After the Proof of Concept exhibition was installed, as per usual, I wished for more time before the bump in. In a perfect world this extra time would allow for more making (not procrastinating), but also more time and space to think about the artwork installation. I would have loved to push the display of the work a little further, moving beyond the white plinth. I do believe that the Wanderings collection of work were a great proof of concept, in the making inspired by particular places. I believe the collection is a wonderful base to build upon. I am so excited to push these ideas further in 2024 with the help of the Handshake project.
The collection of work on display at Proof of Concept is only a small portion of what I made in the lead up. There were many, many experiments, tests and trials. For this particular collection there were also hundreds of images taken on the explorations, as well as sketches and notes on what I experienced. For the next iteration I would love to somehow incorporate my images and sketches. They are integral to my exploration of the idea of place. I believe they would have helped anchor the work back to the areas and objects that inspired the artworks.
In the future, utilising the process I developed with the Wanderings collection, I would love to explore non-metal materials. These materials would need have a deep connection to the place they represent. My ultimate goal would be to create some pieces or objects on the explorations onsite, from the materials found there. This is in full realisation that the muse does not always descend when it is required. In saying that, I would like to give myself the best opportunity to make if inspiration hits.
Some lesson learnt for future explorations:
- The two-part silicone takes longer than I think to cure in the NZ cool weather. The collection of textures needs some time. Sometimes this means leaving it onsite overnight.
- Hiking and slow explorations to no always go hand in hand. The slow visit where I spend a couple of days in a place seems more conducive to documentation and reflection of a place. I can slow my pace and don’t feel the time crunch of having to “find things” on a walk.
- When I am time bound to the tide it is hard to relax and sketch whilst I watch the waves creeping closer. Time pressure seems to be a sure fire way to creative block.
- Exploring with active observation, as well as collecting, are a different mode in the brain than the making space.
- The dog is great company on explorations, but does divide my concentration. Her nose and paws often feature in my photographic documentations as she wants to “help” when I am concentrating on something.
