10.11.20 - Sketching Insects & Finishing Gel-Flex Moulds

 

Now that I'm quite far into the project, I feel that my focus has moved away from the insect world and towards the idea of consumerism and comfort through cuteness. I wanted to bring insects back into the scene because I find them more inspiring, and I started the day with some sketches from photos of my own encounters with beetles and other creatures. I used nothing but a black fine liner so there was less room for mistakes compared with using pencil, and I think the language of the precise pen gives the drawings a very scientific feel that is true to nature, and they remind me of illustrations from wildlife guide books, so I think the effect on the viewer is quite informative and literal. However, the random arrangement on the paper reminds me of  a sticker sheet and that is where I feel I can link my theme of childhood into it. I could do this through painting over the bugs with water-colour like I did with my pink object drawings, but I would make a photocopy first because I drew them on very thin paper that would not work with the water. I think drawing in this style would also refer back to E. H. Shepard's book illustrations which speak of bed-time stories and carry a childhood significance that transcends generations, so I find them really influential in my work.

This afternoon I went to check on my moulds and melt more gel-flex for the remaining three objects. The ones I made yesterday had set so I removed the original clay figures and the finer ones broke during the process, which implies that plaster versions might do the same. If this is the case, I will either make some different shapes instead, or see if the successful ones provide enough diversity on their own. After I had prepared the gel-flex for the other shapes and poured it in, I had some time to make plaster to pour into the butterfly, parrot charm, and bead shaped moulds. I also used the flower one which I made at the start of the course because I've found that it works really well and is still related to my project. 


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