PE TASK 2

This year I have acquired a range of new skills, a new way of working and a whole new way of thinking. The first term was difficult for me and I found it hard to meet people. I may have benefited from more timetabled workshops to get to know my group.  I enjoyed learning specific skills in machine embroidery and the fast pace motivated me. I took this style of working onto the next unit. I did not produce much for the Journey project. I was focusing so much on how to do it all the “right” way that I over thought the project.

Something clicked over Christmas and I realised that there is no “right” way of doing things and I can literally do whatever I wanted. I went onto Construct for the Data unit and with my new way of thinking I felt really free and independent.  I started working very abstract as to not get caught in the mind set I was in the last unit. I worked with photography and paint to record the movements of hundreds and thousands. This style really suited me and provided great qualities and colours to transfer into my weave and knit samples. I loved learning to weave and knit. They are both extremely hands on and time consuming but also very rewarding.

Self-motivation has been a really valuable skill I have learnt this year. During the first unit I found it really difficult to get going in the mornings and would often not come in to the studio. I didn't feel inspired. I was waiting to be inspired by the tutors but I now know I need to inspire myself and the motivation comes after that. By the second unit I found myself getting in early and staying late most days because I felt so inspired to get on with the project.

Unit X has been a difficult but interesting experience . I was very lucky to end up working closely with someone who has the same drive and work ethics and me. I was told at the start of the project that the unit will teach me a lot about myself, and I kept that in mind throughout. I have tried to view my role in the group from a subjective perspective and reflected throughout the experience using my blog and analysed what positives I can take from the experience and I plan to continue with this style of reflection.

I enjoyed working conceptually in the last unit and I want to push my work further in a Fine Art approach to textiles. I feel the course is very design focused and this has left me a little confused but I feel Embroidery will be most suitable for my personal development. 

Vicky Faced Her Fear!!!

Last week I helped Vicky face her fear by recording her perform her tongue twister using the letter 'R' in the Art School Cafe. I'm so proud of her for doing this!! This has been a real hang up of Vicky's throughout her life and to overcome something like that during this project is a real achievement. Well done Vicky!

The Highs and Lows of Group Work

I have been thinking a lot about what I have learnt from this experience. It's important not to simply regurgitate the negative situations, but be reflective and recognise what I could have done differently to improve situations and how I might change my behaviour in similar situations in the future. Group work can be uncomfortable for anyone, but only by getting stuck in will it get any easier. I learnt at the start of this course that we were never going to be spoon fed and I knew that Unit X would be no different, which was the reason for my positive get-go attitude from the start and wanting to engage in group activities to get to know each other. Maybe I am too enthusiastic, but I am a passionate person, and I was genuinely excited by the possibilities of a collaboration. As Hetain Patel said "Collaboration allows you to get somewhere you could never have alone". We were told at the start of the unit that it would be o.k to work alone, which would have been the easy option, but obviously it would be more beneficial to make the most of the opportunity to collaborate. I feel my past posts reflect the experiences at the time, and after reading back through them, I am pleased that I haven't let my emotions affect my ability to write subjectively.

Since day one Vicky, Kerry, Katie and I have all worked well together. Through meeting regularly as arranged on our group Facebook page, and sharing our ideas, some of them began to cross over which was really exciting! The first collaboration was the Table Top Sale which really helped the four of us bond and get valuable experience of interacting with the public. The next was between Kerry, Vicky and I, experimenting with film, light and shadow. It was so much fun to bounce ideas off each other and I think even though the footage was never used, this was our first experience of actually creating together. After that Vicky and I spent the rest of the project working together every day. The support and inspiration we provided each other with was invaluable. Although we did not exhibit a joint piece, we collaborated for one of my chosen photographs which I am really proud of.

Collaborative Film

This film shows Katie, Vicky and I performing our practices whilst wearing the morph suit to hide our identities.

