This project I dedicated my time and effort into exploring the natural process of growing crystals. I perfected the techniques and science required in order to create stunning crystals of various shapes and sizes, to enable me to experiment with crystal growing to create surreal pieces of artwork. My initial inspiration came from my love of minerals, but skyrocketed and became a focal point of my art when I discovered that the alchemy of crystallisation was something that can be harnessed and experimented with.
I found inspiration in using predominantly natural materials. Although I may have incorporated artificial mediums into my work, I have intended to use natural substances and specimens as a focal point. There is beauty in nature that I cannot simulate, and any artificial mediums that I use are only intended to enhance nature's organic beauty. I am specifically interested in the unique, geometric shapes that crystals can form, and how those geometric shapes can compliment or overpower the objects around/inside them.
The art of Tyler Thrasher is what inspired me to begin using insects in my work, which was a constant theme throughout my project. I enjoy the wide variation of reactions that insects can evoke from a viewer. Some insects are seen as hideous (wasp, scorpions) whereas others are seen as beautiful (butterfly, exotic bee). My use of crystal growing was without judgement and unforgiving. It did not discriminate between the insects that I used, and overcame them equally. I enjoy the fact that my crystals are a force to be reckoned with that can grow on next to anything. Although they are delicate, they are powerful in their own right.
My project continued to develop with the influence of artists such as Damien Hirst, John LeKay and artists between such as Anna Atkins. My project begun to become progressively more artificial, as I incorporated digital photography and photomanipulation. No matter what I was creating, the focal point was always based around insects or crystals, to persist with a natural theme.
It may have appeared that my progression was wildly scattered and without a specific sense of direction. This is arguably true, but also not. I knew exactly what I intended to do with each step, although the many mistakes that I made along the way allowed me to advance in ways that seemed nonparallel. I know that the mistakes and off-the-cuff experiments that I made along the way improved my project in the end.
The downside to this project is that it was consuming of time and funds. The crystal growing materials were expensive, let alone the prices of the individual insects on top. The crystals themselves take time to grow, as it is a natural process that cannot be rushed. As my project advanced, I would have liked to have experimented with many more insects and many more materials (specifically, resin) but funds forbade this. If I had more time, I would have taken the experimentation with crystals much further (natural, and artificial).
I hope that my work is intriguing to the viewer. I feel that it blends the lines between science and art at some moments. There is the alchemy of crystal growing, coupled with entomology, to create art. My work may not be wildly expressive in colour and size, but it is a small, intimate experience for the viewer which is perfectly fine with me. Personally, I prefer to create personal and interactive experiences for viewers rather than large scale pieces to be seen by hundreds at a time.
Artist Inspiration Progression:
My first inspiration was Roger Hiorns for his bold use of crystals.
Hiorns' work
My work
Next was Tyler Thrasher for his juxtaposition between crystals and insects.
Thrasher's work
My work
Next I found inspiration from Jen Halls' and her use of casting.
Halls's work.
My work.
Next, I found inspiration in Damien Hirst for his use of crystals, diamonds and natural materials / death.
Damien Hirst
My response
Followed by John LeKay for his similar work.
John LeKay
Vladimir Anselm completed the trio with another similar piece.
Vladimir Anselm
My response to all 3 artists.
The work of Anna Atkins brought me back to 2D work and nature.
Anna Atkins's work
My work.
Jack Storms fuelled my inspiration behind colourful glass / resin / patterns.
Jack Storms's work.
My work.
Various museums began to inform my decisions and fuel my ideas.
Ipswich Museum (my image).
Museum Vrolik (Amsterdam - not my image).
Returning to Damien Hirst and his use of formaldehyde.
Damien Hirst's work.
My work.
Finally, a pair of small businesses informed what I would like to do next, on a larger scale.
Polycreations
Flowercrystals.com
From then, artists that I would have liked to further explore included:
Reese Rios and his project on encapsulating items in clear resin. I would have liked to experiment with something similar, using natural substances rather than strictly artificial.
I am interested in his process as well as the metaphors behind these pieces. I dislike the fact that his pieces are strictly artificial, as that is not what I have been working towards. If I had the time, I would have created a block full of natural crystals rather than artificial items. More can be studied at http://www.reese-rios.com/ .
Damien Hirst:
If I was given the time to do so I would have liked to further explore Hirst's pieces using formaldehyde, as they directly relate to the formaldehyde pieces that I saw in the Ipswich museum. They informed my ideas towards the end of this project, and although I did not intend on using formaldehyde in my own work, I am sure I could find interest in the meaning behind these large scale, natural sculptures. (Where is the line drawn between science and art?)
Evaluating my own work in a few words:
Although I did not technically resolve my project, I feel that I explored my ideas to an extent that a clear development has been made. I have constructed ideas that I assume are original and never before seen in the fine art world. If I had more time, money and space to work, I would have brought these ideas to life by creating many more pieces of many more of the ideas that I had.
Regardless of this, I am pleased with the work that I HAVE made and attempted to explain the rest of my non-parallel ideas in the best way that I could.
Thank you for viewing.
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