Including Narratives

I need to consider ways in which to include narratives in my ceramic works.  My initial idea was to include one or two lines from my poems on each piece.  I still like this idea.  Indeed, I have been working on methods and skills to do this utilising printing onto ceramics.  I have so far narrowed the field of possibilities to monoprinting which I find quite successful and aesthetically pleasing.

However, this cannot be the only solution as it is quite limiting.  Additionally, the background poems can convey many stories, but the individual character pieces are somewhat static as a style (at present).  This could potentially prove restrictive.  It will also be limiting creatively, and I have realised that other solutions need to be sought.

As far as giving the entire story behind the few lines printed onto a 3D ceramic piece, I have so far only come up with a QR code printed as a decal on the base of each piece.  This could lead to a page on my website where the complete poem is stored.  Not perfect, but possible.  I could also include a printed version with each piece, but this is somewhat cumbersome.  Again, not perfect but equally possible.  David William Samson provides an adoption certificate with each of his pieces, so there is precedent.

I’m also considering adding an item to each piece that denotes it is telling a specific story.  For example, the tale of Lady Delores’ hat.  This piece could see her ladyship adorned in a hat relative to the story.  The opposing argument against this is that the need to include an item from the story in the 3D ceramic piece could limit the story in the first place.

As an artist, I would love to present a complete visual of the world in which my characters live.  This would be a joy for me to create.  I would need to seriously up my game in terms of illustration to achieve this, but as I favour my raggedy, scrawly pen and ink with watercolour style, then it could be achieved.  I’m no DemelsaHaughton, but I think some of my drawings hold a charm I can appreciate.  I could have the freakshow circus tent, Crookville Towers, the ringmaster, amongst other things.

None of this is an overall, simple solution.  I don’t yet have one.  However, it is an area I am assigning mental research too and will also research solutions other artists have found.

NOTE:  look at and reference other artists who have created a brand that is another world

The Not So Secret Garden, Demelsa Haughton