Proposal:
Use acquired, second-hand wine corks to create multiple cork board mosaics. Each of these mosaics will be comprised of the same pieces of cork, meaning that each mosaic will, itself, be temporary and will be recycled into another form or image. Documentation of each state of the evolving mosaic will be important and will exist in both photographic and instructional form. The instructions will be compiled into a manual much like those for Ikea furniture. The end result will consist of a single physical example of the corkboard mosaic, multiple photographic documentations of all previous states of the corkboard mosaic, and the manual with instructions.
Reassigning Value:
The value is reestablished by assigning the recycled materials utilitarian as well as artistic functions. Design will impact the various elements of the project from a visual/aesthetic perspective. But it will also apply a 'paint by numbers' approach so others can duplicate the project.
Relevance:
The social relevance concerns our nations habits around recycling waste, or the lack thereof, and the often unacknowledged impact of the small or individual's contribution on the greater whole. Each piece is important, for better or for worse; this is evident in the small 'tiles' making up the mosaics.
Time Line:
Week 1.
■ Brainstorm
■ Research
Week 2.
■ Solidify ideas
■ Write proposal
■ List tools and resources required
■ Begin acquiring tools and resources
Week 3.
■ Finish acquiring resources and tools
■ Begin forming and manipulating corks
■ Continue researching visual elements
Week 4.
■ Continue forming and manipulating corks
■ Begin dyeing/staining corks
■ Continue researching visual elements
Week 5.
■ Finish forming and manipulating corks
■ Continue dyeing/staining corks
■ Begin finalizing mosaic designs
Week 6.
■ Finish dyeing/staining corks
■ Assemble mosaic guides
Week 7.
■ Assemble mosaic guides
■ Assemble prototype mosaic and document
Week 8.
■ Assemble mosaic guides
■ Assemble mosaics and document
Week 9.
■ Finish and print mosaic guides
■ Assemble final mosaics and print documentation
Week 10.
■ Prepare all materials for presentation
■ Present
