are we still going on? by kaarina kaikkonen

The amazing and always inspiring Kaarina Kaikkonen.

via of paper and things

one more to build and destroy and make

So just one more object to make to complete stage two. 17 broken or breaking down vessels to be completed for this stage of the work I started in March 2011. It feels like an good moment for me, even when I do know what or how I will make the next final stage of the work.

16 completed as documented below.

James Rhodes: 'Find what you love and let it kill you'

I like the no so subtle reminder from James Rhodes when he wrote for the Guardian. Sadly I almost let my job take that place and very pleased to have my art and front and centre again.

 

blog recommendation - Joetta Maue

A newly discovered blog and delightful inspiration with connections to other artists working with thread, stick and textiles. The interesting blog of Joetta Maue.

the Story - iv

"Transportation- forced exile, in plain english - had undeniable merits. It preserved the Royal Prerogative of Mercy, as the felon was left alive.  At the same time he was removed from the realm as completely, if not as permanently, as any hanged man.  Transportation got rid of the prison as well as the prisoners.  It supplied Britain with a large labour force, consisting entirely of people of who, having forfeited their rights, could be sent to distant colonies of a growing Empire to work at jobs that no free settler would do.  Free-born Englishman had always disliked the idea of labouring bands of convicts engaged in public works at home.  A bill of 1752 introducing public chain-gang labour as punishment for criminals was rejected by the Lords partly because security was too great a problem but mainly because the sight of chain-gangs in public places was felt to be degrading. How could onlookers distinguish such a punishment fro outright slavery? In the New World there was no such problem."

Source: The Fatal Shore - Robert Hughes

What do artists do all day?

I really enjoyed discovering 'What do artists do all day?' series on iplayer yesterday. I watched Cornelia Parker  and then needed to search online for the remaining episodes as they had timed out on iplayer.

For ease here all all the links:
Cornelia Parker on iplayer
Norman Ackroyd on YouTube
Polly Morgan on YouTube
Jack Vettraino on YouTube
 

I love seeing inside artists' studios and I would love to be doing art full time like these people, lovely inspiration especially for me personally Cornelia Parker. 

Watching the Cornelia Parker video was super special after going to the private view last week at Frith St which was pretty awesome.




 



 

60 from 250?

60 from 250? - progress

From the estimated 250 languages spoken in Australia before invasion and colonisation there is estimated to be 35 still be be of strength, 18 strong and 17 with strength that is eroding, 110 severely and critically endangered and 105 now not spoken.  I have been working on the objects to address and somewhat represent the 17. After getting back my life this year and starting again in April I have made some significant progress and I have turned the final corner with only 3 more to build.  

Pictured above is 7 of those objects that are so far complete.

In this project I am making the effort to understand the impact of colonisation, about me knowing  alongside the reality of counter colonisation of me being Australian and moving to England, the dark history of the conflicted place that I call home. I am constantly concerned that the topic is so like dynamite it will at some stage blow up in my face.** 

** Based on research I have undertaken which is referenced here.

60 from 250?

the Story - iii

"The trade in convict or indentured servants was attractive to British government because, unlike the prison system, it cost them little."

Source: The Commonwealth of Thieves - Tom Keneally