Quote of the Day

Richard 'George' Clark:
'sat in ASDA cafe watching all the different shapes, sizes and styles of individuals walk by... Isn't it weird how everyone is different? (except identical twins of course)'

A friend posted this as a status on facebook today.  I think it is a perfect example of what was discussed in my entry Exploring Twins by Elizabeth Stewart.  The use of the phrase 'of course' really tickled me...

Audrey Kawasaki

Audrey kawasaki often uses twins as inspiration for her dreamy portraits.  She creates these amazing drawings on wooden panels, which bring 'an unexpected warmth to enigmatic subject matter' (bio).  Often, she choses imagery that some may find shocking, but that can also be percieved as beautiful.  I personally find her twin work elegant and intreguing.  Her use of soft tones and line along with the inattentive expressions help lure the viewer in and have definately left an impression in my brain.

 

Nature Vs Nurture

Some Interesting Reading

Neer, K (2011) How Twins Work. How Stuff Works. [online] Available at: <http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/genetic/twin.htm> [Accessed 24^th Aug 2011]

The World's Most Identical Twin and Me

Last year, Mark Dolan went on the search for the world's most identical twin as part of his 'World's Most...and Me' series.  I watched it when it was originally aired and found it interesting, and so decided to rewatch it on 4OD to help me with my project.

Dolan's aim was to find out whether twins are really as close as they seem.  He begins by describing his own perception of twins.  To him, the idea of twins conjures up sinister imagery - The Shining, the Crays, holding hands and speaking in unison.  He also makes a point that he does not understand why identical twins are doomed to dress the same.  I think he makes a valid point here.  My mam dressed Rachael and I the same while we were growing up, and only stopped once we were old enough to say we wanted our own styles.  I cringe at the thought of Rachael and I being so 'twinny' that past the age of 10 we would own the exact same wardrobe of clothes.  I even feel silly if we so much as wear the same colour. 

   

                 The Barbi Twins                                                          Thipawan and Sirintara (Fiat and Fad)

The first twins we meet in the show are the self named Barbi Twins.  Although they have a negative attitude toward their extreme likeness, they show no shame in flaunting their twinship to make money.  They both talk about how much they dislike being associated as one unit, and want to be seen as individual identities.  However, the pair made their fame, and money, through modelling together and selling themselves as an identical twin package.  I am unconvinced that they truly feel so sour about being twins.  At one point, Mark asks them about their outfits, to which they claim were not planned, but arrived separately wearing the exact same clothes.  I find this very hard to believe.  Yes, Rachael and I have been apart and reunited wearing similar outfits, or one item of clothing the same and joked about being a 'twin thing', but the precise choice of accessories, colours and styles lead me to believe that their outfits were planned.

The next people he meets show a completely opposing view of being a twin.  Fiat and Fad, Fad meaning twin,  are famous in Thailand for marrying the same man.  The twins made a pact to stay together forever and share a husband, so this is what they did.  Although their marriage is not official due to Thai law, the three live together in Bankok.  Mark describes the girls as taking 'the ultimate sacrifice' for twinship.  I understand that for most people, meeting a life partner and raising a family is the ultimate fulfilment.  However, I feel that for Fiat and Fad they could not have happiness if they were separated.  They are already each others life partners.  Sharing a husband was their choice and they were in no way pressured to only have one man, or stay together.  Although for me, sharing a husband with Rachael would not be the ideal, if it works for them, and they are happy then good for them.

