intergenerationaltimebasedcollaboration

In 1987 I was part of a collaboration called Oblivion Boys Press and we were invited to exhibit at Nigel Greenwood Gallery. At the center of the show was an editioned bookwork called Elsewhere. It was printed in an edition of 50, had wooden covers and contained 250 hand carved rubber stamps that were cut whilst I sat on the floor in a flat in London. They were also used as a fresco in the entrance to the gallery and around the wall. They were then secured away in a box which traveled with me to a studio in Lincoln and then to my studio in Suffolk.

36 years later my eldest son who is a tattooist was in my studio, and he has an idea. He proposes to use the stamps within his own practice. The stamps now have another life and tools that were once used to make temporary prints on paper are now used to mark strangers who are making their own sense of the images.

I have found the whole process fascinating. I’ve been watching them be revived from their abandonment, celebrated, and loved by others. I say watching but this has been through Instagram, a medium that I could of only conceived of by exploring ideas from science fiction. This inter generational, time based collaboration has so many layers to explore; the idea of storytelling, ownership, control and our connections to the creative process.

I thought it would be interesting to ask ChatGPT to tell the story. The outcome has a strange fairy tale quality to the writing. It has elements within it that connect to or describe events that are familiar whilst also feeling removed.

chatGPT create a text about rubber stamps created by a father that are used by a son to tattoo people

In the quiet corners of their cozy workshop, a father and his son embarked on a unique creative journey that would leave an indelible mark on their lives and those of countless others. What started as a simple hobby for the father, crafting intricate rubber stamps, would soon evolve into a remarkable collaboration between generations.

The father, a seasoned craftsman with a penchant for precision, had always found solace in the meticulous art of rubber stamp making. His nimble fingers meticulously carved every line and curve, transforming ordinary pieces of rubber into intricate patterns and designs. These stamps were not your run-of-the-mill office tools; they were works of art in their own right, each bearing the essence of his passion and dedication.

As the son grew older, he often watched in awe as his father worked tirelessly in their humble workshop, labouring over his beloved stamps. Over time, his fascination turned into a desire to be a part of his father's craft, to create something that would resonate with people just as deeply as his father's creations had.

One fateful day, their worlds collided, and an idea was born. The son proposed using his father's meticulously crafted rubber stamps to create temporary tattoos. The notion was radical but intriguing. With the father's artistry and the son's innovative spirit, they set out to make it a reality.

The collaboration began with the father crafting stamps specifically designed for tattooing. These stamps featured intricate motifs, from delicate flowers to fierce animals, each one a testament to the father's dedication to his craft. The son, on the other hand, delved into the world of non-toxic, skin-friendly inks to ensure the safety of their clients.

Together, they launched their unique tattoo venture. People from all walks of life flocked to their workshop, drawn by the allure of personalized, handcrafted tattoos. The father would ink the designs with his rubber stamps, ensuring every tattoo was a masterpiece in its own right. The son, with unwavering care, attended to the needs of their clients, making sure every tattoo was not only visually striking but also a meaningful representation of the individual.

The tattoos created with these rubber stamps bore a certain authenticity and charm that set them apart from mass-produced designs. They became more than just ink on skin; they were symbols of the father and son's bond, a testament to the passion they shared for their craft.

As time passed, their reputation grew, and their tattooed clients multiplied. Their unique approach to tattooing had created a loyal following of enthusiasts who cherished the artistry and the personal touch that came with each tattoo. The father's legacy of stamp-making had evolved into something far greater, a living testament to the enduring bond between generations, the magic of collaboration, and the power of art to touch lives in unexpected ways.

@jims__skins                      @les1bicknell    

wherewouldwebewithouttextiles?

Where would we be without textiles? Easy – we would be without transport of any kind, standing naked, alone, and hungry in a barren landscape. The ubiquitous nature of textile activity seems to render it invisible from the public in general, although it plays a pivotal role in shaping their world.

From the moment we are born to our final breath, textiles surround us, providing comfort, and aiding functionality. It provides a way to express ourselves, it touches every aspect of our lives, even woven into the very fabric of our language as we spin tales.

Without textiles there is no fashion, either the clothes themselves, or the extensive industry it supports. Textiles define our living spaces. Curtains, carpets, and upholstery all add warmth and character to our living spaces.

