University Campus Suffolk, Ipswich

Picture i found online. I quite like the faceless nature of the image.

Reflection on last few posts.

After looking back at what i have done in the last couples weeks and reading through my posts again, i have noticed something that i had not before. My step sister Lorna’s discussions about my work have suddenly interested me. In particular when she said, ”….able to show what an incredible yet horrific difference there is between the lives of these two animals. The loved pet and the lonely, scared test lad animal.”

I wanted to highlight when she said ”the lives of these two animals”. It has provoked my mind because Lorna calls me an animal from watching my video, NOT a human. That speaks volumes to me. I didnt even think of that being an outcome but now i see it makes sense. I put myself into a situation of vulnerability and entrapment with the context of an animal testing lab. This has therefore changed who i am. My identity as a human has been lost through my video, I am no longer seen as human, i have become name less animal.

Fascinating!

I did an extra video with Lorna of Lorna while she was tidying up the wool. I really like the distruction of the wool when pulled from the walls. Concurrently i like how the way Lorna does the actions, changes the atmosphere in the room. It was almost like a cleansing of the room to remove the feelings we had felt throughtout the filming process.

Video of Lorna while tidying the room up.

I am just going to load some images of George taken after the filming had finished today. I like how he is totally relaxed in the environment doing his own thing. His own thing which involves the usual chewing of a bone and getting himself tangled inside things. I also like how George is completely relaxed and unaware to the feelings i have for the space and its contents. I feel uncomfortable while he is totally at home.

Today along with my step sister Lorna we filmed the next part of my video piece. This involved my beagle, George, roaming around the room freely while i was restrained in wool and bandages. It was interesting for me to watch it back as it was like two worlds colliding or two stories playing at once. One of abuse and fear and one about fun and freedom. Definetly an interesting mix of scenes and emotions that i did not expect after yesterdays recording session. I expected to feel the same emotions of sadness but i didnt. Todays video was all nicey nicey in my eyes because George has a presence of value and love in the video that i do not in my vulnerable state. very interesting and thought provoking for me.

Again today i asked Lorna to write down her thoughts and feelings for todays recording session as i expected her reaction to be different just as mine was.

She said; ”Watching this fim recording made me feel quite upset i could see how happy and calm George was yet it could have been him tied up with a mask on and knowing that in a few moments any other dog be experiencing their last few breaths. It was also quite distressing to watch knowing that this does really happen. It was quite uncomforting to see this because you know that it actually does happen. The film went well in contrast to the previous one and was able to show what an incredible yet horrific difference there is between the lives of these two animals. The loved pet and the lonely, scared test lad animal.”

I suppose that is the beauty of owning a pet. They do not fully understand the actions and emotions of their human masters. Also luckily in this case for George, he is oblivious to the cruel reality of the animal testing world as he has never had to experience it and he never will. He is just a ‘happy go lucky’ pooch!