80gsm tracing paper

Compressed charcoal

String

Cardboard

I placed the string and cardboard (taken from packaging – bits that caught my attention) on the work surface in random order with no thought given to producing a specific image. Placed paper over them and traced over in a downward gesture with carbon in as few strokes as was needed to produce an image. one, two or three depending on width of material or length of carbon stick.

The carbon cylinder tended to snap in half from the pressure. Or a curvature on the surface of the carbon cylinder would produce leg-like shapes.

Made as few conscious decisions as possible. Kept things mechanical. Didn’t make multiples or adjustments to create changes in effect. Didn’t make dozens and choose the ‘best’ ones. These were the only ones I made.

I had no intention of making anthropomorphic images. Indeed are they only anthropomorphic to me?

What was my intention?

To play with surface, the on, between and beneath.

To replicate the photographic dark room experience with its light-dark alchemies of revelation.

There is something Tarot about them