Visiting artist Paddy Hartley came in to college today to speak to us about his work (originally with ceramics) and how his interest in the human form and how it is changed by choice or circumstance which led him to study body building and the extremes body builders go to, to strengthen the human body which actually weakens it. He then became involved with maxillofacial surgery and began to make face corsets which change the appearance of the face without facial surgery much as we do with body corsets. His research led him to The Gilles archives at and the pioneering facial reconstruction of injured soldiers in the 1st World war resulting in him making work from 1st world war uniforms http://www.projectfacade.com/
As you will see Paddy made sculptural responses to patients records and the incredible work of Sir Harold Gillies which is quite detailed and makes fascinating reading. It is quite easy to see how Paddy became so involved with his work, it must have taken its toll emotionally and mentally. As you read through the case notes it makes you realise some of the incredible sacrifices these guys made for Our country and the ground breaking experimental efforts the surgeons went to in order for them to try and recover from the brutal effects of the war. The sculptures are made from original 1st World war uniforms the very fabric of the men.
Paddy face corsets were then used in a a fashion shoot by British fashion photographer Nick Knight which has led them to be used in more fashion magazines worn by Lady Gaga and currently on the cover of China Vogue .
I was really impressed by his unassuming attitude, his attention to research the detail and the diversity of his work.
I found the topic quite inspiring and it gave me food for thought regarding my own work considering persona our identity and the mask we wear in everyday life also by choice or circumstance.
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