I am writing this blog in order to create my own moving and developing online version of a visual Journal. The sketchbook for me is the highlight of a project, from the research and the links forged, through to the journey of an idea, I am happily filled with a sense of excitement and purpose, I revel in the unravelling of information and in the development and articulation of the idea and spend hours filtering through sources in order to explain my intentions and let others know the map I have created in my own mind. The sketchbook process allows me to absorb my environment and contemplate my world, it allows me to grow and changes my path every time. To challenge myself in this final year I am endeavoring to try a new way of sharing and archiving my journey, putting aside the pritstick and Scissors, pulling up my chair and putting on my glasses this will now be my Sketchbook.
So here it begins a diary of the idea, growing and moving as I go forward with the project. It is what it is. What it will become ... I have no idea and to you the viewer I make no apologies.

Joseph Derby

Joseph Derby
Cottage on Fire at Night, oil on canvas, ca. 1785-1793

Tuesday 12 October 2010

Into the Void

Next Steps
So far I have looked into historical representations of the sublime landscape, and touched on the creation of atmosphere and the enormity of the concept of our world and our impact as humans (for example in the film Koyaanisqatsi). 
I seem to be interested in the drama of an event, the emotion and feeling that can be invoked just by an atmosphere. Dark brooding thunderstorms rumbling in the distance and the impact as they arrive. 
This research has given me a lot to think about, so I have began with observing the landscapes around me and those which cause me to react or have a sensation of some sort.
The journey took me to Tintern Abbey in the Wye valley:
I love the idea of imaginary landscapes, looking at the horizon from a different point of view. The idea that a small log could be seen as a mountain or leaves as trees, a fantastical approach. I am experimenting with different mediums in my explorations adding to the unlocking of more ideas and inspiration. 

Photography, Installation, Video and Writing/Literature are the mediums that interest and inspire me - with a little painting added on the side, therefore I will be experimenting in these areas in pursuit of my end goal .. which is unwritten.


REWORKING THE LANDSCAPE
I seem to view the landscape in front of me as a puzzle, fitting together the fragments, wondering whether I could move one part somewhere else and re arrange the pieces. I am in awe of the power of nature and haven't been fortunate enough to witness any of the 'wonders' as of yet, but i haven't missed out, nature is wondrous wherever you are, its accessible to anyone who cares to look. Making characters from clouds or being bewildered by the perfect rays of sun through a heavy cloud, gives me a sense of being small and confused, it also makes me want to learn and inspires me to make the most of the game.


Yuken Teruva
Yuken Teruya Notice Forest (Mc Donalds Bag)

This is a beautiful example of the creation of a landscape within a false environment. Paper art is a sensitive and delicate art form that lends itself to creating magical scenes. The light coming through the bag adds to the beauty. This is just an aesthetic response to the piece as it also has obvious commentary on the environment and the corporate giant at its heart.

Paul Hayes
Paul Hayes Paper Forest
This installation conjures up ideas of autumnal leaves falling when illuminated with filtered lighting. When seen in the daylight without lighting it takes on less of a natural aesthetic and becomes much more structural and abstract. 

Zeger Reyers

Reyers installation gives the empty room life, the forms attach themselves to the walls and ooze from the corners. The natural life forms growing and taking over the space.







Salvador Dali
Dali manipulates the landscape in this scene to play on the viewers perception, do we see elephants? or do we see swans?. As the eye bounces up and down in a response to the trickery the landscape becomes filled with mischief and the surrealists notorious delve into the subconscious dream world. 


NEW WORLDS