Exhibition Day and the Unit X Festival

Today went really well! The finalised layout looked great and it was lovely to see everyone's projects come together. Our group did shifts in twos, to talk to people about the project so we all got chance to see the other exhibitions. There was a lot on so we didn't manage to get round them all but we saw a good selection.    Triskaidekaphobia at Ingognito was really good. They had all worked really well together and created a collaborative installation. I am a little disappointed that our whole group wasn't able to work together in that way, but you cant make people interested at the end of the day and I feel that I engaged as much as possible.

 I think today made me realise that even though the group has been dysfunctional through out the project, I have been part of another group that has provided support. Vicky, Cat, Annie and I have all been working in 114 Chatham for the past month and I think working together in a studio has been really important to all of us. We all have a similar work ethic, and have been in everyday together, supporting and inspiring each other and I think we have all become really close over the project. I work well around enthusiastic people, not just about art and the project, but life in general. Enthusiastic, positive, interesting and maybe slightly weird people inspire me!

Vicky 

Annie 

Cat

Twitter makes no sense!!

At the start of Unit X I went to a blog lecture for people who don't get technology...that's me! The technician showed me //ifttt.com which is a tool that enables you to connect different user sites by creating commands. So I connected my Blogger with my Twitter account so that every time I made a post labled "unitx" it would automatically Tweet the post name, url to my post, with #58yellow (our group feed) at the end so that my group could stay connected. I've had problems with this and so have some of the others. Eventually I got to the bottom of the problem and it turns out it is a fault with Twitter! If you tweet a url link to a #feed it will not show up unless you are super popular, like a celebrity. Stupid I know! I also added a widget to my Blogger profile that displayed our #58yellow feed but it only ever showed the first 2 posts from before Easter which is useless. Here is my Twitter anyway https://twitter.com/elliebirkenhead

Setting up at Kraak

We arrived at the space yesterday morning ready to set up. At first I think everyone was thinking how on earth we were all going to fit in as Play and Record are sharing the space. But once our sub groups were assigned space we worked together to curate our work. Katie, Molly, Charlotte and I are sharing a wall and  Vicky's work is suspended between the pillars opposite. Kerry is showing a film which will be projected onto a wall as part of a loop with other students films. I don't know what the boys are doing. I have mounted my images onto foamboard and pinned the acetate images over the top so that they come away from the bottom pieces slightly. The static however just pulls the acetate layers flat again but not to worry. Looking at the picture below I think maybe we should have lined up to top and bottom of mine and Molly's pieces. The only thing I am not to happy with is the lack of light on our wall. My images look a little dark but other than that I am happy with our group display. I also wrote my first artist statement! 

"My work looks at different aspects of distortion through the medium of photography. Personal fears are challenged by exploring the subconscious mind's augmented view of the body, which has become the focus of my practice."

I think that sums it up well. I read an article from the Guardian about over the top artspeak. I often find it difficult to make sense artist statements at exhibitions. They make me feel stupid because every other word written I have never heard of. I would never want to make someone feel that way when seeing my work so I think its important to keep it simple. 

The exhibition opens today as part of  Unit X; The Manchester Creative Festival which should be really good. Vicky and are on duty at our exhibition from 2-3pm so before and after we can go and see what's going on at the other venues.

The space

Our wall and Katie wondering where to start

Vicky setting up her rolls

Left to right: Molly's 24 photos documenting the face over 24 hours/ Charlotte's experiments with ice, salt and inks/ My photos/ Katie's textile piece inspired by Manchester and the iconic worker bee.

Vicky almost finished

The Final Tutorial 14th May

This week Kate did our tutorial which was the last one before we exhibit. We basically just went through what we are exhibiting and how much space we need as a group. I hadn't seen some of the group in a while so it was interesting to see what they had produced. I was pretty set with what I wanted to exhibit.

Prep Talk

I've had to have a word with myself over the weekend. I have a tendency to sometimes become negative about my work when I'm not sure what I'm doing. I am a lot better at dealing with it now compared with last year at collage, but last Friday I ended up going home after lunch. I wanted to print my stuff off but couldn't, was feeling really lost with my work, and was doubting it being up to standard for the exhibition. It's really easy to fall in to the mind set of not being good enough, and comparing your work with other peoples. But I was determined not to let my feelings get the better of me after coming so far. So I left my work over the weekend, and took some photos completely irrelevant to everything to feel creative again. I feel a lot better now and am happy with my decision with what to exhibit. 

