Juneau Projects

Last week we met Phil & Ben who created 'Juneau Projects' A pair that create art individually and together.

 

http://www.juneauprojects.co.uk/

 

There work revolves around technology and more recently focus' on animals. Yesterday - the 26th Feb - I had an Individual tutorial with Phil about my City Puppet project. He made the following suggestions

 

• the outcome could be sculptural
• the outcome could be a photograph - this would help animate the puppet
• the outcome could be display

I really want to look into the photography outcome - this is because even though you find taxidermy behind glass and on display - you dont find alive animals in a glass box so to speak. In addition the whole idea for these puppets is to animate them so i would like to put them into context in the city centre and have a series of photographs that maybe animate flight?

 

Watch this space!

Sources

 

I think as a safe precaution I would like to try one to start off with and then progress to a few other variations with magpies and squirrels. The following items are from Ebay. Its amazing what you can find on Ebay!

 

Ideas and sketches

 

 

As you can see here are some initial sketches of pigeons and then a couple that are mixed with the rats with wings concept. I focused on the behaviour of the ferral pigeons in my back garden and used photos from when i were in town as well to go as a base. So i have used secondary and primary sources. they have been drawn with pencil and felt tip.

 

 

this one above here is inspired by another persons blog - SOURCE

Why do we hate Pigeons so much?

known by most people as

• rats with wings
• sky rats
• gutter birds
• flying ashtrays

pigeons must be one of the most unloved birds around!

 

Pigeons are seen as the disease-ridden source of myriad droppings.

But for years pigeons were viewed as a huge asset to man, with lives depending on them during the wars.

In ancient times they were revered as companions and they were extensively studied by Charles Darwin for his theory of evolution. In both world wars they were used to carry vital communications and have been credited with saving thousands of lives and honoured by the military.

 

We share the UK with an estimated 18 million feral pigeons and they can breed up to up to six times a year. They are one of the few birds recognised by the government as a nuisance pest and can be controlled using humane methods and with a licence.

 

But when it comes to hating pigeons, the focus of most people's dislike is the feral pigeon. It is a domesticated rock dove that has returned to wild or semi-wild conditions. It is usually grey and can be seen in most villages, towns and cities across the UK - and Europe.

 

SOURCE

________________________________________

 

Ornithophobia- is the Fear of birds, walking through town on a recent visit i realised that many people dodged pigeons even when they are on the ground, innocently feeding. They are quite intimidating especially when they swoop down low in flight. 

SOURCE

Jackie Mock

Jackie Mock is a young, successful upcoming artist who is based in New York. She tends to make Reliquarium art (art that is made from found objects, everyday items etc. My favourite pieces are her taxidermy pigeon and the collection of bottled water from all around europe.

As she lives and is based in New York, USA it was pretty much impossible for me to do a placement with her or shadow her for the day. So i emailed her 10 questions that i felt that were relevant to ask an upcoming artist. Please see the emails below - the most frequent one is first - she wants to see my 5105 outcome on completion!

 

http://www.reliquariumart.com/gallery.html

http://www.whereisjackiegoing.com/

 

 

Pigeon, 2010
taxidermy pigeon with party hat constructed of paper, yarn, and acrylic paint

Water from American Places with European Names, 2010-11

from left:
Glasgow, KY
Portsmouth, RI
Newport, RI
Berlin, NY
Scotland, PA
Manchester, NH
Versailles, KY
Hamburg, PA
Glasgow, WV
Paris, KY

 

These items do not directly link to the puppetry project but i felt it was inportant to add to them to my blog with the reason that this one in particular links to the city and because it is using things that already exhist - like i am with this taxidermy puppet! I have labeled them to my NS and to Pro Practice as emailed her a questionaire about her practise and it has inspired both modules.

 

Some Secrets Should Stay Secret, 2010
found bottle on wooden stand containing instructions on how to build a ship in a bottle

_________________________________________________________

  

Sounds great I would love to see it!

Jackie

On Feb 22, 2013, at 4:38 AM, Alice Munro <alice.munro1@btinternet.com> wrote:

Dear Jackie,

Thank you so much for your time and support in answering my questions, im glad you recieved something out of it as well! Once i have finished my City Puppet project (the one with the Taxidermy) I could send you photos if you would like?

Apologies for the delay, we had a field trip yesterday to London!

I am very grateful for such a detailed response its lovely to read your answers, I hope to speak to you soon.

