Visual Arts Weeks four to eight

Creation of the Rhino Horn

Over the up and coming fortnight I intend to expand on ideas using found materials, creating animals that are at risk or protected due to the fault of human beings. After researching a variety of protected species at Chester Zoo and the Sea life center. I intend to expand on the the many types of species gathered and created. I will collaborate a collection to the on looker that will have no immediate connection, however on further reflection will make sense with a deeper underling meaning. If the viewer was just to physically look at the installation and not look for the hidden meaning the whole concept and existence will be somewhat lost, as the choice of breed of animals has no association with one another showcasing such a vast variety. When  looking more closely at the reasons as to why these airmails have a connection, the viewer will then be able to piece together the Iconolgy behind this and soon realize its the link that all species created, are in one way or another at risk, vulnerable and protected species. For example a rhinoceros, swan, reindeer and a red squirrel visually together look a rather odd and wouldn't happen naturally in the wild.

Sketch from Chester Zoo

Rhino's are beautiful mammals killed for their horn mainly for the sales of medicine on the Asian Black markets. I plan on creating an art piece using the structure of the horn, this will be made up of neutral colours and with the use of tacit knowledge I.E finger knitting and the creation of knots this will then intern add strength to the structure, in order for the piece to hold its own shape and to portray the significance of the horn itself.

A Tree acts as a file for the Rhinos Horn 

Horn filling was a behavior i was able to capture during one of my visits. 

 As part of my Contemporary Debates argument I will be researching present day media looking at propaganda and the issues  relating to poaching these animals that are in the local news to date, as the species are at risk now more than ever of becoming extinct. www.savetherhino.org

In order to create a 3D Rhino horn sculpture I began by researching the overall structural shape of  the horn by drawing the animal from observation, I was able to work out the overall structural shape and began to create the rhino horn. I was able to be inspired by light fixtures at the Trafford Centre in Manchester. This sparked the initial idea of creating a wooden structural frame, where I then intern could create circular shapes and weave using an array of materials in order for the shape to hold itself upright. By pinning each vertical section to a circular board and joining each piece of rope to the same starting point gave me the cone shape needed. I was then able to weave and strengthen the structure with rope, metals cottons and many more found materials including human hair. After researching Rhino facts I was amazed to discover this fact that the horn itself is made up of compacted hair and this is unique to this mammal therefore included it in my material  list.