Blog 4 Tree Bark and Other Ideas

 

Blog 4 Tree Bark & Other Ideas

Tree bark has a myriad of hues and textures one tree in particular caught my interest. It had a long scar/wound creating a habitat within and upon the tree itself. In blog 3 packaging material reminded me of the structure of a tree trunk and its surface texture.



Close observation of the bark and careful drawing captured the lines patterns and structures.
Left: Line drawing of bark                                      Right: Detail of bark

Further investigation of the surface texture with collage and stitch.

Above: Cardboard and handmade paper are glued and stitched


Above: Painted Collage


The surface texture provides many nooks and crannies. As I made the collage and carefully observed the bark I noticed changes in the surface texture rough and smooth. The light appeared to reflect from the smoother surfaces. There were many different hues present in the bark chestnut reds, greys and lighter yellows and creams. 
Reflecting on this as a possible representation of 'Habitat' would be possible it could be made in a large scale. However, it may not be robust enough for an outdoor installation. I feel it is a too literal representation of the bark.  



Thinking in a more abstract way about the bark I tried to represent it with the colours I had seen on the front doors of saltaire. Not sure where to take this...?









I have been looking at the work of Rosemarie Heber Koczy. This piece is called trees. I like the texture and the natural materials it is made from. Instead of trees I see the surface of bark.
    Image:Peggy Guggenheim Collection

I was thinking about the textured surface of the tree trunk as I pleated the cotton fabric. Adding the strip of old sweater, I am wondering would this make the surface of a cushion?

Can't decide between making a product or  textile sculpture...














Stone Wall
Whilst visiting Saltaire, I saw stone walls. Lichens and moss growing on the stones. Between the stones were numerous nooks and crannies. These, no doubt, provide habitats for a variety of fauna and flora. 






I was drawn to the green of the moss and the surface texture of the stone. 

I experimented with stitch in paper. I have realised it will take a long time to stitch the markings I made with the frottage! 


I will try paint on felted fabric ... 
I like the texture of the paint on the grey wool felt and the loops of green wool representing moss. Using different shades of green give a more depth to the 'moss'. 


 I tried other fabrics too... but preferred the texture of the felt.



Untitled, 2000. Photo: Christopher Burk



I like the idea of creating a free standing sculpture.  I came across work by textile artist Louise Bourgeois. In her later life she created sculptures from her old clothes and a series of tapestry blocks termed 'stacks'. Her mother came from the weaving town of Aubusson, France. There was a family history of repairing and restoring tapestries.

Could I do something similar with the blocks of the stone wall?
What would be my narrative?

It would be very static like the wall - but would this convey the life within a habitat? 
Should there be movement?























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