Après la pluie: September 2013

I've been feeling a little stressed-out and negative lately, so I thought I would keep my mind busy by commencing my BA Jewellery Central Saint Martins Summer project 2013.

This is the brief that I have been given:

1. Visit a collection in a museum or gallery

Look at collections over the summer, wherever you are.

For example in London you might choose to visit: Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood; V & A Museum or the British Museum. You could choose a local museum, or an ad-hoc collection such as a rubbish dump; a zoo; market etc or a private collection of stamps or butterflies etc.

Study one or more of these collections in detail. Consider how these are presented and documented. Record these visits and your study through drawing, note taking or photography, if allowed. Use a project workbook to collate these records. Using what you have observed or experienced from this, now move on to part 2.

2. Present a collection of 50 objects

This can be thought of as your portable museum, as you should be able to carry this around, these objects should be relatively small and lightweight. The whole collection must be able to fit into a space no larger than an A2 piece of paper. It can be significantly smaller if appropriate.

Making a collection is an exercise in looking at similarities and differences, making connections and decisions.

You can ask yourself questions such as:

How do you decide the boundaries of the collection? Why are you interested in these particular things? What is in and what is out? What is too similar and what is too distantly related? How closely do you want other people to look at the differences between these objects? What is the title for your collection?

Think about the way you present these objects and what you can communicate with the way you do it. Keep it simple.

After reading the information given to me, I decided to go on a little research spree and I found the perfect exhibition for my starting point: “Exchange” by Clare Twomey at the Foundling Museum.

This exhibition, containing 1,550 ceramic cups was (believe it or not) exactly what I needed! Endless mugs of tea and good ol’ acts of kindness? Yes please. Plus, I'm a huge keeper of many collections, and what peaks my curiosity even more is enjoying another’s, so this exhibition was more than ideal.

What happens at the 'Exchange' is that each day of the exhibition, ten visitors are invited to pick a single cup from the thousands displayed on the tables in front of them. The individual may pick one cup, and after reading its unique and individual good deed message on it’s rear, the visitor can decide to complete the good deed shown, and reveal it to future visitors of the exhibition, or to simply return the teacup to its original place if they felt that they could not agree to fulfill the task. You are not allowed to pick a cup again.

What I instantly loved about this exhibition is it's simple concept and how Twomey inspires a world of positivity, gratitude and benevolence, a world (which I think) we all need to be reminded of once in a while.

This was my experience...

Upon arriving at the Foundling Museum, I felt slightly nervous...Would I be one of the ten 'chosen ones' lucky enough to pick a cup? Would I then be able not to complete the task? Ah, I was so on edge I felt like I was awaiting exam results (thank goodness, those days are over!)

Anyways, when paying for my ticket at the desk and retrieving my receipt I hesitated with what to do next...I undecidedly turned away from the receptionist and walked onwards into the mysterious and ostentatious-built wooden rooms, not really knowing where I would find out more information about taking part in this 'Exchange' exhibition.

"Wait! Excuse me, young lady! Come back!" My thoughts were suddenly disturbed.

"Sorry, yes?" I said, slightly worried...

"Number 2" the reception lady declared. "You're a very lucky girl this morning, you've been chosen to choose a cup! Here is you're token and the exchange will take place at 12:30 sharp, lower ground, good luck!"

Yay! I was over the moon, my face lit up! I thanked the lady over ten times and headed downstairs in a little dance.

When entering the space, I was greeted by thousands of dreamy white teacups and empty saucers lined up on several large and stretched out tables.

What was interesting was to notice how these similar pieces of artworks were taken out into the world uttering such independence.

And not to mention witnessing all the saucers that yet remain, exposed of their good deed that have been accepted.

I love how they have now become a single collection of their own.

Some of the deeds suggested brought a smile to my face "Donate this cup to the cupless", "Smile all day today", "Make dad breakfast" (eek, I should probably do that one once in a while!)

But most of all, reading these deeds have truly broadened the ways I think about giving back to the world.

Suddenly, a bell rung, an announcement was made and I was brought back to reality.

It was time for 'The Exchange'.

I sighed uncomfortably as I worried whether the task I would pick would be beyond my reach. I pondered around the room for a minute or two, listening out closely to the one cup that spoke to me in all its stillness and loneliness, in need of a home.

Having lifted, flipped and exhaled in relief, I accepted the task unquestionably.

Meet my little cup of destiny.

Ultimately, watching and taking part in the whole process was fleeting, but so beautiful and unique.

It is an experience I urge all of you to take part in or recreate yourselves. It is a great opportunity to really consider what it means to go outside of your comfort zone and to give back, or simply just to return something to the world with gratitude for all that the world has given you.

Off I go to donate my £5 now to the Cancer Recovery Foundation, clear conscience and all, until next time!

P.s This exhibition ends 15th September, so definitely take a visit if you can!