AbstractsPsychology

The initial source of inspiration for my work has been by relating 'human nature' (mine in particular) to my metaphorical assumptions on the concept of opposite in natural phenomena. I value these ideas, but don't want to be precious or self-conscious about them. I am attempting to resolve my concerns visually by - (a) projecting my feelings onto my intimate, immediate locality and a less personal, larger surrounding landscape. In a sense I am probably creating analogies between inner and outer spaces, but I want to retain a feeling of tension within the images to reiterate different Spaces. I should mention that my treatment of visual space is dominated by a tendency to experience space as a barrier; possessing the same properties as matter. (b) by trying to achieve a tense, psychological interaction between self and subject, or subject and environment, or between one image and another within a pair or group of images. Both points (a) and (b) are ultimately used to achieve similar results, but I utilise and need to rely on 'chance' in the latter to allow the outer space to arrange itself. I will continue to pursue my concerns via the medium of photography, but I have recently renewed my interest in etching. I would like to utilise the expressive quality of the mark as it relates to my ideas. I intend to explore — marks as an expression of inner feelings, words as personal similes to describe outer spaces, and images as an amalgamation of both. At this stage my imagery has been controlled by these criteria, but I have been considering aspects of process and presentation as reinforcement for my ideas. I have asked myself why is it so difficult to achieve a 'significant' statement from a single image? Why do photographers generally present work in groups, pairs, sets, etc.? Collage interests me as an alternative method, but I feel that this process should only be applied if it can reinforce my ideas and does not interfere with the integrity of the image. I propose to explore collage as a means of presentation. Also, as my seminar topic was derived from my major concerns, it is probable that I may want to expand and explore its visual potential. Briefly, the topic 'Art and Sport' was chosen to allow me to utilise the concept of a 'marathon runner' acting on his environment or visa versa. At this stage no concrete visual imagery has evolved, but I have been researching visual and written material dealing with movement through space. During the course it is very probable that other aspects may emerge in my work, which I would reasonably want to follow up, recognising the speculative nature of art. However, I see a challenge in achieving the qualities outlined above; they at the very least provide a substantial point of departure.