This week I worked steadily on new abstract, worry doll/bricolage-type objects to cast, produced another mould of an existing object made drawings to aide these processes. It is a sometimes slow process and lessons are learned by making – for example, a shiny surface produces a see-through object when using a transparent casting medium, or that – after carefully working on many different objects – I prefer those that are more abstract, almost insect-like in their form, rather than those with a recognisable human body-plan.
As discussed in the last post, these firstborn works will be placed on small metal objects that resemble beds. I want them to appear resting, but also in an anxious position of facing the viewer directly. Non-production, convalescence and even wallowing are crucial to an art practice, but at the same time very unproductive, in a conventional sense. These non-activities are also usually hidden. The consideration of these things feels slightly contradictory as the grant has meant my studio activity is now so much more about technique and producing things.
I am very aware of the grant period drawing to a close, but also the need to set myself up to continue working in the new year. Up next: another resin pour, and miniature bedclothes.
