Concept Statement (300 words)
Using experimentation and contemplation to challenge the way you think about and use objects, avoiding their traditional use but creating a similar outcome. Crayons are created to be drawn with, often by children, and everything from their shape to the materials they are made from highlight this. However, by challenging this and using them in a contrasting way, it allows one to contemplate the way in which they choose to use objects. Not only does using crayons in their non-intended way create a similar outcome as simply drawing with them, in these examples it creates a better looking, more vibrant image. While a basic crayon drawing is childish and aesthetically dissatisfying, as seen in the second image, creating a similar image with melted crayon becomes much more interesting and artistic. This also looks at the way materials are thought of. For example, Crayons are mostly though of as a child's artistic instrument and for an adult to say they are drawing in crayon may cause them to be mocked. By challenging this idea that has been built up through social norms, one opens a whole new series of artistic options. I conducted a series of experiments including different ways of melting crayons and what you can do with them. If I were to do the project again i would continue this concept on a larger scale using a variety of different materials to prove them same idea. Personally I find using typically 'childish' ideas and materials to create a more advanced or challenging artworks an extremely interesting idea and would like to continue with this theme at some point.
