A visit to the Orkney Islands encouraged a fascination with Norse mythology . The Axis Mundi or world axis is the vertical structure connecting all 3 cosmic levels & is often conceived as a pillar,tree,cross,mountain or even human body.
The tree Yggdrasil is the Norse 'World Tree', a gigantic ash or yew tree which holds the worlds:
- Asgard-where the Gods dwell
- Midgard-where humankind dwells
- Utgard-where the giants dwell
- Hel-where the dead dwell....
Continuing my exploration of plaster & 3D work, I produced my own 'Yggdrasil',which is central to many of the tales in Norse mythology....
'Yggdrasil'
Height:132 cm
Mixed media
At university I enjoyed delving into different areas of exploration. Each module followed a pathway but the encouragement to digress led to some interesting outcomes.
Initially I'd looked at memory then changed direction to freemasonry-after a visit to Rosslyn Chapel near Edinburgh & it's Apprentice Pillar & masons marks.
I began to experiment and a new pathway emerged-leading me into the world of 3D. For this,new media was necessary-working with plaster for starters.I made small frames & made plaster tablets -trying to incorporate different materials such as ink,slate dust,hessian,clay etc.
In my mind I was going to build my own pillar-made of plaster slabs.In the end I made a starting point but took another path.
Plaster slab 30 x 45cm
Slate dust,acrylic ink,clay,hessian
" I am seeking,I am striving,I am in it with all my heart'
Van Gogh
College afforded me the opportunity to experiment and explore-new techniques,2D and 3D,surface,form and texture....
University however,allowed me to push boundaries and, encouraged by my tutor, take paths I would never have even dreamed of...
'Yggdrasil'
Mixed media sculpture
Height 132cm
