Two By Two

Just three weeks to go until the exhibition opens. So far I have made a small start towards creating work but mostly I have been re-discovering this space that I am so familiar with.

Tomorrow I will really start to create work with a clear view of what I want to achieve.

Right from the start of the project I had an idea I wanted to work with, one that runs through much of my practice. This is simply the thought of being covered in fabric.
House of Haynes is a physical manifestation of this; a space dominated by fabric, not just the costumes but the ever growing bags of off-cuts, boxes of threads and the endless presence of fluff balls. Perhaps this explains my personal fascination with this space.

Some ways of producing work that have crossed my mind include:
Working with the bags of off-cuts and scraps (see image in previous post)
Only creating work in the space and not at all in my studio
Only using fabric used in House of Haynes

But at the moment I don't think I will stick to any of these.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre
On Friday night I went to see Cloud Gate Dance Theatre perform at the Lowry Theatre. During their performance I had the peace, and time I needed for my thoughts to settle and become clear.

This performance was one of calm fluidity, Zen-like qualities. The dancers, men and women alike, wore white trousers, wide legged, wrapped round at the front and cut from a sheer, floaty silk-like material. There was beauty in the simplicity and purity in the lack of colour and fussiness. The body both concealed and revealed by a material fine and light. The dancers were neither decorated or enhanced; the opposite of fancy dress.

Since Friday I have been thinking about silk, whiteness and something very pure in a space like House of Haynes. I am happy just to let this idea sit quietly and later come to fruition.