Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Image Transfer experiments

Paper Stencil Tile #1


Paper Stencil Tile#2

Paper Stencil Tile #3

Paper Stencils on Clay Tiles

Paper stencil on clay (detail)






 I have been exploring different ways of image transfer onto a clay surface. I have been using paper stencils that I cut out from my drawings. So far these work well for a basic shape but not for detail work, plus cutting the paper is very tedious and time consuming. I have found that Tyvek paper is better  than newsprint because you can reuse the stencil multiple times. I am researching screen printing on clay this should let me put in more detail. I have done plenty of lino/wood cut and etching but very little screen printing. In fact my only experience was in 7th grade when I made my own note paper (lines and all) now that was something to see!  I wonder if I still have any,  maybe I could use it to write this residency summary that I am procrastinating on? hmmmm....

Monday, July 16, 2012

Shirts!

First two forms

Form inspired by my father's Naval service
Warrior form

The four "shirts" together

During a bit of cleaning I found a box of old clothing patterns that I've collected from the 1970's and 80's. I have wanted to incorporate these into my work for a while but had not found a way until now.  I chose to work with a child's shirt pattern from a 1970's outfit.  I made a scaled down version of the pattern to create a simple shirt form. I then added details such as collars, pockets, buttons, military service ribbons, rank insignia and armor. I wanted to give each one it's own personality and animation to the form. So far I'm up to four "shirts" and plan to keep going, eventually making some life size ones. These images are of the unfired, unglazed pieces. I am still working on how to finish them, if I want to glaze them or paint them or what but I'm not worried I'm sure it'll come to me. I plan to explore other patterns and forms such as jumpers, dresses, blouses and pants and see where it leads. This is not what I had planned from my first project after returning from the residency but I am just going to go with it!

Monday, July 9, 2012

AIB June 2012 Residency

Wall Drawing, Encaustic Monoprints, "39"


Having just returned from my last residency I am trying to digest all the feedback on my work and ideas as well as develop a plan on how to move forward this semester. I feel that I am finally moving in the right direction with my work.  The decision to return to clay is a large part of this. I am so glad that I took the advice of my previous advisor and moved out of my comfort zone by experimenting with materials I was unfamiliar with. Because of this I am now able to bring a whole new perspective to my ceramic work and I can not wait to see where this all leads!