Note to self: Have a break, do something fun, and come back with fresh eyes!

Photoshop

I played around on Photoshop with one of the images I want to exhibit. Here I have altered the brightness, contrast, shadow and highlights. I wanted Vicky's arm to be the focus and made here profile  a lot darker so that you can just see her silhouette. This keeps the figure anonymous which I like, because so many people have distorted views of their bodies, and this image allows any one to be that person. It also hides Vicky's face which links our ideas of wanting to hide because of a fear, and masks.

I spent a lot of time trying to make the background all the same tone, so that the shadows were not visible, but my Photoshop skills are not strong enough for it to look professional and slick, so I just left it how it was. I really like how textured her arm looks. This is a backlash to how smooth and pristine skin looks in the media. After not seeing this over the weekend, I am glad I left the background how it is, as shadows have been really important throughout  my project, and to get rid of them now wouldn't reflect that.

Printing Nightmare

So last Friday I wanted to print off the images I was thinking about exhibiting in A3 so I could see them together and make a decision. The server was down all day and still is today so I'm kind of stuck at the moment. Apparently it's due to an overload of people wanting to print and the network can't cope. I suppose with everyones deadlines being this week there are a lot of people in and imagine most of them will be trying to print. It's still annoying though as it's all I need to do and I wasn't planning on getting stressed at the end, but it's cutting it very fine now I need it all done by the end of tomorrow ready to exhibit on Wednesday. I've been racking my brain for what I could do instead, but there really isn't anything else I can do other than blog about it. I'm going to come in early tomorrow morning and hopefully get it done before the server crashes again.

Morph Suits!!!!

Last week Kerry, Vicky, Katie and I all worked together to do some filming for Kerry to exhibit. The idea was that we all took it in turns to be filmed wearing the morph suit and doing our practice. We chose the morph suit as Kerry had been doing some experimentation with it for her theme of masks and being hidden. We used the same room Vicky and I had been working in as it was empty again and used the torch to combine the idea of light and shadow. Kerry filmed me wrapping myself in tape to distort my body. The shadow created looks amazing, like the Michelin Man!! Which is just the effect I wanted. Katie did some hand sewing, adding to her final piece. And Vicky did her tongue twister. 

It's a weird feeling in the suit. It kind of makes you feel invincible. Maybe because you know people can't see your face, you have no fear! 

I can't believe I wore the suit! At the start of this project there is no way I could have done that. I don't think another outfit exists that's so revieling other than being naked. It just shows how this project has helped me over come some of my own fears to do with my body. 

The filming went really well. It was nice to do one last thing as a group, and we had fun too. Kerry has been editing the footage over the weekend so I can't wait to see it.

What to Exhibit?!

I felt a little deflated last week. Since the tutorial last Tuesday and realising I need to decide what to exhibit I lost all my energy for the project. I think coming in at 8am everyday the week before and working all weekend left me sleep deprived. I didn't produce any new work either which left me feeling uneasy, as I'd produced loads until now, but as the tutors said, you have to stop somewhere. I still came in every day, did a lot of thinking and played around with composition in my sketch book so it wasn't time wasted. I felt as though I had nothing left that I want to explore with the project, so really just need to choose what to exhibit that best represents my ideas. 

I've never liked the concept of "The Final Piece". Every one I've ever produced has flopped. I think the pressure you put on yourself to make it the best thing you've ever made takes away from the ideas behind it and what you're trying to show. I feel picking the strongest pieces from my body of work suits me much better, and will properly reflect my ideas.

Right now it's between my acetate layerings and my photos of Vicky with my skin projected onto her. I  think it would be nice to have something from my personal body of work and the work Vicky and I have produced together. I also like the idea of projecting my skin onto a wall so that people can step in front of it. That would then bring an interactive element to my work. 