                 Dug & Phil, Jena & Jil                                                  Terry and Linda

The third situation Mark tries to understand is twins marrying twins.  Here, he probably chooses one of the more 'extreme'cases, as the twins live together and share their families.  The children refer to both sets of parents as mom and dad (mommy Jena, mommy Jil, Daddy Dug, Daddy Phil), blurring the boundaries of the family to create one unit.  Although Dug and Phil have distinct separate personalities and independence from each their wives take their twinship a lot more seriously.  When together, Jena and Jil become withdrawn from everyone else, whereas Dug and Phil socialise.  The woman discuss their youth.  They were brought up as a unit and their twin status as encouraged by their mother.  However, this lead to extreme competitive behaviour, which often ended in physical fights, which they kept secret from everyone else.  I would not consider Rachael and I competitive, we have always been similar with our academic results, but take interest in different things, and so never felt the need to be better than the other.  I feel like because of the competative nature of their childhood, Jena and Jil have missed out on the best part of having a twin.

The last segment is about Terry and Linda - 'The Psychic Twins'.  Their strong belief is that being a twin has given them great psychic power, which they channel through their bifurcated soul (one soul, 2 bodies).  This psychic connection has made the women closer than anyone - 'a nuclear bomb could not destroy our connection'.  Although I am sceptical on the psychic side, I do believe that they have a rock solid connection, that could be due to being twins.  Growing up together and sharing clothes, identity, experiences, birthdays and lifestyles like twins do plays a huge part in what makes them close and is in my opinion a hard bond to beat.

Mark ends the programme by saying that being a twin means that it is 'written in the script to always be together'.  I am not sure weather I agree or disagree with this statement.  Yes, a connection is always going to be there, and will be hard for others to penetrate but I do not think we are doomed to be one unit forever.  Rachael and I live 200 miles apart and are quite happy running our own, seperate lives just like many other sets of twins.  However, I think it is down to the individuals and their personal relationship.  If being your twin's life partner is most important, don't let anything stop you.  Even if you have to marry the same man, marry twins who understand your bond, or remain spouseless but together, do what makes you happy.

The World’s Most … and Me: Series 3, Episode 2 (2010) The World’s Most Identical Twin and Me. London, Channel 4,  April 19 [Documentary: Televised]

Keyboard Queen, 1994

So, my brother got a keyboard for christmas and I decided to show off my musical talent.  Then Rachael joins in and my bossy side comes out.  I don't know whether it was because I am the oldest and the biggest, but ever since we could communicate I have been the one in charge. Even now, aged 21, I am protective and bossy when it comes to Rachael and feel like I have to look after her, even though she is perfectly capable of looking after herself!

A Day at the Park

Maurizio Anzeri

                   "Twins", synthetic hair and thread


Yesterday, I visited The Baltic Mill in Gateshead, where there was an interesting exhibition of Marizio Anzeri's work.  One scultpure (above) was entitiled 'Twins'and was made of synthetic hair and stitch.  I can see his inspiration for the work and how he has approached the subject.  On the otherhand, perhaps he created the peice and named it afterwards, calling it so due to its symmetry.

Whilst looking further into his work online, I came across this embroidered photographs.  Although many of his other stitched found photographs were on display at The Baltic, this one was not.  I really like the way he has created a connection between the two people in the photographs.  He has obscured their facial features so I can not tell whether they are related or not, but their close bond is very apparent.

Anzeri, M (2010) Twins [synthetic hair, thread] The Baltic Mill

The Tweedles

Probably the most famous twins in literature, Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee are the epitomie of Twins. 

Tweedledum and Tweedledee

    Agreed to have a battle;

For Tweedledum said Tweedledee

    Had spoiled his nice new rattle.

Just then flew down a monstrous crow,

    As black as a tar-barrel;

Which frightened both the heroes so,

    They quite forgot their quarrel.

Even though in the original story line the tweedles are never described as being twins, the were represented as so in Lewis Carroll's 'Through the Looking-Glass', and this is the image that sticks in everyones minds.

Carroll, having introduced two fat little men named Tweedledum and Tweedledee, quotes the nursery rhyme, which the two brothers then go on to enact. They agree to have a battle, but never have one. When they see a monstrous black crow swooping down, they take to their heels. The Tweedle brothers never contradict each other, even when one of them, according to the rhyme, "agrees to have a battle". Rather, they complement each other's words (Wikipedia, 2011)

And yes, Rachael and I have dressed as the Tweedles as part of a fancy dress parade when we were younger (and won the competition).  Unfortunately there is no photographic evidence....shame.



