This project explores the idea of memory, those which we hold on to, the ones we lose and the ways in which we store them. Books were a starting point due to the beautiful coloured and patterned covers but quickly became an integral part of the project. The way in which some books are kept safe and greatly valued, where as many are now replaced by new technology and in many cases thrown away corresponds with the idea of memories; some protected and treasured, held together and repaired where others are forgotten.
One off wall pieces are created using transfer printing and laser cutting, these laser cut pieces illustrate the way memories fall away but sometimes only small sections as a time. I also looked at weaving as a technique as this shares an association with the idea of piecing things back together in a different way. From these pieces a collection of surface lead products have been created.
The imagery within the pieces comes from The John Rylands library building in Manchester. Although there is an obvious connection to the library through the books there are also more subtle links between the library and the idea of memory. For example the library was built as a way of commemorating a person, to celebrate his life but also to ensure he wasn't forgotten. The library is also an important place for conserving information held in not just books but other objects. This has recently been shown in their exhibition "The Life of Objects" in which a selection of artefacts are on display. The exhibition is described as "a collection of curious objects, each with a tale to tell".