Kraak Gallery

Some of the other groups have had to arrange their own exhibition space, but luckily the tutors for Play sorted it all out! We will be exhibiting at Kraak in the Northern Quarter just of Stevenson Square. I've been here once before for a 'Why Not' night a few people I know put on. It's a really nice space, but a little dark. I suppose someone could do with advertising it so I'll have to talk to the group. I'm looking forward to it,  just finalising what I want to exhibit!

http://www.kraak.co/home/

Light and Shadow Footage

Here is the edited footage from the day Kerry, Vicky and I spent experimenting with light, shadow and language. We edited this as a group which was great as I learnt a little about the software from Kerry and it was nice to do something as a group. 

7th May Tutorial

This weeks tutorial was with head of Film and Media, David and tutor Artemus. Vicky, Kerry, Katie and I attended. They saw all the connection between mine, Vicky's and Kerry's work and were able to make some with Katie's too for us to work on. They also told us we need to decide what we're exhibiting and stop generating new ideas. It was good they said this, because I could easily keep going, but they're right that you have to stop somewhere. We came up with some ideas together of how we could link our work in the exhibition. We also planned Kerry's film for the show.

Who needs a studio anyway

Last Friday (3rd May) me and Vicky decided to carry on with with our projections, so just found an empty room and got going. It's strange how much more relaxed I feel when we're not in "THE STUDIO"! Maybe it's because we don't have a time limit, or maybe it's the lack of intimidating studio lights, but we got so much more done and had loads more fun too. We revisited holding the sheets of acetate in front of the face to layer the image as last time we only used this for Vicky's images. I'm not to keen on this but it was good to try. The main thing I wanted to try was projecting my skin print onto Vicky's skin. I had had this idea for a while. After the my 'distorting the distorted' layerings, I wanted to physically layer my images onto myself or someone else. It turns out Vicky has the same skin condition as me, as do 40% of the population! The skin is made up of layers too so it seemed right to project my college of my own skin, highlighting the condition, on to Vicky's. Vicky has also been looking at layering in her project, with her spanish and english tongue twisters. It was tricky taking the photos with just two people. Luckily I have a remote for my camera which Vicky used, and the camera on a tripod, whilst I shone the torch through the acetate.

My work

Me holding my skin acetate print in front of the lens

My skin acetate print projected onto Vicky's skin using a torch

The same but in black and white to focus on the textures created

Vicky's work

Black and White

A lot of my photos have been in black and white. The main reason for this is because I don't want colour to take away the focus from the light and shadow in my images. It has been a running theme through out my work, though not the main focus, but still important. It started with my photos taken on the bus, where the light from the sun was really prominant in some of the images. The pictures I took of Vicky with a torch really focus on this as I wanted to create shadow to hide part of her face. This has been something that links mine, Vicky's and Kerry's work. Kerry's because her theme has been masks and the hidden/unknown. And Vicky's because of how her fears of language have made her feel unconfident at times, and wanted to hind by being quiet. Here I made my photos of Vicky just black and white, as oppose to grey scale, to focus on the light and shadow.

Here I have printed my image onto acetate and then layered it over Vicky's work.

Group Meeting 3rd May

This week was just a quick meet up between me, Vicky and Katie. Becasue Vicky and I have been working together every day we just wanted a quick catch up with Katie to see where she was at. Kerry had to go home for a couple of days but we had been working with her on Wednesday so we knew where she was up to. We also wanted to crack on as we had a lot to do. Not herd from the others. No picture I'm affaid.

Studio Time Round 2

The day after our failed studio attempt we went in again for 2 hours, equipt with acetate and torches. Now we knew that we couldn't use the projector we were ready to experiment. I wanted to project the collage of my own skin back onto my self, and vicki wanted to project her tongue twisters and other text. We played around with projecting the images on acetate by shinig the torch through the sheet. The effect is good but I wanted my image to look more defined and in focus. Instead it was kind of blurry and distorted, but at the same time I like that as my the theme is distortion after all. I like where the torch is shining and creating a spotlight affect around us both and projecting our images around us as well as on us. We also experimented holding the acetate infront of the camera. This worked really well with Vicky's images. We played around with the lights in the studio to create different effects and used the torch as well to light up different areas of the face and create shadows.



