Amelia Spinks
Albury High School
THE STOLEN RELIC
Sculpture
Polymer clay
My body of work was inspired by the vividness of stories and the way characters come alive and jump off the page into the real world. The characters in my work are first seen within the pages of a comic, then become three-dimensional in the form of hand-sculpted polymer clay figures. Using a range of materials such as fabric and feathers helped to capture small details and to represent each character's personality and life. I explored this concept due to my love of storytelling in movies, comics and books, and my intent was to bring my own characters to life.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Sarah Jolley, The Property of Hate; Cat Johnston; Alessandro Gallo; Christophe Ferreira.
Marker's Commentary
This quirky body of work consists of eleven digitally illustrated comic posters with integrated text relaying a narrative adventure of theft, friendship and trust. The posters are accompanied by five figure sculptures that represent the protagonists within the story. The illustrations have been cleverly divided into cells that utilise comic conventions and feature diverse viewpoints and angles, landscapes and settings. They epitomise the dynamic world of comic culture. Expertly applied techniques such as close cropping, distant and close-up views, the inclusion of a range of text types and a gamut of expressions and emotions depicted on the faces and in the actions of each character help weave this adventure through this world. Rich colour, control of tonal modelling and attention to detail are consistent throughout the series. A larger, centrally positioned poster depicts the assembled group of five figures and features the title of the adventure The Stolen Relic, Issue #1. It acts as the cover page to the story and anchors the work. It also draws a clear connection to the sculptures, arranged below.
The five figure sculptures, made from polymer clay have been expertly modelled, being crafted with precision and close attention to detail. While their personalities come to life in the comic, their physical features and dynamic poses demonstrate each character's individualism and embody the spirit of the comic experience. The use of feathers to create the wings, the care taken in making each outfit, the fabric application and hand painting, is skilful and inventive and invites the viewer to become immersed in the exploits of the characters. Each sculpture exudes a level of eccentricity, yet collectively they band together to become an unlikely team. There is direct appeal in the colourful cells of the comic that engages the audience, but it is the sculptures that provide a unique and tangible connection to the characters, making the audience experience more immersive. The body of work enchants and is infused with a playfulness that challenges rationality.