Art418- Land
- katieiwatk
- Feb 4, 2024
- 2 min read
A focus on using natural material that relates to the theme “Land”. Using sand to draw and create, I explored temporary displays of designs in a busy studio setting.
To quote my mum “You liked playing with sand in nursery”. This was her response to seeing photos from this lesson. It showed me the odd similarity of Nursery and University class activities! This task has shown that materials can add value to a piece, deepening meaning and creating conversation.
Sand is a versatile material, it can be used to draw or build. In a dry or wet state many visual outcomes are achievable, this alters its ease of use and structural malleability.
When scattering the sand across the black background, it instantly made me think of learning letters and handwriting practice as a child. I thought about the acceptance of learning through mistakes by ease of erasability/ correction. I also thought about those ‘scratch to reveal colour’ crafts, etch a sketch and sensory activities. Their emphasis on just doing, working with patterns and play. Repeated behaviours to build fine motor skills.
“Experiments with different natural materials such as stones, wood, sand, grass, etc., help develop sensory perception, logic, and creative abilities.” Sand is an example of a simple Montessori, a sensory item used to help various physical and mental developments. It is widely accessible, allowing those touching/ using it to interact with its original location.
In addition to educational uses, this technique of drawing with sand made me think about how artists have the ability to transport their skills e.g. land art. Jon Foreman, UK based artist, collects natural found items to transform seaside scenes. He’s known for using “stones, pebbles, and shells”, to create intricate patterns. Much like drawing with sand in the studio, these installations are temporary, “reclaimed by the earth” or by human disturbances.
From viewing this work I’m more aware of consideration of temporary work compared to a transportable/ repeatable outcome.
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