Graduate Showcase and other Bits and Bobs
Main image submitted for Maison Zero Prize
Additional, supportive images
Maison Zero application
This drawing is made from self made paper pulp extracted from my garden compost heap and is then drawn into using compost humus. The paper is soaked in the humus and piled up with garden debris left outside in the rain until an image emerges. I have then drawn into the image using the compost humus and finally applied small phosphorescent dot sequences, which are then visible under a black light.
The drawing is partly degraded with tears and evidence of decomposition. It would be carefully placed on a wall or on a table with a black light lamp to highlight the phosphorescence. After display, the piece will be returned to the compost heap (with the phosphorescence removed) to break down completely and generate future work.
My work addresses renewability of materials called upon in the state of climate emergency in which we live. I have created an almost ecologically neutral approach to approaching our ‘landscape’ with mutuality, reciprocity and respect. I have studied the microorganisms and mycelium networks that facilitate decomposition and renewal and investigated bioindicator species including fungi that use bioluminescence to communicate concerning ecological shifts.
These drawings are rooted in ecological grief but centre around the metaphor of the compost heap, which regenerates, renews, supports future generations. The circularity of the process and materials is designed to challenge the take-make-waste, linear economy to which we have become so accustomed, towards a gentler, more reciprocal interaction with natural systems and resources.The work is returned to the compost, combined with garden debris, kitchen waste and other compostable matter, to create and sustain future work. In this way, I see drawing as an act of radical kindness.
Approximately A3 (now slightly degraded with broken edges) | Self made paper pulp derived from compost materials and recycled paper from packaging and compost humus derived from my own compost. Tiny quantities of phosphorescent acrylic paint for the purposes of representing bioluminescence of bioindicator species (the specks of paint are removed before returning the piece to the compost heap)
Trinity Buoy Wharf
The Other Project
I am thinking I will submit the castings and some compost drawings as additional submissions. I think the castings particularly the spores and gills project speak to Mycelium and the circularity question. Much as gone back into the compost however so I will have to make some more… Perhaps another batch of cabbage leaves and some more foam gills, as they are beautiful and fragile. I can make them with a higher compost content. How to present them…?
The work should respond to at least one of the following criteria:
Process: Work that pushes the boundaries of making and stretches creative ability to its limits
Innovation: A project that is truly innovative, in either concept, execution, or use of materials, addresses or solves a problem that society is faced with today.
Conscious: Work that responds to, or champions lasting positive change in today's society - whether looking at social responsibility, the environment or the political and pro-diversity movements.
Regeneration: Work that promotes circularity, reuse, reform and remake. A project which moves away from a take-make-waste linear economy to one that encourages our people and planet to thrive.Unstereotype: Work that reflects progressive thinking and breaks away from outdated stereotypes of people.
Execution: Work that is skilfully crafted and beautifully executed.