Unit 2 Assessment

Learning Outcome 1:
Develop and realise a self-directed programme of learning which draws from wide-ranging subject knowledge. (AC Knowledge, AC Process)

Throughout the programme so far, I have explored a range of materials, which have really helped me to revisit mediums I had previously disregarded as well as experiment with new materials, enabling me to formulate ideas and I feel this has hugely driven my art practice forward.

I was originally drawn to more natural materials, experimenting with concrete, wool and natural tones and pigments. At the time, I allowed my interests and the work itself to drive me forward, not really knowing why or how I could use this in my art practice. However, as time has progressed, so has my acceptance of the rich earthy tones and their profound connection with my passion for the outdoors. I experimented without any certainty and acceptance of this. This connection largely became apparent quite recently, whilst reviewing my doom pile, reframing old scraps and experiments, and realising the value in my process. I felt what can be described as a form of enlightenment, as I realised these connections; these rhizomatic connections I discuss in my research paper, which have unwittingly become the centre of my art practice.

Even the Lancaster & Morecambe Repair Cafe I founded, and which I initially saw as separate to my practice has now come to the forefront of my art, and I see how striving to protect our environment is so incredibly linked to my love and experience of the outdoors, the rich yet muted earthy tones I gravitate towards in my art practice and my quest for hope and utopia within my own identity. In comparison to my work in Unit 1, I feel a sense of clarity that I hadn’t felt at that point.

I have also been looking more into collaborating with other artists and organisations, which enables me to explore other mediums and practices. One of my favourite recently was The Matter of The Heart for Light Up Lancaster, which was interesting as a connection with the community and what the installation represented, as well as the ability to involve the community in the artwork.

I also see the wide-ranging reading that I have done over the last few months as much more connected. From reading Patrick Grant’s Less, to the Wainwrights as well as the more obvious reading on Contemporary Art Movements. Even the documentaries I watch, I realise how much they align with the entirety of my practice, such as Vogue and our throw away fashion culture.

When people ask about my background and I explain it was predominantly in the Social Sciences, they often comment on how different that is from studying Fine Art. I say, on the contrary; it has never felt so right, and connected.

Learning Outcome 2:
Articulate a thorough understanding of your research and establish an informed critical position. (AC Communication)

My research paper began with questions surrounding the use of black & white within art and photography. I found myself drawn to a monochromatic palette for most of my time as an artist so my research began with looking at artists who were known for using predominantly black & white. I was immediately curious about the work of Franz Kline and wondered how his choice of colour and style related to his identity.

This then led to research around Franz Kline and other artists in America during the mid-20th century including de Kooning, Motherwell and Pollock. I also wanted to consider it in relation to some of the work of Deleuze and Guattari, particularly the concept of rhizomatic connections from the perspective of identity and how Kline’s work may be perceived by others.

As the research progressed, I became increasingly interested and curious about the use of Abstract Expressionism for propaganda purposes during the Cold War and the connection with the Rockefeller family and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. I became invested in this world of conspiracy and further questions ensued.

Towards the end of my paper, I started to see the connections with my own art practice with much more clarity and curiosity too. The way our work can be a form of self-expression and also produced through many extraneous variables and relative to our societal position. Through my own experience as an artist, I do not feel art can be produced without some element of social or political influence, indeed this is what shapes us.

Learning Outcome 3:
Analyse and critically reflect on your practice and its context. (AC Enquiry)

My art practice began largely in an area of uncertainty, as I wasn’t sure where my interest lay and felt that much of my work was disconnected. However, in recent weeks and months, I have felt a connection between all of my work, that has brought almost a sense of relief and accomplishment. A while ago I reflected on my own use of black & white and muted tones within my art and photography, which really helped to see my own work from a different perspective. From this, I was drawn to researching other artists with a similar colour palette and their identity.

Also, returning to some older pieces of work and reframing them or looking at them in a different way, was incredibly valuable in revisiting that work and the way I felt about it. It also allowed me to see the tones, colour and texture in a completely new way too.

I was recently inspired by some of the work we did on William Kentridge and have since watched the series. His relationship with the materials, tools and his external environment is fascinating, as his the interplay between the traditional drawing techniques and digital animation. When I was teaching art on the ships, I did some short animations and the guests were delighted to learn how to create one. This work on William Kentridge reignited my child-like love of animation and I decided to resurrect some old clips and create some new ones.

I have always enjoyed using music and poetry within my art practice, often as a way to engage the audience in a different way. I feel the added layers of music and words add a valuable dynamic to my artwork. I recently reflected on this more and thought about the connection between my music and art practice which has been very helpful looking back at older films I had created to present my work.

Often I find myself overthinking rather than doing. Recently I have been reflecting a lot on that and whilst there are factors in my personal life that can limit my output, I am more aware of my tendency to overthink and now opting to create more without any certainty or worry of failure. The short film I recently produced for Unit 2 was a valuable exercise in helping to bring everything together and make greater sense of it.