After being stuck for ages on how to visualise the data in the 2D sense, I got thinking about ways that I could take the data, put it through a process, and then leave the outcome to chance. I thought this might be easier by working out the averages of each of the streams of consciousness. Apparently I'm also a glutton for punishment when it comes to this project.
I then lined these up with the pH scale. Made some litmus paper and home, and dipped it in the corresponding pH for average. Although it was pretty fun to do, I didn't like the results at all. This then lead me on to thinking of other scientific processess, hence I ended up on Chromatography. I then proceeded to plot the coordinates on blotting paper, dipping the end into water, and letting the process do the work for me. Here were the results:
From top to bottom;
Ulysses, The Dharma Bums, Mrs Dalloway, Ulysses, Mrs Dalloway, The Dharma Bums
Although I'm pretty into the way that these have turned out. It still isn't doing my original concept any justice. I feel like I'm on the verge of working out what the final outcome is, without quite managing to grasp it. I brought this up in my last tutorial, and everyone agreed. After going round in circles for ages, we came to the idea that it might be interesting to turn the mental journey into a physical one for the final piece. Now, in the ideal world I would go to the place in America where chapter 33 of The Dharma Bums is set. Then plot the stream of consciousness net onto an arial map of it, physically retrace its journey, whilst documenting it on the way. This is slightly unrealistic to say the least. So I now have to think of a way of translating this into a more manageable idea, without losing any of its integrity. As this is an on-going project for me, I think the best thing to do is to take a little break from it. Then come back to it once the Work In Progress show is out of the way; with fresh ideas. Watch this space for any updates.
