Synopsis Of Study

Synopsis Of Study

For my negotiated practice I have been given the opportunity to collaborate with the costume department at AUCB to create props and scenery for their production of the play “In Extremis.” My final outcome will be a series of to-scale props, scaled from a model of the stage. I have been keen to utilise my 3D making skills I begun at level 5, and be able to transfer them into a professional environment. I intend to produce photographs of the finished pieces, as well as displaying the objects themselves. If appropriate for the performance, I plan to enhance some of the props by experimenting with LED light effects. I will be following the requirements I am given by the set designer, to produce work to a clienteles’ brief.

The props that I create for this production will be used in the performance of the play and interacted with, therefore I will be constructing them to be durable, yet lightweight. The props I will be making for this production include to-scale gargoyles, which relates to my practice and interest in creating monsters through 3D processes, such as sculpture, body painting, plush toys and prosthetic makeup. I see this unit partly as work experience as it provides me with an insight into the processes of set building, theatre design and prop making on a professional level.

My inspirations for this project will be from medieval ideas and superstitions of mythical beasts taken from historical illustration and descriptions. I intend to research into the myths and legends that inspired the shape and form of gargoyles. I intend to visit various churches and cathedrals and photograph the interiors and exteriors. “In Extremis- The Story Of Abelard And Heloise” is set in a 12^th century Cathedral, so intend to focus my research on this time period. With this in mind, I will have to consider that my props will be made to look as if freshly carved, as opposed to the examples of gargoyles we have today, which have since been worn away by their environments. For accuracy, I will have to research into the original construction techniques used, and use some creative license into creating representations of a “new” gargoyle. My investigative study ties into to my practice as I explore the concept of time in set building for theatre and cinema, and how this responds to social and cultural issues of the current period, and questioning how time can collapse, or become twisted in visual media. As my work will effectively be creating a piece of work intended to look centuries old through texture creation, and paint effects, It will be appropriate for me to explore the concepts of simulation, and hyperreality.