An Artist Attempts Allegory (or RRR posting 2)

The flu led to lung infection; which led to a spell in hospital. Which gave me loads of time to think about my RRR contribution “Aftermath” (see post of 10 March 2012). It really needed to have more layers – both on the collage itself; and as an allegory for life in 2012. Photos will follow once the camera batteries are charged. (It seems practical & boring blog preparations, such as having prepared photos to accompany my text, are a little beyond me).

I decided on the following priorities:

·         A collage which incorporates interesting textures and words

·         If Aftermath is ever going to contribute towards the improvement of society then it should have the potential to spark independent thinking

·         It must not hint at any answers, as I have none

·         The making of it should feed my soul

This led to the following conclusions:

·         Commercialised fabric to be avoided

·         The allegory started to take shape. Aftermath could be about the following scenario: A new political order sweeps into a country; much as a Cyclone; bringing about changes. People ask the New Order to solve all of their problems. The New Party sets about making improvements. All the while the poorest in the country suffer. The question is: do the poorest always suffer, and if so why?

And / or Aftermath could be about the following: Cyclone Irina brought rain. Rains swelled the rivers, carrying rubbish to the sea. The cyclone left and the tide washed all of the rubbish on to the beach; to the detriment of the beach environment. The question is: was the beach ruined, and if so why?

·         I envision the collage as showing all the trash washed up on the beach. Words will swirl around the collage. The thing is; I might have too many words; so back to the planning stages to see if everything fits in. If my soul is at peace then I will be piecing my collection together satisfactorily.

Prospective Aftermath Words :

“Irina blew. Rain followed torrentially.  The River dumped on Sea. Sea cleaned up. So why did the grains of sand suffer?”

I am very aware that these questions are basic and I am also aware that my collage might be a little amateurish. Therefore I take great comfort from the following quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson : “Every artist was first an amateur”.