Darkness is only dark when it departs from the light

Last week had gone surprisingly fast, with loads of new information regarding the uni life, work seminars for new regulations to absorb. Train workers went on strike which made being on time for classes and work meetings challenging. Luckily it doesn't happen on a regular basis. Auckland is a pleasurable place to live most of the times if we don't take the rainy days into account. I asked my 7 year old son today, "Do you prefer the rain or the cold". He answered, "Neither, can we move to California? It's summer everyday there." I tried to explain to him that we are pretty lucky to have the life we have in New Zealand, the standard of living is very high compare to many other parts of the world. Then I thought to myself, how can you explain to a child or in fact to any adult of which they don't know something that they don't know. Anyway, back to my darkness business.

“Enlightenment is not the by product of avoiding the darkness in favor of the light. It is the by product of taking the light of consciousness and diving deep into the darkness with it. To make the darkness conscious, is to turn the shadow into light.” – Teal Scott

In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.” The stars appear to shine brighter when we have known the darkness. The darker times make the stars shine brighter because our eyes have adjusted to the light. The dark helps us to remember that the light has been shining on us throughout our journey, whether we acknowledged it or not.

Week 2

Production Date: 7 and 8 March 2018

Materials experienced: timber, strings, clay, black paper, acrylic paints and metallic glaze

We have created a drawing/painting device (image 1) to be used for our final painting. Multiple and variable shaped clay doughs were attached by thin cotton strings (image 2 and 3). The doughs are designed to be pulled by hands when paints are loaded underneath. When pulling the strings with uneven and inconstant forces and speeds, differently mark makings are created. The paintings could only be confined within the wooden triangle frame. The device had been dipped with paints to create the triangle borders as different mark makings. The painting we have created has a very close relation to our geometrical model. They both symbolise uniformity, rigidity in our inevitable life. However, when you take a closer look at the wooden model. It is yet very fragile and flexible, with a little effort, the joints can be twisted and manipulated into the directions you desire. Like us humans, we often have this twisted views that we are here to survive, getting through each day by putting on foot in front of the other. I am always deeply conscious that, each time I sit down to think about what I want to do and have the opportunity to make choices on how I wish to steer my life. This very act is a true gift. Just like steering the direction of our model to go. And if you also are lucky to be in this position today, then you and I are already winning.

Darkness is only dark when it departs from the light, let us discover that light source. We make our choices in life, let them be the smart ones. As designers, our work has such a direct impact on the environment, so I hope our designs are smart ones too.

Anyway, enough said, time for a cup of Chai tea. Let's have another cracking week together.

Michelle