new work import / export

My work during March and April 2011in Ecuador concentrated on how I could merge my past way of working, which was that of narrative, figuration and representation, with the new more abstracted aesthetic I developed during the MA. Both methods of working dealt with change and flux caused by external influence, and the necessity to evolve and grow. The challenge however, was to make them have an aesthetic synergy. Ambiguity becomes my guiding aesthetic in this investigation.

Conceptually I am more directed, I am fascinated by how the experience of other cultures and personal life challenges can effect and enable creative activity within me. Ecuador is a dramatic, beautiful land, full of contradictions and hope. It is a chaotic environment, with dramatic landscape and a different way of life, this was alien to me in so many ways. Its rich cultural identity and strong craft discipline stemming back thousands of years has influenced my thinking greatly. In the west we are educated to research and understand the art and to progress and evolve it, we strive to make new art without ignoring past artistic endeavor and any other connections in meaning. In looking at the art and craft, I was most struck by the ancient pre Columbian artefacts. I was interested in looking at these ancient icons with my own differing focus, how could these icons be reinterpreted.

So I am now looking at these artefact and the rich visuals from Ecuador with a view to make new expressive objects which reflect my experience and understanding of the place. I began by creating work illustrating how I felt about being there and what I understood about the things I saw around me. My newfound experience and imagery will now be exported to my home land and imported into new work.