Fine Metal Project- 'Calow Hospital'

Fine Metal was a really enjoyable project for me. I found that working with metal was a lot like working with clay; the both can be molded and manipulated into anything you want. In terms of the project, the brief stated that the final outcome should represent something that protects something else, such as a birds nest protecting eggs. As this project was to do with the Hartington unit of the hospital (a wing that offers support and help for those who are under stress of a mental illness) the theme of protection was a great place to start and create a structure that could be made for the outside area of the wing.

To begin with I started looking at microscopic organisms; I noticed that they had a sphere at the center and had spikes or tubes coming out from the sphere as a defense mechanism, protecting itself. I thought this would be a perfect way to start the theme of protection. So I researched about microscopic organisms, partaking to looking deeply into the organisms that hailed from deep oceans and seas. I then expanded my research into viruses as they have a similar form to the microscopic organisms I was researching beforehand. This soon went onto birds nests as the theme of protection was really obvious and strikes a similarity between the other two inspirational forms as some nests can be spherical in appearance.

Test Design 

This is a test piece for my final outcome. After some sketches of possible ideas i settled for this design. I wanted to create a design that took all the elements of the forms and shapes I have been looking and researching into. From this creation I made, I found all of the possible complications that could hinder the physical making of my final piece. I discovered three things; Blunt the edges of the 'spikes' to make it more safe for audiences, make sure everything is secure with quality welds and use the same tool to create bends in the wire to create a flawless look.

Worksheet showing the thought process of final designs

Towards the end of the project. I completed the designs for my final piece and portrayed my thought process through a A1 worksheet. I decided for my final piece it will be three forms in a series of three. Each one of these designs share the same theme of protection; a rough outside protecting a beautiful inside. I named the pieces 'Gemima, Gabriella and Zebidiah. The meanings for thesee names are of peace, tranquility and protecting words that link with the purpose of the work.

Overall, I found that my pieces worked well and showed the theme of protection perfectly. Each piece showed a difference to each other, yet had enough similarities to be part of a series of three.

'Gemima, Gabriella and Zebidiah'-My final outcome

Ceramics Project- 'Inside-out'

 This was my first project at College and it was a huge step up for me from GCSE art. It was my first taste of what it takes to be a true artist. I had to make independent decisions and learn new techniques that I have never encountered before. This was my first time working with clay and working in ceramics so everything was new to me. I learnt the art of coiling; a way of creating a pot using strips of clay rather than using a potter's wheel. I also learnt about firing techniques and new methods of glazing and ornamentation used of ceramic pieces. These methods were Saga firing, Raku firing, glazing; the list is endless.

Test Piece- Iron oxide glaze upon coiled, biscuit-fired clay.

 During my project I started to discover what I wanted my final piece to look like. A lot of ceramics I have seen were very refined and 'polished'. But I preferred the rough, raw and unrefined pieces of some artists. So I created test pieces without the help of a kidney to smooth the surface. On the outcome of my work took the look of being rough and worn, which I found really interesting.

My project was shaped around the forms of Fennel and hearts. They both resembled the same thing to me; chambers, layers and excursions of tube-like shapes. This was interesting to me as hearts and Fennel are natural, yet they present signs of something that is unnatural and almost extraterrestrial.

My final piece took on the shape of two forms, the fit into each other; presenting the look of a layered outcome. The best thing about my final piece is that I did not use any conventional glazes or slips. I used boot polish. Ox Blood boot polish picked out all of the crevasses of the main body of the outcome which proved effective. I also used grate polish for the 'sister' pot that proved effective.

Final outcome

I received a Merit grade for this first project and I was pleased with the result and grade. I learnt a lot of things from the project and I knew what i can improve on for the next project.

Close-up of Sketchbook

Manchester Metropolitan university graduate show

Just a post about the exhibition I went to with College the other month. Really excited about the possibilities this university had to offer and this is shown greatly though their students array of work. It is truly admirable the quality of the students work in the show, and displays the university's vast range of resources. This ranged from areas of speciality such as glassware, ceramics, film ect.

Some of the photos attached where just a few of the exhibits that really caught my eye and imagination to what possibilities could be had by studying at the university or any university for that matter. The work of Jade Alana Ashton. Her work showed inspiration from honeybees and their honeycomb structures. When speaking to the artist and asking questions via email, she informed me that her work is inspired by 'primarily narrative' ventures. In her own words, these are 'from children's literature to poetry to fairytales. I have a strong interest in politics, so like to know what's current and what's happening in the world. Flowers and anything vintage style, and a cluttered studio also inspires me. Finally - visiting places; I live in the Peak District, so going for walks around the countryside and being in places that are remote really calms and inspires my creative side.'

Overall, the trip was extremely helpful for me. I have learned how the students of Manchester work and what the university offers to their pupils. I am eagerly wanting to attend a undergraduate open day into the near future.

Jade Alana Ashton's display at the 3-D design section of the show

Close-up of Ashton's Accompanying Sketchbook

Ban Yahzeed Abadallah Hawamdeh's Work

Update

It has been since January since my last post on my Blog. It has really just slipped my mind to even update this; I completely forgot about even having a Blog. But from now on I will be trying to update at least twice a week and showcasing my work and current projects as I have a fair few weeks of Summer without having to worry about having a job to attend or anything like that. So now I have all the time in the world to work on my art.

Overall, in terms of College, it has been a successful year for me. I have managed to get three overall distinctions in units such as Theory, the combined unit of Ceramics, Metalwork and Photography. I even managed to achieve a Distinction in my end of year project called 'Fall back, Spring forward'. I will be posting all of my work I have done this year at College this week along photos of pages from my sketchbooks. In will also be posting some of the work I have been doing in my spare time, such as commissions and personal work.

Seeing that the start of College is a fair distance away, I will be trying my best to visit exhibitions and various events that I can attend. I will be posting photos of exhibits I like and artists that have caught my eye. But anyway, I will probably post again tomorrow with some of my College work.