Graffiti Sticker Research

I'm interested in publicly displaying some of the textures I have gathered. An initial idea for this project was producing such an effective 2D image that people feel the need to reach out and feel, creating intreaege and further exploration by the viewer.
I have found some sticker printer paper and want to spend a day applying my textured stickers to public surfaces, especially smooth areas, such as plastic on buses, windows and metal. I will photograph my results and, if successful, I have an idea to further develop this concept on a larger scale.
Public display I think is important aspect of the project as I want to expose people to the rough and raw textures covered up in a modern day slick city like Manchester.


Below are some examples of research I undertaken to help me understand how others apply this method, focussing on graffiti art.

http://papermonster.wordpress.com/tag/buy/

This next image is from Paul Curtis, who's work is produced by removing dirt, not completely relevant but an hugely effective and interesting method of graffiti.

http://www.thedirtfloor.com/2011/11/13/paul-curtis-reverse-graffiti-the-gifts-of-dirt/

I stumbled across the work of Ofra Lapid, who uses high quality photographs in a 3D format to recreate models of derelict houses he has documented. This relates to my work with the deception of texture.

http://ofralapid.com/category/broken-houses/

Melted Plastic Bags and Light

After the success of my melted plastic bag textures, and the discovery of the added quality when viewed against light, I scanned in the samples to give me and idea of the result of a planned idea. The idea involves attached fishing line to the samples and discreetly suspending them in windows, scanning the textures has helped me realise that all the work going into creating the support structure for the pieces is not necessary to produce the effect I am after.

Melted Plastic Bags

At collage last year I was lucky enough to attend an artist's work shop at the Whitworth Gallery, and spent the day manipulating and melting plastics. Using a variety of techniques and highlighting areas with paints I was able to produce a wide range of textures, patterns and outcomes. I enjoyed using this technique and thought it a very cost effective material!

This led me to try and recreate some of the surfaces I have recorded so far and spent a day playing with layering plastics, using different types and applying heat differently to understand the material and learn the extent of what can be produced through this method. 

Holding the samples up to the window added more levels and created a deeper image I feel is really successful. I will consider using light boxes or displaying the pieces in windows/doors if i continue the development of this technique further.

Crumble.Crackle.Burn.

I discovered this book when searching for Jonathan Miller's Nowhere in Particular. The book gives examples of how adding texture to computer generated images can place them and increase the reality of an image, also adding layers and further dimensions to a usually flat artwork.

Johnathan Miller

Miller is an artist who shares my passion for the beauty of the everyday. His book, Nowhere in Paticular is filled with textures he discovered and felt nessary to document. I admire his apriciation of the "untidy" everyday scence and find his images beautiful, layered and rich.


Most of his images are taken with a cheap automatic camera which is something I have echoed, using the auto feature to capture natural, untouched and honest photographs.

"These are just bits and pieces from nowhere in particular. The hope is that they add up to something more than the sum of their randomly scavenged parts."

Artists I found relating to my theme:

ROSEMAN:     http://www.margaretroseman.com/


VICENZI:     http://apeonthemoon.com/2010/10/31/fashion-illustrations-from-raphael-vicenzi/


HORIKI:     http://www.eriko-horiki.com/e/


REVELL:     http://www.gilesrevell.com/projects/art-revealed/


MccGWIRE:     http://www.katemccgwire.com


PECIS:      http://hilarypecis.com/images.html

Gathering Texture From Bike Journeys

I thought about alternative ways of gathering examples of texture, and noticed a patch of PVA glue on my rucksack had produced an interesting and varied textured effect through being exposed to rain and mud.

I cycle regularly and realised by attaching paper to my rucksack I could record the different textures produced by the various journeys.
After recording several times I realised the textures produced were quite repetitive and shallow and I wanted to discover more ways of producing my own textures.

One lap of Platt Fields park

Rusholme to Northenden and back