Best Wishes,
Alice

---

From: Jackie Mock <jackiemock@gmail.com>
To: Alice Munro <alice.munro1@btinternet.com>
Sent: Thursday, 21 February 2013, 4:42
Subject: Re: Art Student from UK

Hi Alice. Thank you so much for the kind words. Actually, you've contacted me at the perfect time. Yesterday I installed a few new pieces in a gallery here in New York, and I'm quite relieved it went smoothly and I have a bit of time to reflect. 

Ok, here goes. I'll answer your questions in order.

1.

This is a really interesting question, I could probably rant about it for an eternity. I'm interpreting it to mean the dichotomy between my ideas and my craft. 

In my work, I'm very concerned with the execution (construction of the shadowboxes, the mounting, materials, etc) because I constantly find myself giving weight and importance or celebrating and drawing attention to some fairly diminutive objects and ideas. A solid and thoughtful construction and execution lead the admirer to want to spend time with the artwork. I did struggle and toil with woodworking and a poor shop and little knowledge of tools, it took some time (and some neighbors in manhattan that hated me for running a table saw in my living room) for me to really get it down, and become confident and quick in executing my artwork that it has allowed my ideas to flourish. I enjoy working quickly and I have a hard time leaving things unfinished at the end of the day, but the hardest part for me is to learn patience and skill within my craft, to really refine my craftsmanship. I'm lucky that I haven't had a very long stretch of a lack of ideas (I know at some point it will happen) But, to conclude... the conceptual aspect of my work is the most important to me, but the execution is what makes it worth looking at.

2.

Yes, I do have a degree. BFA in Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design. 

3. 

I definitely work best alone. I would love to have a studio in my home because sometimes I want to just wake up and be in my studio.  I did have a wood shop in my apartment right after I graduated from school because I literally had no other option. It was quite unbelievable that I got away with it. I think it was only because I lived on the second floor in the loudest neighborhood in New York that my neighbors didn't completely hate me. Now, I have a studio a short train ride away in Hoboken, New Jersey I've split it into two rooms, my sawdust room where I spend most of my time and the other which holds random junk (I have far too many things) as well as my desk and all the artwork I have on hand so when I have a studio visit I can display work there. 

4. 

My main inspiration..... ugh, tough one. I'm inspired by life, and under appreciated and overlooked objects, people, and places. I only have ideas when I'm in a certain frame of mind that comes quite rarely. Maybe one thing or a combination of a lot of sleep, a perfect book I'm reading, an overwhelming calm, the vast resource that is the internet, long road trips across America, things like that. 

5. 

The advice I could lend a graduate is to find a way to incorporate creating art in your everyday life.  I had experience while on break from school working 5 days a week at a day job, and I could not commit myself to working on my artwork. I didn't pursue a career in an artistic-professional field ie. gallery work or as a studio assistant or anything in that realm because I knew I wouldn't have enough time for myself. I ended up talking my way into a string of nighttime service jobs waitressing then bartending because it allotted me the daytime hours to work on my own. The first year after graduating was absolutely the most miserable but became the most rewarding for me. I found a way to balance making a living and making art. I also really refined my practice and spent a lot of time experimenting without the constrains of school. I also felt really lame for spending so much time, money, and energy on making art that no one besides myself was seeing and I considered just giving up and trying to find a "real" career so many times, but I didn't. I applied to every open call I could find, showed at self-sponsored art fairs, even a flea market and made my own shows. I made contact with collectors, curators, and gallery owners in the strangest of places and I had to let my work speak for itself because networking and selling myself is something that is literally impossible to me. I suppose my advice is to find what works for you, but try and do something creative every day and find the balance between "real life" and your artistic life, and never give it up. 

6.

I'm motivated my finishing a piece. I love to have accomplished something in a day.  I love making things maybe because I know how much I DON'T like NOT making things. I'm frustrated and crazy when I'm not making anything. I'm also frustrated and crazy when I am making something and I'm working through a problem but it's a far more constructive and fun crazy me. I honestly feel as if I have no other choice. 

7. 

Failure... it definitely teaches me lessons, and yes, in a way motivates me. I've never thought about it that way but that's definitely true. I have a whole closet full of failed artwork I'm storing at my mothers house. I hate it and will never look in it but it definitely has helped me to grow.

8.

