Richard Sweeney Workshop

The first workshop with Richard Sweeney was a basic introduction to paper sculpting; using a5 card, I mainly focused on slicing strips of the card and bending sections to see what I could create, this shell like piece being the result. I've already decided that I'd love to do something like this as a final piece, even though it is so simple to create, the way it looks doesn't make you think that. 

After experimenting with different photography methods, I have also discovered I can create different effects using even the most basic shape. Here I have shown how an object can completely change once it is photographed from the inside, from a distance, macro etc. Macro shots are also popular with Sweeney, who I have noticed photographs pleats closely to create a 'landscape/ texture' feel. 

Continued at home

Being interested in this method; after returning home, I continued to work with paper which had been split vertically down a landscape piece of A5 card. I am interested to see how this effect would work with different materials such as; newspaper, coloured card, printer paper. This design was created the same way as the above, however this time, I brought 2 corners to the centre of the card, securing it with a stapler. Although it is annoying that staples are highly visible in work like this, I have found it is the most reliable form of keeping the design together; glue frequently becomes weak and my pieces quickly fall apart. 

Here I have taken 2 different shots of the same piece, one with warm lighting shot from a distance and the other is a close shot in full focus. I am not particularly keen on shooting with warm light, I think it takes away from one of the main points of my design, that I have to use white paper. It also gives an old feel to the design when I want my piece to look modern and intriguing. 

When photographing my final piece I think it will be vital that I shoot with a wide depth of field, ensuring that each detail is in focus. This is vital to the overall image of my design, especially if it is slit in the way that these pieces are. Therefore my final model will be seen how it really is, hopefully by either suspending it or positioning it correctly as well, I will also be able to compliment the design further.