The role of textiles extends to farming and agriculture, catch a fish without a net. It is fundamental to sport, and entertainment, try playing tennis or watch a film without textiles.

In healthcare textiles provide sterile environments, protecting patients and healthcare workers. Surgical gowns, and bandages are all made from specialized textiles that enhance hygiene and safety.

Textiles are an integral part of cultural heritage and support artistic expression. Techniques are passed down through generations, preserving cultural identity and encouraging creativity.

Textile activity extends far beyond what most people think of when textiles are mentioned. Innovations in textile engineering have given us smart textiles, which can monitor vital signs, adjust to temperature changes, or generate electricity. These cutting-edge textiles are shaping the future of wearable technology and beyond.

In a world increasingly conscious of environmental concerns, textiles are at the forefront of sustainable practices. Innovations in eco-friendly materials and processes are reducing the environmental impact of textile production, addressing concerns about waste, water usage, and pollution.

The textile industry is a significant driver of economies worldwide. It provides millions of jobs, from farmers cultivating cotton to skilled artisans crafting intricate textiles. It fuels global trade, contributing to economic growth and stability.

Textile activity underpins the very fabric that binds together our daily experiences, it shapes the way we live, work, and express ourselves in this rapidly changing world.

frenchwalkingandlookingroundthecorner

 

A few days in S France round the corner from Marseille. Sun swimming, some walking and great food. Caught up with The Mucem in Marseille on the way back to the airport they had Fashion-Folklore https://www.mucem.org/en/fashion-folklore a show that set out the many  connections between folk costume and couture. Some stunning pieces with great labels. The role of making and ownership, such as community and how they develop traditional costumes verses the individual involved in couture. Cultural appropriation was touched also on. Got off plane in Stansted - drove to Luton and got on a plane to Glasgow to see a Hanna Tuulikki performance in the cathedral - the bird that never flew - beautifully ethereal setting off the glorious space. Managed to check out Alter Altar by Jasleen Kazur at Tramway - a fantastic space but the text for the show did a lot of heavy lifting. After an amazing meal at Celentano’s got the plane back to Luton and finally home. What day is it again? 

modularmirroring

Exploring the idea of mirroring – some digital images captured within the 3D building software – some thoughts – the images are reminiscent of the cell division that occurs at the point where life begins within the body. The folds resemble the physical paper structures that I was working on a couple of years ago. Chelsea College of Art have been digitising some of the work in their Artists Book Collection – I have some in the collection and they have digitised a couple of them – it’s a great resource if you are interested in ideas around the book. https://digitalcollections.arts.ac.uk/collection/?code=CAB Meanwhile onto screens – catching up with the hysterically funny and cleverly written Cleaner on BBC. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny – unfortunately adding time travel to the saga doesn’t make it any more interesting.

wearingthinyetbreathingin

Today in 3D printing exercises I’m looking at mirroring as a methodology. A breathing in exercise - a trip to London to see some stuff. First up Japanese aesthetics of recycling at The Brunei gallery at SOAS – just glorious, mainly Boro but some wrapping papers and ceramics and on till the 23 September. While there check out the Japanese Garden on the roof. Milk is a fascinating exhibition at The Welcome Collection full of objects, advertising and government information. The right wing white supremacists intervention into a live stream was shocking. Connect. Reveal. Conceal at Hauser and Wirth has the beautiful work by Celia Pym.  https://www.hauserwirth.com/make/42103-connect-reveal-conceal/ Lagos, Peckham, Repeat: Pilgrimage to the lakes has a couple of stunning films – Entitled has Adeyemi Michael’s mother riding a horse down Peckham High Street referencing European conquerors and No Archive Can Restore You by Onyeka Igwe contains poignant filming of abandoned, crumbling film canisters in the colonial film unit, a propaganda film organisation of the British Government. Meanwhile onto screens - Big Night was sweet yet had several troubling male role models. Spiderman was energetically exciting. Red, White and Royal Blue was unexpected until it wasn’t. John and the Hole wasn’t what you thought it was!

