The Kitchen table 10/06

I am working on creating a table that brings together the forms, techniques and surface experiments that I have created in the last 6 months. I want this to be the next stage in my practice and the object to be on a larger scale. I am using 3 different types of polystyrene and using the table arrangement as a very lose description for the object. Above shows an image of the first stage, where I have treated the paper like polystryrene with plaster and then trapped it in the thicker. I really like this effect.

I have created two of these to exist as table legs to form the base. I used a thick base to shape holes in and secure the legs. This has a really interesting effect of creating a lot more depth, questioning the horizontal orgin and exploring the tactile qualities of the different thicknesses.

The larger shapes protruding from the base represent interior architectural details, such as staircases and banister rails. At present this is something I wish to explore further within the sculptures. The detail cut into the polystyrene is acheivable through using the electric cutting tool and allows for subtle details. I arranged the two vertical banisters into the thick base in the same way as the smaller pieces but on a slant to continue with the irregular stucture and manmande aesthetic.

I think this idea could be explored by using the electric cutter on the straight edges within the piece to push the ambiguous shapes and lines in order for the piece to work as a whole.

I've been finding working on the table over the past week quite difficult and I think i've become too precious about the shapes and visual experiments. I need to work much faster and be prepared to take risks in order to push the idea and work with unexpected outcomes. This is something I am hoping to achieve by applying plaster to the entire structure; this is easy to imagine but difficult to progress with unless the results are actually present.

I am currently concerned with the thoughts and sculptures of Tony Cragg, researching his working methods to see how this can be transferred to my own. This artist often sees preliminary work and experiments as 'gestures' rather than searching to create a finished product. I find this idea incredibly useful and am seeking to apply this to my own thoughts and practice.