For my final project I am exploring the topic of plastic pollution in water and how consumer behavior plays a major role in it. My goal is to create an artwork that inspires and educates the observer on the topic of plastic pollution. I will only use plastic from consumer products. My research in Seminar has mostly been about plastic pollution in saltwater and how consumers contribute to it everyday. It also covers strategies on how to change consumer behavior and become “plastic-free” so that we as consumers can decrease our plastic footprint. This has led me to explore materials that are both harmful and sustainable to the environment. I have explored materials like: wool, yarn, natural dye, and various types of plastic. (specifically type 1,3,4,5,6)
Since our April 15 class I have narrowed down my research to plastic pollution in water and how consumer habits contribute to it. I have gathered the materials that I have listed above and will continue to explore the application of them in the coming days. While doing so I have explored artists like John Dahlsen and Steve McPherson; who have covered topics of plastic pollution in saltwater and have used plastic in their artwork. I had already chosen to use plastic products as the base of my artwork but these artists have truly inspired me.
Category 3 and 4 plastics will be a key component in my final artwork because they are low density and easy to alter. However working with category 5 and 7 plastics which are known as Rigid Plastics will not be easy as they are very lightweight but tough. They are also very heat-resistant so I will need to strategize a way to use them.
For our next class I will:
- Find more category 4 plastic and experiment application. 35 mins-hour
- Strategize the application of a category 7 plastic. 30 mins
- Break down which type of plastic I will use for certain areas of my artwork by experimenting further. 1.5-2 hours
- Begin putting my artwork together. At least 2-6 hours
- Editing and finalizing my artwork. 1-1.5 hour
I have started experimenting with various forms of plastic and application of it. I had great feedback from Bryan and my classmates on the end product of my project. My final piece will be covering the semiotic aspect of waves and I will be depicting it by using plastic which was suggested by Bryan. I am continuing to gather research on molding using plastic consumer products only while showing explaining how they contribute to pollution in water. The artists I am drawing inspiration throughout this process is John Dahlsen and his Pacific Garbage Patch series.
For next class:
- I will put all my molded pieces together. 1-2 hrs
- I will shape my piece based on my use of semiotics. 1 hour
- Finishing touches. 1 hour
