PROJECT FOUR.
Installation
Initial ideas
-behind the library: create a homeless man
-create a home in the burnt areas by the library
Questions / Concerns
Why am I doing this?
What is the meaning?
Why is this place neutral or forgotten?
work in progress
We started off creating our home, and we were excited because it was adventurous and combined things that we loved doing.
We first cleared off the space. We found it more and more challenging because we really wanted to make make a home out of the object we found in the forest but there just wasn't anything that we could use without using glue or other adhesives.
We then sat down and talked seriously about our installation. We both loved the home idea, but there were just so many things that were unknown and we weren't sure how to use the material. We both decided that we needed to step back and go back to the drawing board. Maybe if we had more time we would be able to execute it, but because we had 3 days, we decided that we needed to move on.
So we went back to the drawing board
We came up with the idea of putting eyes on trees. We wanted to stick with the nature theme but something that was feasible.
The next question was how?
We began researching how we were going to do this. And I found this Pinterest post on putting chalk on trees to color them. And then we were set. We were going to put chalk on the trees.
The process was fairly simple, we soaked our chalk for about an hour and then from their began to 'paint' away onto the tree. We specifically chose the tree by Porter Theater because of the location and because of the smoothness of the tree.
As we were putting the chalk on the tree, I noticed that it felt very nostalgic of my childhood. It reminded me of how we naturally look for faces in things, such as cars, trees, food, etc. And I felt as if we took that theme and ran with it.
Trees are something that are essential for us, but are not seen as the focal point. We overlook trees and forget that their even there. Especially on a campus such as Westmont, trees are a main part of the campus, and we wanted to highlight how the tree is also a living thing. And by putting eyes on it, you can see it staring back at you.
Reflection
This installation piece was probably the most not Lauren work of art that i've done. It felt really weird to work with the medium that we chose and specifically I like to do dainty and delicate pieces and this one seemed really different in that sense. Overall, I wasn't completely satisfied with the installation. I felt that we could have done it in a way that enhanced the tree in a more organic way. I think because of the lack of time, we were rushed for time and just did things. I think if we both had more time, we would try to do our original idea of the home.
Installation art is something that I love to do and I realised that I had a distinct style and type of work that I do for installation art. And it was weird to break out of the mold and challenging to try and work with Ashley because she had a different style than me. But in the end, I really enjoyed the process and appreciated Ashley's enthusiasm and ability to calm me whenever I got overwhelmed or stressed out. I wish I had more time to think about this installation project. It just didn't feel complete or fully thought out in my eyes.