To end the guest lecture series, this discussion was joined by Anna Heinrich and Leon Palmer, two multi-media artists working in collaboration since the early 1990’s. Their work explores the subject of light, sense of place and architecture through moving image. In the past, they have created numerous installations for museums, public properties and country parks.
I found this lecture very interesting, as it’s always good to look at someone else’s work which is outside of your own practice. It helps you gain further perspective, by discovering the other opportunities which are available within design. For example, their ‘Ship of the Gods’ exhibition at the Royal Albert Museum, featuring life size projections of boats, explored the possibilities of digital technology. From first observations, I thought this artwork was created through a high-tech software. Instead, both artists revealed that this piece was actually achieved through a laser scanner. The process behind this work, really intrigued me, opening my eyes to the world of design. Like Heinrich and Palmer, I hope to continue exploring new techniques and mediums through my work. Furthermore, I appreciate their value in modern technology,
through its ability to bring hidden and invisible things to life.
Ship of the Gods - Royal Albert Museum - image from Heinrich and Palmer's presentation
This project also raised the discussion about research. They emphasised the importance of getting to know your subject matter, before working on a brief. For example, both practitioners conducted several hours researching the boats history. They believed this was really beneficial, as it enabled them to view the work from a fresh angle and approach. Research has always been important to my practice. It’s a key part of the design process, as I believe it can give a project a set focus. I think it also shows your initiative and determination to succeed, by going the extra mile.
One piece of advice which stood out to me was that art is a process of learning, rather than the process of making the final thing. As raised by many of the other guest lecturers, we should embrace experimentation and mistakes. Most often, some contracts are shorter than others and have a quicker turn around time. This requires us to think fast, in order to come up with a design solution. These opportunities challenge us in new ways, as it’s where we develop the most as artists.
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