light.
From the initial brief, I began researching the idea of using physical forms of light to mark materials and create texture. The idea of a flame in particular, and how fire (light) can be destructive compared to the standard positive connotations of light is the line of investigation I chose to develop. How contrastingly, when using fire, everything the light touches, ends up in opposing darkness. Through research I began using forms of fire, soot and candles to create work. The work of Canadian artist Steven Spazuk who utilises fumage and smoke techniques to create work, was a vital point of my research.
Through several short video exercises, I performed blowing out candles, lighting matches and observing the movement of a flame. Applying this to 2D materials I began to represent my side profile and candlelight with the fumage technique and burning images onto paper. The technique involves creating soot when the flame contacts the surface of the paper which can then be wiped off, manipulated and drawn against acting similar to charcoal. Therefore, my final works (still with the possibility of being developed further) create new interesting textures while still engaging with the idea of light turning into darkness.