A group of internet artists from all over the place who have decided to give each other a challenge every few weeks, on a theme chosen by each in turn. We have different ideas and styles, but share a love of textiles, and want to have some fun.


Wednesday 10 August 2011

Well...


I still don't have much in the way of energy, but I've been thinking about this challenge, both in general and particular. In general, I wondered how to approach it, and finally decided that I would take it as it comes, but wherever possible, I would use the challenges to work within my existing themes. I think that it will encourage me to go further than I would otherwise go, and would give me a set of works that fits in with the body of work I would be making if I wasn't so damn tired...

So... I then wondered about the specific challenge. The first thought was to find a shadow and express it somehow... look for the shadow of a door, or a set of shelves, or a window, and explore the colour and patterning around it. That didn't really go anywhere, as I didn't find any likely shadows... there were plenty around in the house in Strathpeffer, but this house is not so interesting for that kind of thing. Then, I found myself thinking about work projecting shadows; working with silk organza in grey and white, structured to cast shadows on itself, and on the wall. Might still do that, but it has been done before, and by better artists than me. Which isn't really a good reason for not doing it, but...

Then, this afternoon, I was looking for a particular image for a different purpose entirely, and came across this one. It's part of the ongoing work I'm doing for the 'Outside In' series, exploring depression, and how easy it would be for people to recognise people with mental health issues if they showed what they felt, inside, on the outside, instead. I think this will fit in nicely with the challenge theme, and at the same time, contribute to the development of the series. Or, not using artist speak, give me the kick up the bum I need to get on with this work. All comments welcome.


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's early days for the blog and we're all feeling our way. I'm hoping that we can all takes small leaps and see where we land. The challanges are exactly what you want them to be. Some folk enjoy the journey, starting in one place and follwing it through to somewhere completely different, and may end up with something small and puzzling (like me!) Or it may just be part of a bigger process in thinking; a stopping off stage on the way through.

Thank you for trying especially when you don't feel 100%. I hope your energy levels return soon. Emotional response is something hard to put into work, but it makes art very special if you can, so good luck and let it all out!

A xx

artmixter said...

my art is all about emotion... I don't know any other way to work, really. Thanks, Annabel, just glad someone's out there ;-)))