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.