Left:  Day light shining on right side, black board on the left
Right: Day light shining on right side and torch shining on left.




Vicky wanted the word 'Synonym' infront of her. I used a low aperture to focus on the word and have Vicky's face look in the background.



My Skin vs "Perfect" Skin

I took some close ups of my skin, printed them off and collaged them in the same mosaic style as I had with the skin out of the magazines. It's contrast is ridiculous when you see them side by side. I know the process of photographing, printing and scanning will always make the end result different to the real thing but I couldn't believe it. My real skin tone is a lot pinker than this. I asked some of the girls in the studio what they thought it was and none of them were sure. In school I remember being made fun of because of how pale I was. In the first year I once went into school with out tights on a cold day, and having bad circulation as well, my legs were kind of blue looking and a boy said I had zombie legs. I really couldn't care less now ( I say that but deep down I wish I could tan) but that comment has stayed with me since, and after that I always wore tights for school. It's kind of funny, because the tones here really are blues and purples (like zombie skin...if they were real...which they aren't!) As a visual, it's really striking. I don't want to go down the print route but I could at some point. The magazine version looks silly the more I look at it. There are a lot of orange and red tones. But it's just made me realise how unrealistic women are portrayed as in the media. No wonder I wish I could tan, because I am bombarded with orange women in every magazine. And no wonder some girls cake themselves in fake tan, to look this colour.

When a door is closed, a window opens

The day after the presentation, we had a studio booked for two hours. We had a data projector reserved and Vicky and I were going to project some of our images onto each other whilst Kerry directed and filmed us. She also brought her masks to use which she made. We had originally planned to re do some of the scenes we had tried the week before but decided that the quality of those was more than good enough and our time would be better spent trying out new things. I had also brought a mirror with me with the intention of reflecting the projections onto each other. Unfortunately we could not get the projector to recognise the laptop and spent the whole two hours with the technician in the AV store, trying to fix it, with no luck. Kerry had an Apple Macbook Air but they didn't have the right connector for that. I asked if they had the old fashioned over head projector but they were both being used and weren't available till next Friday which is a little late in the game really. So we weren't having much luck and before we knew it our time was over. Luckily Kerry had managed to take a few shots with her masks so it wasn't a complete waste of time. There was a cancellation the next day at 8am so we booked that and went back to the drawing board. It was frustrating but we were able to see the funny side, and because I never seem to have much luck with technology anyway I wasn't surprised. I knew I really wanted to project my images and Vicky did too, so I had a go shining my torch through some of my acetate prints, which worked! I also broke the mirror to create a mosaic effect, inspired by my collaged 'Perfect Skin' images. I reflected the torch off it onto the wall which created a really interesting pattern. I also photographed myself in the mirror to distort myself. I like the shape it creates. So for the next morning we planned to go back to basics, and project our chosen images onto each other using acetate and a torch. 

A year ago when I was in college, if this would have happened, it would have completely ruined my day. Things don't always go to plan I have can accept that now and move on. We were able to see the funny side and didn't let it faze us. In a way I am glad this happened as it forced me to be more creative to get the effect I wanted and has now taken me in a new direction.

