Art Portfolio Two - Artist research and Idea development

After my tutorial with Carie Mansfield on Friday, we have decided to go forward with the theme ''Plastic Fantastic''. The project will be a scaled mini-model of a public sculpture that aims to raise public awareness about plastic pollution. The sculpture will be accompanied by four technical drawings that are elevations for the 3D final piece. My research points are public sculptures, interactive installations and environmental art. As well as researching a number of artists that are relevant to my subject such as Anish Kapoor, Henry Moore, Antony Gormley and others.

The initial 3D idea I had for this theme was to create a sculpture of a sea turtle stuck in a pile of man-made plastic waste. However, I feel that I have to develop my idea further to put it into wider context. I have looked at Antony Gormley's public installation/ sculpture:

STANDING MATTER XVII, 2008

This inspiring installation gives me a different perspective on how to make my sculpture. What if instead of sand beach, I could put the turtle in an aquarium filled with fake solid blue water with plastic waste around. This will give the sculpture more of a three dimensional look and it will show the turtle in its natural and unnatural environment. Also if the sculpture was made as the same size as Gormley's piece in public, people can look at it from around and from further away rather than looking at a flat semi three dimensional installation. Which would only be noticed if you were near it. Then I have searched for how to make fake water on YouTube, and I found some interesting guided videos (as shared below). These can easily and safely be made from material found at home such as blue hair gel and clear candle gel, and liquid wax dye that could be ordered online.

How To Make Fake Water - Artificial Aquarium DIY Craft Tutorial | Easy Kids Crafts Ideas Hacks by Terrarium & Crafts

DIY Easy Winter / Christmas Craft + How To : Fake Water by Terrarium & Crafts

Image reference:

www.antonygormley.com. (n.d.). Antony Gormley. [online] Available at: http://www.antonygormley.com/sculpture/permanent-item-view/id/2617/page/14#p1 [Accessed 20 Jul. 2020].

Video references:

Terrarium \u0026 Crafts (2019). How To Make Fake Water - Artificial Aquarium DIY Craft Tutorial | Easy Kids Crafts Ideas Hacks. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbLkcKgJxjo [Accessed 21 Jul. 2020].

Terrarium \u0026 Crafts (2018). DIY Easy Winter / Christmas Craft + How To : Fake Water. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIZhoAizz-I&t=1s [Accessed 21 Jul. 2020].