Maps as an abstraction of reality
Aside from my continuing exploration of seasonal pottery, I am also planning a conceptual piece inspired by a large amount of research I did as part of my Masters degree in 2004.
Reading for my MA in Cultural & Critical Studies, I became interested in the concept of Psychogeography, in particular the notion of maps as abstractions of reality.
Every day we experience a chaotic flow of new information and data which we filter and distort into our own manageable maps, influenced by our own filter of beliefs, values, memories and backgrounds.
With the assumption that everyone has a unique viewpoint of reality, there will inevitably be imbalances between the external world and our own personal maps.
Maps are simply an abstraction of the world which enable us to find our way in a given location or circumstance. These do not necessarily need to relate to an actual geographical landscape, but one of experience, or a personal collection of emotional landmarks and constellations.
Given the initial use of maps as navigational aids, I think clay, literally being the earth or territory, is the perfect material to develop such a piece, and I’m very excited to execute this idea.
Constellations of experience
