Days till Degree Show – 16
Had the last bits of work photographed for our portfolio today. The work all looks great it's just the statement that is hard work. It's difficult to not sound pretentious, self-depricating or plain stupid when trying to fit your work into the wider art-world. I know ours does have a niche, somewhere, it's just putting it in to writing. I worry that what we write won't give the work justice. It's all in our heads but getting it down on paper is another thing.
The necklaces are a new addition to our body of 'Whale' work – it's become a kind of logo for us. The necklaces were made using the laser-cutter and not only have a Tatty Devine (www.tattydevine.com) feel to them, were inspired by the work of collaboration Joanne Tatham and Tom O'Sullivan. We were lucky enough to hear them talk about their work at the Stanley Picker Gallery way back in 2007, but some of their concepts and imagery has continued to stay with me.
They have collaborated since 1995 making cartoon-style sculptures, objects and installations. The objects regularly resemble esoteric props from an avantgarde play and are designed to inhabit a range of scenarios activating their surroundings and cajoling the viewer into participating in an absurd kind of theatre.
The HEROIN KILLS motif runs throughout their work (see pictures) and too eventually progressed into a necklace. They have a show currently in Lyon (www.lasalledebains.net) I wish I could see it!
