Francis Bacon

Looking at how I present myself and my parents within the narrative, led me to look at other artists who have represented themselves through the self-portrait. I am drawn to Francis Bacons work and his use of the surreal and grotesque to portray himself and others. As I understand, his paintings display the deformation of character, that inner self which is hidden. The idea of hiding behind the mask forms the concept of my project. I can represent this by manipulating the model or using images printed across them, for example.

Self Portrait 1971

Study for Portrait II (after the Life Mask of William Blake) 1955

Self Portrait Mask of Author Manipulated 2021

When the mask is printing, support is generated within the model. This support is organic in its construct and creates a skeleton-like representation of the face.

Internal Skeleton of Mask 2021

3D Modeling

My previous work concentrated on archive photographs and images, so I decided it would be interesting to introduce a third dimension. To bring the characters in the narrative alive and to exact my memories on them.

I decided to explore the production of 3D images using a more refined approach from the Paper mache. I had created 3D architectural models in my previous profession and practised in using 3D software. This idea stemmed from a conversation with Wendy, who liked my approach in implementing Photoshop to add a more sophisticated finish to my models. To this end, I purchased a 3D printer

3D printers are not yet consumer-friendly, and it is a steep learning curve to produce anything useable. Despite all the instruction videos on YouTube, I've found trial and error the best learning tool, and fortunately, the material costs are comparatively low

To create the models, I am using software called Blender, it is open-source yet very capable. I use a plugin called Facebuilder, which forms a mesh which, when manipulated around a photograph, creates a 3D model. The accuracy improves the more pictures available of the person, but it can still work from one image with some creativity. I have created heads of my Mother, sibling and myself sofar.

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3D Printer out of the box

3D printer constructed

I am printing the models in a white PLA filament as this provides the best options if I wish to paint or colour the masks. Also, I will try and project images on to the models and have purchased a small digital projector. I aim to build a large mask of myself and use pictures of my family projected onto it. The final work will be photographed or videoed, depending on how I want to display it.

'Show and Tell’ event - FiISHER FMP cohort

I took part in the Show and Tell event, introducing my FMP to my fellow cohorts and explaining my work's context and reasoning. Very useful and informative.

Supervision Meeting No 4

Date of Supervision Meeting

01.12.20

Start time of Meeting

12 Noon

Length of Meeting in minutes

30 

Meeting Notes & Action Points

I showed Wendy some experimentation I had been undertaking with masks. Wendy commented that the more sophisticated representations created within Photoshop are perhaps more successful. It would be a good idea to explore this further rather than the paper mache mask I have been developing. 

Date of Next Proposed Meeting

03.02.21

Analysing the mask

I had an idea to reassess what a mask is and what it does. I started by dividing the face in to different zones, my idea was to cut these zones and mount them on a base to create a 3D effect. I liked the idea of rotating the masks until they formed the face. I did a rough model using wooden dowel with the picture mounted on board and a base mask to fix to. It’s proving very difficult and Im not sure if it’s possible other than using a computer generated model. I will chat with Wendy in my next meeting to see if its worth pursuing. If the concept worked it would be a good way of transferring the still image to video to display in a gallery.

Dividing the image

How the forms interact

Colour Zone

Colour Zone 2

Many facets

3D Mask Experiment

Mask Part 2

Exploring different methods of mask making, I decided to experiment with plaster bandage. This would allow me to build up the face rather than rely on the original contours of the base. I want to create texture and then paste images on to the surface of the dried plaster. My initial trial has proved problematic as the base masks gets too wet and if the plaster is laid too thickly its produces undesired results. I intend to try again using thinner layers and will swap the cardboard base for something more robust. I am also going to experiment with modelling clay.

Plaster Mask Making

Letters

As described in my RPP, I have decided to write letters to my parents asking question I was unable to ask when they were alive. I want to consider my relationship and write a memoire to them. My first two letters describe their deaths and the things I was unable to say at the time. Why did they both die alone despite our attentiveness at their time of need. Does everyone have regret? The letter is intentionally blurred until the project is complete.

Letter to my Mother

Masks

I have been experimenting with the construction of face masks to represent members of my family. My intention is not to accurately depict them, but rather describe how I felt about each individual. I have already documented that my relationship with my siblings is troubled and this gave me the opportunity to express this. My first attempt involved using blank paper masks which I glued ripped photographs to the base. Ripping the photographs provided the opportunity to manipulate the image in a way that I felt better suited my memory. The six masks I produced using this method, included two of my mother, with the intention of symbolising the two sides of her character.

My Mother Mask - Two sides

Despite the simplistic technique, I believe the masks have been successful as a first attempt. They are to be used in conjunction with the letters I am writing to my parents