My practice is evolving right now. I have some great support from a gallery owner here in New York who is giving me an outlet to show some larger long term projects. I just built a 9.5 foot tall cabinet (sorry so american, probably around 3 meters) it contains 36 velvet lined drawers holding every spoon I've eaten off of since July 7, 2009. Also large piece containing a paint sample from every subway station in New York. I spent an exorbitant amount of time underground. I also had a show this summer where I created a full room installation paneling the walls of the gallery with a ton of found wood to embed my artwork within the walls so that you could peer inside to see each piece. I'm focusing on both long term ideas and ideal setting for my work to be seen. I'm really lucky to have the opportunity to have this all being shown.

9.

oh my. I doubted myself and this career choice many times over and over again. I always had faith in my work but never had enough faith that I could sell it enough to make anyone ever see it. I'm constantly doubtful.

10. 

My favorite artist is certainly Dario Robleto. (maybe I should write him an e-mail, but I don't have the courage that you do I guess!)

His work is fantastic, I can't even speak about it. The first time I ever saw his work was a piece titled "The Sin was in Our Hips" at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. It's a pair of male and female pelvic bones constructed of ground vinyl records and human bone dust. I love the way he transforms materials and how every aspect of his work is so meticulously constructed.  It's both universal and autobiographical. 

Hope this isn't far too much ranting. I wish you the best in your studies. I would love to see some images of your work if you're up to it and if you ever come to New York you should come by my studio. 

This has actually been quite fun. 

My Best, 

Jackie

On Tue, Feb 19, 2013 at 2:45 PM, Alice Munro <alice.munro1@btinternet.com> wrote:

Dear Jackie Mock,

 

My name is Alice Munro and I am currently studying in my second year of BA Hons in Art & Design at Birmingham City University in the Midlands, England. Your artwork continues to inspire me, my favourite piece is the taxidermy pigeon with the party hat! For my new project I am practicing taxidermy as a form of puppet! I would love to visit America and experience your work first hand. Until then, I would really appreciate if you could take the time from your hectic day and answer a small questionnaire that I have created to aid my professional practice module please? (You could write as little or as much as you like)

 

1.       What is more important to you, the subject of the work or the way it is executed?

 

 

2.       Do you have a University Degree? If so what course did you study and which university?

 

 

3.       What environment do you find yourself working in the best?

 

 

4.       What is your main inspiration?

 

 

5.       What advise would you give to a fresh graduate that wants to pursue a career like yours?

 

 

6.       What motivates you to create your pieces?

 

 

7.       Does failure motivate you?

 

 

8.       Where do you feel your practice is going?

 

 

9.       Did you ever think you wouldn't get this far?

 

 

10.   Who is your favorite artist?

 

 

Once again thank you so much in advance for your support – it is greatly valued and will assist my studies!

 

Best Wishes,

Alice Munro

Birmingham City University

Reply to: Reply to Jackie Mock

Send

GOMEZ DE MOLINA-PANDORA

SOURCE

Gomez De Molina-Pandora is a very extreme modern taxidermist. Even though conventional taxidermy runs in the family his father was very incouraging and as result he creates these (what i find as) very aggressive, thought provoking preserves. 

Swans are protected by Her Majesty the Queen and are seen as very elegant creatures, adding horns and hoofed feet (not to mention the two heads!) is very striking. 

Some people would disagree that this isn't art and that it is interfering with nature and making animals into other mysterious creatures is not in the best interests of the animals. 

i personally find that his work is very interesting yet striking and makes me think of the options i have to consider. 

I could do three or five animals as a collection - each creature made up of two different animals. or maybe i could do one creature made up of a few different animals - just like De Molina-Pandora?

History of Taxidermy

Taxidermy is thought to have been around for centuries. It is also considered to have been around as long as the start of mankind. Whenever man killed an animal they would want a trophies to commemorate their success. However the preservation side was poor and as a result there are no clear records of the very beginning of taxidermy.

The Egyptians mummified their cats, dogs and other animals upon their death and they were often buried with the owners.

Taxidermy carried on through to the Middle Ages where it seriously took a mighty twist. Birds where stuffed and the skin preservation had improved considerably.

Taxidermy became very popular during the Victorian era. People would go on their travels and want a memento of where they had been. Many times this was a mounting of an animal or bird. Also many museums started using mountings in their displays. This gave taxidermists a lot of business. The art of anthropomorphic taxidermy started about this time. This special niche of taxidermy uses animals in poses that would actually be found in humans instead of animals. There is a very famous piece that was done by Walter Potter. (SEE PREVIOUS POSTS) In this mounting kittens are posed as if at a tea party.

