Delhi Art Residency – Sanskriti Foundation

Since returning to the studio I have been casting some of the objects collected from my time in India as well as casting new forms found back in the UK.

India has the highest infant mortality rate in the world for children under the age of five, particularly amongst girls who have a lower status in Indian Society than their male counterparts. Infanticide and sex selective abortion account for an estimated half a million female terminations a year.

I want to use objects to contrast the statistical research I have collated, exploring the juxtaposition of beauty objects and their cultural, gender-based social issues.

I am particularly interested in using everyday objects, including ornate combs and intricate women’s hair ornaments.

I am currently using porcelain and experimenting with new materials such as glass. I am also interesting in using light and exploring how this might be used with these translucent materials for the production of a finished installation piece. Other elements for consideration for this project include the use of projected image, in particular still images or graphic text and how they can be used to layer the finished pieces of work.

Well I am in the studio after a chaotic and busy six months or so. I am based in Hereford for the duration of this production phase of the project under the AA2A scheme at the art college. I first did this scheme about three years ago after my MA, It gives artist access to facilities and also provides an opportunity for more interaction both with students and other artists on the scheme. I have started casting some of the hair ornaments that I brought back from India. I also want to explore some new materials over the coming weeks, both glass and porcelain. I am really interested in experimenting with translucent materials and incorporating other elements such as light and projected image with the finished work. I plan to go back to the Sanskriti Kendra in Autumn 2008 to exhibit the work.