Textured Photogram Sculptures

This image is a complication of machetes I have made for my A level coursework. My self assigned brief was to look at textures from natural forms. After capturing the textures by using different techniques such as rubbings, photographs and observational drawings.

The natural form that inspired these pieces was the outer shell of a concur. I created the base for my machetes from photograms, I exposed light sensitive paper on a 10 second exposure and developed them in the chemicals. The photograms where completely black which is what i was trying to create. I then left my prints soaking in water for a week. The prints where over soaked which made a chemical reaction. This made the textured patterns on the photograms. I was happy with the way the photograms had turned out because each print had a different style of texture. 

I then used different techniques to convey the concur shells undulated texture. I clustered sewing pins to emphasis on the spikiness, I burnt holes into the paper to create the uneven surface and the tonal aspect of the concur shell. I also cut into the photogram picking out the interesting shapes which then I stuck the pieces back on in other places which complimented the composition, this low level relief created more depth in the piece, I also then used a glue gun to magnify pieces of the textured pattern and pierced larger holes into the photogram to create a contrast from the raised glue dimples. This piercing was inspired by Barbara Hepworth’s sculptures. I think her style of work compliments these machete sculptures because piercing holes into the photograms creates more form and depth as it creates a new demotion. 

All four pieces together makes an interesting composition because each machete brings something new to the series.