Alex Pocknell
Email: alexdpocknell@hotmail.com
Pocknell has been looking at ways in which people interlink. She has looked at the invisible string theory, which is the way that people are connected and the place into which they slot in society. Belonging is important for all, with the anchoring sense of community being likened by Pocknell, to the beginning and ending of each string that she uses. Any wavering in the feeling of belonging can affect the wellbeing of the individual as a whole, which is something that Pocknell explores throughout this whole project, by looking at the interplay of structure, alongside abstract form.
Pocknell is interested in the relationship between the non-scientific string attachment theory – that describes the interconnection between people – and the physics-based string theory, that describes how particles or strings interact through space. The combination of the two, covers emotional, physical, and theoretical interplay, causing Pocknell to look further at the tangible ways of examining such links. Following on from the string theory, led Pocknell to look at mathematical patterns in geometry, often replicating natural forms. She investigates how these can be replicated in man-made patterns, and how successful this replication can be.
She has been exploring sculpture and painting with bleach on fabric. She uses fabric due to the way that the basic weave of the twill emphasises how the cotton warp and weft combine to make a whole, in the same way that people interconnect to make a greater part of society. By using slender lines, she is mimicking the appearance of the strings.
Pocknell has used ceramics with a play on texture, wanting to make it appear like metal. She likes the illusion of strength, despite the innate fragility. She enjoys provoking the viewer to react to the relationship between the recognisable forms of a möbius band that has a never-ending one-sided form. The representation of the process of cause and effect, again linking to the string attachment theory.
‘Invisible String Theory Collection’
Bleached fabric, Ceramics, Acrylic on paper
Pocknell’s multidisciplinary practices focus on creating work, while exploring the way in which people affect others, whether this be positive or negative. Looking into the invisible strings that connect people, how one’s mental health is affected by others, and how it affects others.
Understanding how people fit into their part of society, and their sense of belonging. The idea that these invisible strings are pulling you back to where you are meant to be.
Are these strings something that make you feel safe? Or trapped?
