My collections and unusual surfaces.

Part Two is about working with unusual materials and painting collections of objects or images. Your practical work for Part Two will involve experimenting with different ways of painting some household collections.

Why do we collect things?

• Social interaction with fellow collectors because it is pleasurable and social. Seeing the beauty in objects, having pride in its ownership.

• It is competitively challenging.

• Recognition and interest from collectors (or non-collectors)

• Selfless passion for a cause for the benefit of others

• The desire to control, possess and bring objects into order.

• Nostalgia and/or a connection to history/place in time.

• Accumulation or a variety of objects documented for future reference i.e.knowledge and learning.

• It is relaxing and stress relieving.

I was interested in one of the links in the OCA/UPM resources was to Michael Landy one of the Young British Artists.

Landy is best known for the performance piece installation Break Down, in which he destroyed his entire collection of belongings, having compiled an inventory ( 7,227 items), all his possessions, amassed over his 37 years, destined for landfill.

The piece was viewed by the public who were deeply disturbed by the destruction of his possessions. This sparks questions in my mind of consumerism, liberation and the question of the use of collected possessions are they building my identity and how are they projecting myself to others?

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I took some photographs of the collections around the house.

I also had some photographs of collections that might be of use.

White collections (flowers and misc items).

Shoes.

I chose particular pairs of shoes because of where I had purchased them.

Flip flops- Sao Paulo, Brasil

Grey suede geometric block heels - Malaga Spain

Black Leather shoe/boot- Pisa Italy

Brown Leather rose motif heel- Buenos Aires ,Argentina.

I arranged them in a circular 'from round the world' shape. This reminded me of my study trip to Lisbon where all the students had their feet photographed as a momento, therefore I have also included this photo as a collection of feet).

Model/toy aircraft.

Aircraft play a significant role in the household because of my previous career.

Bottles.

Bottles seem to be everywhere you look.

Wires

I opened a drawer and found this composition of entangled wires.

Plates,mugs and cutlery

I found the plates had more impact and presence when they were micro/macro, they almost look like a screw or spiral.

The forks arranged with a focal cross in the tile grout, made pleasing shadow reflections placed on my bread bin and on a white table top.

The small porcelain spoons are from Japan. I bought them because they are delightful to look at.

The mugs are my momento of most of the countries I have visited over the years.

Pencils

Scissors.

I was reminded of Jim Dine's Tools when I photographed them.

Cactus (Cacti)

I have several types of cacti. Mainly because they don't need a lot of care. When you travel on a regular basis these still bring that natural feel into you home without the worry they will die whilst you are away. They also remind me of the arid landscapes of Arizona.

Playing Cards.

I arranged the playing cards into piles, the numbers/pictures signify a jumbo jet, 7, 4, 7 and the Queen because the 747 was always known as the queen of the skies.

Shells.

I have collected many shells from many beaches over the years. The are breathtakingly beautiful and full of texture and pattern.

Makeup and hair brushes.

I enjoyed positioning the make up especially the reflections in the mirror.

Clothing.

Beachwear, socks, piles of folded skirts, leopard print underwear and a top and jeans. Nothing very inspiring here for me.

Series of pictures.

I chose the selection of Chinese flower prints I had purchased in Shanghai. I bought them because they took my eye (a jetlagged eye) they have been sitting in a drawer for a few years waiting to be used.

I photographed my landing wall. I have a few pictures and plates. The plates are printed with

Piero Fornasetti's design of the recurring face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri.

I have researched this artist as I was astounded at his 3D works and knew he would be a valuable source of inspiration in the future.

Jewellery / knick-knacks.

The hanging necklaces made intricate shadow patterns and the entwined chains remind me of HR Giger's Alien with their metallic tendrils.

Chairs.

Are these chairs a collection? I'm unsure, however the vacant seats create a feeling of abandonment and are very current with the global pandemic restrictions.