Trying to master my ink-PVA combo...

I've been developing my drawings, trying to recreate those journey marks but I'm struggling!

Failed attempt

I can't seem to create the same ink-PVA concoction! I tried many different ratios but can't seem to find the perfect one. It's either too gloopy or too watery...

This reminds me that art making can be idea provoking and fascinating but also frustrating in a matter of hours.

Although, I do think this has it's own appeal.

Successful attempt

I've deemed this a successful attempt because I like the space around the pot of ink/pva. It proposes an element of mystery within the image...'where is the ink explosion coming from?', one might ask.The scratchy quality of the mark making reminds me of those ECG/heart rate monitor machines.

It's interesting how the 'successful attempt' looks like a face is emerging. This leads me to think about the notion of finding a face in most abstract images... perhaps I should adapt this technique to portraits? 

For now I will continue on the development of using the iPod to inspire my art. I want to develop these images a little further before I try to translate this into something else.

It's odd how the drawings look very different in these photographs, being a step away from the original makes me see them in a completely new light. It reminds me of the Benjamin Walter essay, 'The work of art in the age of mechanical reproduction'. I realise his text is primarily focused upon film but what he suggests here can be related to photography also. Walter states that something is almost lost from the original artwork after the 'mechanical' process of photography happens. He uses the term 'aura' to explain what is taken away from the original when this mechanical process takes place. While I do tend to agree with Walter's ideas in this case I must argue that I think the kind of 'aura' he suggests it may even be added to the photographs of my drawings rather than taken away.

The drawings take on a whole new feeling. A new depth. Maybe I can use these photographs as the artwork? 

What would change if I did this?

Taking the 'aura' into consideration, I feel the tactile qualities of the drawing are more difficult to gain through the photograph. Everyone who has seen the drawings so far have all wanted to reach out and touch it. This gives the artwork another realm of spectatorship and participation which I suggest is taken away from the photograph. The photograph dictates a very separate experience for the spectator which I don't want to develop into. I want the viewer to have more of an experience with my artwork, rather than a separate viewing observation which I feel my art may result in if I choose to create the photograph the main focus.

Bibliography

Walter, B (2008) The work of art in the age of mechanical reproduction [Internet] Google Scholar. Available from

http://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ZucuzeiI-24C&oi=fnd&pg=PT2&dq=benjamin+walter+mechanical+reproduction&ots=NtkGhEfuvh&sig=_uUVP2uA9DE5KMULcfzXalmAOiY#v=onepage&q=benjamin%20walter%20mechanical%20reproduction&f=true [Accessed 25 October, 2013]