Anon (2011) Tweedledee and Tweedledum [online] Available at: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tweedledum_and_Tweedledee> [Accessed on 12^th October 2011]

Christmas Play

The infamous Christmas play.  We've all been in one.  I'm the angel/fairy (along with Helen - on the end left) and Rachael has a song for herself with Rachel Mole.

True Love

Damien Hirst

Although I will be the first to admit, I'm not a fan of his work, Damien Hirst has finally produced something that has personal relevance.  After much research, I have learned that in 2010, Hirst requested sets of identical twins to sit for periods of four hours under his famous spot paintings as part of the 'Pop Life' exhibition at the Tate Modern.  This is a homage to his original 'Ingo, Torsten' shown at Cologne Unfair art fair in 1992 (below).  I think this illustrates perfectly peoples fascination with identical twins.  Not only did the artisit feel they were an important enough subject to display, but by putting them on display emphasised how people are fascinated with looking at two (or more) people who appear the same.

However, I still can't help but feel that Hirst is 'recreating' art because he has ran out of new ideas, and by doing this peice has recycled 2 art projects to get his name back into the public eye.

 

Hirst, D (2010) Pop Life: Pheobie, Lydia [online image] Available at: <http://www.flickr.com/photos/artkidtroy/4299378022/> [ Accessed 19^th August 2011]

Hirst, D (2010) Pop Life [online image] Available at: <http://www.thewordofward.co.uk/?cat=10> [ Accessed 19^th August 2011]

Hirst, D (1992) Ingo, Torsen [online image] Available at: <http://www.artinfo.com/news/enlarged_image/32574/160792/> [Accessed 19^th August 2011]

1st Day of School

Harcombe House

When we were little we would holiday in the same cottage at a place called Harcombe House in Devon, and we loved it.  Right next door was a pool, park, tennis courts and plenty of squirrels!

Emily Martin

            Tweedledee and Tweedledum                       The Twins 

A lot of Emily Martin's work carries a  freakshow/circus theme, therefore her twin inspired art works feature conjoined twins.  'The Twins' has a distinct similarity to the same entitled portrait by Marc Burckhardt, due to the colours and style.  Like many others, she has also been influenced by the tweedles.     

Martin, E (2010) Twins [online image] Available at: <http://www.etsy.com/listing/59021411/the-twins-print-8x10> [Accessed 14^th August 2011]

Martin, E (2010) Tweedledee and Tweedledum [online image] Available at: < http://www.etsy.com/listing/75866887/tweedledee-and-tweedledum-print-8x10> [Accessed 14^th August 2011]

  

Our 1st Birthday

This video is of our very first birthday!  We have shared birthday cakes for as long as I remember, and I think we have only ever had a cake each once or twice.  Rachael is on the right and I am on the left (Rachael - R - Right, Leigh - L - Left...I don't think this was intentional).  You also get a lovely view of the inside my brother's mouth....

Exploring Twins By Elizabeth A. Stewart

‘Their harmonious ability to coordinate themselves in good works is a model for all happy dualities.  They are compared, for example, to a happy married couple, the two horns or two hoofs of an animal, the two seeing eyes, the two lips speaking sweetly, or the two confluent rivers’ (Hankoff, 1977, Citing Bose, p. 312) – p. 8

Twins have provided and endless source of fascination for storytellers and writers for centuries.  Initially, the overwhelming focus of attention was the comic potential of mistaken identity occasioned by monozygotic or identical twins.  Subsequently, however, writers began to explore proposed dichotomies of twinship, such as moral dichotomies of good versus evil.  Fiction involving the double or doppelganger and the double’s search for identity appeared alongside writing utilising twins to illustrate a wide range of human dualities. – p.27

