‘Surfacing’ Art Journal

‘Slutswool’ is another fabulous word.  Sod gown and slutswool.  Apparently slutswool means detritus, hair, skin all those things lurking in crevices and between floor boards.  This particular word featured in a paper presented recently at the f:word – Feminist Research Symposium by Kayla Parker, lecturer in Media Arts at the University of Plymouth.

In the film ‘White Body’ (2008) Kayla  has used white modelling clay, cotton thread, granulated sugar,  and slutswool in an exploration of an early childhood experience.  Kayla is an artist and film maker with an interest in animation.  I find her choice of materials intriguing and  appropriate to her intentions.   Her films, for me,  have a ‘tactile’ basis.   Previous films include animation, live footage and drawing on the film base, syrup, red berries, human skin, nail varnish, magnolia petals.  Her work is personal and powerful. We have known each other for several years and I was delighted to receive a guest invitation from her to attend the Symposium.

Dirt, detritus.  I am aware of Ashputtel, Cinders who are dirtied or begrimed within the fairy tale tradition prior to their transformation.  And of the character Golem in Jewish foklore made from dirt.  And of course the penitent’s ashes.  I need to do some research into this seemingly insubstantial and ‘insignificant’ area of concern.

‘White Body’ (2008) HD animation, Kayla Parker © Copyright 2008