Having performed some research into the work of Tony Orrico, see separate blog under Research, I decided that it would be an interesting challenge to try to replicate the process used for his kneeling drawings. “Penwald: 3: circle on knees (studio impression 1) 2011″.
Having purchased 10 metres of 1 metre wide paper I laid a length about the same as my height on the floor. I held a graphite stick in both hands and proceeded to make marks on the paper. I did this firstly by lying face down on the paper and then kneeling and moving in a circular motion. The marks were made without conscious thought to where they were made. The graphite hit, marked the paper either by wrist and finger movements or the swing of my arms. For the whole process I was photographed.
Below in chronological order are the photographs.
There is also some video footage, two videos which I have added below.
The resultant drawing is replicated below.
What did I learn from this exercise?
The act of drawing or making marks on paper was a full physical experience rather than a conscious mental one. Whilst performing the drawing I was more involved in the physicality of the process. My thoughts were concentrated on ensuring that I made contact with the paper at each swing of my arms and also the need to keep moving round in a circle. The exercise was timed to last 5 minutes. About halfway through I started to flag and feel uncomfortable in my hip. However I continued until the 5 minutes had passed. The sound of the graphite sticks hitting the paper became more and more noticeable as I continued. As I was working on a tiled floor there were tonal differences in the underlying tiles, particularly one which had obviously not been laid properly and must have an air gap underneath.
My thoughts on the finished drawing are mixed. It is interesting from the perspective of asking the question as to how it was created rather than what is it? The marks have an energy to them. They have an initial dot followed by a line. The lines are of different tones due to the force of the arm. I have no idea whether the marks got lighter the longer I proceeded. Also I suspect that there is a difference between the marks made by either arm.
In summary it is a document of a process but that is what all drawings are?
Mark Taylor 'Studio Practice' 