Although taxidermy is not as popular as it was in the Victorian era, it is still an art form which people can appreciate. People still enjoy their trophies and museums still use mounts in their displays. Today the art of preservation has reached its pinnacle and the mounts will last for a very, very long time.

SOURCE

Mari Lowery

SOURCE

"Mark Lowery is a New York based artist and photographer. She's always been an keen and interested in animals, she started altering vintage portraits, coming out with these original, ironic mixed-media works. 

Every character comes with its own name and personality, so you can decide which one to take home with you. Remember that if you go mad for Flora, the little fox girl, it's not recommended leaving her alone with the chickens. These lovely humanimal prints and collages by Mari Lowery are the perfect thing if you're looking for something fresh to style up your walls."

 

 

SOURCE

I love the way that they are human figures with animal heads. It connects with my project idea and links back to anthropomorphic taxidermy, i love the vintage - old world feel to them. i have some vintage photographs and could possibly have a go at this technique.

My own version of Lowerys work includes a pigeon on a vintage photo lying around the house. I think its quite scary and intimidating! I made mine just by printing off a photo i had from a pigeon and changing the colour to black and white on photoshop and layering it over the top by hand and scanning in... it is just a sample to mimic her style.

 

The 60,000 complaints about rats in Birmingham

The phrase "Rats with Wings" has provoked some thoughts. Maybe a rat with a pigeon head and wings would be even more thought provoking?! The image below states the amount of pests (ie. rats) in the surrounding areas. Some areas are quite have quite scary results, even though this isnt actual central city it is the surrounding areas.

 

Getting my hands on a dead rat that is ethnically sourced is harder than it seems even as a result of these startling results. The colour of the fir must also be thought about and cosidered - this is something that i would need to consider.

SOURCE

Not for the Faint-hearted

During my research i have come across this article that includes information on a taxidermy class - even though it is with mice - i think it is still relevant and focus' on the practise that i plan to join.

 

The article promotes Anthropomorphic taxidermy which is of interest to me and this is something i wish to consider.

 

 

"It's not a hobby for the faint of heart.

But Susan Jeiven's class on anthropomorphic taxidermy has been sold out since December.

The one-day workshop, which teaches students how to stuff dead mice and pose them up as if they were humans, is becoming a popular pastime in New York.

White-haired mice styled in tutus and polka dot hair bows; their spindly paws strumming miniature guitars - even reading the New York Times - were photographed in Ms Jeiven's class last Tuesday..."

 

 

"...anthropomorphic taxidermy – the practice of mounting and displaying taxidermied animals as if they were humans or engaged in human activities – has a long and storied history, beginning with the most privileged classes.

It was a popular art form during the Victorian and Edwardian eras; the best known practitioner of the art form being British taxidermist Walter Potter, whose works included The Kitten Wedding and The Kitten Tea Party, which the mind immediately wants to imagine..."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2107482/Taxidermy-class-teaches-students-stuff-dead-mice-pose-humans.html#ixzz2LHJhwUDU
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

Other Bird Puppets

From my last post I thought that researching other bird puppets would support my idea and get me thinking and making sure i have a wide range of examples that are well connected.

 

This image from Flickr was the main peice that caught my eye - Even though i want to practise taxidermy this is an alternative method for a puppet project based on city birds.

(SOURCE)

 

I like the way that you can tell its a pigeon - which might sound daft but the head and the wings have a severve likeness - if i were doing a manmade puppet opposed to a natural puppet (taxidermy) this is something that i would bare in mind.

 

_____________________________________

 

SHADOW PUPPETS

 

The images below show bird shadow puppets and the way they are animated. I like the mysterious aspect of making shadows. What would be really nice is to capture the mannerisms of the pigeons and other wildlife that lives in the city. Pigeons have that charector to them that argubly no other wild bird possesses. Their constant moving head movements and their stances.

 

 

SOURCE

_____________________________________

 

MECHANICAL PIGEON

 

 

The YouTube video provides an imput on how the mannerisms of a pigeon work- eyes that open and close, head bows - all at a pull of a cord - it is a really inspirational piece of nechanics. If this taxidermy doesnt work i would really like to consider this aspect of puppetry.

 

It connects with the first image on this post - the engineering and mechanics of these pigeons are very simular and use the same principles. However the first one focus' on the wings span and the flight aspect and then this video focus' on the facial mannerisms and body movements.

