Starting to research into artists that used recycled, found
objects and even discarded textiles. This is a research point I have that interested
me. Over my time during my foundation course, I learnt to look at objects in a different
way. I look at objects normally discarded and think of their possibilities. Although I may not have a use for it now,
there might be a time in the future when that ring pull, piece of ribbon or
dried poppy head might be just what I needed to inspire my next piece of work.
During my research there was one artist that stood out to me
Pate Conaway. His back story is what first stood out to me, how he had got into
self-teaching himself to knit with the old ladies in the care home he worked in.
It reminded me a little of how I began to love sewing, finishing off a patchwork
quilt my grandmother had started. Again, I was self-taught and fell in love
with textiles from there. He became hooked from the moment he was taught to
knit a basic washcloth, this led to him thinking outside the box what more
could he do with knitting. Were there other materials he could use. He reminded
me of my journey into my degree how I had always felt as those textiles was
very much fabric and making garments. I had now discovered like Pate there is
more to textiles had how the perimeters can be pushed.
Pate uses material as rope, wire, recycled paper, twine,
hemp, foam caulking, rubber, fabric, and caution tape. He see’s traditional
yarn as luxury and only to be used for special occasions, preferring the use everyday
items instead. I prefer the unique, experimental pieces he creates. Using items
used for other purposes to creating a thing of beauty.
I have picked two of his pieces of work that stood out to me. Both created with everyday items but one on a larger scale than the other. I love how intricate the stitches are, it must have been incredibly difficult to do with the bulky hose which would not have been very flexible.
With his piece created with lawn furniture webbing, at first glance you would not have realised what it was made of and that it was made with found items. Something that was destined for the rubbish has been made into a stunning piece of art.
What I will be taking away from Pates work is how there is purpose and use in everyday items. To scrutinise items before they are discarded. We the way the planet is at the moment and how tight finances are across the country we should make use of all that is readily available to use, make us of the unconventional and push the boundaries.
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