MAARIYAH PATEL

What theme are you exploring in the piece/s you have exhibited?

I aim to explore what art is as a means of therapy. Using repetitive actions to build the piece, I found myself falling into a trance. My focus solely became building each layer of the sewing thread, my eyes following my hand movements. It became a source of concentration helping to distract away from any pressures I was feeling in the moment.

What are your inspirations behind the piece?

My focus has become working towards calming my anxious thoughts. Although I felt physical pain towards making as I had to keep a constant tension to ensure the thread stay in place, it was soothing for the mind. It was the perfect focus of nervous energy and release.

Which artists influence you and your work?

I was heavily influenced by the work of Agnes Martin. When working with thread I would describe the process as drawing. I am leading the thread like you are leading a pencil across a paper. With this view in mind, I feel like my work can heavily relate to Martin’s work. As she suffers with mental health issues also, she has the same connection with her art, with the view of making as a therapeutic practise. Martin has said “art is the concrete representation of our most subtle feelings” and through looking at her work, you can see the slight obsession in creating the perfect line. There is a satisfaction that can only be achieved through fulfilling your version of perfection.

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Which medium/s have you used and why?

As my practise generally falls within the scope of textiles, I wanted to strip down the idea down to its bones. There is a satisfaction in seeing such a thin strands building into a thick and robust material which catches the eye.

The repetitive action through the building of strand can be seen when 3D printing. One strand is flimsy just like with the thread. As you watch the printer print each layer, it is thoroughly captivating and addictive to watch. Aesthetically, it is satisfying to see the way the final shapes are built through the printer’s choice in repetitive motions and noises.

What impact do you want to make on the audience?

I think the primary impact is for the audience to see the laborious action behind the making. Although therapeutic, physically my body struggled to keep up with the pace in which my brain had wanted to make. I hope the audience feel a little exhausted following each strand. It is a reminder to maintain your physical and mental well when trying to cope with the endless motions we conduct to try and tick off an everlasting list of things that need to be done.