The use of text

The following photographs show some of my experiments with text.

As the poem is the influence for my work I know I want it displayed in some way.

I have decided to use a typewriter for some experiments as it is in keeping with the time period and I like the text it produces. I have also experimented with stitch. linking to the line from my poem

"Sometimes stitch but never draw no more"

I have incorporated them together in some of the following samples.

I wish my poem to be quite large in the exhibition as it is an important part of my work. my sculptural pieces are quite big and although, I do not wish it to dominate, if it is too small it will get lost.

With the print of the typewriter I am drawn to how the ink sometimes is much more faded or doesn't print quite right. This is interesting as well because my work is an exploration of memory and past and so it links with my concepts.

It is not my intention to create a perfectly printed piece of work. The "not-quite-right-ness" of the text links with the "not-quite-right-ness" of the poem and the work I have been inspired to create from this. There is a tension in the fragility and strength of the printing.

It is important to me however, that the spelling and punctuation are correct.

When sampling I liked the combination of capitalised/non capitalised words working well on the line

"Does the Gin still cling when you scratch your skin?"

This, I feel, is one of the most cutting lines of the poem.

I wish to keep it simple and feel that black on white works well.

 
Samples above show the combination of two techniques. The last sample shows a photocopy of the stitch.

Another reason why I am choosing the technique of free machinery embroidery, which is literally drawing or writing with the sewing machine, is because the poem has a slight autobiographical nature. To use your own handwriting in your work is an intensely personal thing to do and I feel if the whole poem was written in this way it would be over personal. But in some ways using a bit of my own handwriting becomes a connection to Foxglove.

It is not something I have highlighted throughout my work but it is a linking point.

The use of stitch also links with the line from my poem

"Sometimes stitch but never draw no more"

Suggesting the character of Foxglove has a loss of creativity in favour of a more domestic life.