Metamorphosis
Location: Cardington, Bedford
Date: 2019-2021
Project: Metamorphosis - a restless cycle
Fluidity and continuity of life’s eternal cycle was my focal point. Everything must be in balance to work in harmony. Assembled through fabric so the different sections didn't look disjointed, flowed effortlessly, fit cohesively as one and looked visually dynamic. Inspiration also came from the elements, as it forced a constant change in form, as if restless, constantly forming exquisite shapes and movement.
The concept of Identity, and movement look towards the impact humans can make as one of as a whole was the overarching concept binding my thread of work. Nature's life cycle and the continuity of creation was a starting point for me. Trials of delicate natural forms (echinoderms) in different media allowed me to experiment with texture and line. After researching different organisms, I decided to investigate the intricate details within the structure which I recorded using earthly, brittle materials, such as bleach, charcoal and chalks. I wanted to capture
and explore conceptually the fragility contrasted against the robustness of the structure.
Here I explored a butterfly's metamorphosis and the idea of change over time in a sculptural manner to develop shapes that mimicked organic forms and patterns in nature.
Inspiration was taken through cocoons ansd their protective nature, as well as their fluid form through contour and curve, lacking edges, and bringing a rounded softness to their shape. Evolvement through repetition of variation through light, shadow, overlay and manipulation was conducted to mimic reptition through pattern in nature, alternating the scale and explored the effect both on the body and as a sculpture. This created a fluid movement and an organic change which allows the viewer to experience the shape morphing and evolving as it turned, distorting the light and shadows.
The cocoon is a form of protection and armour while the organism develops. I wanted to portray the encirclement and entrapment with sculpture with fabric, and symbolise growth and development upwards with time. I replicated the organic nature of evolution with curves and gradient and created forms that were graphically strong and sturdy in structure, however the contrast of the use of fabric added the softness. The quality of the light and shadows adds the strength and volume. Additionally, I aimed to display the delicacy of nature's ethereal balance visually with stitch. The multiple layers resonate the dependence on an ecological matter (the intertwine of the food chain). If one section is missing, it disrupts a fragile equilibrium. To convey this, an overlay of a combination of different textures and shape, with removing or adding the same layer to observe the different effect it gave, as nature is filled with patterns and asymmetry. Although it can be viewed as delicate, the structure is strong. I explored different contrasts, between colours, shape and materials overlapping.