Tutorial #1

I had my first tutorial on Monday 7th November at 3.30pm with Jonathan Kearney.

Jonathan began by asking how I felt things were going. I explained that, after a slow start (possibly due to time management with my exhibition prep), that I felt things were coming along and ideas flowing well.

He then went on to ask what I felt I’d like to gain from the course. My initial thoughts were predominantly focussing on my general skills and mindset. It is hard to know what you are yet to discover, until you have discovered it! Overall, I hope to gain opportunities not ordinarily available, in order to further my career as an artist.

When asked what my strengths were, I found it somewhat difficult to answer. In the end, I felt it was my ability to read between the lines, identify areas for deeper consideration, to think more widely. Equally, I explained that I saw the weakness in this and fear of opening up several rabbit holes, which may detract from what is perhaps important.

This was followed with a discussion on areas I would like to develop. I have always been a believer in our constant journey of learning and development, which may have been somewhat broad. Jonathan helped to narrow this down to my general art skills and mindset, particularly as someone with no prior formal art education.

We discussed my interests in existing areas of art. I talked about my interests and research so far in protest art, contemporary artists that have used art to send a message eg. abortion rights, political messages, Banksy and South American urban graffiti. I have also been researching anarchism, and am currently reading Peter Kropotkin’s The Conquest of Bread.

Jonathan gave me some words and terminology to research and think about. These included;

• Activism

• Artistic Activism

• Artivism

• Craftivism - Sarah Corbet

• Community Art

• Socially Engaged Practice

• Grizedale Arts

Jonathan asked me what it felt like when I worked at my best. I explained that it was like feeling I was on ‘the right path’, work or research felt right and aligned with my goals. I felt a level of confidence, regardless of the outcome. In visualising this path, I instantly thought of a winding woodland path, surrounded by nature, trees, undergrowth, wildlife, funghi, with stones, leaves, slate and tree roots under foot. I was mindful not to trip, to take care and research the dangers that lay ahead, like poisenous funghi.

Finally, Jonathan commented on my blog post regarding the demolition in Warrington. We discussed this further, and it left me feeling keen to explore the impact of this as a metaphor for important features within society.

Moving forwards, I would like to research the organic vs man-made materials, the parallels with divisions faced in society. I am going to look at recreating a small section of the image in the photograph using concrete or a similar material, and record how this process affects my viewpoint in any way.

Overall, I was very pleased with how the tutorial went, and feel reassured that I am on the right path…