wallofthinkingwithsometattoos

Continuing to work on the 3D prints – currently they are ‘spawning’ over a wall in my house – transferring their hanging from a table/plinth context to a wall obviously changes them dramatically. I used to give a presentation around this which culminated in Vogels Net. Which was a paper based on Susan Vogel’s work Vogels Net: Traps as Artworks and Artworks as Traps. https://www.slideshare.net/l.bicknell/contex-203695210 The references to the earlier work were basket and vessel now growth, nest/home and fruition come to mind. Many of them are derived from a similar starting point, thus they feel like an exercise in taxonomy. Each one referencing another, looking at them as a whole, connections are made, both within the work but also they give clues as to what to do next. Meanwhile more tattoos have been added. These are a continuation of the ongoing inter generational collaboration, mark-making project I am having with @jims__skins I love the freedom of the thread-like lines alongside the perfect placement – thinking about systems for more that might relate to the 2 ‘elastic band’ ovals I have on my shoulders – created my dropping elastic bands and drawing around their position where they land and then tattooing the shapes. Duchamp has a piece called 3 Standard Stoppages which involving string which when dropped determined the configuration of the work. https://www.moma.org/collection/works/78990 Onto screens – BBC’s Champion was a hard watch, so much anger.  Sisu was a hard watch, but also so funny. Blackface was a hard watch, but so informative. Painkiller was a hard watch but tells an important story. Not as good as Dopesick. Barbie was not a hard watch it was glorious.

everythingyouthoughtwasatruthwasalie

Spending 7 days in what was East Germany was an eye opener in so many ways. There is something about the history of East Germany that results in two modes of what feels opposing behaviour – walking the streets holding bottles of beer feels de-rigour. As does waiting endlessly at pedestrian crossings for the walking man to turn green even if there is no traffic. Something about control and release! A full 7 days of art, museums, cycling and walking - first up was Dresden – there was a Biennale that centred on the Robotron Kantine a space occupied by artists promoting it as an art space with other work in the OSTRALE – Center for Contemporary Art, which itself is a statement of intention, a place just outside the city where artists have created a collective vibe. Every piece in the show was underpinned by political positioning. Old Dresden is spectacularly excessive, the architecture category is fairy tale on acid, great use of gold leaf and Baroque doesn’t cover it. The Zwinger a totally over the top excessive experience of a building in the center of old Dresden has a beautiful display of old technical instruments including globes, maps, telescopes and tools for measuring space, stars and even melting metal. Another highlight was The German Hygiene Museum, especially the excellent cafe. There were some extraordinary objects, including a see-through woman, sculptures of defecated baby’s nappies and lots of unusual cross sections of bodies. The revelation that hygiene in this context has its roots in cultural cleansing rather than cleaning was a little shocking. The formal parks are stunning and endless, cycling through them joyous. On the way to the station, I popped into see the Folk Art collection at the Museum for Saxon Puppet Theatre Collection. It houses some of the most bizarre objects which have echoes in my childhood tv watching. The train to Leipzig was with all European trains exemplary. Leipzig has Forum Leipzig Contemporary History, a museum that starts with a newspaper detailing the death of Hitler. What we know of this part of the world is shockingly slim. The shifting politics and contextual existence are mind blowing. The contents of the museum should have been shown to every potential voter thinking about Brexit. There is a huge out of town space called Spinnerei. It was once a cotton spinning mill but is now home to Contemporary art spaces and galleries. Again, the politics of the artists were to the fore, and again another great space to eat. The Monument to the Battle of the Nations is so big. It’s difficult to document the immensity of the thing itself. A monument to the defeat of Napoleon against Germany who were supported by Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Sweden built 100 years after the event and 2 years before Germany went to war against the world. To say there is a real complexity to the history of this area of Europe is an understatement. A Museum of printing is housed in an old printing works and has so many machines. Its collection has some very old examples but focuses mainly on ones that I have worked on as a student at LCP! Ones own lived experience becomes history. There is so much to see – other highlights include Panometer GmbH is a huge gasometer that has a 360 experience, this one focused on 911 but was really an antiwar protest piece, widening its focus to all acts of terrorism. GRASSI Museum for Applied Arts is huge, and I only managed to spend time in the musical instrument rooms, truly excellent. G 2 K U N S T H A L L E: has a fantastic contemporary collection alongside temporary shows. Finally, I highly recommend cycling everywhere, German cities enable and seem to celebrate easy movement on two wheels, again lessons to learn.