Skip to main content

New work//Reflection//January 2016

Yesterday I got my assessment results back from the first semester. It gave me a chance to see what the tutors thought about my working process and current body of work. I was really keen to see how I could improve and reflect to improve my practice further. I tend to dive straight into anything creative and if I have learnt anything from first term it is that I need to take my time with things. I say this a lot but I actually need to do it. I have three years for this degree.





I've broken down the key areas where I need to improve on and have thought about ways to tackle them.

1) Take your time and reflect// This is a big one, and I even said I would do it at the start of my degree however I have gone straight away, almost too quickly with the way I work and think. It has seen me burn out this term already. My problem is I want to keep going with what I love to do and don't see this. I need to take breaks and learn that this is ok to do.


2) Working longer on things - sticking with a process means I will see the benefits in the long line// This was in relation to my life drawing. This goes with out saying, as someone who is constantly bouncing of creative inspiration and stimulation I need to work longer on pieces of work to challenge myself and appreciate what I'm doing more. As the first term is all about measured drawing rather than developing a personal language with life drawing; I need to focus and work longer on this process.

3)Bibliography and keeping track of sources - Pinterest and blog// I need to become better at documenting my sources. This will also help me in the long run because It's important to credit people where they are due etc. I think not doing this already comes down to being lazy and not really wanting to take the time to do it! This needs the change and doing it will also mean I don't panic in the long run. I need to make things easier for myself rather than challenging myself where it isn't worth it.

4) Try to be more contained - a stream of consciousness way of writing may be clear to me but not to the reader// As our journals are marked and read by an external body it is important to be as clear as I can so they understand it. My journal is a reflection of me; whether this be a fragmented, disjointed entity, I need to be clearer. This will also help me!

5) Keep a weekly reflection on my blog collating thoughts, progressions, inspirations and studio practice//

6) Talk more about my own work// I love to share my work to start a dialogue with people but I also need to have more confidence in sharing my work on my blog.This is something I have been told by people who read my blog too.

A comment which came from my assessment and has stuck with me and is something I want to push further.

"Print is a passion and a strength and I think your playful way with collage and monotype is very successful." 

I went into the printroom yesterday for the first time in over a month// The print room was open late for drawing students so I just went in and made work. No pressure for what happened, no planning I just made work for me.





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Artist Talks: Kate Powell

I first saw the work of Kate on thestudentartguide, where her work was featured. I was amazed at her technical ability and skill in showing narratives and emotion. I'm the same age as Kate and I think the way she has built up a following and how she chooses to showcase her work is something to aspire to. Her confidence and willing to change as an artist is something that I think people should respect. Since finishing her foundation she now has a place to study Illustration at Edinburgh, which I am very jealous about! Kate has very kindly answered some questions about her practice as I wanted to learn more about her working method and artist inspiration. What has going to art school taught you so far about you as an artist? It taught me that I was wrong about wanting to do fine art and that I'm much more suited to illustration, it's taught me not to take art so seriously, that things don't always have to be perfect and that if everyone's happy with what you...

Phyllida Barlow at the Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh

I've spent the last week in Edinburgh where I visited some great exhibitions. I went to to my favourite gallery in Edinburgh, The Fruitmarket Gallery. The first exhibition I saw here was by the Artist Gabriel Orozco. His work has had a huge impact on my own practice, his use of shape and colour really intrigued me. Upon first seeing the display of Barlow's work I was struck at how the gallery had made amazing use of the space. Her work is dominating and powerful.                                  'Set' at the Edinburgh Fruitmarket Gallery 2015                                                         Her use of materials was very clever and the combination of plastic, paper and wood etc. showed a great contrast making each individual element stand out. I was en...

Artist Talks: Phoebe Atkey

Phoebe Atkey is a talented artist whose work I first saw on Instagram. Her commitment and enthusiasm for the arts is very inspiring. Her detailed drawings and attention to detail is what makes her stand out. Phoebe currently has over 25,000 followers in Instagram where she often uploads work. I interviewed Phoebe to gain more of an insight to her interests and how she creates such beautiful works using a variety of media. How often do you draw?  I try to draw everyday, even if it is just 15 minutes. What artists influence you?  I have always been interested in children’s book illustrations especially those of Quentin Blake and Ernest Shepherd. These two artists inspired me to draw from a very young age. As I have got older, I have also become interested in the works of Saul Bass, Herbert Leupin and Paul Rand. Do you see yourself going to Art School?  I would like to try getting into the industry without going to uni. However, I am lucky to live near an ex...