Peeling of the...L A T E X

One of the first things I noticed when beginning to work with latex was the assault on my nostrils, however after familiarising myself with the odour I was able to move on and enjoy the whole meticulous process of applying each layer evenly to the lubricated surface of a mould. At first each layer seems to amount to nothing, but NO it is not pointless but YES it is tedious however the end result is reward. 

The whole line of enquiry for this experiment was based on recreating the surface of skin, latex's ability to assimilate with this organ is quite unique. I was recently watching Austin Powers (Gold Member) and couldn't help but laugh at how Gold Members flaking skin reminds me of my latex creations and this particular creation. 

Danielle Vidoni©

This video illustrates how flesh like the latex really is when removed from the mould. 

The Process of M O U L D I N G

The process of manipulating wet veggie tan leather into over the female form. The process reminded me of using wet clay, the smooth texture caused me to reminisce of high school art classes. There was a sensation of relaxation in the repetition of motion, the slow easing of leather into place to create the 'R A W' form.

Danielle Vidoni©

This was one of the first experimental pieces I've developed. This could be seen as my attempt at trying to visualise this idea of the 'R A W' female form in its most basic form (how I perceive it). Texture was always going to be an important part as well as colours and shapes, all this was going to need to come out visually from the piece. 

... B I N D I N G   T H E    B O D Y ...

Danielle Vidoni©

A visual of me binding and moulding the female form. I used the calico and extra fabric to force the leather to stay firmly against the mannequin beneath, it is only after this process that I am able to then manipulate the rest of the form to create a    'R A W' aesthetic. 

... S H A P I N G   T H E   L O W E R   B O D Y ...

This step is the last before I leave the entire piece to dry for a few days. This process is about focusing on the lower body and enhancing its surface textures. This is a process not about forced manipulation but rather cooperative forces. I'm not trying to assert my power over the leather but rather allow the two forces to come together. I'm mealy enhancing the forms already naturally beginning to occur.

You're no B E A S T

I must with firstly apologising for me poor blogging skills. I'm not going to lie I've previously had two seperate blogs before but they were shockers real terrors. My Blog skills are comparable to my mothers computer skills which stretch no further that turning the computer on. After many google attempts asking "how to delete a blog?" I figured it out! Finally I can start with a fresh clean and changed perspective on Blogging, I'm going to stay positive and open minded, im not going to shunn the computer anymore im going to love it and care for it, name it and nurture it be one with my computer...

... S C H O O L ...

My studio is entitled 'Instinctual BEAST' and is based on the 'exploration of the materiality of heaviness'

A 'BEAST' is not scary or unreasonable nor is it intentionally cruel its merely miss understood. It is only human nature to be scared of the unknown. 

My 'BEAST' is leather...

L O V E the internet?

... H I ...

It has been oh such a very long time coming, I kept telling myself every week "Danielle you need to GET ON THIS!" but come on really the thought of sitting on the computer and uploading a semesters worth of work just doesn't sound that appealing to me, even if I was talking to myself in 3rd person for motivational purposes. I really do want to enjoy the internet, well lets not lie I do enjoy internet but im a looker rather than participator. Lets just say i'd rather sit in my studio and hand sew whilst listening to the Smiths rather than sit and blog about sitting down hand sewing in the studio whilst listening to the Smiths. Whats a girl to do though? Enough of this though time to get my head down and bum up and let my fingers do the talking...

... L O V E ...