While I was working I was also reflecting upon the artists that I had researched this morning and their work on Covid 19 particularly their emotions that they described in relation to their work in the interview I heard on Radio 4. I have felt a similar conflict of using something so devastating as Covid 19 for my artwork. In my work I had been looking at the restrictions of certain items of women’s clothing eg hijabs and the move to wearing masks, PPE and then the general restrictions of lockdown started to increasingly influence my work. I am learning that I almost subconsciously start to adapt my work to my current experiences and emotions.

Reference P1, P2 & P3 These are some of the results of using the laser cutter on different papers and on plywood. The first image shows the two designs I used. Unfortunately just after I had started using the laser Martin became unwell and did not return to college before lockdown. I found that although I had made thorough notes I appeared to have missed a stage and also did not have the programme needed to transfer the image to the cutter. I therefore could not use different images but was able to continue with the image I had already loaded onto the laser. These images are the results. #strodefad #strodecollege #strodecollegeartdepartment #lasercutter #jali #facade #palaceofthewinds https://www.instagram.com/p/B_k_YrfFZUA/?igshid=ak66isn4xvul

Reference P1, P2, P3, P5 & P6 Continuing the story of the development of my current project..... Once I recalled the Palace of the Winds (a favade for women to sit behind) I became fascinated by the beautifully carved stone windows -jali - and started to test our different ways that I could incorporate a lattice work screen as the boundary or restriction that would be included in my work. The facade seemed to be an extreme form of restricting women and keeping them hidden. I particularly liked the photo that I’ve included in this post of people being viewed through a screen. I looked at the different patterns used at different times particularly those used during the Moghul empire (1526-1857) in India during which the Moghul rulers used the skills developed by the Hindu stone carvers combined with geometric Islamic designs. One of the first ways I explored creating a facade was using the laser cutter on different materials - papers, fabrics and plywood. To do this I worked with Martin learning to adjust an image in adobe photoshop and illustrator and then setting up the laser. I found that I was able to slightly distort an image to create a less defined geometric image which I liked. I also found that I liked the burnt effect achieved on one sauce of the paper or wood (not on the fabrics). I felt that it was worth suing the paper and plywood facades but the fabric required further experimentation to find one which would be strong enough once cut to be stretched into a frame. #strodefad #strodecollege #strodecollegeartdepartment #fmp #finalmajorproject #palaceofthewinds #palaceofthewindsjaipur #jaipur #facade #lasercutter #laser #artexploration #plywood https://www.instagram.com/p/B_k93IUFctr/?igshid=1ouj654mxlucd

Referencing P2, P3, P5 At the point of exploring using spiral weaving my artist research explored the work of Deborah Kruger, textile and encaustic artist. I particularly looked at the abstract art she created inspired by feathered Amazonian ceremonial art, which to me looked like beautiful collages created by textile shapes. I was also thinking about the idea of eyes looking through the barriers I was exploring whether a Hijab or a fence or net curtain. I started to explore this idea using collage inspired by some of the shapes that Deborah Kruger had used. I combined one of these collages with the spiral weaving as a maquette of how effective a final piece would be. While working on this I suddenly recalled a place that I visited 30 years ago while backpacking in India- Palace of the Winds in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This building is actually not a place but a five storey facade of latticework windows behind which the women of the palace were allowed to sit while watching the world going by without being seen themselves. This memory led me down another route of exploration and research into another method used historically and culturally to restrict and control women. I will document this and the work that ensued in another post. #strodefad #strodecollege #strodecollegeartdepartment #fmp #finalmajorproject #deborahkruger #amazon #amazonianart #textileart #textiles #collage #spiralweaving #palaceofthewinds #jaipur #rajasthan https://www.instagram.com/p/B_e3o_YlH8c/?igshid=1r79w02g47fdq

Continuing to work within restrictions of lockdown with objects found in the house - food and household packaging creating a lattice of Covid19 cells which are causing our restricted lives. Today I’ve stitched the cells together to form the latticework.

After a day of reflection and experimentation yesterday I woke this morning feeling inspired and motivated. I realised that the chicken wire that I had bought this week would be perfect to create the lattice window for my paintings. I was unsure of what to use as a frame to hold the chicken wire. During this time of restrictions it is a challenge that I’m happy to apply myself to to find materials to use. I was able to use an old pine door to transform into a double frame. It a productive day made more enjoyable because of being able to work outside and also to involve my daughters. I have found that I enjoy the physical process of creating art especially when it is quite demanding as it was today. I’m also very happy with the outcome which reflects the raw, industrial look I have been attempting to achieve inspired by the work of Kader Attiya.

I’ve continued to experiment with creating a Covid 19 lattice using machine embroidery. Today tested it out in white to see how it would look superimposed on my paintings and also on my embroidered eyes. Continuing to search for an effective way for me to express what it is like to experience the restrictions placed upon us all by Covid 19, looking out at the world rather than fully experiencing it. Or are we now more fully experiencing our lives now we have slowed down, reduced distractions and become more aware of our own mortality?

I’m starting to design Covid 19 lattice windows in response to our new reality of spending time looking out from our windows in lockdown through the curtain of Covid 19. I’m basing the designs on the lattice windows of The Palace of the Winds - which is a palace facade through which ladies of the palace were allowed to look out at the world without being seen themselves. I had slightly distorted the original images and laser cut them in plywood and paper. We are now all in a position of being able to imagine I’m starting to design Covid 19 lattice windows in response to our new reality of spending time looking out from our windows in lockdown through the curtain of Covid 19. I’m basing the designs on the lattice windows of The Palace of the Winds - which is a palace facade through which ladies of the palace were allowed to look out at the world without being seen themselves. I had slightly distorted the original images and laser cut them in plywood and paper. We are now all in the position of being able to imagine how those ladies felt being trapped inside.