The Turner Prize winner is a very strong influence in my work. From both materials to concept. I like to adopt that similar minimalist style in my sculpture and also feel very drawn to industrial materials like plaster, concrete and clay. The method of casting is a strategy I regularly pursue. I believe this fits perfectly with my method, as casting really preserves something forever. It's a storyteller. With autoethnography, the intention is to educate and tell the story to an audience, of the artist or writer's culture, social and geographical background.
Rachel Whiteread
Untitled (Rooms)
Plaster, fibreglass, wood and metal
In particular to my question, I also want to compare the impact of lockdown on other artists. In this article, Rachel Whiteread explains how drawing became a comfort to her. I did find this article a very good read.
“My drawings are like a diary. I can generally say where I was when I did it. It’s about where you are sat and how you are feeling. These mean lockdown to me. Being in Wales and the birds singing,”
Thorpe, V. (2020). Artist Rachel Whiteread urges young: don't give up on your dreams. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/oct/18/artist-rachel-whiteread-urges-young-dont-give-up-on-your-dreams. Last accessed 29th Oct 2020.
The impact on the artist here was location and emotion. I can compare this to my diary entries where I note how I'm feeling on that day. Sometimes happy, usually content, sometimes tired and bored. Some days I complete the walk and I felt completely uninspired and gained nothing. But the opposite happens the next day. Whiteread mentions being specifically in Wales which isn't her home. Showing that change in environment because of lockdown had an effect on her work. In comparison, I'm resided in my real home but I do notice slight changes in my surroundings. At the height of lockdown walking Lulu was the most peaceful task. There was no traffic on the roads as we had nowhere to be or visit. I live next to Britain's longest street as well as the motorway. But not a sound. It did feel unusual and sometimes eery.
I picked up on "birds singing" as I noticed this also. However, there was more animal life than usual. I believe this was down to lack of traffic. With less vehicles polluting the environment, the air was definitely clearer. It was fresher to breath, it smelt fresher too. Therefore animal activity flourished. Singing was louder and more of it, more wildlife on the streets as the roads became less of a danger. As well as minimal people on the street, no humans to watch out for. I think that peak of lockdown must have had some positive impact on my area. Since it is so close to the city centre. That was definitely a significant change I want to reflect in my work.
Article link: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/oct/18/artist-rachel-whiteread-urges-young-dont-give-up-on-your-dreams
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