day 15

In search of finding some kind of resolution with my concepts in the environment surrounding me, i looked at streetscapes: a common ground associated with pollutant fumes. The gradual erosion of the iron in these lamposts were visually interesting and gave me a launchpad for further research. They demonstrated an almost organic growth and detachment from their industrial routes... ground for exploration.

















Advanced Higher Chemistry is finally of use... Wanted to start 'culturing' some of my own growth, realising potential in dormant materials. Salt solutions were grown, forming crytalline structures. This idea of generation of the crystals from their origin in the solution: regression and degradation of which demonstrating that i was now in charge of an equilibrium of forms.
























Been having some difficulty in focusing/concentrating on a particular avenue in my work to follow at the moment. Enjoyed experimanting with materials and conducting methodical trials to see the way in which natural Vs industrial materials interact. My work space is bordering on looking like a science lab at the moment... but i think there is some potential with some of the works i've been producing, although identifying them at this point is proving 'difficult'.

Writing down my thoughts and thus establishing a train of thought has always been my way of working out of a situation like the one im facing just now. So here goes:

"fragments of past decoration"
Felt this was a strong statement to help explain my focus. Im interested in the byproducts of degradation and thus generation of substances meeting. Fusion creates conflict and ultimate breakdown. Products of such meetings could include rust, debris, rocks, crystals, etc. These organic products correlate well with the fine equilibrium that meets and challenges all substances everyday. My initial interest in the meeting of nature's clouds with man's industrial pollutants in the air might seem distance but its precisely the fragility of such a situation that im trying to contextualise in my work.



"could the world end in disintegration and dispersal?"

A quote from the work of George Onwin:
"... in an illiimitable extensity and compromised of marine and other natural fragments, it transcends the contingency of experience to engage with the vast, ineluctable continuum of space and time."

I've looked at the work of Joseph Beuys in my Site-Place-Context project and revisiting his work has helped. I particulary appreciated his use of multiples to act as vehicles for communication of what they are, their origins; confirming their identity and thus justifying their presence?

My interpretations of his works deem them as studies of phenomena. The concept of an allotropy, a definition im familiar with from studying chemistry, fits here. Basically, the same formula yet takes several different forms. So could it be said that "material allotropy" is tension found between idea and solidity.

It is this tension that i wish to introduce or converse with in the dialogue of my work. Physical tension brings about texture reminiscent of disintegration and perhaps will lead to regeneration?













Everything is part of a process. Understanding, arguably, can be found in allocating its position relevant to other elements of the sequence it's part of. Is presented work the beginning of a sequence?











The point of crystallisation, denoting the reaction of materials, has particulary interested me. It has this "air of decay" and yet it speaks of this newness... the realisation of an unknown potential. The insubstantial has become substantial through my intervention. To me, this brings forward connotations of death and rebirth, transformation and loss.











Experiments have evolved using salt solutions. This seemingly ordinary substance brings connotations of wealth, fertilisation and perservation. Perservation is maintaining a delicate balance and is usually found in giving longevity to nature's products. Interesting to explore the visual response in storing/preserving objects not requiring this. What would metal, for example, to respond to in this situation? Does it degrade rather than maintain?




















So... points of interest to continue with:

1. visuals of destruction and regeneration
2. visuals of texture through these processes
3. the addition of substances to possibly affect new superficial textures?
4. chemical change
5. revealing of unchanged layers of a material superficially tarnished by change

Ultimately, im seeking to anlayse and scrutinise patterns of natural phenomena.