replicate the paint tray. Drawing calming light inside and connecting us to the outside at a time when our relationship to the outside has changed dramatically.

The second object is my bedroom mirror which is a design from Ikea from the late 90’s. It’s a design that lot of people dislike or find humorous, in fact there are a couple of articles discussing the mirror as a micro cultural phenomenon. I'm intrigued by it, as its really silly. I remember in the past thinking it was tacky, yet now I think its really beautiful. It made me think about how funny memory is, and how context can really affect the perception of a design object.

I am drawn to it for its organic, yet graphic shape. It maximal, minimalism. It is playful but also useful. It manipulates light and bounces my reflection back at me. I see myself. I see the space around the mirror. It wasn’t made to blend in. Many of these are aspirations I have for my own designs.

A colourful pile of paper salvaged from photographic colorama. I work in photographic industry and It can be very wasteful. As set designer I have the choice to use a whole rainbow of coloured backdrops, which creatively is fantastic. However at the end of the day they all go in the bin. Rarely they reach the recycling. A key concern of mine this year is to creating a material language and pallet which is closed loop, and uses non toxic and biodegradable and compostable materials. I’m interested in how waste from this industry, which I know inside out, can be utilised in my work going forward. Creating a connection between my own practice and the new.

A wooden puzzle game/ brain teaser. Although this is a toy, it sits on my shelf as an ornament. I like that it straddles between the two, and doesn’t look childish even though it is a game. I know I want to make things that are playful and engaging, I also appreciate that it is made of wood, a tactile, biodegradable material.

Soap Stone. This was left over from a photoshoot and I keep it on my desk as I love how it feels, its subtle jade colouring and its natural chalky feel. I wandered how could be used and learned it has been a sculpting medium for thousands of years, with inuits stone carving ornaments of animals and tools. Sources suggest it is easy to carve and ecofriendly choice, which id like to look into further.

Object 006 & 007

Gelatin and Agar Agar powder. I am keen to use home made, non toxic glues as binding in my project, as I want my material pallet to be non toxic and compostable and recyclable. Having already attempted a rice glue, I found a recipe for a waterproof glue from Gelatin. I don’t eat meat usually, so I was keen to also test agar agar, a type of seaweed which is touted as a cruelty, meatfree alternative.

Daata Art Fair