Student Learning Contract and Project Proposal Project title: ‘Wonder is the beginning of wisdom’ - Socrates

My proposed project is not motivated by politics or a moral agenda. However it is very important to me not to create a body of work that is vacuous and vapid. My initial proposal at interview had been to create a body of work that was inspired by the coastline. This is still my intention as the coastline is where I live, explore, breath and play. But the message that I wish to convey could be applied to any chosen environment.
‘Wonder is the beginning of wisdom’ – Socrates. When we are children we readily wonder at our world, the skies and worlds beyond. Children are not embarrassed to explore or question. They are excited to learn and experience. They see the beauty in both the minute and the immense. I am thankful that I have not lost my sense of wonder. Not only does the view from a hill that I have summated inspire me but I am equally passionate about a rusty nail that I have discovered in the road on my way to work.
Already for this project over the summer I have been collecting found objects that I wish to use/inspire mixed media works. From pieces of copper wire turned verdigris to sea worn pieces of wood that I wish to steal their delicious nature forged surfaces by taking plaster cast moulds so I can use them as supports for my cyanotypes.
The media I wish to employ in the production of this project are:
1. Photography – Digital (SLR/camera phone) Analogue (pinhole/glass plate?) Alternative processes (cyanotype/gum bichromate/silver gelatine)
2. Mixed media compositions
My intention is to produce a body of work that entices the viewer re-consider what their definition of beauty is and what is interesting enough to be viewed for longer than a glance and wondered upon.