Near the end of last semester, I started making collard leaves. I created these leaves by casting handmade paper in molds. The pulp was made using library catalogue cards under the subject heading, "modern history" and Canson paper to add color. This was the result of spending the entire semester looking for ways to infuse my work with personal connection. My relationship to collard greens has been complicated, but rich with cultural and personal significance. This realization has me searching for other places where identity, culture, and nature overlap. My advisor gave me some very valuable feedback concerning the leaves and how to use the aesthetics of research to explore how display can add to the work's content. I've started organizing research and ideas on modes of display on my Tumblr blog, Stream of Consciousness.
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| This is a sketch I made during the residency exploring possibilities for display incorporating labels and aesthetics of specimen display. |
In the coming months, I aim to continue exploring the construction of collard leaves and other flora using the following criteria:
Refine process of making leaves...
- Experiment with color, texture, form
- Paint the back with gel medium to increase strength
- Build new molds
Determine how important is evidence of
the material...
- Experiment with transparency of material
- Dye cards before pulping
- Try using whole cards without pulping them
Ascertain which materials and form will
best depict what I want to say...
- Can I use different leaves?
- How does this work function?
Consider different options for installation...
- Make use of the aesthetics of research
- Research installation possibilities
- Experiment with using text (faux labels) to convey meaning
- How does display become content?
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