Trace Elements

Project 5: Trace Elements

The trace elements project was to look at 'traces', things that had been left behind in some sort of trace, for example:

• Journeys
• Graffiti
• Erosion/decay
• Aeroplane trails
• Tyre marks
• Train lines

All of these could be worked from to begin my project.

My starting point was to take photographs of traces left behing by people. I looked at things that had been stuck on walls, finger prints, scratches, marks and spillages.

Looking closely at things i could see marks and scratches that have obviously been accidently made over the years by different people.

  

Ink spillages are interesting to look at as different shapes are created.

I worked from observation such cracks in the floor to create these graphite rubbings in my sketchbook. I thought it could be effective to use masking tape to scribble over so that when it was removed a straight line was contrasted with the scribble effect.

I created a series of drawings within my sketchbook to show use of different materials and methods.

Using wax to draw with then applying an ink wash over the top is a method i really like to use as the wax stands out very strongly.

I really like how this double spread has a 'mirrored' effect as i closed my book to pring the left page on to the right once i had applied ink and shoe polish.

I carried on with the idea of applying masking tape to my page then working over it but this time with polish and ink.