Hand knitted wool, knitting needles, a series of 5 sculptures
Living sculptures with a participant/performer at disquiet, Walcot Chapel, Bath, Sept 2018
(Click for full image)
Living sculptures is a series of wearable hand knitted soft sculptures. Normally, in an art gallery, there are signs saying ‘Do not touch’; what happens if the viewer is not only encouraged to touch but is invited to become a living sculpture by wearing an abstract soft sculpture? What would it look like? How would it feel?
My Living sculptures installed at 'disquiet', Walcot Chapel, Bath, Sept 2018:
Most of my static soft sculptures are technically wearable, and at some point during the process of making, I try on most of my sculptures. It’s part of making them me and is also part of my ongoing research into the links between clothing, body and identity. Yet they are often, realistically, utterly unwearable.
Click here for the documentation of the initial research and development of my Living sculptures in 2018
This is part of a larger body of work in progress where, using traditional garment-making skills and unexpected materials, I am developing a selection of more readily wearable sculptures which can be put on and removed independently by visitors. The passive viewer can choose to become an active participant, a performer; or, for the onlooker, the space will be transformed into a dynamic, ever-changing, interactive experience.
I also trialled the participatory aspect of this idea as part of a day at Bristol Museum’s 'Make Space' alongside The Woman’s Hour Crafts’ Prize exhibition in July 2018. I provided mirrors and some static soft sculptures for photo opportunities. Feedback indicates that the participants found it playful and fun but that it also provoked a range of conflicting responses. I documented the event with photos, videos and interactive feedback and feel that it was highly successful. I’m planning to add to this series and provide further opportunities for a larger, more immersive experience.
Here are some images of the Living sculptures event at Bristol Museum:
And here are some of others wearing them, including my mother!
I think they're are also very interesting as more static hanging, soft sculptures, but they definitely come alive when they're worn...
I have chosen a selection of bold bright colours and have started by knitting some specific garment-like features so that the sculptures will have strong associations with clothing.