Arrivals Continued

After much deliberation on my starting point (the Metrolink Service) I have decided to think about the following for my work:

Repetition: As a service, the Metrolink repeats its journey(s) across the city daily, hourly, even minutely. Repetition is very much apparant in this aspect, along with the fact that my journey is repeated every day. I board and exit the metrolink at the same stops each time I make my journey into University. Although I am not definite on the way that the service is run; I can imagine that the Metrolink staff/drivers repeat the same shifts over and over, travelling across the city in repeated cycles. The thought of these ever repeating and very structured cycles are the main reason I would like to create repeat patterns in my work. After looking at the mapping of the very central metrolink lines I have discovered that aesthetically I quite like the look of the lines themselves.

Nature: I have personal interest in nature. I was reminded that in nature itself is very much ran by cycles and repetition. Without the very constant cycle of the seasons it would be impossible for the uprise of life that we experience every spring. Our Earth, on it's tilted axis, repeats its own cycle (it's orbit) around the Sun which in turn creates our seasons. I like the contrast between the natural and industrial cycles and repeats. As I am interested in creating a surface pattern I would like to include my own imagery of flowers, in particular British flora, and if possible something native to Manchester. I have booked an appointment to view the Botany collection at Manchester Museum on Wednesday 21st and I have full hopes on finding such flowers. Eventually I would like to combine my industrial patterns with my natural imagery to create something that repestents the two together in harmony.

Colour Schemes: Thinking about these subjects I would like to use both natural and industril colour palette. Perhaps I will combine the greys and metallics and harsh colours of Manchester/Metrolink system with the muted and natural tones of flowers. I will work with both as well as creating some drawings/samples using EITHER industrial or natural colourings.

Final Outcomes: Although we are proposing projects for the new building, I work best flat. I would like to produce a surface pattern i.e. wallpaper, wallhanging, projection, flooring etc. etc. I am also interested in looking at some processes that I am unfamiliar with such as etching onto glass and lazer cutting. This project is giving me the opportunity to go beyond what I already know and I am excited to try new things. After the easter holidays I would definitely like to use the print workshop and determined to create a final repeat pattern print.

Infra_MANC at Cube Gallery

The never realised Picc-Vic tunnel plans and artefacts were an interesting feature at the cube gallery. There were some stunning technical drawings and architectural plans of the proposed underground link. The proposition in itself is relevant to our current work, we are making our own propositions and putting our own ideas forward. Although it never came to be, there was a lot of planning involved; drawing, mapping etc. It is a shame that funding for the project never emerged as it could have been a great addition to the transport links of Manchester.
As Manchester was the main topic for work in the Cube Gallery, I found it to be very relevant to "Unit X, Old School/New School, Interrogating Manchester" as I am basing some of my own work on Manchster. I found these map drawings at the Cube Gallery quite useful and relevant to my own work. I would like to create some of my own map drawings in similar styles as these, but to create repeat patterns instead. As a drawing I love the colour palettes used, especially the colours of the aged paper.

"Drop Sari"

I visited the "COTTON: Global Threads" exhibition at the Whitworth art gallery not long ago and one piece really stood out for me; "Drop Sari" by Liz Rideal.
A video for "Drop Sari" can be found here.
Beautiful flowing white cotton Saris are suspended from the cieling to the floor and blown with fans. Images of India and Sari fabric patterns are projected onto the almost transparent fabric. The fans create the illusion of a breeze catching the Saris, giving the piece an eerie and ghostly presence.
I think that the use of pattern and imagery on these Saris are breath-taking, I found myself lost in a stare at the hypnotic flowing fabric. I really like the idea that the pattern on the fabric can be a temporary thing, only staying for a second or two.

Arrivals Task

As I did not arrive in Manchester (having lived here my entire life) but wanting to use Manchester to influence my work I thought about my WAY of arriving into the city centre; the Metrolink system.

The Metrolink is a service unique to Manchester that carries almost 20 million passengers yearly and covers 23 miles with 37 stops. It is a relatively new service; it opened in 1992 and is regularly updated. Currently their multi-million pound improvement plan aims to increase the network with four new lines and new and improved facilities.

I am interested in looking at the mapping of the tram lines, both current and planned for the future. I will use this as my starting point.

I am also interested in pattern, floral imagery and natural forms. I would like to do some research into British flora, and I am very keen to look at the Botany collection at Manchester Museum.

Dave Haslam "Secret Public"

Dave Haslam was a DJ for The Haçienda night club in Manchester late 1980s.

Although The Haçienda is currently well known, at the time it was part of the 'marginal activity' circulating Manchester city centre. The small scale (however not insignificant) weekly events at The Haçienda were in conflict with mainstream culture at the time because it was something different, independent and new. As Manchester was at industrial ruin at the time, The Haçienda was hosted in an old warehouse. The thick walls of the old building were perfect to play loud music in, but the run down look of the place added to the charm of the event. You were out of the ordinary if you attended these events. Music was played that you hadn't necessarily heard before, but you were immersed into a marginal sub culture with people who had similar interests and the same spark of independence from the 'norm'.

There was little marketing for the events hosted at The Haçienda, which kept its crowds small and prices low. Word of mouth and one off flyers were the height of advertising.

Fanzines were a main topic during Dave's talk, in particular one called "City Fun". The fanzines were sarcastic, contained jokes and artwork, and most importantly were always hand made. They explored the potential of the new and exciting punk sub culture, being imaginative and creative. "City Fun" gave the first ever written review The Smiths which were also part of the small scale margins.
Mainstream culture eventually caught up to this style, which left the punk sub culture to question, "what to do next?" After all one of the main philosophies of punk culture was "Question Everything." This is something from an artist point of view, we should all have at the front of our consciousness. QUESTION EVERYTHING.

Whitworth Art Gallery

This week I am planning on making a few gallery visits.

My first visit was to the Whitworth Art Gallery and here are some photographs that I took on the day.


"Ghost Sari"

Ann Wilson

Dress and Furnishing fabrics from Egypt