Proposal

For the past few years, and during stages 1 and 2 of this course I have been using my own experiences and emotions as themes to drive my own work, i.e. self-identity, femininity, sex, love, personal experience and vulnerable states. I thought these subjects were suitable because they have been relevant in my life and feel I can produce more personal work of relevance to other people.  As I continuously have opinions, emotions and experiences, I feel these themes will sustain me throughout the project.  I also want to push myself out of my comfort zone with this project.

So far, I have explored my ideas mainly through painting, drawing and photography. I now want to expand the range of media to include film, sound and installation. I feel this will make my work more interesting by adding new elements and greater depth, and revitalising my approach to the theme of my work, making it less likely that I will run out of ideas.

I think an installation will be challenging to produce because of the little time I have to do it in, so I may have to make some sacrifices in order to meet the deadline.

I found my starting point in Tracey Emin’s work; she gave me permission as a contemporary artist to explore themes that were extremely personal and essentially private. Frank Auerbach’s work suggested to me that art could be made out of the struggle with materials, but it was Louise Bourgeois who suggested a rationale for my work- “It is necessary to recreate the past, in order to get rid of it”- and possibly a format for my final project. Other artists who are relevant in my work include Hannah Perry, Rosa Barba, Christian Marclay and Bruce Nauman.

I intend to research my project by making drawings, paintings from observation, using myself and other models as a starting point. I also intend to visit galleries investigating  work relevant to my project.

I have already detailed some of the techniques, materials and processes I intend to use above. At this stage, I’m not sure what form my final piece will take, but, I envisage something that responds to the cell structures of Bourgeois. The 'cell'/installation will become one place I could put each memory and experience into, instead of allowing them to be scattered around in my mind.

My initial thought was to find a ready-made structure like a cage, but I am aware that it might be more appropriate to build a new structure, possibly out of salvaged components. I am anticipating a structure approximately two metres square. This would be manageable within the context of a group exhibition, particularly given that space will be at a premium.

I will evaluate my work by presenting it to tutors and my peers, and by taking on board their comments. I will use my blog as a way of reflecting on my thought processes in relation to my contextual research.