DJCAD DEGREE SHOW 2023
Metamorphoses (2022)
Through clay, bronze and wood, I explore the taboo topic of death.
Finding solace in knowing that my energy and all living organisms of the forest will return to the earth one day. Our limbs, tree limbs, all returning afterlife. Their decomposition becomes a nutritional distribution. The “Forest Breathing”, perpetually maintains the conditions required for all life. Where tree burrs become bloated hybrid bodies. The sculpture studio the post-mortem examination. The kiln, a resurrection through fire and earth.
FOREST BREATHING
The Process
This project included bronze casting using the ceramic shell mould process and a lot of pit firing. I used ferric chloride, seaweed, human hair, dog hair and eggshells around my ceramic pieces wrapped with aluminium foil.
I had to get a risk assessment filled out in order for me to be able to have a fire outside of the university. I used a large steel bin and filled it with foraged branches and kindling. Some fires lasted longer than others, depending on the wind. If the fire is hotter, the ferric chloride turns red. Resulting in an installation of ceramics with varied colours, like bodies.
More about this creative process can be found on my blog https://eilidhfourthyearfineart.wordpress.com/