Project 2: Open-space construction

‘Aqua’ (2019) Stevens.D. Metal, plastic, glass and concrete.  60 x 150 cm

I chose the translucent red tube because it represented a conduit for water. Water was my subject of interest. I set about sourcing any discarded items that I could use to construct a sculpture that might portray my subject. I found a plastic watering can. I decided that this might be useful as the main focus. I drilled a large hole at the base of the can. The hole was big enough to fit snugly around the red tube. For rigidity, I hot glued them together. I considered the stance, poise and weight when deciding on the base. I needed something of considerable weight but not too showy. I found a small concrete block with a hole. This was perfect. The diameter of the hole was a little too large so I had to think about how I could secure the tube to the block. I placed the tube in the hole and poured Crystacal plaster into the cavity. The weight of the block allowed me the freedom of adding weighty objects whilst maintaining stability.

     

     

I now had the bones of the subject but I had to think about where this idea was going to lead me. How could I expand beyond this basic shape? Of course, there is so much to say about water, vital in sustaining all known forms of life on earth. I thought I might choose mundane but contrasting objects. This approach had all the possibilities of translating into the different ways in which water is regarded in both developed and developing countries. I thought about so many issues surrounding water. The Water Aid project calculates that 844 million people don’t have nearby access to clean water. Well over two billion do not have a toilet. Here in the UK, many are disgruntled at any suggestion of a hosepipe ban. I found an old car wing mirror and glued it to the filling hole of the watering can. Can I just look at myself for a moment? Can I feel easy about watering the petunias in the garden when confronted with these uncomfortable truths? The watering can is ‘holding a mirror up to society’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each particular element in combination with the subject could have multiple connotations. There are current concerns about plastics contaminating the world’s oceans. Should the water ‘industry’ be in the hands of private companies? Why are golf clubs exempt from hosepipe bans? Industrial and agricultural expansion is contributing to drought conditions across the world. What is being done to tackle these problems? The sculpture needed more aquatic touches. I resolved to throw the kitchen sink at the structure. I found an old shower hose and a brass tap. I fixed the hose to the side of the watering can. I had to glue a threaded fitting in place to accommodate the hose. The hose was a bit flimsy. In order to give it some shape, I placed stiff but malleable wire inside the hose. This allowed for some creative coiling. I glued the brass tap into the spout and attached the other end of the hose. The diagonal lines of the watering vessel express a feeling of movement. Its position suggests instability whereas the vertical lines of the Perspex tube convey a sense of height and importance.

I bolted a rather uninteresting piece of wood on to the tube in a horizontal position. Could this be made to subliminally symbolise the death of marine life? I found some 3 mm wire and some plastic mesh. Already, I’m thinking about a shrimp net. This could lend itself to the theme. I fashioned and cut the wire into a semi-circular shape. I drilled a 4 mm hole at each end of the wood and fed the wire through. I glued each end into place. I then placed and glued the mesh over the wire and trimmed the excess with scissors. These additions seemed to add greater stability. At this stage, each part is relating one to another. I have an overwhelming urge to spray paint the entire composition. I want everything to appear uniformly neat and clean. Could a neutral shade better expose sharp lines? The existing cacophony might strike a discordant note and perhaps that is what I’m subconsciously trying to achieve. Am I aiming for harmony or conflict?

 

 

 

 

 

I left my sculpture for a few days and concentrated on my research. Upon returning with fresh eyes, I felt I needed to add one or two items. Of course one has to draw the line somewhere. I decided to add a sink waste trap and a water symbol made up from wire strapping, wire and two circular cuts from a drainpipe. Any more than this and the project would present as too busy in my opinion. I glued the trap on to the can using my hot glue gun. Again, using the gun, I fashioned and affixed my symbol to the highest point. This whole process has ignited the critic within me. If I’m honest, aesthetically speaking, I don’t like my creation. This could have gone better but I can take comfort in the knowledge that my endeavours will improve with practise.