To start the spring term, we were given a week long project to produce a site specific piece of work within the university campus grounds.
The site I chose was one I know very well from my time at the university. The ginnel is a space to store the rubbish bins for collection and for deliveries to the workshops. I was interested in using the space because I like the colour of the brickwork and the graffiti and moss which has developed over the years. There is also a metal door in the corner which i find intriguing as I am unsure what's behind it.
Because of the nature of the space, I knew I would find inspiration for a piece of work. On this occasion I found two apple trees growing in tubs. As my work is based on decoration I decided to stay along those lines and used the image of the trees in a design for the wall around the metal door in the Ginnel.
Because of the nature of the space, I knew I would find inspiration for a piece of work. On this occasion I found two apple trees growing in tubs. As my work is based on decoration I decided to stay along those lines and used the image of the trees in a design for the wall around the metal door in the Ginnel.
I chose to use old newspaper as my material for the wall coverings as it was easily accessable and linked in with the usage of the site. I cut rough strips of newspaper and stuck them to the walls around the door in a tree- like fashion, spreading longer and wider as it grew.
The corner I was working with is not roofed but covered with a mesh, allowing light in. I took full advantage of this and used the mesh to hang apples infront of the paper trees at different levels. This added another dimension to the work and the space. Instead of the piece being flat to the wall it created a 3D element therefore changing the space and the way people move around it.
My final adaptaion of the work was to paint it white. I hadn't orginally planned to do this but felt it would have more affect if it contrasted more with the surroundings. I finally placed the two apple trees infront of the work, creating a barrier and more depth to the piece.
I am happy with the outcome of the work, it has transformed a space which is usually harsh, cold and noisy into a tranquil, fantasy retreat. Decoration in such a space would usually be seen as pointless, but this piece questions the concept. I chose an exterior site rarely seen by the public and which is used primarily for storing rubbish. I think any place can be decorated regardless of where it is or it's uses. Personally I feel calm in that particular site and my work enhances this emotion.
