The week began with a tutorial on how to stretch paper. Although I have been enjoying working at a larger scale recently, I found it easier to stretch smaller pieces so decided to make multiple surfaces to work on.

The next step was to base my paper with a layer of emultion. I wanted to use the emulsion to my benefit by experimenting with thickness and layering. Some of my bases had a thick layer of emulsion applied, which I worked into by scratching shapes. Others had a thinner base, giving the piece a dry appearance and allowed me to work a lot faster time wise.

After putting down a basecoat of emulsion, I used ink and bleach to create pieces inspired by our work in the DayToday project. The subject matter I focused on were; spirals inspired by the hurricane story, lines inspired by my ‘Just Another’ pieces, and portrait work from my ‘Manie’ pieces.

I adore the affect using bleach and ink together, but sometimes found it a bit frustrating as the outcome is often unpredictable. It’s hard to be precise when using this medium.. although, I think that this fits well representing my them of mania. I also think it’s good to sometimes not be so precious as this is something I’ve been told I do too much in the past. This has somewhat been a way to be more open to letting the art create itself, and not focus on getting it right first time. It has helped open my approach towards experimenting and just being able to have fun with the process.