Shapes in Hands..

Today I decided to photocopy my hands in the library just to experiment with the results. I noticed that the light and dark shapes in the photocopies were significantly different.  outlined all the light shapes and started experimenting  with them.

The shapes that were created remind me of bones almost like a skeleton hand. These shapes were a very unexpected result but I like the individuality of each of them.

I incorporated the Mehindi hand art that I studied and use the shapes as an Indian hand art design.

As throughout this project I have experimented with different materials I decided to experiment with light. I cut out the shapes from a black piece of paper and shone light through it and reflected it on a white wall.

I think this exaggerates the shapes and helps me look at them in a different way.

-Sinéad

Hands of other cultures...

So after looking at the movement of hands I started to look at the importance of hand movement to different cultures. After plenty of research I came across the spectacular 'Thousand Hand Bodhisattva (Guan Yin)' which is a traditional Chinese dance choreographed by Zhang Jigang. The piece features 21 hearing impaired dancers who form remarkable arm and hand positions by standing behind each other in a perfect column. Breathtaking images are created as the dancers produce perfectly timed and choreographed movements. 

Other cultures that use hands significantly are the Indians. They use hand art 'Mehindi' as a means of expression in ceremonial events such as weddings and religious events. They draw these designs on with henna pens.

Taking this Mehindi art as my inspiration I decided to come up with some designs of my own.

-Sinéad

Clay hands..

 Finally I managed to get these clay hands finished... The only problem with them was as they started to dry the wire inside them expanded which made the clay crack. But they're still in one piece and I'll know for next time :)

-Sinéad