The first task in Shelia’s workshop was to describe our project as a living room. Inspired by an artist who said when collaborating they would initially invite their partner into their living room to begin work. I thought of what I wanted to do with my project and what I am trying to explore – the link between artists/creativity and drug use, and wrote the following:
There is no ceiling and the floor is covered in a very soft carpet, so soft that it slightly forms around your foot when you stand on it. It is comfortable and incredibly soft that it is almost other worldly. The room is medium size, open enough without being blank and with enough space that not one feels cramped into the space. The walls are covered in bright patterned wallpaper with magic colours that dance and move and are extremely vibrant. In the room there are soft, chill spaces for chatting in groups. There is also other spaces for activities. There is no rush to leave or rules or reasons to compromise ideas, a free space. There is calm but stimulating music playing and there are colourful lights that make the colours on the wall change like an optical illusion. There are materials for creating things at hand if inspiration might strike.
Later in the workshop we made a list of reasons why we interested in our themes or why we wanted to make the kind of project we do. Inspired by Bob Flanagan’s ‘why’ poem. I also hope to revisit this exercise through my project to see how my ideas about my theme and project are shifted or changed throughout the making of it.
Why?
Because I’m interested in the connection between artists/drugs/death (mental health)
Because I want to understand why people justify taking drugs, can they inspire good?
Because it’s topical and I personally care
Because its a bit scary and risky to investigate, I might not like what I find
Because I like the aesthetic attached to drug use in the 70’s
Because Drugs are glamourised
Because Drugs are dangerous
Because I want to know do they really ‘unlock’ creativity for us
Because drugs and art can be used as therapy but can also kill people.
Practice-based Research Project 