Analyses of the Brief - Final Major Project

The Final Major Project is our last assignment of the course. We will be using the skills and techniques we have learnt to complete our self-directed project. We will be thinking of a a few themes and ideas for our FMP (Final Major Project) and choosing one of these to carry out primary and secondary research, as well as developing ideas for our final piece. The final outcome will be displayed in an end-of-year exhibition in the North West 2 building at South Downs College on the 1st June. The theme I have chosen is 'The Fibonacci Theory'. The piece will be displayed in rooms 532 and 537, which are large, spacious rooms, full of natural light, with white walls and high ceilings. This will be a temporary gallery space. The audience will be parents and siblings of students, new students, prospective parents, friends and the general public. The exhibition should be expected to be clean, we'll presented, professional and flowing. The work should also have an artist statement and description of the work. The piece can not include anything offensive or inappropriate.

Presenting Fine Art Work

Presenting Fine Art Work

In our class in pairs we were giving a piece or pieces of art work to present as a practise for our end of year show. The pieces were to be presented as best they could be, like in an art exhibition. We had had 1 hour to choose a space, decide how to present it and have it completed. 

We were given a range of A4 collages that had matching colour scheme. We decided to put two nails at the top of the wall to hang some invisible string that would be attached to the collage through the hole punches, making the two collages hang from the wall as there was one on either side. This made it look like the collages were floating. The third collage was placed in the centre, hanging from two nails in the wall. This gave the presentation balance and depth. We also used some coloured bulldog clips that matched the collages as they were black and red. This helped make the presentation match and made the colours in the collages stand out and more pleasing to the eye.

As the pieces were 2D we wanted to give the presentation some depth by giving it a 3D element through hanging them up. This made the presentation much more interesting. We used a spirit level to make sure the work was straight, and a hammer to hammer in the nails. 

There was a wide, clean space so the piece could be viewed by different angles and the space is kept neutral and light, so each piece will stand out and show it's colours. 

We then looked at and analysed someone else's presentation techniques as they were given some 3D sculptures of babies that were made from sellotape. The three sculptures were nailed to the wall to make it look like they were walking up the wall in a straight line. This made it stand out from the wall that gave it the idea of being an installation piece. This was also quite comical and fun for the audience to look at. It was a unique and interesting method to use to display the work. They used nails to stick the feet to the board, making it look like they're walking up it. I think the pieces was well presented and kept clean and simple which showed off the work well. It was in a spacious, clean environment for the pieces to be presented, however, I think you could use any colour for the background as the pieces did not have a colour. Also the use of lighting would create a shadow on the board that will give the piece some more depth.

Materials:

• Bulldog clips
• Spirit level
• A4 Collages
• Invisible string
• 3D Sculptures

Oil Painting

Using an image of an owl, I made my own oil painting. First i coated the board in brown acrylic to give it a background. This also made it easier to paint on. Once it was dry I mixed up my colours with the oil paints and began painting. I first used the darker colours of the image before using the lighter colours. This was to make it easier and not have the colours blend too much.

I am pleased with my finished piece as I have paid attention to the detail in the image, especially with the wing. I have used multiple colours that pick out the detail, as normally you wouldn't take any notice andnot realise how many colours there really are. I have also used good tones in colours and shades to give the painting depth.

Drypoint Print

After some observational drawings of taxidermy animals, I then drew my own hybrid form using different parts of each animal ombined as one. I have used an owl's head on a squirrel's body with and curloo feet.

I first drew the outline and basc shape of the hybrid form using a pencil before filling it in. I then used a dip ink pen to draw in all the detail and the fur.


The drawing was then photocopied to be scaled down from A3 to A4. I used this image to create an intaglio print. Using a plastic plate laid over the topof my image, I used an etching tool to etch out my drawing onto my plate. Once this was done I was then able to ink up my plate using black Caligo etching ink. 



I used scrim and tissue paper to rub in the ink into the gaps and take away any excess ink, leaving just the image. As I was doing this, I left some watercoloured paper in a tray of water to soak. The paper was taken out and dried using blotting paper on top and underneath the watercoloured paper, pressing down on it. The paper and plate were then ready to be rolled through the press, leaving the image transfered onto the watercoloured paper.

