Helen Mok- Final Piece

The land of the long white cloud

Helen Mok- End Point Statement

Towards the end here is my statement

Title:  The land of the long white cloud

Materials: Sterling Silver, Perspex, Magnet, Iron Filing

Having never traveled to New Zealand before, I have always heard it to be a beautiful place with the most mesmerizing scenery.

In ‘The Exchange Project’ with New Zealand students, I was sent a container of iron filings materials and a summary of text introducing New Zealand. From the text, I selected a few keywords to help inspire my work: New Zealand, Aotearoa, remote, outlandish scenery and magical.

These words have become key elements in my project (Aotearoa – the most widely know and accepted Maori name of New Zealand. The word can be broken up as (ao = cloud; tea = white; roa = long) and thus translated to be ‘The land of the long white cloud’).

I used the iron filings and my ideas of New Zealand to create three rings. The three rings make up the outline of the New Zealand map. In keeping with the idea Aotearoa, I have used silver to present the white colour and silver lining of the clouds.

I wanted to add something special to the project. The iron filings became very useful for this effect. I filled the iron filing inside the cloud rings. From the beginning my idea was to create the iron filings as landscape scenery, like mountains that I saw from photographs of New Zealand. However, my idea of New Zealand’s landscape may be different from someone else’s idea or someone who has actually seen its landscape. Thus, the ring allows the wearer to create their own idea of New Zealand’s scenery using the movements of the iron filings.

yohoo finally all done

Helen Mok- Mid Point Statement

I started off the text picked up some key word to work with.

In group:

1)  New Zealand

Aotearoa- Maori name for New Zealand

The land of the long white could

Cherish small remote

2) Magical outlandish scenery, fabulous festivals, super food

3) Kinder, gentler, respectful place

A beautiful place

Then I went on the internet and search New Zealand. Found lots of lovely photos of beautiful scenery, Maori culture, wood carving, nice landscape.

Thinking to create something with New Zealand Landscape in the artwork.

So back to the iron filling.

Looked up some research of iron filling, the magnetism and electromagnetic field. found some nice images on internet too.

Made some model and testing out using the iron filing ( images bellow)

I get a little worried about inhaling the iron filing, planning to have the iron filing contain in some sort of form. model testing using perspex and glass

thinking thinking thinking

Helen Mok- Beginning Statement

Iron Filing

When I first received the material I was confused and worried whats in the little yellow container, than I saw the label iron filing~ oOOOh maybe I can make something magnetic, awesome!

Words that comes up in my mind:

Magnet

Spiky

Tree like when i place the magnet next to the container

Movement

Black colour

The Text

A New Zealand traveling review written by Lord of the Ring director Peter Jackson

I have highlighted some word that I find interesting in the writing.

Aotearoa – word can be break up as ao=cloud tea= white rou= long. Translate to be ” the land of the long white cloud” <— I like this.

The writing Describe New Zealand as a place that is festivals, superb food and wine, Small, Remote,Thinly Populated, Magical outdoor experience,Maori, Kinder, gentler, more respectful place.

I never been to New Zealand before and i want to go there for a visit but meanwhile I have to look at some photo and imagine.

Following is my diary, I usually drop down all my idea and messy writing in there.

Helen Mok (SCA), text from Sunni

-There’s a reason the sun shines on New Zealand before anywhere else – every new day in Aotearoa is something to cherish! Small, remote and thinly populated, 
yes, but NZ punches well above its weight with its outlandish scenery, fabulous festivals, superb food and wine, and magical outdoor experiences. Equally impressive 
is NZ’s potent, mainstream Maori culture. This is a country that recognises and celebrates its indigenous people – the world is a kinder, gentler, more respectful place 
down here! And while the fanfare surrounding the Lord of the Rings trilogy is waning, visiting the real-life Middle-earth still has a geeky allure - LOTRdirector Peter 
Jackson’s filmmaking prowess still holds Wellington (aka ‘Wellywood’) in its thrall-                                                       

© 2010 LP. All rights reserved. Introducing New Zealand

Helen Mok (SCA) received material from Sam Kelly

Iron Filing