Understanding The Movement Of Water : INK

I have chosen to refine my project by looking at water, how it moves, the ripples and waves. By studying these aspects i hope to be inspired to produce a piece which has been influenced by these movements, portraying the elegance and beauty. Using ink i hope to better my understanding of the repeated patterns in water. 

Study 1: Here placed a splash of ink on a piece of paper, followed by droplets of water to see how they merged together. I also experimented with adding the ink after rather then the water.

< Ink first, Water second

                    

                  > Water first, Ink second

Although i managed to obtain a few images which revealed a pattern, presenting the movement of water, often the ink and water soaked into the page preventing a clear outcome.

Study 2: I decided to add droplets of ink to a cup of water to see how they merged together and the water moves when swirled and shaken. By doing so this eliminated the possibility of the water soaking up.

When I shook the water after dropping the ink, it dispersed to the sides slowly. The outcome appears wispy and intricate. 

When I swirled the water, the ink spiralled to the bottom in a circular motion.

When the water was left still the ink sunk to the bottom gently, however, when it hit the bottom it begin to move upwards again, filling the water with the black colour. I love how this outcome produces the feel of growing up towards the top rather then sinking, which is expected.

Repeated Patterns : ORGANIC

I have chosen to study repeat in the form of nature, exploring how organic substances naturally grow in patterns and the shapes they produce. To aid my research I took a stroll around the Winter Gardens in Sheffield, home to over 150 different types of plants from around the world; what a perfect place to admire unusual plants and record the repeated patterns which have been formed.

TREES:

 After looking at the bark of different trees, I soon discovered the number of differences, ranging from a woven texture which appears soft and fragile as it peels away, to a structured style where there are simple patterns imprinted into the actual bark. I particularly like the pattern presented in the first image. It has a very unique aspect with separate strands peeling away, overlapping and intertwining. Reminds me of the techniques I was taught in Richard Sweeney's workshops.

FLOWERS:

 

 I was fascinated to learn the great lack of similarities of repeat forms in flowers. Naturally the association is based on a steam and petal structure, however, delving in further to understand how each petal has grown, how many flowers on one steam, the final shape of the flower and how the centre of the flower has been formed; I soon discovered these presumptions were very wrong.

LEAVES & GRASS:

 

When studying repeated patterns in leaves and grass, I chose to not only look at how they are formed individually but also together. I looked at how patterns on imprinted on the leaves and how they perhaps curved, looking at how the edges presented a form of repeated. I also studied how they naturally grow together, which direction they grow, what shapes they form and how they intertwine together.

During my wander through the Winter Gardens, I came across a small fountain which captured my eye. I was intrigued by how the water moved in different ways along it journey from the top of the fountain back into the pool of water at the bottom. The forms of the water are very structured and accurate as it is ejected from the fountain, however, when it hits the pool is very uncontrolled, producing ripples which fade away gradually the further away the water moves from the fountain. Due to this interested I have decided to research further into water movement, looking at different forms of water, and different patterns which can be produced.

Zim & Zou

After researching further into the concept of manipulating paper, I discovered the interesting work done by Lucie Thomas and Thibault Zimmermann. Both are freelance graphic designers who work together under the name Zim&Zou. The style of their work differs greatly from that of Richard Sweeney, often using coloured paper rather then white. I love how delicate each piece looks and I am inspired as to how it was produced. I am particularly fond of the designs used to create a new food menu for a lobster restaurant. 

Another sculpture they created which I found a fondness towards is "Inside The Cloud". I love how layers have been presented by suspended each form. The use of refreshing and bright colours represents a pleasant summers day, bringing a positive view towards the piece, combined with the delicate cursive lettering which is often incorporated in their work.

Workshop: One

First attempt:
Ok, so it looks a little bit like a screwed up piece of paper, but the concept was folding edges into the centre. Although the desired outcome wasn't achieved I feel the finished result has a unique appeal towards it. A sense of structure, which is uncontrolled.

Second attempt:
Getting there! Here I experimented with the method of scoring to create a structured curve mixed together with a very uncontrolled curve from the bending. I really like how the photograph has captured this sculpture, using the light to bounce of the curved surfaces and shadow the straight edges.

Third attempt:
I used the idea of folding edges into the centre again, using simple tabs to keep them in place. Developing the idea, I also incorporated layers, folding on top of each other. I think the sculpture presents the appearance of waves, repeating the motions of water.

Fourth attempt:
I really like this manipulation, the lighting, in my opinion has captured the desired aspects. The photograph has managed to emphasise the bottom curve and highlight the twists and overlapping of each strand. I chose to follow the theme of overlapping the pieces, drawing them into a central point. Again i believe it shows the quality of waves. I am impressed with how a simple technique can produce something so delicate.

The Favourite:
I carried on with the experimenting of overlapping, following the same structure as the previous manipulation, however, changing the qualities. I decided to use smaller strands and several more. The way each strand overlapped was not as structured and neat as the previous sculpture, however, twisted in opposing directions, intertwining around each other. I really like how tab which was hidden on the thicker strands is now showing and presenting a unique affect. this concept is also captured within the photograph via the lightening, providing shadow to emphasise the layers

Richard Sweeney

28th January, I was given a workshop session, which Richard Sweeney lead. He introduced the idea of paper manipulation, using a single sheet of paper to create sculptures only using simple techniques and methods, which strayed away from cutting away pieces and applying any forms of adhesive. I found this session interesting, encouraging me to think creatively uncontrolled. The processes were random and more often then not produced intriguing three dimensional forms. With PLENTY of practise hopefully my sculptures will be as inspiring and delicate as Richard Sweeney's!