BEARDED WOMEN

Here are a few images of 'BEARDED WOMEN' that were seen in circus's as an attraction. I am going to use the idea of a 'BEARDED WOMAN' in some designs. I did not particularly want to make a bag within my LEATHER sessions because I wanted to be a but more adventurous. However I am starting to think that a 'BEARDED WOMAN' inspired bag could be rather successful. Also, if I base my bag on a 'BEARDED WOMAN' then I can incorporate sheepskin for the facial hair.

SIAMESE TWINS

Throughout looking at 'CIRCUS FREAKS' I came across these images of SIAMESE TWINS. I then thought how I could incorporate SIAMESE TWINS in my work. This led to me designing clothing for them. I also took inspiration from ERWIN WURM and IVAN PIETRO's sculptures and installations; I could potentially make my own SIAMESE TWIN mannequin or sculpture working with leather and based around garments for them.

MULTIPLE LIMBS

Here are some more images I have collected through my research into 'CIRCUS FREAKS'.

There are many images that are of people with MULTIPLE LIMBS. After looking at this I started thinking about designing pieces that are inspired by these people. 

Also after looking at ERWIN WURM and IVAN PIETRO'S work I was hugely inspired to design and possible create something in their style.

Mainly looking at the man above, I decided to design something that mimicked his lower body. The man above is called 'FRANK A LENTINI' 'The only man in the world with 3 legs, 4 feet, 2 bodies from the waist down.

HAND SHAPE ON THIRD LIMB INSPIRED BY THE PHOTOGRAPHED MAN ABOVE.

Above are my designs inspired by 'FRANK A LENTINI'. I would use the shape of his lower body for the legs of a table. Using leather and sheepskin to cover the limps; colour and texture inspired by the hanging installation I saw in BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH and ERWIN WURM'S pieces as well as WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK'S sculptural garments. 

IVAN PIETRO

IVAN PIETRO'S sculptures are amazing and very inspirational to me. A lot of the sculptures are peculiar and not very proportionate whilst some have several legs etc.; similar to the images I have collected of the 'CIRCUS FREAKS'.

PIETRO'S installations have influenced me to design some sculptural work that i could then make into an installation for the exhibition. 

Above and below images are helping me think about designs including heads and faces; for example, a leather bag that is a head/face.

The sculpture above looks like SIAMESE TWINS which could be the main idea for my final piece.

Above is a design of mine. It is a sculpture inspired by ERWIN WURM and IVAN PIETRO.

ERWIN WURM

ERWIN WURM's work is very inspirational to me. His work is very significant for this project after looking at 'CIRCUS FREAKS'. For example some of his sculptures and installations look as though they could be 'SIAMESE TWINS' therefore I have now been inspired to design some sculptural pieces linking to the idea of 'CIRCUS FREAKS'.

WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK AND ERWIN WURM

These sculptural garments that WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK has created have inspired me to design a sculptural piece. The shapes also link in with the images I have collected of people with in proportionate limps and features etc.

RESEARCH IN TO 'CIRCUS FREAKS' / 'SIDESHOW'

After going to BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH and learning about BELLE VUE I decided to look into the entertainment side of fairgrounds and certain areas of the entertainment at circus's.

Above is an image I looked at the BELLE VUE archive in Chatham Library. This photograph is of 'THE PALACE OF STRANGE GIRLS'. When we had a man talk to us about BELLE VUE he commented on the fact that no one knows what 'THE PALACE OF STRANGE GIRLS' consisted of. I believe it was possibly a collection of disabled women who would have been classed as 'CIRCUS FREAKS' at this time. These people would have been an attraction for the public who visited BELLE VUE. 

From looking at 'THE PALACE OF STRANGE GIRLS' photograph I then decided to research into 'CIRCUS FREAKS' that were performers in circus's. Here I have collected a few photographs that will inspire me with my designs.

SHEEPSKIN

Now we have learnt about SHEEPSKIN and how to handle it I really want to use it for my final piece.