This post has been updated. For the update, scroll down.
I'm continuing to work with my theme of working at home. I've been successful at creating a process for myself that is based on how I feel. This time, I'm going to be working with some of my favourite items and comforts. These consist of a copy of my favourite toy dog, and yummy foods like chocolate pie, whip cream and icings. Since I love laying in bed, my surface this time will be pillowcases. This is an idea that I've been thinking about since my first project, but it was because of another student's work. Her work was wrapping little dog ornaments. When I saw how fun it looked, I knew somehow, and in some way, I would try this too.
I've formulated an idea and I feel good about my developing process, however I'm uncertain about how I'll display these for full effect. Should they be in bed, as expected? Should they be hanging on a wall, on a clothesline? How will they look together, or individually? Will they require anything extra in the display process that could cost extra?
My instructor suggests to detail the process, so I've created this website as a way for my work to remain after its washed away. Which is another aspect of this print - the washing process. How should I document that? Could it become part of the project's final works?
And what will become of the matrix - my toy dog? Could he also become part of the final project? How?
Finally, considering costs associated with this project are nearly $70 already, can I really afford to purchase endless pillows too?! These are all important questions in art. Since the pillowcases will ultimately have to be washed, good documentation is also important.
Update
I had no idea how difficult this project would be for me to start. Not only was I navigating a week of semi-freedom, I was also having to move my everything to the upstairs unit. It was a ton of work. But this was only one aspect of what was throwing me off. The other is confronting the emotions associated with this kind of print making. It's difficult. I'm navigating my personal life and trying to create amidst what is at times, a complete panic attack. I wouldn't necessarily suggest it, but then again perhaps I would - it was at times impossible to not be distracted from the feelings of anxiety by the smells of icing and cake.
When I make things that involve such a personal emotion I like to get as close as possible to that feeling without risking my mental health. In this case I used an object to cover my dog that was used by my mother to physically abuse me. It was difficult to touch and dirty my dog in this way as toys have always been my comfort. But the icing tasted good, and I realized that I was using a tool that had caused so me much pain in an enjoyable and more logical, useful way. I used her process of anger in my process of comfort, and I felt really strong in that moment.
Another difficulty in this project was equipment. I needed it. Specifically, an iron - I could not even start it without an iron, and I knew I'd need it throughout the entire process, even after the print was made. A friend promised one and I was so excited - but she didn't come through and I was left for a long walk to Dartmouth Crossing Wal-Mart for an iron and board. Them's the breaks in art school!
Through these tests I decided to go with a cross between bundle and butcher wraps to create my prints. I also realized colour would be really important for this work's interpretation to create a sense of feeling, and so my food colouring experiments began, fairly straight forward colour mixing with expected results. This was a backup decision I made after my very first set of test prints. Although I'd hoped to use earthy tones to create a grounded mood, it didn't translate this way at all and so I made the decision to add colour to the prints.
My process involved painting, (at times mid panic attack) wrapping and cuddling the dog until my anxiety subsided. I noticed during this process that my anxiety was both not as intense nor as long as the smell of icing and cake directed my senses to them.
Anyway here is my final works:
You may be wondering about the little dog? He has his own story to tell.
Check out this link of the little guy returning back to his normal state after a full month in the fridge! https://youtu.be/9PlaHo-CuvQ
You'll also find a couple of videos of my process on the main page.
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