Echos of Wymering Manor: WHISPERS OF UNSEEN STORIES

The Vintage Wooden Box

An object to represent change and renewal, a vintage wooden box handcrafted during the 1920’s.

This box’s locked door increases my curiosity; it’s like a mystery waiting to be opened, like entering an Egyptian Temple, wondering about the stories hidden inside. It gives me the feeling that it wants to get opened to reveal its stories it holds.

What’s interesting, is that this box holds stories from its long life, stories I’ll never know. Today, it becomes a part of my story. Initially, I thought of making an artifact to discuss its stories and celebrate its journey .

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The Making: Workshop sessions

Implementation

The Making: Written Analysis

First I started by separating the materials of the box carefully, then start selecting valuable ones that I will be re-using in the final in the 3rd step as the ‘ Stripping Back Approach’. Step 4 was gathering wood, separating thick and thin thickness to establish a fair use. I Also sanded most of the wooden pieces to represent the old material vs how it looks now.

using old nails and recycled wood to give the Vintage Box a timeless look. After this step I didn’t have a clear vision for what the artifact remaking process is going to be, but after my tutorial session with my tutors discussing my thoughts and design route, great examples were given.

Inspiration 1

One of the examples, Christian Marclay ‘Doors‘ was relatable to my idea in exploring different stories in different times. As I watched IT on Art Vlog channel on Youtube, it made me visualize my thoughts and gave me ideas to take lead on my artifact process.

As the concept of hidden stories behind doors, the artifact will be a door between past and present, capturing our presence through history. The door Is a primary focus on my artifact that will take you to a realm after opening it. Once opened, an infinity mirror will take place to represent layers of history and presence.

Inspiration 2

Inspired by Es Devlin, I started approaching the addition of plastic 1 and 2 way mirrors, and this process turned out a great example to show layers of history represented by infinity mirrors and double sided photos of my experience in Wymering Manor along with old photos of its interiors.

Realm of Memories and Presence

Every second passes becomes a memory. I remember my trip to Dahab in Egypt, I experienced the darkness and light between the mountains, death and rebirth in passing through tight spaces you feel at the moment that you are just a thought no one can hear you, feel you or know your there. When you reach the top the view get clearer and shadows of people start to be seen on the mountains, At this point you feel your presence as its always connected to others, but your story remain unseen.

Artifact: Final Out come

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Exhibition of the work in the studio – formative review of the projects – to staff and
client.( 17th November 2023)

Echos of Wymering Manor: WHISPERS OF UNSEEN STORIES(After Feedback)

Inspired by London old news paper

The quiet whispers in Wymering Manor got me thinking about its hidden stories. What lies beneath us, and what memories will I create and leave behind? as Olafur Elliason said ‘We create reality going through space’.

when I remember my trip to Dahab, Egypt, passing between death to reach a rebirth on top of the mountains felt like an endless journey. It was a moment where I felt unseen and disconnected. But as I reached the mountain top, I saw shadows of others, reminding me of my connection to them.

This experience made me value my presence, as I almost became a thought in the realm of memories. I used mirrors and light to transform the vintage box into a realm to Wymering Manor’s memories, inspired by Es Devlin ‘The Hunt: stage set’.

I used Fred Scott’s method to carefully keep the valuable materials in my artifact as it holds stories from its long life, stories I’ll never know. Today, it becomes a part of my story. The door is the main feature of my artifact, influenced by Christian Marclay’s work. I designed it as a gate, inviting curiosity about the echos of Wymering Manor and it’s whispers of unseen stories.

Presentation Day

Feedback:

It was a day full of productivity,creativity and hardwork. I presented my artifact and explained how I will use it in approaching Wymering Manor. The feedback given was a great milestone to be crossed, as it was a clear discussion about the process,concept and usage.

The tutors shared with me other references to research in supporting my design development process. As well as, a comment was given that the artifact looks like a scanner once opened, which raised a question, can Wymering Manor captures moments?, or it can only be livable when we go through space?

Self Reflection:

I developed a clear understanding of my artifact in presenting my idea, passion and confidence is key. Two things I need to consider, first, the LED installation was quite reliant on the socket place making my showcasing a bit limited. Second, As Infinity mirror is part of my concept, the artifact is dependent on light and reflections in the studio, making it a bit transparent but not clear whats inside the box unless the room is dark.

Implementation:

Portable Light is added to my artifact, it is bright and works well in a portable condition

The artifact led me to a clear vision of my thoughts and ideas, and inspired me to explore more on how light/mirror and glass can work together.

Overall it continued my puzzles in developing the design concept to give Wymering Manor’s interior an experience through presence,memories and hidden stories

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References

^{Lewis, T. (2019, September 29). Designer Es Devlin: all the world’s her stage. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/ng-interactive/2019/sep/29/designer-es-devlin-all-the-worlds-her-stage}