Kath Lovett proposes to communicate ideas about liminal and transitional objects through visual artworks. She plans to investigate these concepts theoretically through the writings of Winnicott and Turner and by examining how Brexit has placed the UK in a liminal state. Lovett intends to create drawings examining humanity's need for comfort in uncertain times, focusing on transitional objects and rituals. Her work will incorporate repetitive forms and motifs symbolizing liminal creatures, places, and concepts. Additional research and artmaking skills will help deepen her practical work and understanding of liminality.

1. Kath Lovett – MA Drawing PT1 2017/20018
Learner agreement
Overall aims and objectives
 Communicate ideas of the liminal and transitional objects through visual work
 Develop ways to show both the micro and macro liminal in my work
 Consider theoretical ideas of the liminal and transitional objects
 Investigate new techniques and ways of working
What is your plan and rationale for both your practice and research within this unit and how
do you think that the support each other?
 Most of us have objects which give us comfort. Edward Lovett’s collection of
talismans echoes the contemporary need to control the uncertainty of the world
around us. I would like to create drawings which examine our need for comfort in a
highly technological and changeable world.
 I am particularly interested in transitional objects as investigated by the
psychoanalyst D.W. Winnicott or objects that signify transitional times or liminal
thresholds as discussed by the anthropologist Victor Turner1. All objects have the
power to be transitional, as we associate them with those ‘in-between times’ when
we personally or our environment are changing. I am also interested in the way we
use rituals and routines as transitional objects.
 Repetitive form will be integral to the work, as repetitive movement is often
associated with transitional objects, i.e. the rthymical motion of rocking an item or
kissing it to a certain ritual.
What background research will you undertake to help you formulate this proposal?
 Investigating D.W Winnicott and Victor Turner’s writings on the subject
 Examining how the UK is currently in a liminal state with Brexit and the weak Tory
government
 Considering whether we have traditions of liminal thresholds in our culture and how
we show them through cultural rituals
What resources will you need to carry out your proposal
1 Sherry Turkle, ‘The Things That Matter’, Evocative Objects: Things we think with, MIT Press Books,2007, pg. 8
 Liminal Definition:
 Relating to a transitional or initial stage of a process.
 Occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold.
Threshold, ambiguity, disorientation, ritual, transition, social hierarchies
uncertain, fluid and malleable state, rites of passage, betwixt and between

2.  Further reading on academic theories of transitional objects to add depth to my
practical work
 Drawings of liminal creatures such as crabs and frogs ‘boarder animals’, liminal
places – airports, hotels, travelling (i.e. trains/bus), thresholds of doors, crossroads,
places of social subversion, hybrids, adoptees, Cardea (goddess of thresholds, door
hinges and handles).
 Potentially making a drawing which is displayed over a threshold or an artist book
which links image to text.
What skills do you already have in this area?
My textiles work will be developed with input from the other workshops I will attend. I will
further investigate knitted and silk screen drawings as well as using traditional drawing
media.
What skills do you anticipate needing to acquire or develop?
I would like to examine my current practice and consider the relationship between my
drawing and 3D work and how I develop my ideas through the physicality of making.