Experiments with frottage and texturology.
In my endeavour to capture the spirit of a place, I have been inspired by Jean Dubuffet, who said: ‘I have been concerned to represent, not the objective world, but what it becomes in our thoughts’ (Accessed at: Exhibition guide: Jean Dubuffet – Brutal Beauty on 9/4/25). Dubuffet believed that creativity should not follow a specific path, but be an unshackled expression of the self.
I have been seeking opportunities to explore the landscape of my mind and soul – my inner landscape. I am hoping the exploration of my outer landscape inspires me to express this and that in doing so, I might come closer to finding my own practice.
During my walk in Shipley, I used copper sheets to trace my landscape with my fingers, I used clay to take imprints of textures and surfaces, I used frottage to capture rubbings of bark and I have used sediment to create art randomly.
I intend to explore further texturology, the use of unorthodox materials, fluxus, land art and automatism.
I am often ‘shackled’ by what I perceive to be a lack of ability or skill, but I find these means of artistic expression incredibly joyful and liberating. Perhaps a I am a step closer to being ‘unshackled.’
