Unit 1 Assessment
1. Formulate, describe and implement a challenging and self-directed programme of study, relating to your Study Statement. (AC Enquiry)
Despite stepping tentatively into the MA, I was certainly prepared to take on a challenge; to develop and grow through a continual process of exploration and experience. Whilst my initial art practice revolved mainly around the medium of painting, I set about utilising as many opportunities and resources as possible to develop my subject knowledge across a variety of mediums which I had interests in, as well as exploring more obscure and unfamiliar methods of artistic creation.
This not only helped me to develop my knowledge and skills in both a theoretical and practical aspect, but assisted largely in being able to formulate my programme of study and articulate this within my study statement. The ability to determine my goals, and weave together my somewhat sporadic, albeit related passions and interests, was undoubtedly a breath of fresh air, and provided much needed confidence and motivation to drive my research forward in a positive and coherent way.
Study Statement
Conflicts and Contrasts: Exploring raw materials in relation to divisions and inequality.
I have been able to formulate, describe and implement a challenging and self-directed programme of study within my Study Statement.
My References list also highlights many of the sources of enquiry I have explored throughout this first Unit.
My first Tutorial with Jonathan, significantly aided my quest to formulate, describe and implement a challenging and self-directed programme of study. His direction enabled me to make valuable connections between my art practice at that time and my theoretical interests relating to societal divisions.
A Different Perspective
“I thought about returning and asking if I could have a piece of the structure. It speaks metaphorically to me on varying levels. Divisions, destruction, birth and death. The demise of an era and rebirth of another, and perhaps, the gentrification of this historic town.”
From this, the point of clarity came about during an outdoor observation which ultimately led to the inaugural formulation of my programme of study and subsequent enquiry into raw materials.
After discovering Padlet, I found this a very good way to visualise my programme of study and organise the necessary elements in achieving my overall aims and objectives.
2. Implement appropriate working methods for building an independent and effective self-organisation that enables the critical engagement with practice-based research. (AC Process)
The opportunities available through undertaking this MA, have significantly aided my practice-based research. Through many online resources, workshops and discussions, I am delighted to have discovered new and interesting working methods. Workshops such as, Thinking Through Drawing and Thinking Through Social Practice, have provided a valuable form of inspiration and the necessary preparation to enable a deeper understanding and critical engagement with practice-based research.
A Risk Set In Stone
“There is magic in discovery”
My References illustrate a wide range of self-propelled research, enabling an effective self-organisation, which has significantly aided the process of my art practice thus far.
My journey into exploring raw materials and sculptures began with experimenting using clay to consider my art practice from a different perspective. A Risk Set In Stone, was a key point in my journey, allowing me to consider a wider range of materials to articulate my ideas.
This led to A Texture Exploration, with unexpected results. As I began to deepen my engagement with raw materials, I was able to form connections integral to my art practice and the overall process. The independent and effective self-organisation enabled the critical engagement with my practice-based research, resulting in exploring sustainability and social concerns within the use of materials.
My initial two-part process exploring concrete (pt. 1/pt. 2), derived largely from engaging in the built environment in new and exciting ways. Using black and white photography as a medium to record my findings, led to a local exhibition, which enabled me to share the concept of structures within our built environment as representative of societal divisions. Not only did RUINS help raise awareness of important social concerns, but propelled my research and overall art practice.
RUINS
My second tutorial with Jonathan, helped to talk through my progress and areas of investigation. I felt this reaffirmed my self-confidence, and the trajectory I find myself on towards showing my work in progress at the interim show, is very exciting, despite the trials and tribulations along the way.
3. Communicate a critical understanding of your developing practice. (AC Knowledge, AC Communication)
During the course so far, I have made a concerted effort to discover new and exciting opportunities and get involved in as much as possible, with a view to developing my practice through increasing my skills and knowledge. My research and development has enabled me to reach out into the community, through delivering events, which has allowed me to share my knowledge, as well as deepen my learning through the experiences of others. This has been one of the most valuable aspects of my journey so far, and I feel has provided me with the ability to communicate a critical understanding of my developing practice.
Initially, I began by exploring alternative art mediums. Viewing live theatre performances, and seeing them from a different perspective, allowed me to ask important questions that related to my own understanding of my art practice. A New Perspective on Donuts, provided me with a great platform to critically analyse the way my art was represented.
I have expanded my areas of research, to include film, exhibitions, podcasts and much more, which has enabled me to widen my knowledge in a variety of ways, theoretically and visually. I have categorised my references to help keep them in order and make it easier to refer to throughout the course of my practice.
Zapatos Rojos
DONUTS
“Can the ‘dialogue’ of a painting be universally interpreted? or is the ability of the viewer to relate to the story or have a deeper connection, a prerequisite for this to occur?”
I have visited several galleries and exhibitions, to broaden my knowledge and have been particularly interested in how other artists have used their practice to deliver a message. My trip to the Hungarian National Gallery, provided a great opportunity to view contemporary art within a different country and how this was received. Elina Chauvet’s, Zapatos Rojos, was incredibly powerful and helped me to consider activism in this way, related to my own developing practice. My trip to the Tate Modern, was a pleasant surprise, as I came across art installations which I felt a connection with my own developing practice. This was a valuable experience, helping me to understand the way other artists’ have represented important events or concepts through their own practice.
The RUINS exhibition I did at the Gregson, was a truly exciting experience, as it felt like the first time I was able to communicate my ideas to a wider audience. I was nervous about the response, as it was a deeply personal exhibition, but was thrilled by the outcome.
Expanding my knowledge within the area of Artivism and Craftivism, has led to the formation of a weekly Lancaster Craftivists event, taking place at the local arts and community centre. I have also been fortunate enough to be appointed Postgraduate Online Ambassador, providing me with an excellent platform to deliver similar events and raise awareness of craftivism as a valuable method for making positive change.
