Life drawing of me where I have coloured in particular blocks of shapes.
Abstract shapes taken from left hand image
Jesmonite shapes
I used etched brass samples from a previous module – another way to re-use something that had been left on a shelf of the bottom of a bag – for the connecting plates that would make the shapes into a ring or pendant or brooch.
My 3 shapes created in copper with brass tubes and internal copper wall embellishments.
Jesmonite
The whole point for using Jesmonite is that it is considered a ‘hobbyist’ material and not a ‘craft’ material. It is looked down on, the pieces of ceramic are from a bowl that I had that broke and instead of throwing it in the bin I put a lot of it in these wearable sculptures. Also adding in some tumble dryer fluff.
Through the materiality of my work, I want to remind the viewer that despite feeling discarded or overlooked we are still beautiful and valuable. Discarded materials are given new purpose, value and significance. Redemption is a very important part of my life and has understood more recently that it is the underpinning theme in my work. The wearable sculptures are a tacit reminder that we are stronger and more precious than we feel.
This is a photo of one of the large sculptures I have designed. The steel work was outsourced to James Smith owner of Goliath Speed Equip. I then spray painted the steel with black matt Rust-oleum paint and filled it with Jesmonite after placing the ‘ruin’ of bits and pieces from old brass samples to tumble dyer lint. The glass tube is also caught at the bottom in Jesmonite to anchor it in for strength to be able to hold stems of foliage.