Concept

In this project, digging is a departure point as a means to expressing this larger theme of groups and individuals.  Digging is an act which has the potential to represent a wide range of topics, including excavation, history, burial, growth, and construction.  Although digging could represent so many things, I largely viewed digging as a metaphor for a search. Our compulsion to search and dig on both a literal and metaphorical level is a constant imperative which we experience daily. These searches occur on many levels, from short searches for material items to life long searches for desired states of mind. These numerous associations with digging created multi-faceted imagery which has the potential to have multiple meanings. 

In the Digging series, it was important that the images were specific in their portrayal of individual gestures. At the same time, I aimed to create a sense of ambiguity in the figures so that they could represent any of these themes all at once. I was initially attracted to the physicality and intensity of digging. However, as the series progressed I began to direct my focus towards the figures who were not participating in the digging itself. Intrigued by the ambiguity of their role and presence, the prints began to concentrate more heavily on the presence of these inactive figures.

Research

I began this project with a period of visual research, in order to collect as many images as possible related to digging. Through this process, I was able to make connections between all of the images. In viewing the images, it became immediately apparent that the majority of images showed group digging situations. It was rare to find an image which depicted a single figure digging on its own. I was fascinated by the range of activity amongst the figures. Other recurring themes that emerged were the figures who stood back and observed the digging activity. In this way, I came to realize the importance of group dynamics within the context of digging. This led me to what is now an important concept in this project- the complex and inherent relationship between the individual within a group.

An Interdisciplinary Approach

In a time where artists are more frequently encouraged to specialize, I believe an interdisciplinary approach is conducive to facilitating a high level of experimentation. The dialogue which was created between these different media has been important to the project's development. Imagery which failed to be communicative in one medium was easily expressed in another. Concepts which were vague and difficult to deal with became clear and obvious in another medium. As I moved back and forth between media, it became easier to prevent predictability in the work.

The project is composed of a sculpture installation, woodcuts, intaglio prints, and monotypes. Supplemental components include the project website. The website functions as both a discussion forum for ideas, as well as a documentary of the project's development. The website became increasingly important from my point of view. With so many facets , the website allowed me to organize my thoughts and maintain a sense of cohesiveness.

The Sculpture Installation

The installation centers around a multi-figure composition, created with a form sensibility that is rooted in expressionism. The composition incorporates the mold pieces into the final piece, so that the process featured as a major component of the final work. The waste mold pieces create a parallel between the conceptual part of the piece with the technical means by which it was executed. This relationship between the molds and the sculptures themselves fabricates many associations and ideas. With the placement of the waste mold pieces as the material which the figures dig into, this creates a situation where the figures are actively digging into the material they were literally created from. As objects, the actual mold pieces themselves are interesting as they are similar to natural material such as rock and dirt, but at the same time represent a reiteration of the form of the figures. The figures are meant to embody a persistent struggle depicted in the gestures. The physical distorations in the figures is intended to express the physcial weariness one experiences while digging.

The Prints

The simultaneous creation of companion bodies of prints enabled me to explore more spontaneous ideas. In contrast to the inherently slower pace of creating sculpture, the immediacy and speed with which a print could be made fabricated a strong contrast and dialogue between the mediums within the project. The prints engage the concept of digging on a more narrative level, in contrast to the symbolic representation of digging in the sculpture. Another aspect which the sculpture does not address is the issue of time, place, and atmosphere- issues which the prints strive to explore through their more narrative qualities.