Earlier this year, the COVID-19 pandemic meant that our graduating students had to make the change from working in the studios at college to working from home as they prepared their final projects for the UAL Graduate Showcase, created with IBM.
Pauline Rossignol graduated this year from BA Fine Art: Print and Time-Based Media. We spoke to her about Vestige, a piece which combines a variety of disciplines with a narrative based on autobiographical events and critical self-exploration.
, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Wimbledon College of Arts
Can you tell us about the work you’re going to be showcasing at the online degree show?
My work is a proposal for a potential exhibition, but this version has been created for the internet context. I present through video a digital installation of 3D models: 3D scanned sculptures made with concrete and embroidery along with a sound piece.
The idea of this work is to revisit family archives and the idea of family narrative and storytelling through visual and oral representations. Each embroidery represents a family photograph, the sound piece is a result of interviews made with my family about those photographs.
Can you tell us more about your design practice and the creative process involved in your work?
For this project I had to learn various techniques which were new to me. For instance, to create the sculpture, I had to mould concrete around a balloon before applying the embroidery work as a print (which was done on dissolvable fabric). It was a tricky process because in order to remove the fabric, I had to be cautious with the amount of water I used or the image would lose its original shape.
For the digital aspect of the project I had to learn the software Blender to be able to realise the 3D model that you can see on the video. Capturing the digital documentation of my work was quite difficult as it had to be scanned, but I am quite happy with how it turned out as it gave the objects another dimension, which I quite like.
, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Wimbledon College of Arts
How have your practice and interests changed throughout your degree?
Throughout my degree my practice changed a lot. I now focus more of my time and attention on the research for a project. Process for me is as important as the project itself and I’ve realised the need to make the audience a priority when creating my work.
Have you managed to set up a home working/studio space since working from home?
Unfortunately, I was unable to build a studio space as I was constantly on the move. I had to move out, go back home then travel to Apulia, Italy, where I am currently working as an Assistant Manager of the Domus Artist Residency.
Once I am more settled, I do hope to build myself a little space to be able to work on my future projects.
How have you adapted your practice for working outside of college?
The lockdown was a good introduction to independent working, without the university’s facilities, and it actually made me more creative. I had to think outside the box as to how I could utilise the limited resources and materials around me to execute the ideas in my head which I found quite interesting. It’s given me more confidence and I look forward to doing more work on my own and seeing what I am capable of...
, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Wimbledon College of Arts
Have these circumstances resulted in any unexpected opportunities, for example, a collaboration or a change in your usual practice and materials used?
The frustration of not being able to do what I had planned in studio motivated me. I mainly wanted to create something with my hands, as this was really satisfying, especially when you have a final physical object to look at. I had to change my usual practice because of the lockdown but it resulted in me learning new techniques and software.
What has helped you remain positive and keep creating during this time?
During the lockdown I had so much time on my hands that I had to do something, anything to keep myself busy. When you are bored it is usually when you are at your most creative - without the lockdown I would have never been able to present what I am presenting now.
, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Wimbledon College of Arts
How was your overall experience studying at Wimbledon College of Arts? And what was the highlight of your time there?
Studying at Wimbledon College of Arts was fantastic. I wouldn’t have wanted to study anywhere else. My tutors were amazing and played a big part in helping me develop my practice to where it is now and I am really thankful for that. The staff and technicians were super helpful and supportive.
Check out more Pauline’s work on the UAL Graduate Showcase. You can also view other students’ work from BA Fine Art: Print and Time-Based Media and from other courses across Wimbledon.
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