Getting to Know the Machine
From now until my week in the laboratory (we are now showing at the new site of The Malt Cross Gallery Nottingham 8th Nov- 2nd Dec) I will be persistently turning spindles. Hoping that through repetition that the act of making can become symbolic both for me personally and for the viewer (in retrospect of my activities).
I was naturally nervous to begin this process properly this week. Not an irrational fear considering I have bearly used a machine in my life and that the traditional craft is based on combining fast spining wood with sharp tools!
However I am suprised at how comfortable I am becoming with the machine. I am finding it intesesting to observe the speed at which physical changes occure to my body. Particulary at the moment i am noticing a felling of strength in my hands similar to how I feel when I have been carving at a sculture or working with a mold.
It may seem obvious that this would happen but its has stiil some how taken me by surprise. I think this may be due to an assumption that I am the one with control over the machine and very separate from it. Yet it is having a very definate effect on my physicality which would suggest that what is really happeing is more of a negotiated control between body and the machine.
