Catherine harrison

This series is inspired by both the practical and philosophical aspects of alchemy. Each emblem has many hidden meanings within the various symbols, shapes, numbers, lines and curves. The abstract marks within the shapes are inspired by Metallography.

This series of work was inspired by the poem 'A Pause Of Thought' by Christina Rossetti. Using found objects, Harrison wanted to bring a new perspective to these decaying, old, discarded items combining techniques from all aspects of her work. 

The abstract marks within the shapes represent metallography, the components of the metal itself. Taking the themes expressed in the poem, Harrison portrays the sense of loss, using drawing to patch up and and hold on to memories that once where.

A Pause Of Thought

I looked for that which is not, nor can be,

And hope deferred made my heart sick in truth :

But years must pass before a hope of youth

Is resigned utterly.
 

I watched and waited with a steadfast will :

And though the object seemed to flee away

That I so longed for, ever day by day

I watched and waited still.
 

Sometimes I said : ‘This thing shall be no more ;

My expectation wearies and shall cease ;

I will resign it now and be at peace’:

Yet never gave it o’er.
 

Sometimes I said : ‘It is an empty name

I long for ; to a name why should I give

The peace of all the days I have to live ?’ ―

Yet gave it all the same.
 

Alas, thou foolish one ! alike unfit

For healthy joy and salutary pain :

Thou knowest the chase useless, and again

Turnest to follow it.

Christina Rossetti

"The circle is a symbol of the Self. It expresses the totality of the psyche in all its aspects, including the relationship between man and the whole of nature. Whether the symbol of the circle appears in primitive sun worship or modern religion, in myths or dreams, in the mandalas drawn by Tibetan monks, in the ground plans of cities, or in the spherical concepts of early astronomers, it always points to the single most vital aspect of life – its ultimate wholeness." Aniela Jaffe, Man and His Symbols (Carl Jung)

Alchemy and how a variety of metals can be changed and manipulated through various corrosive chemicals and forces fascinate me. Both the practical and philosophical aspects of alchemy are referenced in this piece. This piece also explores discarded objects that are themselves traces of what has already lived. Through experimenting, constructing and transforming these materials, a new perspective and life is seen in these objects.