Lou Baker, Cocoons, knitting with monofilament, research and development, Feb 2021

Lou Baker, Cocoons A proposal for Stone Lane Sculpture Garden, Feb 2021

Cocoons is a series of three lightweight, hanging sculptures made of monofilament, transformed through the process of knitting into a sparkling, ethereal web.

Research and development: Click here for a video of a closeup of a sample of knitted monofilament, hanging in the woods, moving in a gentle breeze

After over a year of enforced isolation due to the pandemic, this installation will make visible our gradual emergence from lockdown. It’s a metaphor for new beginnings; fragile, tentative yet compelling and unstoppable, full of hope.

Research and development: Example of translucent knitted monofilament in a wood, detail

Knitting is an unexpected medium in fine art. Traditionally, it has associations with comfort and the private sphere; it’s functional, perfect and finished. Baker, however, subverts these expectations, making abstract, sculptural forms, which are sometimes unravelling. Situating these mesmerising knitted sculptures in an outdoor public space will change the way they are perceived.

Research and development: A sample of translucent, knitted monofilament, hanging in the woods

Knitting with monofilament involves a change in control, as the unruly line dictates the outcome to a certain extent; the resultant translucent net is like a drawing in space with intriguing variations in density and line, yet it’s also sometimes almost invisible.

Research and development: Click here for a video of a sample of knitted monofilament, hanging from a tree

These sculptures will be an ever-changing illusion, partially camouflaged against the backdrop of the woodland; their visibility will vary as the viewer approaches and as the light and the seasons change.

Research and development: Trialling a sample of green knitted monofilament in the woods, detail

Cocoons have associations with comfort and privacy as well, but also with new growth. Each cocoon will have an inner section, knitted in a second colour, visible through the outer web and, in places, beginning to emerge.

Research and development: two samples of knitted monofilament, in two colours, hanging together in the woods. The green piece is a work in process and still has knitting needles attached.

The hanging sculptures will move sporadically and surprisingly, as if they’re alive, powered by the wind.

Research and development: Click here for a video of two samples of wind-powered, knitted monofilament, moving sporadically

Louise Bourgeois suggests that hanging a form adds a sense of vulnerability.

These web-like sculptures look fragile, like lace, yet the multiple knitted connections create fascinating, strong, flexible networks.

At first glance, they will be unrecognisable as knitting, a curiosity hook; they will be an unexpected, compelling and thought-provoking presence in this beautiful, natural setting.

Research and development: Trialling two samples of translucent, knitted monofilament in the woods

Research and development: Trialling a sample of green knitted monofilament in the woods. It’s a work in progress with knitting needles still attached.

Proposed specifications Colour: Green, yellow, translucent

Dimensions: Each sculpture will be a different size, within these approx. measurements H 60 - 100 cm, W and D (at widest part) 40 - 80cm Weight: Each sculpture will weigh less than 500g Installation: The sculptures will be firmly attached to the tree or trees with monofilament.

Care: The sculptures are weather resistant and robust, and shouldn’t need any attention once they’re installed. The monofilament won’t fade, but might become dulled over time.

NB. This is a proposal as I haven’t yet made the final sculptures.

This means that the form of the finished pieces will be different from the drawings and the photos/videos of the research samples, but the material, process, scale and concepts will be as described.

Research and development : A sketch of a possible installation of Cocoons

Research and development: A sketch of the possible form of one of the Cocoons

Research and development: Knitting process 1, knitting with double pointed needles, yellow

Research and development: Knitting process 2, knitting with 3 sets of circular needles, green

Lou Baker Main website: www.loubakerartist.co.uk MA Research website: www.loubakerartist.weebly.com/ Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @loubakerartist