Pintonelli’s work on the interaction of a number of twins foetuses suggests that competition itself begins in the womb, the very essence of the competition being who comes out first: the ‘who arrives first’ factor may also be a continuing, even all-pervasive, factor in the twins relationship. – p.102

I would not consider Rachael and I to be competitive.  Even when we were young we did not compete for more attention than the other, or aimed to beat each other at anything.  We found that being equal was more satisfying, as it meant there was no 'loser' in the situation.  During exams, for example, we studied together and gained very similar results, which was a very positive outcome as neither of us was left disappointed because the other did better.

Let us suppose a twin has misbehaved and the parental way of dealing with this child is to send him/her to their room.  This twin is often ‘visited’ by their twin or even brought presents, such as food offerings, thus negating the parental isolation tactics. – P.104

Although it was very rare for us to misbehave and be punished, if the situation ever did arise, this situation definitely ensued.

The argument is founded on over 50 years of research which indicated that twins, or average, may experience delays in language development when compared to singletons. – p.104

As discussed earlier, I was the talker, which mean Rachael was a slow developer when it came to speech.

Most importantly, we must not lose sight of the fact that if the decision is made to split the twins up in preschool, this is probably the first time either twin such a lengthy separation.  In conjunction with this change, the twins are required to interact with other children, many twins engaging with others for the first time. – P.109

My mam found it important to make sure we were put in separate classes at school, so that we would make our own friend's and not depend on each other.  I feel this was the right decision to make, and made it a lot easier for my mam, and us, when one of us was absent from school due to illness as it mean one was not alone at school, as we had our own friendship groups.

Stereotypes about twins are also based on the idea that twinship involved an emotionally close relationship between the pair, especially between same-sex twins, in which each twin’s needs and feelings are automatically met and understood by the other twin. – P.160

I do think that the twin relationship is one that cannot be compared.  The strength of a twin bond, in most cases, is unbreakable, and no one else can come close to sharing that connection.
 

A final label relates to the nature if twinship: the question is often asked of twins, 'are you identical?' to which some then add 'or are you fraternal?'  The label of identical twin or fraternal twin for many twins themselves spells confusion.  This not only depends on the age of the twin but on the fact that many twins do not know whether or not they are indeed monozygotic or dizygotic twins.  But in either instance, what does the label mean?  Does 'identical' merely refer to genetic similarity or does it have far-reaching social and non-individualising consequences?  The social label of 'twin', for both types of twins, is more valid or consequential than the label monozygotic or dizygotic twin. - P. 162
As I have said, we HATE being called 'the twins'.  not only do I find the term sickly sweet, but it automatically gives people the right to lump us together as one entity, which we are not. 

'What is fascinating about twins is that they are a condition of humanity which forces all rules to be qualified.  Everybody is different - except identical twins.  Everyone has got different blood groups - except identical twins.' (Burn, 1997, Wright, p.96, italics mine) and 'Except for identical twins, every human being is totally unique and different from every other one' (Rist, 1991, P. 20, italics mine). - P. 166

I find myself being almost offended by this statement.  True, we share the same blood, the same DNA and are very similar in looks, but what exactly makes us non-unique?  We still have our own unique personalities, styles and even finger prints.  We have different medical problems (I have a heart murmur, Rachael does not), heights, shoe sizes, dress sizes etc.  We are just as unique as any other human being, we just happen to share some similarities with each other.

Elizabeth A. Stewart (2003). Exploring Twins. Philladelphia: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 08-166.

Identity Crisis

Sometimes, I literally can't tell which one of us it is!

I think it is Rachael, but I can't be 100%

Marc Burckhardt

             Twins

Marc Burckhardt is an American painter whose work can be seen in galleries and books world wide.  I came across his work in American Illustration 22, an issue that loosely focused on twins.  His style really caught my eye.  His strange, contemporary illustrations mixed with the old, cracked oil painting texture go well together to create an interesting juxtaposition that just work.  Both his twin portraits examine conjoined twins, a subject I researched in a previous project. 

