Bridge #5 The Indirect Self-Portrait: Statement of Inten
Scraps: Fashion, Textiles, and Creative Reuse presented in the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum influenced me the most and pushed me toward the idea of using threads as one of my primary materials. One of the objects displayed in the museum, “Spreads Threads,” connected to me and reminded me that I enjoy working with threads and it will be interesting to include it in my project. The another pushing moment for me was architectural models from the last room we observed. Since I am very interested in architecture and recycling, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: How to minimize waste exhibition was engaging and compelling. I decided on material that exacts minute, as I saw these incredible models. The plans were exciting and helped people safe space or create the new one, which I wanted to do in the future as an architect. Also, reusing is a great way to save materials, money, and resources which are limited, and we have to value them. To reuse or recycle something, I used leftovers from my handwork which I would throw away. However, I worked with given me material and created my Indirect Self-Portrait.
My last project is based on the connections and the contrast of exterior and interior of my personality. The exterior is inspired by minimalist architecture, in which I am interested. I admire Donald Judd’s style and want to incorporate his initial ideas in the skeleton of my project. Judd worked with minimalistic art and was often called very literal with his work. As I worked on the project, I stayed as literal as I can with the exterior of the piece. The color of the exterior is black, as I surround myself only with this particular color, outside of my comfort zone. In the past I was overweight, and I truly thought that black color creates an illusion and makes people look skinnier than they were. Even though I do not face this problem anymore, I remain true to myself and were only black clothes, with minimal exceptions. The box itself is made out of foam board, the material which architects usually use in their projects and models since I want to connect my project to the world of architecture. The structure is stable and vigorous, representing my personality. The box is equivalent to my body size divided by two, 31” x 9.5” x 5.” There is a golden ribbon going around the box and inside, connecting both, exterior and interior together. The golden ribbon is at the same height as my heart. The golden ribbon is holding parts together, and not letting people open it as much as they want to, almost controlling how much I want to show people.
The interior is inspired by Bruce Conner and his assemblages since his work gave me the feeling of satisfaction and amazement. I wanted to incorporate his technique, as he worked with a lot of different and ineresting material, like threads and nylon. The inside of the structure is soft, white and pink, like a flesh; creating a feeling of my insides. I am using pearls to decorate it since this jewelry is my symbol and I am wearing it all the time. Also, I am very interested in every type of handcraft, like making jewelers, were these pearls come from, knitting, and cross-stitching. Therefore, another material is the thread, because I knit a lot, and they give me the sense of home. I used the leftovers from knitting and used them in my project to demonstrates my hobbies, as well as the time dedicated to this cause. I am also using the stuffing from the toys because I usually create them and surround myself with them. The whole interior is representing comfort and light; almost like resting place. As well, I am using light to create the atmosphere of warmth and happiness. These materials which I am using are the scraps which symbolize me. The scraps represent me as a person and allow the viewer the experience my personality. Also, I am using my thought written and little pieces of paper. Those words are not random; these phrases came to my mind during knitting, or other handmade work, which I recorded in Russian and included in my project. Those phrases made me feel comfortable and calm. My portrait contains some Latvian and Russian traditions because I used so many scraps from traditional handmade work. The interior is inspired by Bruce Conner and his assemblages since his work gave me the feeling of satisfaction and amazement. I wanted to incorporate his technique, as he worked with a lot of different and exciting materials, like threads and nylon.
I originally have my life divided into two distinct segments, black and pink. The first one, the black side, is for everyone to see, the outside shell. It is simple, classic, and laconic. The other side is pink, the side which opens only to my friends and family. Pink side embodies my femininity and girlishness. This clear division is very particular and plays a major role in my life. However, having those two sides, I am still one cohesive person. The connection between exterior me and interior me is represented in my indirect self-portrait. The main statement, which I want to make with this particular art piece is well-known saying: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