Health and Safety:

• Make sure you don't use too much ink
• Tidy the work space after use
• Wear gloves and an appron
• Keep bags and coats out of the way
• Wash the tools after use
• Use some newspaper to cover the table 

Materials:

• Caligo Etching Ink
• Etching plate
• Etching tool
• Scrim
• Newspaper
• Gloves
• Appron
• Tissue paper
• Watercoloured paper
• Tray of Water
• Blotting paper
  

Clay Models

I started some observational drawings using taxidermy animals. I had 5 minutes to draw a rough sketch of the animal's head in 3 different angles using pen. This was to get an idea of the shape of the animal's head, and what's underneath. Instead of concentrating on detail too much. This helped me understand the shape more so I could then move onto making a clay model of the head.

Using a lump of clay I rolled and smoothed it out into a spherical shape before molding it into the shape of a rabbit. Using the animals in front of me I was able to copy the exact shape and markings into the clay, leaving the detail to the end. Once the basic shape was made I then added some more clay to attach and make the ears, making sure they are well attached. Finer detailed were then added, like the eyes. For this I made 2 dents in the clay on each side and added 2 eye-shaped bits of clay in each one, using the score and slurry method to hold them in well. with a thing strip of clay I then blended them in a little. It was then time to add the texture and detail. I used one of the clay tools to create short markings all over the piece in different directions to make it look like fur. The piece was then ready to be fired.

Once the model was taken out of the kiln it was then ready to be painted with clay paints. I used a dark brown for the fur, and a dark grey metallic colour for the eyes to give it a shine. I used 3 coats of the metallic paint to make sure it was thick enough, giving me the effect I wanted. This was then put back in the kiln to be fired once more.

Final Outcome

Health and Safety:

• Work in a well ventallated area
• Clean and tidy the work space after use
• Make sure there is no clay dust remaining
• Wash all tools after use
• Keep bags and coats away

Materials:

• White clay
• Clay tools
• Clay paints
  

  
  

COSHH (Clay Health & Safety)

You need to make sure you are careful when working with clay, especially if you are a ceramicist and you are working with clay everyday.

 Hazards:

• Ceramics work can produce  airborne  respirable crystalline silica (RCS).
• All RCS is hazardous which can cause silicosis.This is a serious disease causing permanent disability and early death.
• Silicosis is made worse by smoking.
• 'Respirable' means that the dust can get to the deepest part of the lungs. This dust is invisible under normal lighting as it's so fine.
• Remember that drips and spills that dry off are a source of dust.Keep inhalation of RCS as low as possible.
• When all controls are applied properly, less that 0.1 mg/m3 RCS is usually achievable (based on an 8-hour time-weighted average).

Equipment:

• Provide a good standard of general ventilation. Use powered fans to supply fresh air.
• Use clay with a lower silica content.
• Keep surfaces clean - never let slip, clay or glaze spills dry out.
• Remember that handling  used moulds creates dust.
• Use wire rather than elastic bands to hold moulds together.
• Use a bin to collect scraps and damp slip.
• Avoid hand sweeping. If this is not possible, damp down thoroughly before cleaning up.
• Use a type H vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter to remove dry slip from mould exteriors.

 

Maintenance:

• Clean down the equipment before starting maintenance - use wet or dustless methods
• Daily, look for signs of damage. Noisy or vibrating fans can indicate a problem.
• Get a competent engineer to examine the system thoroughly and test it's performance regularly.
• Carry out air sampling to check that the controls are working well.

Cleaning and housekeeping:

• Store empty bags outside the workroom. Dispose of waste safely.
• Clean down the enclosure and equipment as soon as possible after use.
• Use a type H vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter to clear up dust e.g. on overhead fittings.
• Damp down and shovel large amounts carefully to avoid stirring up dust. Provide respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

COSHH Website Link
http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/

 Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm

Open Formed Pinch Pots

 
I designed and made 3 of my own Pinch Pots, using a handful of white clay to roll into a ball. Using my thumb, I then pushed into the center of the clay and started pinching the sides, making the pot larger and thinner. Once I molded the clay into the shape I wanted it was then left in front of the heater to dry a little while I concentrated on my other 2 pots. Each pot was left until they were leather hard so I could then add more clay if I wanted, and shaping them more.

Using the coiling method i managed to add more clay, making the pot taller. This was done by rolling out a piece of clay that was able to wrap round the top, using slip and scoring the edges so it connects well. This was then gently smoothed into the rest of the pot without pressing too hard as it would change shape. Once they were finished I used the kidney tools to smooth out the surface of the pots. These were then ready to be put into the kiln.

Materials:

• White clay
• Heater
• Clay tools

Health & Safety:

• Clean surfaces after use
• Work in a well ventilated area
• Keep bags and coats away
• Wear an apron to protect clothing
• Clean the floor
• Wash the equipment after use
• Wash hands