For my Spring Semester Design final, I had to depict a movement in three different forms: drawing, sculpture, and painting. I chose to do one of the movements that I know most: Irish Step Dance. Specifically, the Treble Reel. I did Irish Dance in the 7 years prior to my coming to RISD, and it is a very distinct movement that is filled with energy and rhythm.
This final was spread out over three weeks into a three-part process.
This is the video that I recorded of the Treble Reel and based the following art off of. Please view this first.
Part I: Drawing the motion
Tracked my legs for a good portion of the dance. 7inx14in
The marks represent where my toe falls and the lines track its movement. I used tracing paper and had a different sheet for each eight-count. 12inx17in
Same as above. Done in white charcoal to mimic the lightning-like quality of the steps. 32inx24in
Dipped the toes of my shoes in black ink and did the first part of the dance on paper. first is dry, second is wet, and third already had the ink on the paper. all 18inx24in.
Part II: Sculpture
Above view of a copper wire sculpture that track my feet through two eight-counts of the dance. It has a mat board base. 18inx11in
Side view of the sculpture. height is roughly 12in
Part III: Painting
I created this altar-like piece out of plywood and hinges using the woodshop. The closed doors depict the dancing motion from above. 18inx22in. Acrylic paint.
The center panel depicts the movement from the front and the left and right panels depict the left and right foot respectively. I chose this specific format because I practiced Irish dance almost religiously and still do it subconsciously - it became an important part of my life.
Thank you for viewing
