New Brief : The Raw and The Ready made

We live in a world full of objects, some of which are essential for our continual existence.

Now imagine a world without objects, what do you need to survive… where would you start… what are the simple objects that enable you to function efficiently as a human.

This is where we begin… we were asked to discuss within our small groups and identify 8 key objects that you feel are of significant importance to your life, What are they? Why do you need them? How have they developed over their years of use… are they archetypal? and is so what makes them so.

What do you need to survive ?

we were given a new brief to start of our new year. we were asked if you were god what would you create, What do you need survive? we were told to identify 8 key objects of significant to your life. What are they and why do you need them, we were also told that we would need to be able to make them, but we would be given all the tools necessary. How have they developed? and are they the best version of their object, if so…Why? What influences your choice, just function, personal.symbolic. You are the maker, user, consumer.

My Groups 8 Key Objects

• Chair
• Clothes
• Books
• Container
• Bomb Shelter
• Bed
• Light
• Toothbrush

We then combined all our lists together from the class and these were the outcomes.

wooden houseboat, pan, containers, clothes, tent, water carry bag, lantern, spear, waterproof onezie, bowl with handle, mattress, toothbrush, hair bobble, pillow, toilet paper, portable light, book, chair, bomb shelter, all in one seat and table,, untensipork, super vessel, log and mud cabin, ukulele, candles, shelter, metal bowl, fabric, guitar, bike, radio.,

after we had identified these objects, we were told to look at the notion of ‘Raw’ and ‘Readymade’

As makers we both use and consume objects, our relationships to a pre-existing object is completely different to that of a raw material from which an object can be made. the potential within each vary enormously so in order to understand how we best practice, we must tackle both.

The Task

Step 1 –  from the list of objects select 2. these two objects will provide the starting point for your making. Explore how these objects have been designed, produced and used over the years, do they have metaphorical or allegorical potential, have they been used for expressive ends, in short, research your objects. find the best examples of these in both historical and contemporary practice. record this research through your sketchbooks, blog and reflective journal.

Step 2 – Select one object which you will design and make completely from raw materials, this means that all aspects of the concept, design and execution are yours alone. consider how this object speaks of your values.

Step 3 – Your second selected object will be a ready-made, with the basis for you to re-interpret. what can you make from it, can you enhance its function, or to expressive art, can you increase its value.

What i have chosen..

The Raw – Books

The Ready made –  Candles

I am excited to start this project.