BA (Hons) Ceramics 2004 |
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Alice Forward Tel 07710 495886 |
I have been exploring the transformation of both matter and memory through time by setting up events that take place within a particular timeframe. As the project has progressed that period of transformation has sometimes been so long that an event becomes less readily perceptible as such. Traces or ‘echoing memories’ evolve during these events. Some have longer afterlives - frozen souvenirs of the state of becoming - in the form of video, photography or ceramic. I find the means of transferring or transporting of ‘life-force’ from one place to another, as well as one form to another, very interesting. Questions have been raised about the conflict between our perception of our selves as selves and our selves as physical bodies. Lately this has been through projection onto the world exterior to the human body. The fecund nature and high iron content of some clays suggest metaphorical links with blood or sap. Recurring themes are preservation, dissipation, transfusion, resurrection. The process involves first the ‘killing’ of objects, by removing them from their place of natural meaning, casting, solidifying or encasing them, and then attempting resuscitation or re-insertion of their dead memories into some kind of life-cycle through transfusion, reconstitution or faith. Although this is a serious investigation there is also an air of the absurd, which appeals to me. |
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This is part of a continuing body of work concerned with the state
of flux. Clay is the central element because of the many states
it can change to and from: quicksilver liquid to harder than stone,
capable of withstanding transformation for aeons.
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