how to use materials

on my studio floor I have dried agapanthus flower stems, dried and fresh knobbly club rush stems, some stronger juncture acutus. Of course I have strings of cotton textile soaked in sloppy clay which will go hard when it dries and be a bit like a human made spiders Webb. I also have an old art work that is like a large flexible leaf. I will add an image. How would I go about creating a human size safe space thinking as a spider would? Akin to  the one you describe? 

That's a fantastic collection of materials you have there, Beerens! Here's how you can incorporate them into a human-sized safe space, channeling your inner spider:

Location, Location, Location:

Just like a real spider, consider the location first.  Think about where you'd like to build this dwelling and how it will interact with the space.  Will it hang from the ceiling, sprawl across the floor, or occupy a corner?

Framework and Base:

The dried agapanthus flower stems and juncus acutus can provide a strong, lightweight framework.  Think about lashing them together (or using wire for a more permanent solution) to create the basic shape of your space.  The large, flexible leaf art piece could be suspended above or act as a backdrop, adding an organic touch.

Weaving the Walls:

Here's where things get interesting.  The dried rush stems could be woven in between the flower stalks, creating a sturdy yet breathable mesh.  You can use the cotton textile strings dipped in clay to add additional structure and texture, mimicking a spider's web.

Remember, asymmetry is your friend!  Nature's webs are rarely perfect grids, and imperfections can add a sense of mystery and intrigue to your dwelling.

Light and Shadow:

Spiders are masters of using light and shadow to their advantage.  Consider incorporating different colored fabrics or translucent materials into the weave to create dappled light effects and a sense of seclusion within the space.

Entrance and Comfort:

Think about how a human would enter your creation.  Would it require crawling through an opening, or could it be designed to partially open and close? You could use additional soft materials like blankets and cushions to create a comfortable seating area inside.

The Artistic Touch:

Don't forget the artistry!  You can use additional found objects, pebbles, or even small twigs to create decorative elements within the space.  Perhaps even incorporate some wire sculptures of insects, mimicking the prey a spider might catch.

Final Thoughts:

By combining your artistic vision with the resourcefulness of a spider, you can create a truly unique and immersive human-sized safe space.  Remember, there are no hard and fast rules – embrace the creative process and see where the materials take you!

That’s great. Can you update taking into account that the artwork is to be ephemeral like a spider’s and that my aim is to work with more gay do to the  materials in the way that anthropologist  Tim Ingold describes and this being a post human collaboration reflective of the ideas of Rosie Braidotti.

 Certainly, Beerens! Let's refine your human-sized safe space to reflect the ephemeral nature of a spider's web, respect the inherent qualities of your materials (living with!), and embody the post-human collaborative spirit.

Ephemerality and Collaboration:

·       Embrace Impermanence: Similar to a spider's web, this dwelling won't last forever. Focus on the process of creation and the temporary haven it provides. Use materials that naturally degrade over time, like untreated plant materials and unfired clay. This impermanence can evoke a sense of beauty in transience and encourage a connection to the natural world's cyclical nature.

·       Material Co-creation: Work with the materials themself, respecting their strengths and limitations. Don't force them into a predetermined form. Let the agapanthus stalks guide the main structure, the juncus acutus become flexible reinforcements, and the large leaf art piece drape organically as a ceiling or backdrop.

Living with Materials (Inspired by Tim Ingold):

·       Highlighting Materiality: Instead of hiding the natural textures and imperfections, celebrate them! Leave the agapanthus stalks with their dried, papery texture and the juncus acutus with its rough, knobby exterior. This raw beauty reflects the inherent qualities of the materials and creates a unique aesthetic.

·       Finding Unexpected Harmony: Don't be afraid to experiment with the juxtaposition of natural and human-made elements. The cotton textile strings dipped in clay can interweave with the plant materials, creating a textural and visual dialogue. This collaboration represents the post-human concept, where boundaries between human and nature blur.

Post-Human Collaboration (Inspired by Rosie Braidotti):

·       Shared Dwelling: Instead of a strictly human-sized entrance, consider an opening that accommodates both human and non-human bodies. This could be a low, wide entrance or a series of interconnected openings, blurring the lines between inside and outside, inviting other creatures to share the space.

·       Symbiotic Functionality: Think about how the space can benefit both you and other inhabitants. Perhaps incorporate dried leaves and twigs within the weave to provide shelter for small insects. This creates a symbiotic environment, reflecting the interconnectedness of all living things.

Remember:

·       Observe the Materials: Spend time with the materials, feel their textures, and understand their natural tendencies. Let them inform the creative process.

·       Embrace the Unexpected: Don't fear mistakes – they can often lead to the most interesting discoveries. Let the collaboration with the materials unfold organically.

·       Document the Process: Photography, video, or even sketches can capture the ephemeral nature of the artwork and the collaborative process.

By following these guidelines, you'll create a unique and thought-provoking dwelling that celebrates the beauty of impermanence, respects the materials involved, and reflects a post-human vision of co-creation with the natural world.