This Friday 7 June is our Private View event marking the end of the four week residency; meaning packed days ahead to make the final work. Having been away for a week makes me look refreshed at the space and its implications. There is a lot of progress in the work of other resident artists around. As I have been investigating ‘distorted’, ‘cutting corners’ and ‘efficiency’ I revisit my sketches, mock ups and material selection. I printed some images of the space and started drawing a series of potential pieces.
I identified a set of pieces which I plan to make out of veneered furniture boards. Leaving the sawn edges raw is a decision on purpose; no covering up rather showing its economy. Generally, the boards will be flat and turning up or sideways where they are confronted with a corner, or seemingly folded along an edge to continue onto the next wall, yet in a different direction. All should be self-supportive as no nailing or drilling is allowed in the space. Again, the reference to supporting structures comes up. Utilising material that is inherent to the space as well as recognised as fairly average and affordable is important for the work to function.
Reading about decision making and routine I got interested in the term of ‘false dilemma’. It is a type of informal illusion in a situation in which limited alternatives are considered, when in fact there is at least one additional option. How true is this for many decision-making moments! It can arise intentionally, for example when used in an attempt to force a choice yet also happens accidental.
Again, we arranged a group crit to discuss both state of work and preparation for our Friday finale. Resident artist Robin Gardiner felt highly inspired by having access to working in this large space. My ‘viewing platforms’ were discussed as ‘watch towers’ manifesting control and being controlled. Generally, everyone is very positive about this opportunity and the impact on making work in a different context. In fact, working alongside in the same space triggers a multitude of outcomes and possibilities as parallel responses to this large office space. Reflecting critically as a collaborative process is very helpful and reassuring.
