Inspired by Rebecca Horn’s body extensions- designing body modification drawing implements. For this, I designed and created a drawing tool reminiscent of a chickens foot- a three pronged attachment to my shoe that could be flicked, dragged or kicked against a piece of paper. I made this out of strips of cardboard stuck together with masking tape. Different movements created very different marks on the paper- for example flicking my feet created both “splattered” marks and blunt lines. Taking this idea further, I used both charcoal and sharpie pens to see the different outcomes. I particularly like the outcome of using sharpies- as the places where the pen hit the page create almost paint like splashes- a mark I wouldn’t have necessarily attached to a sharpie pen.
Other experimental drawings- created with cardboard shoulder pads. These drawings were harder to produce, as the movement necessary to generate marks was more awkward. However, I’m particularly drawn to the left image with the lines of varying shades and colours. I feel it generates a tranquil atmosphere- reminiscent of running water. Compared to the other drawings I produced, this is the most relaxing design- contrasting to the chaotic scribbles.
With some drawings, I decided to take the piece further- trimming the paper down to long rectangular segments and folding into tiny books. I cut out windows from the drawings- filling them in with random images taken from magazines. I saved the cuttings- sticking them together and attaching to the top of the books as little towers- adding a sculptural element. I was interested in seeing how I could lay these these books out- creating different formations to alter their presentations. The little windows of the book pages add a sense of curiosity and intrigue- as they’re too small to really figure out what is going on in each segment.
Caitlin Noble 