                        The Alliance

Burckhardt, M (n.d.) Twins [online image] Available at: <http://www.ehousestudio.com.php5-1.dfw1-2.websitetestlink.com/images/uploads/blog/Twins.jpg> [Accessed 11^th August 2011]

Burckhardt, M (n.d.) The Alliance [oil on canvas] In: Todd, M & Pearl Watson, E (2004) American Illustration 22. London: Harper Collins Design International

Hero Next Door

My dad is a fireman.  When Rachael and I were little we loved all things fireman related.  Francis the firefly, Wellifant and obviously, Fireman Sam.  When my dad went to training days and had to be away from home for a few nights, he always brought us back fireman sam books, which we still have.  Also, if I remember correctly, James and Sarah were infact twins.

The Nature and Nurture of Twins by Elizabeth M. Bryan

Occasionally, the firstborn boasts of his/her superiority.  - P. 122
As the first born I find it used against me more than in my favour.  Rachael uses being the younger twin as an excuse to do things second.  For example, when we first got our ears pierced, about aged 7, I had to go first because 'you are the oldest'.

The dominant twin tends to talk more than his/her partner.  It is not uncommon to find pars of 5 year old twins in which one answers all the time regardless of who is asked the question. - P. 124
I was the talker, Rachael was the walker.  Rachael depended on me to voice her opinions until about the age of 6, and generally got bossed around by me and did as she was told.  I depended on her to do things for me, whereas she depended on me to make her view heard.



It is often said that MZ twins can be mirror images of each other which means that they have lateral asymmetry including the superficial features such as birthmarks and hair whorls, the reversal of organs (situs inversus) and opposite handedness.  It has been thought that this lateral asymmetry would arise from the late division of the embryo when the left and right sides have already been determined. - P. 126

We have identical light and dark streaks in our hair and moles and freckles in the same place, but on the same side opposed to opposite.

Cryptophasia

Much has been made of the 'secret language' of twins.  There is no doubt that this cryptophasia or autonomous speech, a language quite incomprehensible to others, does exist. P. 130

My mam remembers us talking to each other as toddlers in twin code, which neither her nor my dad could understand.

Twins together can make a powerful unit.  If they combine forces to be disruptive they can cause chaos in a class and are then better separated as also where one tends to distract the other.  Many twins use their 'twinship' to confuse teachers and entertain other children.  This is harmless fun in small doses but can become a destructive and attention-seeking habit.  Phillip and Watkinson (1981) found that 24% of twins played tricks of identity with teachers. - P. 137

We were never disruptive children, we had no need to fight for attention, because we always had the attention of each other.  We did swap name badges in reception, aged 4, and would sneak into each others classes, but as we got older the teachers could tell us apart so trickery was much harder.

Elizabeth M. Bryan (1983). The Nature and Nurture of Twins. East Sussex: Bailliere Tindall. P 122 – 139.

Toddlin' on

Silja Puranen

 "Siamese Twins", 2009, fabric paint, transfer photograph, soft pastel and stitch on found fabric

Silja is a Finnish textile artist who uses old and worn textiles and prints digitally manipulated images onto them before embellishing them with embroidery.  The piece I am focusing on is entitled 'Siamese Twins' and features her distinct style applied to a worn rug.  Although the rug is split down the centre, warp fibres keep the twins connected and symbolise their conjoined nature.  Besides the textile and twin relation to my own work, I find her style very exciting.  The textures and tones work well together with the use of a vintage rug and old fashioned portrait of the twins, and the way the photographs are digitially manipulated before printing helps emphasise the vintage look.

