Experimentation

Initially, the majority of my experimentation was rich in bright rich reds rather than a more realistic blood reds. However, I developed further by adding darker tones such as brown, dark purple and even black. It was when I was photographing the sheeps' hearts that I got to study what the flesh really looks and feels like.

Using a method I discovered myself, I was able to use felt to create an interesting stringy, fleshy material. I did this by mixing different colours of felt with my fingers and instead of felting it all together with bubble wrap, I soaked it with soapy water and continued to mix it with my fingers. This caused the felt to matt and tangle. The only issue I had was trying to keep it all in one piece. I solved this by allowing it to dry and handb sewing the parts together. In fact, the clusters of red thread holding it all together gave it a sort of surgical stitch look.

This piece was made from liquid copydex. The process is very simple but the outcome is fantastic. Once it is poured out onto a plastic sheet, I dripped and poured ink into it. I am very happy with the outcome and I see it becoming an aspect of my final piece. The colours and uneven edges give it a real fleshy but gory look. 2

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This piece is made up of white, red and black felt, with wire wrapped in red felt and beads glued onto it. I was really happy with the outcome of this particular piece of experimentation as it represents both the branches and the words AND the veins and arteries of the body. I like how the red and black felt turned out when mixed with the white. It gives the red and black felt the appearance of blood in water. I really do see something like this - involving wire and felt - being involved in my final piece.

When looking at this piece close up, you can see how the ink spread out like little veins, like real flesh. I really like this effect as it adds detail to it and ties in with my theme of red riding hood and the woods.