First test on the imagining outcome of the project, 10-12.5.2020
From figurative marble statues to abstract contemporary sculptures, I often enjoy minimalistic monochrome artworks and quietness of light on matte/satin surface, especially ones with conceptual or empathy inducing ones, that's why as much as I admire the concepts behind Barnaby Barford's work, I'll have to admit that his realistic vibrant artistic style isn't really my thing. I recently reflected on my past projects and realized that's where the imposter syndrome kicks in: I enjoy and am pretty good at doing colourful figurative conceptual works at the moment, but I was never fully satisfied with my works cause there’s still a massive gap between what I'm good at and what I'm actually into. Inspired by the potential of limitation in B&W films and my personal interest, it feels like the right decision to limit myself in monochrome this time.
One of the questions I had for this project is can I use elements of filmmaking in ceramics?, and I think my answer would yes by playing with shadows and natural lighting. Instead of colouring glazing or colouring my work, I will be creating cinematic shadings with position/angles of elements in my sculptures.
I've used the same idea in my previous project Dear Diary(bigger picture) and I love the sculptural distortion in functionware. By interrupting the familiarity of everyday objects with sculptural element/storytelling, I believe that it personalize the message I'm conveying and made the narrative easier to empathise with. The symbolism of bowls in the movie holds such emotional value to Antonius and me that I think using this shape/object as the key thing for the project would be perfect.
I have created this test piece without sketches. The playfulness in the fighting relationships between Death and Antonius really interests me and having symbols of them both balancing on the rim of the bowl, the wobbling characteristic of this bowl is fun and pretty tellng to me. Although Antonius escaped death multiple times, death is always following and tormenting him like a shadow, therefore I have made figure of death tall enough slightly cover the praying hand when the sunlight hits.
Reflection:
too tiny as my desire final outcome. the plate underneath is a separate piece but I enjoy how it enhances the quietness when stacked like it's floating. Good start.
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