Building a relief

 

I am thoroughly enjoying this stage of the building process. Because the board is so large and most of my work is concentrated in the centre, I have found it quite physically demanding and it has taken a toll on my lower back. Despite this, I have continued to push through and persevere.

This is the biggest piece I have ever created, and I am proud of myself for not giving up. At this stage, many people are looking at the work and wondering what is going on because they cannot yet see the final image or understand my vision. However, I am not letting that phase me. I am trusting the process and continuing to move forward whilst also conscious of the time available to complete the work. I know that the final outcome will be worth it.

At this point, building up the relief is the most important part of the process. I am using layers of baby clothes to create depth and perspective, helping to distinguish between forms that sit in the foreground and those that recede into the background. I am also using the clothing to build shape into the hoods, the lining of the woolly hats, and the way the arms curve towards one another. These subtle details are helping me create a sense of form, depth and connection whilst allowing the clothing itself to become the material that shapes the image.