The last post of 2nd year!!

And finally, here is the overview of how I went about creating my final piece for multiples and how I reached the conclusion I did.

The Development and Creation of 'Multiple Transformations'

For multiples, I experimented with various different processes which portrayed a 'transformation' as this was my theme in the response to the brief of multiples as this happens to a multitude of people in multiple different ways. I firstly began by experimenting with paper cutting and plastic as shown on the previous blog referring to multiples, then also experimented with silk paper and paper making.

After exploring all 4 different techniques, I then reflected on which suited the concept best and would be doable in the time I had left and from this, decided that by continuing with plastic would be the best as this fully portrays the concept as this goes through the biggest transformation in order to be recycled and reused. It also takes the longest to decompose therefore relating to change happening over time.

I then progressed onto looking at composition of the butterflies as I had researched into fingerprints as a form of identity and change can affect the way we identify with ourselves and others. Through my research into fingerprints, I found that the fingerprint patterns could be an interesting composition for the butterflies and would then link every piece of the installation to the concept.

Exploration into different fingerprint patterns continued and I found that the loop would portray my concept best as it firstly is the pattern I have therefore relating the installation to myself personally, and is also the most common fingerprint pattern which then relates it further to change affecting multiple people in different ways, but the hidden inclusion of fingerprints within this installation highlights that through change we will always have a constant, therefore bringing reasurrance.

At this point, I had ran out of butterflies and therefore had to make more. This was the only hurdle I encountered for this project and this was handled simply by going home and creating more in order to finish off the one and a half loops I had left which left me with the final piece successfully installed.

The Final 

The Concept

I have decided to focus on something we can all relate to such as ‘continuous changes’ as this identifies and links with multiplicity as we change as we grow which can happen multiple times, to multiple people. I feel that by focusing on the direction of changes in the form of transformation is relevant due to the continuous changes that occur both physically and mentally as we develop and mature.

This transformation is shown through the use of the recycled and reformed material of plastic butterflies; plastic goes through the largest transformation in order to be recycled, and is also one of the most common wastage within and butterflies are the symbol of transformation in many religions due to its connection with the soul. We are all on a long journey of the transformation throughout our lifetime and on this journey we encounter endless turns, shifts, and conditions that cause us to morph into ever-finer beings. At our soul-journey’s end we are inevitably changed – not at all the same as when we started on the path. The fluctuation of size illustrates the flow of changes which occur over time as some have a greater impact than others which is portrayed through the subtle uses of clear and white plastic.

 Our fingerprints never change, therefore the use of fingerprint pattern within the composition of the installation and theme of transformation, highlights that through change, also comes an element of stability. Through transformation and change, a person can often become confused and an element of disorder can overtake their life and by highlighting something as a constant, brings reassurance to both the change and the constant. A fingerprint also acts as a means of authentication, as they are used to identify people therefore continue to support the fact that the paradox of including fingerprints with the theme of transformations only reiterates the fact that no matter how much we feel or others feel we have changed, this element of ourselves remains invariable.

Fundamentally, I am highlighting through the paradox of using fingerprints to represent transformation the importance of a constant aspect of ourselves through the continuous changes we go through as an individual. Therefore, this can be understood as a multiple through the numerous transformations that occur within our life to us personally, and through the manifold of people that can relate to their need for change, as well as those unnerved by it.

P.S.

    ...A total of 94 butterflies were created for this installation.