Daine Cornwall

This was a project that I worked on during my time at ECA. A metal based sculpture project, in which the main motivation behind the work was to establish a focal point. Therefore, I obviously had to be wary of the aesthetics of the piece.

With that in mind, I thought about something that would be striking. All I could think of was a giant book. It just kept on hitting me. So, I couldn’t ignore it. ‘The’ book, had to be something like no other. It had to be the exact opposite of what you would associate with a book.

I strove on and managed to make something that I was more than pleased with.

Photographs of Final Construction

Final Art display

This was the final picture from the ‘installation’ sculpture piece. If you pay closer attention to the writing (symbols are included) or rather titles of the other books, there is hidden messages or contradictions of what ‘The’ book is about. In other words, what it literally stands for.

Points of Understanding the Conception

• The book sits facing away from the viewer, with only the narrowest of spaces in which to see that the cover/door is only slightly ajar. The book stands to be questioned i.e. what could be inside, is there anything inside? The book frustrates the viewer.

• The title, “While Rivers Run” – is in fact indicating the idea of fluidity, which is something that you would associate with a book. If a book does not have the right ‘flow’ it will not be a true success.
• I designed the book to be both strong and sturdy. It also has both sharp and curved edges, but its rough, battered exterior and narrow interior show true flaws. Which takes the flow away from it (I promise you this was and is and will remain to be on purpose).

• Then when you see such ’symbols’ as the cross. Something that each of us can identify, and some who can identify with on a more personal level.
• The intentions of ‘The’ book aesthetically show that it was never made for that reason.

• What the book does do, is creates a sense of ‘wanting’. Wanting to know what the excuse or reasoning is for its existence. You may even ask: “Why put ‘The’ book besides or in amongst regular books?” My answer would be: “Why not?”

It seems to me that too many people never really try to understand things that takes time (alliteration) and effort. But, once you gain even an ounce of what could be knowledge of ‘The’ concept, then at least you can say that you have tried.

I have found that a lot of my past work didn’t get realised for what it truly was or what it could become. I guess the whole message behind this work is that if you don’t try to; help, learn, understand, comprehend, question then you have never really done anything.
So, does the viewer simply turn away from the frustrater, or do they spend the time to try and understand (alliteration)?

One thing is for sure, if there is unattainable reading, within anything, it could be ‘The’ book. Much like a person.

Personal note upon the project:

I do like to make the viewer ‘work’ for an answer, make them sweat a little, in order to understand it. This is a very important part of my work. I like to make things complex. This may be due to my over swelling brain (I do tend to think a lot, perhaps too much sometimes). Although, I believe it to be key to the everlasting progression of my work and ideals.