Rachel Phillips Artist Residency Week 4
During the final week at the Artcore graduate residency I spent my time choosing images that I wanted to show alongside my installation piece. I wanted to choose images which demonstrate the versatility of the material and range of textures which can be created through working into the material. Therefore I chose to select 8 images which evidence this.
While looking at my images I also considered using some of the pictures I had taken of the shadows the material created; they produced interesting shapes and also demonstrated the translucency of the material which I was experimenting with in my large work. I chose to have 8 of these images printed on acetate because the image is then translucent and emphasises the translucency of the material in the images as well, so the prints mirror the original material more effectively.
The final part of the week involved the set up of the exhibition and the opening night. For me the set up is a major part of my work as the way the work is installed contributes to the final piece as it is site specific. I wanted to use the height of the space, the shape of rooms, the lights inside the space and the light filtering through the windows to create effects upon the material. By having the work hanging from the high ceiling it creates the sense of scale, however I also wanted it to hang just off the floor to allow
The more I research salt the more connections it seems to have with the human condition, culture and identity.
I wanted to use the residency as an opportunity to really consider the medium I work with. To explore its properties, to play with it, to learn about it, to understand its benefits and limitations. Playing with materials is such a vital part of my artistic process; it allows me to experiment and expand my thoughts, seeing the materials move, change and react allow me to visually transfer text-based research and ideas through symbolism. I will not adopt a masterly tone and bore you, rather allow me to take you on a visual journey
Both salt and water are essential and detrimental to our existence. The first part of this process was seeing what would happen to a chunk of Himalayan salt under a running tap within a few minutes the water created a hole within the salt. What was dry on the surface was now glistening and part translucent.
