‘Blue’ explores the struggle of self-expression and the impossibility of fully communicating the human experience. Constructed from felted and dyed strong wool, the piece transforms tactile material into an expressive, abstract form that interacts with the body, distorting human form and perception.
Inspired by Derek Jarman’s Blue, the design embraces expressive limitation, challenging how we perceive the identity of others and ourselves.
"Blue transcends the solemn geography of human limits." - Derek Jarman
I can only write, speak and create with finite language and material, in an attempt to express the infinity of human experience. Within me is an ocean of blue that only I will ever experience. I grapple with its veracity; its form, shade and texture, and furthermore, the fact that even I will only ever understand a fraction of it.
We are all connected through this shared scramble to be understood. We love one another despite knowing we can never know each other completely.
But how exciting it is to know that there is always more to learn about a person.
Development
Wool roving donated by a local testing station was machine-felted into long ropes, which were then wet-felted in a washing machine. Some were dyed using wool dye, and some were left natural.
Small scale prototype
Wing close-up
Head Piece
Small-scale prototyping, understanding the material.
