I have an idea for a digital game and it is just at the seed stage but after a few initial stumbling blocks and discussions with more than one technology wizard I am beginning to think it shows promise! It will emphasis the impact of extinction on the wider ecosystem but do it in a fun way maybe as a reactive board game. Perhaps I should focus on a continent South America or Africa.
Really keen to create a worthwhile digital experience for people who are unable to visit a physical exhibition. It could act as a legacy for EcologyNOW and it definitely has educational potential. I will be using the next eighteen months as a research phase learning more about coding, talking to experts, fine tuning ideas and reaching out to collaborators.
I have just come across the most fascinating animal; the Maned Wolf which is neither a fox or wolf despite appearance or name but a distinct species. It is so thin, you could be forgiven for missing it , if you were looking at it side on. At ninety centimetres high, from paw to shoulder it is nearly as tall as my mum! Unique to South America they are nearly extinct in Uruguay and considered vulnerable in Brazil.
So many decisions, for starters: do I go for an accordion, no staples, micro-mini or stack and strap format zine? Should I collage, use lettroset, carbon paper, black pen or a combination? Vegan printing ink or photocopy and what exactly is the best Eco option. How exactly will I ensure I make enough copies and how and where can I distribute them? So many questions whirling round my head, good job I’ll be meeting zine textile artist Saleena Daye at the end of the month to get guidance on how to move forwards. I have a clearer picture in my head of what the content will be having narrowed it down to two potential ideas so it is a case of wait, test some more and develop.
Had the most amazing four days in Stourbridge, feel so lucky that the International Glass Festival was in the Midlands and that I was able to attend. What a buzz! So many creatives in one place and everyone was so open and friendly. It feels great to have made connections with artists from other parts of the UK and abroad and I am certain we will all keep in touch.
Eunsuh Choi was a great teacher, I learned so much from her that I haven’t even begun to digest it all. From now on I’ll consider doing technical drawings as preparation for all my 3D work, it’ll help me to explain my ideas to fellow collaborators. “Slowly, gently” and “any progress is still progress” and “small mistakes are easier to fix” and best of all “I should channel my inner OCD!”
I am ridiculously happy about the fact I made my first glass marble! I have been going to the Ruskin Glass Centre in Stourbridge to grasp the basics of flame working sometimes called Lampworking. Rich Evans has been guiding me and he’s given me a few things to try out in my studio at home. I think I might be addicted to glass, it’s such a beautiful and versatile medium!
Roll on the Masterclass a whole four days of glass with instructor Eunsuh Choi. I am super excited to learn techniques that I now know would work for a couple of my sculptural ideas. It’s will be a great opportunity for networking too. Going to the Ruskin feels like being back at University with the workshop facilities and the buzz of a community of creative people.
