My Practice

My Practice

These are my completed crystal system drawings.

 I made different combinations of my designs for colouring-in sheets. I wanted to see what the psychology is between colour, shape and if it had any relation to the Minerals they were depicting.
Feel free to print these designs and colour them for yourself!

Introducing New Mediums - Vinyl 

I found a collection of vinyl tiles from a closing-down kitchen shop in Manchester. After deliberation I decided to create some 'mosaic' type constructions, basing them from the 7 crystal systems already devised. I tried to pick a colour theme with each or base them from an existing mineral with the same system. These are the results: 

Using found plastic floor tiles, I was able to create these elaborate collages depicting one of the crystal systems (shown at top of post). 

I decided not to fix this one permanently because I really liked the pattern loose. Also with this particular design I can apply it to different spaces, growing out of cracks and joints. 

I decided not to fix this one permanently because I really liked the pattern loose. 

Introducing A New Medium - Carpet 

Along with the collection of Vinyl, I got some carpet tiles too. Using them in a slightly different way by applying them in a composition to the wall. This first changes the way that we view carpet (usually on the floor) and secondly trying to mimic certain Gems. For example, Diamond and Amethyst. I intend on crystallising these tiles to move it further away from the everyday. 

Using carpet tiles I tried to explore shape, colour and texture. Here is a carpet representation of a Diamond. 

Using carpet tiles I tried to explore shape, colour and texture. Here is a carpet representation of an Amethyst crystal.

Glass Sketches

Experimenting with glass strips and ink drawings to create distorted images.

Using pieces of glass to distort pen drawings. Can I re-create minerals through drawing alone?

Laying glass pieces over a microscope image of an Algae cell. 

Crystal Drawings

Framed series of crystal systems.

I have decided to show the series of Crystal Systems because they are such a large part of my work. 

Twinning drawing - Graphite on tracing paper.

I experimented with the idea of 'Twinning', where a crystal replicates itself at an axis. Here I did this with tracing paper to create the twin. I think it worked well but to the people that have seen it, they see other things within the lines which was not my intention originally.  I based the drawing from an existing Copper Sulphate crystal.

Ink drawing of Crystal Formation.

Beginning of Copper Sulphate Growth Drawing.

I've been tracking the growth of a Copper Sulphate seed crystal through the method of drawing. Firstly by drawing the original seed, then day by day adding the growth changes on the tracing paper. I add blue oil paint to create the characteristic colour of the Copper Sulphate. 

Series of Growth Drawings, plotting the growth of a Copper Sulphate  crystal - Oil Paint , Ink on Tracing Paper.

Series of Growth Drawings, plotting the growth of a Copper Sulphate  crystal - Oil Paint , Ink on Tracing Paper.

Series of Growth Drawings, plotting the growth of a Copper Sulphate  crystal - Oil Paint , Ink on Tracing Paper. 

This is a series of crystallized paint raw-shanks. I created my own liquid which has ingredients such as: Copper Sulphate (Evaporated and rice form), borax powder and blue ink. Left to ferment to create a thick solution which will continuously grow and oxidize, thus changing the look of the drawing. I wanted them to be 'Twinning' orientated so I made the reverse pattern. I think this is very effective because of the marine blue/green paint. The graph paper reflects the molecular structure of the crystal. 

Crystallized Paint Raw-shank  Blottings

An experiment using spray-paint and ink to create luminescent crystal growths on paper. They remind me of the stalagmites in the Crystal caves of Bermuda and some of the sets from the 1962 film 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' . 

Ink and Spray Paint Experiment

Crystal Stencil Experiment

Using a stencil made from my colouring-in sheets applied to light stained paper.

Crystallised Paint Experiment

One of the first Crystal Mapping experiments I have done with crystallized paint. I thought it worked quite well as a flat piece. This one has a sculptural piece of Copper Sulphate soaked paper. 

Crystal Mapping Triptych - Ink

This is my Crystal Mapping series which originates from an existing crystal then grows through my subconscious information of crystals. I like how the drawing grows on its own like an organic crystal would.

Crystallised Painting - Copper Sulphate Powder, Borax Powder and Ink.

Using splattered Crystallized paint I have been able to create a growth drawing upon the marks previously made by the paint. I think this method of working is really effective because of the amalgamation of paint and ink.

Copper Sulphate Painting - Spray-paint and Lacquer 

I used templates to create this growth habit painting, made from spray-paint and lacquer. I think the sprayed effect helps create the mystical appeal of crystals and the invisible joins to which they radiate from. Its size plays on the actual size of crystals and how they are so small in comparison to stone and marble. The lacquer creates a glaze over the paint differentiated it from the white background. 

Borax Crystallisation of Felt Crystal Map (Progress)

I wanted to try crystallize materials such as paper and fabric so I tried to crystallize on of my stitched felt crystal mapping pieces. It didn't turn out so well because the stitching was lost to the chemicals and the overgrowth of Borax. I tried reversing this by using Copper Sulphate, which made it turn this rusty marine green which looks pretty but by using this chemical it will erode with time and turn to dust. 

Borax Crystallisation of Felt Crystal Map (Finished)

Completed Vinyl Mosaics  (Ready to Show)

I changed my mosaics by dying the grout which seemed to separate the colours more than I wanted. Now they look more like paintings and less arts & crafts. 

Crystallized Carpet Compositions

I crystallized the carpet tiles which sometimes is effective depending on the pile and thickness of the tile. By using Borax, its takes on the colour of the carpet which looks interesting but has a habit of turning white.  I have tried to make them look more glossy by applying varnish to the dried crystals.