I made one rule for myself on this project: spend little to no money. Then I had to figure out common themes in my journal, and the most prevalent ones were freedom and death. I know, those are pretty broad, but let me give you an example: whenever I wrote about sexuality, the main concepts were freedom, intimacy and sometimes babies, which then somehow lead to death anxiety. I wouldn't say I have a morbid journal because death is a common theme, but I'm sure it sounds that way. To clarify, I have a lot of fear about death when things are going well in my life, and lately things are going too well for comfort, so my anxiety is through the roof.
What's the project? All this rambling and I haven't mentioned the idea: driftwood tied together with rope or twine, and fish net with some photos and trinkets that are journal related. I Googled driftwood photo projects and found some on Pintrest, but they mostly used clothespins. Anyway, I chose these because the project needs to be based around the ocean, which to me is a symbol of life, death and freedom. The ocean and dying from drowning or being eaten by sea creatures is also one of my biggest fears that I've slowly been challenging by snorkeling, surfing, swimming, sailing, and any other water related activity that starts with s... except scuba diving. Not quite there yet!
The driftwood can symbolize the journey or life and death since it was a tree at some point, whatever floats yer boat. The fish net is what I get caught up in along the way, whether it's good or bad, and the photos are snapshots of my journey. The twine is what connects everything spiritually, like the water and air.
Basically, it's just a bunch of cheap shit put together to mean something to me, whether that means anything to you or not doesn't really matter, I guess. Maybe you think this idea is bullshit, and maybe you're right, but I'm going to do it for myself and see how it ends up.
Rachel this idea is wonderful and meaningful. I hope you are not going to be hard on your self during this process, You are extremely creative and thoughtful. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your entry, you are funny and engaging- Just a side note- hope you know that :D. Good luck with the project sounds like fun !!!!
ReplyDeletewoah. This project idea is by far my favorite. I love how clear the metaphor is for the project. I'm also in the ocean very frequently and when I come across driftwood the thought that comes to my mind is, "where did YOU come from?" or, "I wonder how long this wood has been cruisin' along." These are clear reflections of conversation you have with people you have just met. This project seems very thoughtful and understood. Good luck, Rachel!
ReplyDeleteps. I've never read your writing before but I really enjoyed your tone. You "shoot from the hip" and I wish I wrote more like that.
James HK
Walsh,
ReplyDeleteI've missed ya, sister. "Bring it on, brain!" is right. I like the 'tude.
First off: a major "hat's off" to you for doing some background research on potential ideas -- that's the sort of resourcefulness that's tough to teach. :)
Now, onto your project ideas: I agree with Kono -- your project idea is badass. It's not bullshit by any stretch of the imagination, at least not insofar as I'm concerned. While I was reading your pitch, right around the ~2nd paragraph, I started thinking, "she's interested/fixated on depth, huh? There are a ton of metaphorical associations she could make," and BOOM, you made them. Hell yeah.
I'd like you to trust your instincts and create what it is you've envisioned -- you've really convinced me that you know what you're doing. However, I think what would make this project super-impressive is if you supplemented your art project with a textual/written reflective piece, describing what the different metaphors/associations mean to you -- leading us through your thought process and intentions, in other words.
Could you do that? Fingers crossed.
Z
Rachel this is a really wonderful idea, and my motivation for saying that is the way you have explained it and what all the pieces mean to you. Sounds to me like that voice in your head is full of shit, because this is really creative with an awesome amount of depth. Right on! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteRachel!
ReplyDeleteHomegirl, I think your worng about your creative side, this is super creative! I can tell you put a lot of thought into it, and I especially like the metaphorical meaning behind the drift wood, fish netting, and how that relates to you personal. I believe a lot of us can relate in some way as far as how special places having a deeper meaning then what just meets the eyes.
My only suggestion would be to include an actual journal entry of yours in the project. Maybe an entry that you feel has a central theme to the rest of your other entries.
I know for me, I don't particular want every reading ALL my private entries, but I think it would be neat to see one of your personal works of art! (journal entries)
Good job!
-Coop