Cocoon

Inspiration for the Cocoon came from several sources. The materials I had in mind when sketching mixed with ideas sparked while recently viewing work by Matthew Barney and Petah Coyne. Corrugated pipe + a large amount of hand-knitted legwarmers (overstock mukluks, passed on to me from my brother, yes I still have them after all these years) + serendipitous orange fabric + labor + spousal patience = Cocoon.

The requirements of this assignment relating to personal space immediately translated into 'afe place' for me, with ideas of warmth, comfort and detachment. This placed my focus on the effects of this work on the wearer, an engaged audience. Full experience of the Cocoon would require wearing the object to experience the limitations, struggle and solitude first hande. Movement is key to the continued development in understanding this work, and gives this sculpture ongoing energy.

The objectives of this assignment were to create an artwork designed for the human body as a wearable object and should explore the concept of personal space. We were also required to incorporate movement and to employ the object off-campus.

The final product is slightly too large for me to control easily, and so with little practice, the walls often sag when moving. The size forces the wearer to engage in movement as endurance of strength, will and patience. Understanding my natural role inside the Cocoon, and improving my technique and dexterity, became the motivation for maneuvering the heavy and cumbersome object. I also discovered a few yoga positions conducive the the environment inside the Cocoon.

The type of space and experience the Cocoon became is a changing cycle of struggle, detachment, and acceptance. If detachment is not achieved then panic ensues.

'Containment' manifests the dichotomy of security vs. trap.

Strangers' reactions were initially humurous but soon they quieted, disturbed by the confusing sight or waiting for a conclusion? This is inconsequential for the wearer who is deeply involved with the struggle of movement. I wore the Cocoon for up to an hour each time and my reactions were: absurb fun the first wearing, frustration and eventual panic the second time, and lastly determination toward comprehension.

It also really freaked out the cats.

Petah Coyne
Image Source: http://www.sculpture.org/documents/scmag97/dec97/sm-purch.shtml












Matthew Barney
http://www.cremaster.net/crem4.htm
Image Source: http://www.cl2000.com/media/artist/wen3.shtml