Puranen, S (2009) Siamese Twins [fabric paint, transfer photograph, soft pastel and stitch on found fabric] In: Geliot, E (2010) The Dartboard for Witches, Crafts Magazine, January/February 2010, p.54

Rinzen

              "Floss Daily"

I found this image by Rinzen in 'Hand to Eye Contemporary Illustration' and it gave me a little laugh.  I love the facial expresson, title and subject.  Although the graphic style is not to my usual taste, I find it perfect for this particular image.  When comparing it to photos of Rachael and I as children, I can definately see some similarities.  the hair, matching floral clothes and funny facial expressions feature many times in photographs from the past.

Rinzen (n.d.) Floss Daily [Graphic design] In: Hyland, A & Bell, R (2003) Hand to Eye: Contemporary Illustration London: Laurence King

Home Video

I have been splicing and converting old home videos of Rachael and I when we were little. 

This one is of us at my Nana and Grandad's house in Gateshead, where they still live.  Rachael is the one drinking from my mam's cup, and I'm the one playing with my grandad.

Just for the Record...

...we hate being called 'The Twins'.

Ever since we were old enough to understand, we have disliked being referred to as 'the twins'.  We are seperate people, with seperate personalities, but are always lumped together under this hideous title.  In a way, this gives my project a sense of irony, as it will explore aspects of what makes us similar as well as different.

Mark Todd & Esther Pearl

For the cover, sleeve and inner pages of American Illustration 22 Mark Todd & Esther Pearl collaborated on a twin theme.  The choice of twins reflects the 22nd issue number and the significance of the number 2, i.e. the 2 is doubled in the number 22, a twinned number.  The 'twin thing' is very apparent in these illustrations.  Twinny t-shirts, poses and word play are all aspects that the artists use to emphasise twinship.

Todd, M & Pearl Watson, E (2004) American Illustration 22. London: Harper Collins Design International

Through the Years

The Typical Twin Pose

'Identical Twins, Roselle, N.J.' by Diane Arbus is one of the most recogniseable twin photographs in art.  It inspired imagery for the famous sisters in The Shining and is the perfect example of what I would consider the 'typical twin pose'.  As shown above, we too have this pose of twinship and it is one of my favourites from our youth.

Arbus, D (1967) Identical twins, Roselle, N.J. [online image] Available at: <http://www.masters-of-photography.com/A/arbus/arbus_twins_full.html> [Accessed 9^th October 2011]

The General Responses to Being a Twin

I want to begin by looking at peoples general and common responses to finding out I have a twin sister.

"Are you identical?"
Yes, but now we've grown up we're easily identified because of our change in personalities and styles.

"What is it like/is it weird being a twin?"
I don't know, I've never NOT been a twin.

"Who is older?"
Me, by 1 minute.

"Are you close?"
Yes.  I wouldn't say we were 'unseperable' but we are definately close.  We don't live together anymore but speak most days and go to each other before anyone else if we have a problem or something to talk about. 

"Does it run in the family?"
No, my parent's traced the family tree and we are the first!

"Do you play twin tricks on people?"
We did when we were younger, but can't now because people can tell us apart.  We sound the same on the phone though!

"Do you have twin telepathy?"
I don't know, we say a lot of things in unison, text/phone each other at the same time and choose similar outfits without seeing each other. But this stuff could have more to do with growing up together.  We went through the secret twin language when we were toddlers though.

"Do you dress the same?"
No, when we were little we did, but once we started to choose our own clothes, we wore what we wanted and it wasn't usually the same.

"Do you borrow each other's clothes?"
Yes, but Rachael is smaller than I am, so she has more choice than I do!

"Do you like the same things?"
Not really, Rachael is interested in science and video games, I prefer art and movies.  We do have similar taste in clothes, music and film.

"I wish I was a twin"

"Do you have the same birthday? Do you share a cake?  Do you buy each other presents?"
Yes, obviously.  We always share a cake, we like to.  Not on our birthday, but we do at Christmas, and we have often bought each other the same gifts.

Twinship

I have decided to base my next project on twinship, something I know all about.