For this activity, I went into the dark installation space downstairs in LICA for a timed one hour drawing. At this point, I am trying to develop the drawing technique of responding to the sense of touch so that the process is more than just a simultaneous movement of the feeling hand and mark-making hand. Many of the drawings I have produced that only respond to movement tend to be quite 'flat' or one tone of line. Before starting to draw, I wanted to immerse myself in the dark environment and become familiar with my surroundings through touch.
This experiment was about exploring agency and capacity within my limbs' capabilities. Drawing in the dark was already one challenge, but drawing onto my back, made the process so much more challenging - yet still enjoyable.
Throughout this hour, I was trying to be aware of new aspects to consider in my drawings such as the contrast of the two surfaces coming into contact, so not only drawing what I feel, but observing how the surface feels against my touch (Merleau-Ponty). I was also aware of the fact that I was drawing a very geometric environment onto my body which is a contrasting, very organic surface. I found this tension of surfaces interesting to consider as the process of drawing to touch combines these oppositional surfaces into one.
Materials:
-black water soluble pen
-water
air vent
grate
plastic
paint on walls
metal bars
floor
electric sockets
constant hum
pipes creaking
cold surfaces
chipped plaster
10 minutes
I gradually lay down. I tried to get comfortable, but the cold, solid surface felt
harsh
against my skin.
I lay still for a little while to let my body
acclimatise
to this new temperature.
I quickly became aware of the heaviness of my breathing.
I rested my forehead on the back of my clasped hands and felt the
warmth of
my
breath
off the floor and back onto my face.
bounce
I thought about the parts of my body that I could feel
in contact with
the floor; my hipbones,
my lower stomach,
my rib cage.
Thinking about the temperature change of my skin from warm to cold.
Like a meditation I tried to relax my body.
Slowly
relaxing
every
muscle.
I reached for my pen and drew marks on my back that corresponded with the points of contact on my front.
This point of contact
conjured thoughts
of walking into the sea.
That piercing coldness…
until fully submerged
under
water.
A phenomological description of experiences of a 10 minute period throughout my time in the room.