I think using the wall is well suited to the subject of my work, because it’s about confronting the fears and worries that play on my mind and a wall this size, there is no escaping or hiding! As my recent work has been very colourful, it had to be big, to accommodate the ferocity of the substance, which is fluorescent spray paint. (Plus cans are meant for the wall, I love looking at all the graffiti that has mysteriously been placed around town and wondering about the story behind it).
I am quite daunted by the space at the moment, I always find it hard to start a blank canvas and I’ve never made any work as big as this. Of course, I am excited too, to see if my plans for the wall work well.
This is my space.
Day 1
I have cleared out the space to start on the far, left-hand side of the wall and work my way to the right. I then laid down a ground sheet and got all my cans together and chosen objects ready to paint, but before I started painting the wall, I decided that I would use three colours: pink, blue and orange, because I liked these colours when I used them together on some wallpaper.
I first of all sprayed over some string, however I found it a challenge to hold the string in place for it to be able to flow and I was unable to get the clear trace that I wanted. My first idea was to double over some tape but, as you can see from above where the string has been held at certain points stands out really well and the rest not as much. I like these bright colours at the moment, so all I need to think about is how to hold the objects in place when painting, as holding some pieces with one hand has been quite awkward.
For my first attempt at the wall, I am not overall happy with the result and I have decided to paint over it, because I think the blue clashes and taint’s the other colours. I also think having the clear masking tape lines in random spots would not look good unless, I split the wall into sections which I thought about but I do not want my work turning into a cubist style. I have decided to use yellow instead of blue; placing all the warm colours together. By this point I had run out of spray paint so I went and bought more cans ready to start a fresh the next day.
Day 2
I was now all ready to start again and after finding it hard to keep the string temporarily pinned to the wall. (I had tried blu-tack, tape and glue stick) I was then told about spray mount which might help, and be able to readjust in different positions, so I got some when I went to get more paint and found that it works well enough for me to spray over the string and leave visible traces when removed. For the bigger objects I have, had to just cover one hand with a glove and hold them in place. Today I am feeling more positive and have made a good start in the right direction. I am pleased with the colours but I am worried about the consistency of my work across the wall as I am painting over several days.
Day 3
At the end of day 3, I have painted across 2 and a half boards out of 6 so far. I have not been able to paint the top of the wall because I have been unable to find steps or a ladder. However, I was told that it looks good without the need to be completely painted because it will become over bearing, especially as the colours are already bright. With that in mind and the difficulty of finding the right equipment, I have decided to not paint all the way to the top and see how it looks when I have finished and then if I don’t like it, I can fill in the gaps.
Day 4
This is all I managed to get done today because I had run out of spray paint again and spray mount. I also feel that my work has too many of the same items now so I will be spending the rest of the day finding a few more things to use to keep the work interesting.
Day 5
Seeing how much I had already painted, I was sure I was going to finish by today but unfortunately, I did not by the time the studio had to be closed. At this point in the painting I like how the top has ended so I will not be finishing it.
Day 6
I only had this much wall left to paint so I was determined to finish it early in the morning. After a little while, I had used another can of spray mount so I decided to not use objects towards the end. This shows how things can be conjured up out of nowhere.
This many cans later….
I have finally completed the wall and eventually after some debating came up with a suitable title for my final piece; Fluorescent Adolescent because it is at this stage where you become more aware of your surroundings. You are transforming from a child to an adult and after leaving education, you have to decide what you want to do. You are faced with all these big decisions that you are not prepared for; all the responsibilities you suddenly gain without instructions (needing to know how to pay the bills, do taxes which you are not taught at school, but at least you learnt algebra and the ins and outs of a plant!) and obviously the fluorescent colours; a giant warning sign!
My work has repetitive elements because I am always double checking that the doors are locked, the oven is off or checking I still have my purse and keys (like a responsible adult) It has now become a ritual, even though I know I just locked the door, I panic just in case I haven’t done it properly this time.
The wall has become a tangled web of numerous objects, attached with fears and worries; using these items as a way of revealing mental clutter and exorcising this. The objects were once of use and now they have been hanging around the house for some time, like useless information which thoughts do mentally.
I have used spray paint to express this subject instead of using a paint brush, because I bottle things up and then combust. With a brush there is a certain level of control and delicateness about it, whereas spray paint just flies at the surface (you don’t have as much control like you don’t with your emotions).
I am happy with my final piece and the colours really hit you when you see them. I like that there is a lot to look at and you need to go close to inspect the different elements however, I would have liked to of had the string match up instead of separate piles.
After the degree show, I am going to have to paint it white again, my work will become hidden like thoughts and something new will eventually replace it – more traces are going to be left by other people.
