Jenna Hall; "Untitled;" Clay, rope, burlap
Clay is a
versatile medium. Its plasticity allows it to form bonds with itself and other
materials. In this installation, I explored some of the non-traditional uses of
clay. Clay, especially clay laden with iron rich red clays, can stain and form
layers of color. I layered clay onto various thicknesses of cloth in a
comparable way to the process of tanning skin, the cloth was then spread across
the tied net, an item often associated with capturing animals. Clay is one
material that can be found throughout the entire world, unfortunately when
people see clay in its raw form they are usually exploring ways to remove it
from their gardens. I utilized recycled, reclaimed clay, that was unable to be
used for more well-known purposes. Raw, unfired clay, can create works of art.
Clay is should not be restricted to use in functional pottery and fine
sculpture.
Jenna, again I am such a fan of your piece. First of all like the connection between the two is great, and as I was wanting to see the ephemeral materials react with the environment in your first piece, I see that their are pictures of that here! I am still a fan of the earthy rich colors and though not as elegant, the pieces still have a figural form about them. The pieces of burlap that are falling through the rope, as apposed to the pieces sitting completely on top of the rope, are more successful and interesting for me to look at because they are more dimensional, it would be interesting to further play with other positions of the burlap. This piece has a heaviness , even if it may be just visual, it looks like the small rope is holding quite a load. Because of that it looks like it might be a little daunting to walk under, and that idea is emphasized by the dripping clay on the concrete. Overall I think this piece is very interesting to look at and the location works so well with the feelings I get from this piece.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite comments from critique were:
ReplyDeleteIt gives the impression of great weight, of a force like gravity. Then learning that it is clay on cloth, I think about what clay means: is it heavy? Does it give that connotation? And with the statement, it expanded my frame of thinking about the process of tanning and such. What I like most is the movement of the clay with the cloth.
I feel like there are multiple ideas that can be discussed within the installation. Occupies and activates the space well.
Part of this reads to the process of drying animal flesh. I think its because earthenware reads a lot like skin.
I like the form and scale of this piece, but it has an unfinished feel to it. I world like to see the entire net activated by the clay and a cleaner handling of the rope used to make the net. That is, if the clay is supposed to be the focus of this piece. Check out some John Grade if you get the chance.
ReplyDeleteI really like you're exploration of clay. I don't know that much about clay, and so I really appreciate seen the material through your eyes.
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