Acetate projection using clingfilm image

Acetate projection using condensation image

Reflection of torch shone in broken mirror

Broken mirror distortion of myslef

Presentation 30th April

Our group decided to get together in the morning and plan what we were going to say. Only Vicky, Kerry and I turned up so in a way that made it easier to plan seeing as we had all been working together through out the project. I have no idea what some of the others have been doing as they haven't come to any of the meetings, so to do a group presentation would have been very difficult. At the same time though it was hard to plan as we didn't know if some of the others might turn up at the last minute and then we wouldn't know what we were doing. But we powered on anyway and planned it all out. When we got to the studio only about 3 people out of 8 from each of the 3 groups were there which is pretty bad but I wasn't surprised. The rest of our group didn't show up. First we talked about the work we had done as a group, the table top sale, the afternoon we spent filming with light and dark, and the group meetings, activities and guest speakers. Then we went on to talk about our individual work. It went really well and luckily the presentations were held in the room Vicky and I had been working in so all our work was already on the walls to present in front of. I have a tendency to hold my breath when I speak in front of a group of people, and then I have to stop and exhale, and then my face goes red, which is a little embarrassing. So today, as silly as it sounds, I was determined to breath through out the presentation. I think because we planned what we were doing, I know my work inside out, and I feel comfortable with Vicky and Kerry, I was a lot more relaxed and it went really well. I didn't go red either which is a bonus. The feedback from Mark, Helen and Artemus was really positive. I think they were pleased with the amount we have collaborated and our progression as a group. Mark thought my layering's were strong and that I could exhibit those if I wanted. I think I have enough time to develop further but it's reassuring to know I have those to fall back on. I told him about our plans to work with a projector next and he said that would be a good progression.

Distorting the Distorted

Last week I had been thinking about putting my images back onto my skin or someone else's  I came across Imme Van Der Haak's 'Beyond the Body'.  "Photos of the human body are printed onto translucent silk which will create the possibility of physically layering different body’s, ages, generations and identities."  I really like the idea of layering part of someone onto someone else. I could layer some of my images on to Vicky maybe, using a projector. I thought about collaging my distorted images back onto my body and distort myself that way, but decided I didn't want to use that technique again. So instead I decided to layer my images over one another to distort the distorted. I printed my favourite images on acetate and tracing paper and played around with composition. Some of the images are in black and white and some are in colour. You can see the bottom layers coming through the top creating multiple textures. It's interesting how the acetate layers reflect the light to give a glossy feel. This is very similar to the qualities in my other images that catch/reflect the light such as the tape and cling film.

Distorting the Distorted

      

Imme Van Der Haak

Group Meeting 29th April

At this weeks Monday meeting, we had a guest, 3rd year Interactive Arts student Ellie Livemore. We each told Ellie about our individual and group work and she was really helpful suggesting ideas for us to think about. It was good to here things from an Interactive Arts students perspective as we have been looking at working this way.

Vicky, Ellie, Katie and Me



String and Cling Film Distortion

Developing from the distorted torso images I have been playing around with other ways of distorting my body. String was quite an obvious one, and although these images below don't represent my ideas of distorted body image ( I have no problem with my forearms) it was good to see how it distorted my shape. It reminds me of a joint of pork. I like the linear quality of the images, which has been a running theme through out my work.

I also have also experimented with cling film around my legs. I really like how some of these turned out. I think this material is more appropriate to my ideas as the cling film kind of magnifies, again drawing attention to somewhere I would rather not. However, at the same time the layers of cling film cover/hide/protect my body from being seen. I prefer the colour images as the fleshy tones show it is the body that is being distorted.  I like the scratchy linear quality of the cling film, similar to my photos taken through the bus window with condensation marks. The cling film reflects the light and gives a polished, shiney feel. I also wrapped my torso, but the images wern't as strong.




Arms wrapped with string

 



Thigh wrapped with cling film.

 

Group Meeting 26th April

I don't really have a lot to say about the meeting as only Vicky and I turned up. Some of the others had valid reasons which is fine because at least they let us know. So we went to our studio space instead and got some work done together. I have found that we work together very well and inspire each other, so even though the group as a whole is dysfunctional, I have gained valuable experience of collaboration with Vicky. We work well with Kerry too which is great has she has lots of media skills to share with us.

New Found Studio Space!!!!!

