Oblique strategy … 15 Candles and 1 Fold

'Retrace your steps'

After a week of preparation, thought and experiment with the wax, I decided to create a layered structure to represent my ‘Retrace your steps’ Oblique strategy.

Rewind was the first word I thought of when I got this rule- and when I think of rewinding, I think of layers repeating itself- or the past circulating round and round.

To achieve this effect, I purposely built my structure in layers of wax to reveal a story of progression and shape manipulation. The image below shows the 7 different layers I created to achieve the final piece. Each piece was then stacked in layers to create a ‘curling’ effect.

This piece is named after its properties and manipulation method... '15 Candles and 1 Fold'

Throughout this creative practice, I have been focusing on the idea of repetition, reflection and the ununiformed- to retrace, I purposely looked into these areas of my research and by strongly focusing on the purpose of the ’freestyle structure’, I recreated and shaped the wax in a ‘folded’ manner.

This piece carries 2 meanings. Visually it shows growth and movement within each layer, thus giving the meaning ‘retracing your steps’, however, it is the meaning behind this piece which I treasure more. Initially I didn’t think of this idea, but after encountering some problems and failure to achieve my initial goal, I evolved and progressed further into this strategy. For the past 2-3 weeks, I have been experimenting with the idea of folding blank sheets of paper- it was not until I started playing with a folded experiment that I realised ‘unfolding’ was an art in itself. To fold, we create a step of procedures, but to unfold, we repeat the same procedures in reverse. I strongly wanted to carry this concept forward as it not only works parallel with my freestyle structure concept (folding), but also bring in the idea of casting and moulding which I experimented weeks ago.

I think I have fully fulfilled the brief given to me this week. It has not only given me more confidence with the idea of folding, but has also opened my senses to the use of a new material – wax; a material I would never associate with fashion or art (apart from wax crayons). There is so many ways to deal with this material, and because of the nature of the material- it is very easy to create or destroy it.  Through experimentation – when I was not happy with the shape of the layers, all I had to do was melt it again. I really enjoy the idea of recreating something with the recycled or damaged parts of the artwork – mentally it becomes something with life, purpose and meaning.

Though both structures (freestyle paper fold and this wax model) carry a folding technique, the outcomes of each are very different. To me, ‘15 candles and 1 fold’ is very soft, elegant and fragile and takes me to fairy tale scenery whenever I look at it. It’s also very calm, quiet and relaxing to look at. The paper structure in reverse is very harsh, strong and sharp. By comparing the 2 variables, I think it will be quite interesting to combine both opposites together – possible experiment more with the wax to try and achieve the paper fold lines.

Improvements?

There are always room for improvement, for this piece, I think it will be very interesting to see what colour can do to the visual aspects of the model; could the colour be in blocks, gradient or marble? Could each layer be in a different colour? Who knows…  oh and also, when I was buying the candles for this piece, I accidently picked up the scented ones, but then put them back down… would scent create a different outcome? Could I incorporate scent in the next experiment?

What next?

I really found this oblique strategy useful and challenging. Without it, I don’t think I would’ve produced a model like this or to even think of using wax in the first place. To further progress, I want to experiment with colour and fabric. Whiles I was making the layers, I accidently spilt wax over some of my clothes, but because of this, I saw some further potentials in what wax can do to fabric and it is this which really excites me. (* you will just have to wait for my results)