A Texture Exploration

I have recently been interested in exploring different materials as part of my art practice, largely inspired by others in my peer group and recent exhibitions I have attended. I began by taking a page in my sketchbook, and burnt the edge. I have been a lover of natural materials since I can remember; particularly wood and leather. As someone who has spent a lot of time in the outdoors, I have also had vast experience at making fires for food and warmth.

When I began to expand on this burnt part of the cotton rag paper, I instantly wrote words to describe this act, and continued with as many synonyms as possible. I then cut and tore the top edge and did the same with the written words. I used the charred paper and my finger to press the word ‘textures’ into the paper. Whilst a seemingly simple exercise, it was an enlightening experience, and perhaps a realisation of my keeen interest in more organic materials; their natural colours, textures and smells. I couldn’t help but bring the page to my nose and smell the charred aroma. It brought back memories of sat on the tow path, by my boat, playing my ukulele in front of the fire, while soup warmed.

I added a recent picture of a painting I had created with a cyanotype filter, which I felt fit nicely with the effect I was now looking to achieve. The prussian blue of the cyanotype feels somewhat organic, and I particularly like this minimal photographic method.