Vessels in Progress 2

Bottles

bottles

The search for bottles is underway. The right bottles. I happened to have a few interesting old bottles at home which I have given to the project, and have been able to pick one or two up in charity shops, but that source has dried up quickly - I went to one favourite junky charity shop which I was sure would have some only to find it has closed down. Markets and car boot sales require special journeys from where I live - in London some things are not very accessible without a car, due to large distances, changing tubes, etc, and carrying things.

Antique fairs and ebay are possibilities I have looked at, but I am frankly searching for the cheapest and free options first. I put a notice in Freecycle, and have been offered empties by a pub. I'll go and have a look. The bottles do not necessarily have to be vintage - a mix of old and newer will be fine as long as they are functional and have the right aesthetic - ie plain, clear, perhaps with embedded writing. The game is afoot, and I realise I must get ahead with this project to complete it in plenty of time.

All the while I am pursuing bottles I am aware that it is a stage of commitment. I am checking with myself that I am convinced by bottles, that these are the right bottles, that bottles is suitable in every way for this exhibit. Intention and hope on the one hand, practicalities and deadline on the other. A tension that I rather enjoy. I trust myself that I will come up with the best solutions, that the ideas will be imbedded in the work, and that I will have encapsulated all aspects into it, even the awkward bits that will not fit.

New work for old bottles. New lamps for old.

18th March 2011