Preparatory Research Notes: 1 min critical review

07 October 2019

Preparatory Research Notes:

1 Minute Critical Review of Wendy Ramshaw’s Neckpiece for ‘Portrait of a Woman’

Structure:

Contextualize artefact-10s
Introduction, initial thoughts, background-10s
Personal thoughts why I chose it, like/dislike it-10s
Secondary Research-15s
Takeaway (Primary research)-15s

Style: Vlog – my interaction with the piece, subsequent enquiry into jewellery design, artistic process

Notes

Context:

Part of her collection-‘Picasso’s Ladies’; abstract geometrical series for posthumous clients –subjects of 66 portraits by Picasso.

2. Initial interaction:

One of the contemporary pieces I was interested in at V&A
Captured my attention – abstract geometrical form, blackened silver wire work, curious about description
Betrayal of conventional aesthetics; (precious) materials
Sparked a series of questions

a. What are the shapes derived from?

b. Pokey edges – can it even be worn?

c. Was it meant to be worn?

3. Personal interest

Wasn’t familiar with designer until Scott recognized during debriefing session – made me curious
Match my aesthetic taste- contemporary –possible narrative

4. Secondary Research

Pencil drawing (hence blackened silver wirework)

(a) Shapes – missing and connected elements – incomplete eye, cloud, spiral hair – direct abstraction from Picasso’s drawing; connections through artist’s own aesthetic vocabulary

Line drawing – recurring element in artist’s process – over a range of scales

Is jewellery craft, design or art?

WR. process: conceptual pencil drawing– computer template – waterjet cutting – optical lenses/jewels – retaining elements of process as artistic identity

WR. background: textile and illustration designer – accidental entry into jewellery while etching copper plates

Function/Utility in Jewellery?

Emotional needs-Unexpected Pleasures

(b) “How or when my work is worn is not particularly important to me. The way in which others may organise it … personal choice is interesting precisely because it is out of my control.”

5. Primary Research