Working in the studio. I've been drawing these articles for some time and it was good to have my hands on physical materials, to work towards making. I feel like I'm getting stuff done when I hold a section of metal or batton of wood.
There were various plans I had and I knew I wouldn't get everything done, but I was glad have charred some wood and dipped it in plaster. That's not it - the work. Just a test of the materials to see how they behave and look together.
I had a bunch of questions in my head - trying to see where the work can go. Essentially it should work. I want to build up the layers of plaster enough to carve back into forms, polish and refine. I realise that I need to use scrim if I am to escape the form of the baton, although this could present problems later on when carving back if the scrim is exposed.
For some reason I have chosen the shittiest wood, old fencing panels. Sometimes it disintegrates as I cut it. But there is a charm to it too. It's honest and lacks pretence. If I were to use new wood somehow the dialect changes. The other thing I note is the wood came from an art director who I worked for back in the day, she's passed on now and there is an element of memento mori and honouring to using this wood. It smells too - the creosot gives off a tar like scent that isn't unpleasant, but some how a little unsettling. The associations and the scent jar almost - stood amidst it all I find the moment odd.
The plaster makes a heat of its own as I mix it in the cold studio. It's always a fight, waiting for the right moment the only lasts a minute or so. I dip the wood and then immediately figure out a way better way to do this. Next time I can production this a little better if I set it all up and have the battons suspended.
I'm not entirely sure the plaster is white, it seems to have a cast to it. Will need to research it there are better brands to use. Was good to be making.
