presentation draft

Our group project as mentioned is centred on childhood memories. Whilst researching many aspects of child hood memories the most prevalent would have to be toys and games, a person’s strongest memories in many circumstances are either the happiest or saddest moments of one’s life experiences. The research I found to have a broad range of responses upbringing, background, ethnic, age and race play a part in your memories as a child.

As part of my research I asked many members of family, friends, work associates and customers and for my final section of research I am currently awaiting a CBR check so that I may conduct a half hour research lesson with one class from each year at Sebright primary school located in Haggerston east London. The ages will range between 4 and 12.

For each class I intend to encourage them to work in groups of 3-5, think about the games they play today whether at home or in the playground and record them on paper, this will constitutes the first 15 minutes of the lesson, for the remaining 15 minutes each child will be provided with paper onto which if they choose to partake I would like them to depict an image of a happy memory. I’m not yet sure if I will use any of the images I collect but if I do decide that to be the case evidently I will seek written permission from the parents to use them in the exhibition.

For part of my contribution to the exhibition I want to use at least one of my childhood memories from spending my summers in Cyprus with my grandparents as a child. Although spending my summers in a central part of the country there was little much to do unless driven to the beach or attending family events such as dinners and barbeques. So naturally when a child finds themselves in such a setting they derive their own methods of entertainment, so I and my cousins would make our own darts from tailor pins, bird’s feathers and melted tarmac using boards of wood as targets with either a ring of circles or crosses drawn upon them. I plan to recreate these darts and pin them in the shape of Cyprus to portray one of many of my childhood memories.

If anyone would like to contribute their memories for the project feel free to note them down and leave them in our studio spaces , they can be anonymous .

Ceramic memories

Hey, hope your having a good evening. As I was saying last week about thinking of making ceramic moulds or the shells I collected in Cornwall. I found this artist: Anita Pullan on
http://www.artsthread.com/viewer/project.aspx?pj=8417&p=2475

This lady is created pieces based on her memories or being a. daughter, ssister, wife and mother. She uses visual association, her skill and contextual ability. This piece comes her works exploration of 'maternal memorabilia to compensate for the transience of childhood.'

She uses slip cast, pressmoulds to produce pieces made of porcelain and bone china to which she then works on top with gold flakes. Making her visual memories preious objects econmically. I really like them, they remind me of the lace bits with slip casted and fired.

What do you think girlies??

A select few of photos of cornwall.

 These are just some quick sketchs I did on the beach with a black and blue biro of the shells I found near by

Hey girls, finally been able to upload some of the photos I took while in cornwall. These are just a sample of the ones i took. If its ok with you I was hoping to base my project on happy holiday memories. For me and alot of other people as we know from our research it seems to be a recurring subject. These idylic holidays full of sun and fun that we recall. I want to use this concept as the basis of my project, do you feel it will fit in with your pieces you want to produce for the exhibiton?

I really like this artist,

http://www.carolekirk.com/?cat=12&paged=2

This artist reminds me of the fabric books created by Susan Hiller. I really like them, their simplicity yet effectiveness on protraying childhood.

http://www.sparrowavenue.com/gallery-textile-autumnleaves.htm

I found this through researching on the theme above. i dont know if I like it and want to continue you it an a piece to display in the exhibition. Combine with the the cornwall photos and create a postive spin on childhood memories, using the idealistic view of childhood being great, innocent time of our lives like viewing it through rose tinted lenses.

A rough draft..

"I'd give all wealth that years have piled,
The slow result of Lifes decay
To be once more a little child
For one bright summer day "

Lewis Carroll- "Solitude"

My name is Sarah Mansour and our theme for this project is "Childhood". We chose this as it was a word that came up in a mind mapping session that sparked off many enthusiatic conversations and inspiring ideas -especially as there are a multitude of artforms and material the representation of childhood can take.

As childhood is unique to the individual we thought exhibiting multiple piece or pieces from each of us, rather that one collaborative idea would mean we would be more likely to connect with our intended audience.

Personally, I feel childhood is a fickle time as children yearn to be a "grown-up",to be listened to and free to live the life the way we want to,rather than what our parents want. Yet looking back when your older we fondly remember a time without responsibilities and pressure,skinned knees,adventure, endless summers and the only worries about the future is what mum is putting on for tea.

Our group project also fits in with my other practice: my solo project which is a screen,inspired by the great Hokusai, which depicts images and memories from my own childhood in Munster.
Whether we include this in our show or not, we are looking forward to showing a positive collaboration in the exhibition.

Next up is ________ who will be talking about the ______.


Its rough around the edges i know,but i just wanted to get something down to work from.what do u think?

Should I include?

As the themes of this project and my solo project is quite similar, i was wondering whether to include my screen?

Its based on my childhood memories whilst my family and i lived in Germany in the eighties, the paintings (inspired by Katsushika Hokusai) are key visual representations of Munster while the colours and tones are to highlight the emotional impact of what it was like living there.

As its a screen/piece of furniture/sculpture piece it may bring a different element to the show in comparison to the rest of the exhibition,though it will obviously depend on the gallery space and whether its aesthetically pleasing enough.

I will have pictures as I am constructing it this week so if i upload them you guys could give me your feedback and let me know what you think?I wont be offended if you feel it wont work :-)

Presentation

EEkkk,its nearly that time again.in regards to this lovely part of our work,I was thinking if we divided the presentation into parts talking about:

the theme- where the idea came from,what it means to us as a group etc

the blog- our inspirations,artists and shows we have seen etc

the exhibition- what we hope to achieve and show etc

I feel this covers everything that is expected of us and should easily cover the 10mins that is required.

What do u guys think?is there any part you guys want to talk about in particular...something that i missed/need to be included?

Could I be a pain though and ask to speak first as i just want to get it over with :(