JC week 4: Artwork proposal

NB: journal entry for the Jewellery and Small object module at South bank Griffith university (QCA) to view the full journal click here

NB: this is a proposal for the final Jewellery and Small object module at South bank Griffith university ( QCA ). It is intended to refine ideas and reasearch outlined in the draft proposal (http://artworkprocess.blogspot.com.au/2015/08/week-4-artwork-outlineproposal-draft.html ) and lead to the creation of a maquette. As part of my process this proposal will be refined again after the creation of the maquette. 

Belief

Sculptural object: sword , mixed metal hilt, scriptures

Objects are a record of a point in time. They reflect our beliefs, rituals and traditions and the power that these have within our lives.

What is the artwork about : Beliefs

encounter : the role beliefs play in life for a christian

revelation/experience: the development and usage of my beliefs

Scriptual connection/importance ;
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

Another thing to remember is a two-edged sword is considered to be a dangerous weapon because of the two edges. Handled improperly it can cut the wielder just as easily as it can cut someone else. When the Bible is used as a weapon to point out the flaws in another person, the person using it often finds himself convicted by the same word. "You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?" (Romans 2:21-22).

Aim

introductory paragraph (Rationale-write last)

This should summarize the content of the proposal(what, why , how); your themes(s), ideas and concepts; the intended scale and scope of the project including your studio areas and intended media

Objects are a record of a point in time. They reflect our beliefs, rituals and traditions. The intention is to create an object that is a statement about my identity, beliefs, rituals and traditions as a pentecostal christian with strong ties to my european(british) heritage.

How are you doing it ?

As a form of identity expression I intend to create a european cross hilt sword for this artwork, with a man made hilt, designed to be welded with both hands ( two hander swords are designed for offence and defence with a double edged blade). The form of the handle makes reference to my identification with my european heritage and is decorated with actions of my faith and beliefs (silhouettes). The blade itself will be constructed from key scriptures which form the foundation of my beliefs. The paper blade aludes to the spiritual and non-literal purpose of the sword.

It is real, tangible, and powerful weapon

Metal hilt sword, paper blade

metal hilt : talks about the physicallity, that it is something that can be wielded, the hilt is decorated with actions (silhouettes) of faith and belief

paper blade : talks about the spiritual connection, non litteral, its not a weapon for physical battle but one for spiritual battles . The blade is made out of scriptures relating to core beliefs which have importants to me

aethetics: european two handed sword, decorative, pressed metal design, brass (for golden appearance ) or aluminum for silver appearance

techniques: saw cutting, soldering, press cut, annealing and texture embosing ( for the imagery)

How is it displayed ? Is it interactive ?

This sword can be hung on a wall , free stand mounted or lay flat on a table.

Rationale, methodology and identification

What the project is about(your personal vision)

Define the overall theme and identify your subject(s)

Describe the overarching concept, ideas, themes and subject you intend to explore

identify what marterials and processes you will adopt

Why – Explain your ideas and concepts

Where the ideas are derived from, I.e previous work as a stepping off point for further investigation; research of artists work etc.

The direction of your work or concept outcomes you hope to achieve

How it relates to current practice and the wider cultural context

What do you want to explore/explain to the viewer ?

This artwork is about the nature of spiritual and moral beliefs and their function in my everyday life. It is important to note that every christians "sword" is unique to them, its handle is designed to be welded by them and its blade is forged by the scriptures that they hold dear.

How have you experienced it ?

The power of words, in conveying your beliefs to others, shapes the way they see your identity.

For me, being an artist that makes work about the relationship between beliefs, contemporary society and the human condition, my beliefs and heritage have informed the form that my practice and art takes.

You are what you think, say and do. You will be known by your words and your actions.

Why are you making it ? Where the ideas are derived from, I.e previous work as a stepping off point for further investigation; research of artists work etc. The direction of your work or concept outcomes you hope to achieve

How it relates to current practice and the wider cultural context

It is easy to take for granted the effect your words and beliefs have on others and yourself

for me the scriptures/my beliefs act as protection ( for when a temptation crosses my path) and provide a solid grounding when faced with morally. Either in myself or in others, when you identify something in someone else (character flaw) it is either one that you have or have possessed.

Symbolism of the sword

swords have been used throughout history to defend people and land, to build nations and to protect kingdomsfrom tyrany, from first century wars against rome to the viking and norman conquest sword and steel have changed the fate of kingdoms, the map of europe and ultimately the timeline of western history.

Their essential role of preserving freedom and honor goes far back into the dim mists of history. The connection between sword and freedom finds its origins in the customs of germanic and celtic tribes, here being armed with a sword is not only a right but also a duty of all free men. The ceremony for giving freedom to a slave required that the former slave be presented with the armourment of a free man. The sword today is as relevant as a symbol as it was in ages past, being found within statues, civic emblems and insignia, ancient and modern.

It is an ancient symbol for words spoken in truth, for purity, justice and the spirit of god. The iconic power of the sword is everywhere within western culture, from literature and popular entertainement and celebrate in modern cinema.

Pommel: acts as a balance for the weapon, for me my balance is my faith in things happening when they are suppose to happen, you just need to wait ( all things happen in gods timing not yours)

Grip: your physical connection to the sword. The intention is to place imagery which reflects the outworking of my key beliefs ie family, friendship, marriage, inner child, carrying burdens, guidance, using your gifts, prayer, helping others etc. This will  be explored through silhouettes.

Cross Guard: This is the shield, protection of the physical connection. This for me  is my reliance on god/holyspirit for strength and prayer.

Blade: The blade is the word of god/scriptures. The blade will be constructed from key scriptures that discuss my own key beliefs that I use and relate to on a daily basis. Keeping in mind that westerners read left to right my intention is to have the writing start at the cross guard and read towards the tip of the blade.