A representation of cave formations using sculpture and light.
I have named this final body of work Down to Earth. This play on words suits my project well, as it can be taken literally, as my practice is all about going down to the depths of the earth and exploring all that has to offer. However, it is also a phrase that embodies practicality and humbleness. This has been present throughout working with my dad in the caves and learning about the sport. Even with the challenges and risks and high-intensity adrenaline of caving, it has never been something that I was told would be unrealistic for my craft project. Throughout the challenges, we have stayed realistic and rational. I have taken the adrenaline and nerves felt being underground in complete darkness and small, tight spaces and used it to think matter-of-factly about how I can dedicate time to the making of my work in a realistic way whilst also honouring the cave.
Down to Earth: a short film
This short film is an ode to the journey of a day's caving. I am using clay to communicate my project's ephemerality and the idea that the notion of a product does not have to be everlasting. By working with the clay in situ and leaving it down where it belongs once I have finished with it, I am conveying the fact that crafted sculptures do not have to be physically available for all to see, but rather with film and photography, their essence and beauty can be felt in a different but powerful way. I am changing the way product is perceived. It is through the journey of the process that the finalised concept becomes existent.
Through this film, I document the journey of going underground to find the clay, digging up the clay which will be used in the making, and the process of making the final objects that are seen through photography. On occasion, we have used cave clay from bags. This is clay that we have previously dug up from the same cave. It has been dried out above ground to make it more suitable to work with when creating the sculptures. This film keeps the original sounds of the real-life experiences that are happening. I have kept the audio as is to highlight the sounds of working with the clay in such a silent place.
I would like to thank my Dad, who has supported me throughout this project. His passion for caving and willingness to be a part of the making process underground has made this project possible.
