Project Proposal

 Rebecca Leivers

Project Proposal for Fine Art BA. October 2023

Project title- Devil Music

Devil music is the working title of a collection of songs I have been in the process of writing and recording for the past 12 months. A lot of the songs developed while I was working on my folk project for last year's FDA  final project. This new project theme is a way for me to further bring all the stands of my creative practices together ,exploring how my songwriting practice can inform my visual art practice with the intention of making an audio and visual collaboration across my two disciplines.

How

My initial thoughts are to create visual props/ sculptures that somehow relate to the music to create photographs and short videos to be set to the music. Experiment with different cameras and filming techniques. Look into using editing apps on my camera phone as well as using a traditional camera on loan from college.

I've started making a paper mache pigeon head / mask sculpture. I'd like to continue this exploration into paper mache and mask making.

I also need to initially select a few songs to concentrate on and story board ideas, visualize what images the lyrics bring up for me.

Tech

I will need to research filmmaking and editing and stop motion using either physical objects, Illustration or combinations. 

 These techniques are something I've only touched on in the past. I will also need to record my music to a good quality. I have recording software that I'm quite experienced with but will seek out help from fellow musicians and producers to master the songs to a good standard and ensure even volume levels.

Instrument wise I will be only using acoustic instruments and intend to keep a simple live strategy in the recording process to keep a natural feel. I will layer other instruments over the top where I think appropriate. My general feel is for an organic , natural sound. Though I’d like to experiment with location and acoustics. My intention is to capture the bones of the song and voice.

I’m aiming to experiment with sculpture, the use of paper mache  and other prop building/ custom making practices. I imagine the use  of collected objects will continue and I will to some extent continue with print making and sculpting from natural materials.

Context

I will look at film makers and artist working with photography and video.such as david lynch, Nigel Grimmer and Greory Crewdson.

I will look at music videos that inspire me by artists like PJ Harvey and Laura Marling

I will look at visual artists that are working in a folk aesthetic,a thread that I want to carry through my work. I'm still very interested in masks, costume and animal character representation, 

Location will also play an important role. Researching local places of interest both visually and historically will deepen the meaning of the imagery and the music and add extra layers.

The title” Devil music” is a reference to lots of roots/ folk music and its juxtaposition to the church. This working title allows me to use the guise of the devil to conduct a personal investigation in to my own experience of faith through song and story telling.

Time plan for 15 weeks

5 weeks of research- Contextual research, visiting locations experimenting with media 

5 weeks of developing ideas including recording of songs

5 weeks to refine and realize the project outcome

Evaluation

Evaluation will be ongoing throughout the project. I will reflect and redirect my process as necessary, seeking out peer and staff feedback and interaction to gain outside perspectives.

I will conclude with a final written evaluation.