De Ja Vous Table

Part of an installation currently on show as part of the Colchester and Tendring Open Studios Exhibition 

The installation is in a darkened room and a torch is carried to focus on any detail that catches the eye. Unfortunately this has has led to dark photos but I have decided to leave them like this as it seemed to be the best way I could recreate some feeling that the original installation might have.  I have tried using a flash, artificial light and changing the curves in Photoshop but this in my opinion seems to be the best way I can evince the correct atmosphere. 

This installation is similar to the installation I created for the Harwich Festival of the Arts this year. It's inspiration is the same as with most of my work, although it is constantly developing and progressing.  I have always been inspired by Carl Jung and exploring my own unconsious.  Through assemblage and installation I have discovered I can work as a sandplay therapist would work but on a larger scale.  To explain how Sandplay works, briefly I have copied the following from the internet:-

    'Sandplay is a process of creative expression using trays of sand and miniature objects to create the many worlds of your inner reality. The sandtray act as mirrors in which you can see and heal the burdens, issues and conflicts of your inner life, connect to the longings of your soul, and  see the beauty and power of your true self.
Sandplay therapy is a recognized therapeutic modality for both children and adults, based on the psychology of C.G. Jung and developed by the Swiss psychotherapist and teacher Dora Kalff. It is particularly useful for identifying and reconciling internal conflicts that manifest as anxiety and depression, as well as penetrating the depths of personality to experience the Self directly. 
Clients place miniature figurines in a small sandbox to express confusing feelings and inner experiences. This creates a visual representation of the psyche’s contents and reveals unconscious concerns that are inaccessible any other way. As materials contained in the unconscious emerges visually and symbolically, it is integrated into a person’s sense of self and can be activated to elicit behavioral change. The effectiveness of sandplay therapy comes with an understanding of Jungian psychology, as well as the archetypal and personal symbolism that appear in the sand. Knowledge of symbolic language creates a foundation not only for sandplay therapy, but also for dream analysis and all non-verbal therapies involving art and play. It provides a way for material from the unconscious to become visible, healed, and integrated into the consciousness, thus allowing life to be lived in a more conscious and authentic way.'

My interest in Carl Jung and my training in Art Psychotherapy has given me an understanding that enables me to use art to gain access to my unconscious.  As in the last paragraph I wish to live life in a more conscious and authentic way, as well as producing meaningful and evocative work. In my work I play both therapist and client.  I am very much an introvert and I believe always have been, my interest in understanding my psyche I hope will lead to an understanding of others.  It is a spiritual journey that I believe Carl Jung ventured on in a similar way.  In the first paragraph regarding sandplay the author writes of connecting to our soul and seeing the beauty and power of your true self.  I believe I am in search of this through my art.  This is within each individual and if I can find it, I can share it.   When I view other artists work I can often sense how powerful and soulful it is.

I am inspired by Marcel Duchamp mainly but also Joseph Cornell.  I think this is apparent in my 'assemblage work' as you see here.  Much of what I first worked on was before I encountered these artist's work in any detail and have found that I have stumbled upon similar themes and ways of working.  This leads me to believe that many of the objects and symbols in their work are archetypal and meaningful to everyone in some way.

The characters at the table and themes here have changed little from the previous installation at the Harwich Festival.  Miss Haversham from Dicken's 'Great Expectations' is immediately recognisable. Alice and the White Rabbit are at the table.  These literary characters are of course 'Archetypal'. 'The Golden Girl and the 'Bunny Girl Bride' are also I believe recognisable even though they are not a literary reference.  The 'Bunny Girl Bride' is a feminist statement as is perhaps the 'Golden Girl'. Both are at different ends of the spectrum and are placed at opposite ends of the table, neither understanding the other.  All of this can of course be translated on a personal level for myself but your own interpretation will be just as valid as with all of the assemblage pieces in this installation.
Joseph Cornell used many boxes, with which I am also fascinated but like Duchamp I often wish to work on a larger scale.  Unfortunately, practical issues dictate what I can produce but recently I have found that disassembled furniture is suiting my purposes, as in the dollshouse made from a bureau.  The doll's house is a work in progress and may remain so as my mood and outlook change with each day.  I may collect different pieces that represent what I am feeling at any particular time and place them in the house accordingly.  Items can also be rearranged. 

Within the installation is a collection of items along the opposite side of the room to the table.  the Audience is invited to take some items and place them in the dollshouse, remove others and rearrange.  This may be a more powerful act than anticipated, views are made aware that they could be delving into your unconscious by doing this.  You cannot destroy or disrupt my work as this piece will constantly change anyway, unless or until such time as somebody chooses to buy it as it is.  The audience is also invited to have tea or coffee at Miss Haversham's table and interract with the characters.  I'm hoping this would be a unique experience and would create a powerful resonnance with the art.  It is an experiment and so I welcome feedback.  I love the idea of interractive art and encourage peope to touch and explore my art 

I believe art is all about 'Speaking to the soul' and if I can do that just a little then I have succeeded in some way.

This explanation is also included in my most recent Artist's Statement which I'm hoping to also upload soon.  I will include this piece of prose with every piece I upload that is in the installation in which this piece is included.