Tegan Turner
Continuous Strips
https://teganturner.wordpress.com
A study of negative space and material manipulation
This sculptural practice explores negative and positive space, continuity, and material manipulation. Clay is used because of its natural properties which correlate to the importance of sustainability in my life.
Substantial Spaces is a sculptural installation comprising single-strip ceramic pieces that explore the concept of negative space as a central dynamic form, where form and space are inseparable. The work explores the relationship between a present line (the ceramic strip) versus an absent mass (the negative space within the piece).
Enveloped within a floor plane of thirty-five ceramic forms, the viewer is immersed in a field of negative spaces. Substantial Spaces is exhibited on the ground, with the pieces spaced out to emphasise the concept of negative space. The pieces in this collection represent continuity through their infinite shape and same creation process.
Continuous strip on wall is a sculptural installation of a single strip of clay. At eight to nine metres in length, it wraps around a moveable T-shaped wall, physically winding around it, enticing viewers through its organic and domineering presence. This continuous strip explores material manipulation methods such as bending, twisting, and leaning. The wooden pegs act as a support and affect the clay ribbon’s form during the drying process.
Wood is used throughout the entire creation process: wood slabs to dry out the strips, wooden boards to need the clay, and wooden pegs to support and display the work. This correlates to the natural and sustainable themes encapsulated by the project. Previously used clay is recycled and mixed with new clay to minimise its ecological footprint. The piece is deliberately un-fired, so it can be broken down and re-used to create a new body of work. The clay used for Continuous strip on wall has previously made multiple strips and will continually be re-used for new works.
