Category: Shinrin Yoku

Cement work developing the water feature . I have extended the rim, encasing the strengthening wire frame. Being unable to see the result, as the cement moves through the wire creates an exciting element of chance here. I predict that the rim I have added will be flat and shiny where it runs down onto the plastic sheet beneath and this will contrast with the rough internal surface I made last week …. delightful ‘mud pie’ making sort of moulding with my fingers (reminding me of Dreyfuss’ mountain building in Close Encounters ). I am interested to see whether any wire remains visible when I turn the thing over again, it could create quite an interesting effect exposing the materials and their manipulation.

As I have been reflecting upon the key elements that make a garden with the Shinrin Yoku ambience in mind; the evocation of trees (white fabric work) and dappled light through the canopy (the concrete/collagraphy ‘stones’) and of course, water (the bowl); I realise that there is something missing. That place for pause and contemplation – somewhere to sit. I would like to echo the feel of the concrete collagraphy pieces with the idea of shuttering and those Barcelona motifs. My current intention is to use white clay pressings (speaks with the plaster work on the fabric) taken off the collagraph boards PLUS the imprint of the concrete to combine with cement to make a ‘trencadis’ inspired bench. Thus…. acquisition of some timber supplies to ‘match’ the tile frames.

Finally, cutting the plaster strips in preparation for the white work.

Laying out the strips for structural integrity ( triangle criss-cross the support the fabric) AND a balanced composition. Have decided to ‘paint the water onto the plaster strip for precision – crisper lines to contrast with the rough concrete aesthetic.

Taking a different approach to making the water bowl. Lining out a basket to give the base shape. The polystyrene former will be the support when it is turned over to let the cement level within the mould.

Last image: turned out, semi-dry, surface scored and now building up layers. Considering ways of adding texture/pattern to final layer in next week’s refinement of this element. Could stencil in loose cement or engrave into the surface.

Collaging with printed scraps taken off the turpentined collagraph boards in the cleaning process; frottage of pavement patterns and collagraphs embedded in the concrete blocks, plus photocopied brutalist building pictures. Newsprint, collaging materials & vegetable oil. Beautiful translucent layered effects to photograph. It might be interesting to develop these in digital manipulation.

Attempt to support pieces with resin. Successful small scale and pieces made have been to begin to explore layout of a final piece within a rough maquette of the corner of the studio most recently identified as an exhibition space. The epoxy looks beautiful – making the suggested tree branches look like there has been rain. Gorgeous but on reflection not perhaps quite the language I want for the piece…… would make a lovely something related but kind of different thing. Also, resin horribly expensive and devising a methodical process to apply it to the larger pieces proposed would possibly take more time than I have available before the final build.

Mark making with plaster – trying different techniques that might help to add a crisper edge to the plaster bandage support structure in the piece, or be used on the hanging elements to create a more unified & economical aesthetic. Pink plaster used for experiments here only. Not intended for final results.