We now have a new room to work in which is great!! There are only a few of us using it so we have loads of space to work in and walls to put our work up!! It may sound like a simple thing to get excited about, but not having our own space in the new building can sometimes be hard, especially as the 2nd & 3rd years have set up camp. Having wall to put my work up really does make a difference. Being able to sit back and look at where your at and visually make links between different pieces really helps me to develop my work. Also being able to see Vicky's work helps us make links between the two of us, move forward and collaborate. Annie and Cat from another group have also been working in the space so we all inspire and bounce of each other which I love!

Light and Dark Experimentation

Last week Vicky, Kerry and I decided to play around with light and shadow. We had studio time booked for this week but thought seeing has we had the video recorder we might as well have a play around first. We thought this would be a nice way to collaborate as it ties in with all or ideas. We also experiemnted with tongue twisters, language, echos and rounds. It was so much fun and we bounced of each other really well. We recorded everything on film, but we are yet to sort through the footage. Below are some photos I took of Vicky using a torch to light up her face and create shadows. It links with all of our ideas about wanting hide behind something at times.

Tutorial 23rd April

I found this tutorial very helpful.  I felt that hearing everyone's ideas and progression, clarified linking ideas between some of us which is really exciting. I feel Vicky, Kerry and I have strong linking ideas such as identity. We talked about the group activities such as the table top sale and reflected on how that had helped us bond as a group and boosted our confidence with interacting with the public. Hannah suggested we look at Marina Abamovic for her performance work. One of her interactive pieces involves her sitting at a table in the gallery space and people being invited to come and sit opposite her and making eye contact for the duration they sit there. The clip below shows Marina's ex sat opposite her, after not seeing each other for years. It's really moving and put a lump in my throat. Its really interesting as people it makes people feel uncomfortable and provokes emotion.

Again a few people didn't attend the tutorial which is a shame as I have no idea what their ideas are, but not to worry, I the rest of us will continue to get stuck in.

My Own Distorted View

I started to ask myself what my fears are. After putting ourselves out there at the table top sale, I felt inspired to push myself and my confidence. I suppose one of my biggest fears is putting on weight. I know how silly it is, but I can't help it. I also fear people viewing me as fat, and one of my "problem" areas is my tummy. Well I suppose you could say I have a distorted view of myself. Some days I feel great and can wear whatever I want, but others I feel horrible and just want to cover up. After researching artists that physically distorted the body, I felt inspired to have a go myself.

Here I have wrapped my tummy in clear tape. I did it quite tight as to manipulate my shape. I have taken the photos in black and white after trying in colour first, but I felt it distracted away the forms created. Being monotone highlights where the light is reflecting of the tape, and shadows can be seen better. I preferred the shots taken close up as it makes them more ambiguous.

I feel that I have conquered a little bit of my fear by showing these photos. It took a while to even show my boyfriend let alone my group. By physically distorting my shape it draws focus to an area of my body I would usually prefer to hide and I am proud of that.

Perfect Skin

Since I can remember I have had bad skin. It is very dry and bumpy on my arms and legs, and in recent years I have discovered it is a condition called Keratosis Pilaris. There is no cure. It used to really embarrass  me and I still very rarely wear clothing that shows my skin. The media has been no help to me as every person in every magazine, film, advertisement etc. flaunts skin that's been airbrushed flawlessly.  I was thinking this is also a form of distortion. A distorted reality of perfection that is fed to us everyday. I thought it could be interesting to collage "perfect" skin out of a magazine onto my own. I used lad mag 'Zoo' as it has a lot of skin to show.

Here I have photographed my legs using only the natural light. You can just about see the condition of my skin. I then played around with aperture, exposure and movement to create a more airbrushed effect. I then took photos as I gradually stuck the pieces to my leg which I used to make a short time lapse. 

I am pleased with how it all turned out. It feels geometric and I like the variety of tones. It also reminds me of a broken mirror which would be an interesting direction to look at as mirrors play a big part in distorted body image.




My legs photographed using natural light to show my skin as it is



Using low aperture and moving the camera slightly to look like I have perfectly smooth skin



"Perfect" skin cut out of Zoo Magazine, collaged onto my leg to give me "perfect" skin