 

_____________________________________

 

HUMAN PUPPET

 

Even though this video does not provide us with an insight to a bird puppet like the ones above it displays a very funny aspect on humans. - Nina Conti (the ventriloquist) is using a the man as a puppet and contolling the mask he is wearing. She is providing the voice and actions and influencing what the guest does - in this example he wont dance, but maybe her humerious story line changes his mind??

 

Craft Demonstrator at Melbicks Garden & Leisure

This was a fantastic opportunity to encourage local children from around Solihull and Coleshill to be creative in a safe environment at Melbicks Garden & Leisure. I spent the afternoon doing craft demonstrations with kids using pom-poms, pipe cleaners, PVA and googley eyes, feathers and other bits and bobs. 

It was a relaxed afternoon and we made caterpillars, snails, little pom-pom birds and other little creatures. We had foam as well so we made little lizard door hangers and glued on scales using other pieces of foam.  

The craft event was part of a 'Toy & Craft Weekend' at the Garden & Leisure Centre and ran along side a stay and play room that was supervised by trained child care workers. Parents could stay and play as well. During the course of the afternoon I experienced working with all abilities and different aged children. It allowed me to taylor the afternoon to the different age groups. I had to think on the spot most of the time as I was given a basket of craft supplies and given the chance to go with the flow and be spontaneous. 

I couldn't take any photographs which is most unfortunate as it would have supported my post and gave you a better idea of what I completed. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop that I did with the children and thought that it gave me the opportunity to work with younger generations on a different professional capacity - thats not in school and following the curriculum. In this respect it was very much like my Guiding life, doing crafts and inspiring them to create. I feel that it is very important to encourage young people to be creative and to help blossom there imagination. 

CV

NOTE: THIS CV IS AMENDED APPROPRIATELY TO ACCOMODATE TYPE OF PLACEMENTS

The CTC Kingshurst Academy letter

Dear Susan,

 

I am just emailing regarding my application regarding work placement, i didnt know if there was anything else you needed to assist the process? I have to provide my university with an 'experiential agreement' next thursday.

 

Thank you for your support

Best Wishes,

Alice Munro

 

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Alice Munro <alice.munro1@btinternet.com>
To: *** Ann Jones *** <ann.jones@kingshurst.ac.uk> 
Sent: Monday, 28 January 2013, 20:33
Subject: Re: Placement Application

Dear Ann,

Its lovely to here from you too, thank you very much! It is going to help a great deal.

I'll look forward to hearing from Susan.

Many thanks and best wishes,

Alice

From: *** Ann Jones *** <ann.jones@kingshurst.ac.uk>
To: Alice Munro <alice.munro1@btinternet.com>
Sent: Monday, 28 January 2013, 17:43
Subject: RE: Placement Application

Dear Alice,

Good to hear from you.  I’ve passed your request on to Susan Foley who deals with all our trainees (PGCE, GTP etc.)

She’s having a look at your request and will get back to you as soon as possible.  I am sure we will be able to accommodate you!

Hope this helps.

Very best wishes,

Ann

Ann Jones

Principal

CTC Kingshurst Academy

From: Alice Munro [mailto:alice.munro1@btinternet.com]
Sent: 25 January 2013 20:39
To: *** Ann Jones ***
Subject: Placement Application

55 Blandford Avenue

Castle Bromwich

Solihull

B36 9JB

0121 747 0485

07795225751

alice.munro1@btinternet.com

Dear Ann Jones,

            Shortly after joining the CTC Kingshurst Academy I realised what I wanted to pursue as a career which is to become an Art Teacher and give back what was provided to me as a student. I am now thoroughly enjoying my course (BA (Hons) Art & Design) and would like to progress onto a PGCE course in secondary education.

As you know I have a passion for Art & Design and it is a major part of my life, I love being artistic and being creative at any given opportunity. I also have a passion for encouraging young people and developing their potential, therefore I feel I would suit this career path. As I would like to join the profession I would really appreciate it if you could consider me for a work experience placement. This would really assist my studies and would support my passion to become an Art Teacher.

I am available on Mondays or Fridays and I would really like to work with both Key stages and Post 16 if possible. I would ideally need to attend one day for five weeks to cover the amount of hours required.

    

            I thoroughly enjoyed my years at the CTC Kingshurst Academy; it provided me with so much academically and developed me as a person ready for entering the next stage of the ‘journey’. Additionally I felt it only natural to enquire here first! Please find attached my Curriculum Vitae.

I look forward to your reply,

Yours sincerely,

Alice V Munro

(Class of 2004- 2011)