Study Task 8

My practical work is very personal to me concerning my holistic creative practice. It is about representing femininity in fertility objects, and linking lunar energy to fertility. I was moved by the physical changes the moon was creating on me- linking to the menstrual cycle and the energy that was present during the lunar eclipse - causing disrupted sleep patterns, irritability, and issues with communication, combined with the research i was doing concerning myths about miscarriages and the lunar eclipse.

Much as the Venus of Willendorf is rumoured to be a self portrait, my work is a continuation of the self. I created the quotes used in my writing out of my own thoughts and beliefs, as this felt more appropriate than using somebody else’s words in my own personal space of artwork. Therefore I felt that it came naturally to me to write my own beliefs in there with these very lo-fi rendered images.  

The crafting of my clay sculptures was based off the idea of creating a ‘venus’ in image of the Venus of Willendorf and african fetish relics. Because the supposed origin of these objects are profoundly religious and spiritual, I wanted to create objects that held a certain amount of power and energy to them. The act of keepsake and sentimentality is important to my practice, as I aim for my work to have a tangible, sentimental, reminiscent feel to it.

 To make something feel handmade in this world of plastic surgery and Instagram advertising is, to me, very special to hold and treasure- this is where I see my holistic creative practice developing. I rely a lot on historical and mythical energy, and having done previous projects on paganism, this has definitely influenced and informed my current practice. I hope to develop this storytelling aspect in my work combined with the keepsake, homemade feel of my visual language.