Word workshop

This weeks workshop was all about using words and speech in art. We began by a writing activity, which enabled me to write freely, not worrying about punctuation or grammar, and get all my thoughts onto paper. After that we started cutting out single words as well as phrases, and arranging them into sentences, taking into consideration the layout and impact on the audience. Some of my outcomes can be seen below:

The next part of this workshop required us to take a phrase or sentence we had formed and use it in a piece of artwork. I decided to use the phrase "I think thoughts". To me, this one simple phrases has many layers and meanings. Not only does it link to my project theme "Pure O", by showing the basis of the disorder; having intrusive thoughts, however, it also encapsulated the nature of humanity. We all think thoughts, thinking thoughts makes us human. Many OCD and Pure O sufferers, myself included, put so much pressure on themselves and beat themselves up for having these horrible thoughts in their mind, where in fact, thoughts are random. Any thought can pop into anyone's head, that does not make them evil, or bad people, it simply makes them human. This is the core idea that I wanted to get across through this series of works. 

I began by writing out the phrase in my own handwriting, one letter per A1 sheet of newsprint, to make it more personal. I hung it up in the centre of a blank wall, to make the sign be the main focal point; to make it strong and powerful. This can be seen below.

Next, I wanted to create a sense of repetition, to show the obsessive nature of Pure O. One thought quickly changes into an obsession, which consumes the sufferer, often making ruminate for hours, even days. I can 100% relate to that, and therefore wanted to portray this through repeating the phrase "I think thoughts". I decided to display it on a large screen, making it almost hypnotising when you look at it. As all the words align, it creates stripes, making the work quite neat, and simultaneously a bit uncomfortable due to the order.

The last piece I created leans into what I stated earlier on in this blog post, the fact that we all think, and although this was created from a perspective of someone who experiences Pure O, the core basis of 'thinking thoughts', is something that we all do. It is a human condition. I therefore decided to get my peers involved. I asked each person to paint one letter, then put them all together. the different fonts, thicknesses and differences in style give more personality to this piece, and make it more apparent that it was a piece created by a lot of different individuals. I decided to place it on the floor, as that is a place that is more accessible to everyone. They can walk around it, sit next to it, and engage with it. 

Below is a photograph capturing all three of the pieces together. I presented them all in one room, with all the lights turned off, to create more of a private atmosphere. I did not want the lighting to be jarring and distracting, but just mellow enough for the audience to be able to read the words, which I was able to achieve through the lighting from the screen. 

This workshop was undoubtedly quite mentally draining for me, however, I believe that I have managed to achieve a very successful outcome. Sharing my story is certainly something that I strive to do, and doing that through art that uses words was really enjoyable for me.