Part 5 has made new demands on me and I hope I have risen to them. Each part of the course opened up not only new subject matter but challenging emotional experiences as well. I found the withdrawal of direction very difficult and waffled around for a long time trying to find my own way.
Whilst I was certain I wanted to take my garden as my focus it took a long time to realise that it is a rather large space and I could only deal with a small part of it. Once that decision was finally arrived at (and with a bit of support from my tutor) I got on a bit better.
A tutor on another OCA course gave me some advice at a time when I was feeling unfocussed. She sent me a link to a piece of work by Charlie Gilkey (1) and it made a lot of sense to me. It's a bit of pop psychology and very American but it helped a lot. I've drawn on it this time as well. Basically it says that there is a creative process:
In the meantime I played around with various leaves and plants and made a resource that was ultimately useful and will continue to be so in the future. I particularly liked the colours I obtained from plants and I need to do some testing around their stability.
I have borrowed printing skills from my Textiles course and made them work on paper. I experimented with frottage and its application in a way I hope is inventive. Ideas have been taken from a variety of artists not only in Part 5 Research but throughout the course. The monochrome work of John Virtue has a particular appeal.
Whilst I was certain I wanted to take my garden as my focus it took a long time to realise that it is a rather large space and I could only deal with a small part of it. Once that decision was finally arrived at (and with a bit of support from my tutor) I got on a bit better.
A tutor on another OCA course gave me some advice at a time when I was feeling unfocussed. She sent me a link to a piece of work by Charlie Gilkey (1) and it made a lot of sense to me. It's a bit of pop psychology and very American but it helped a lot. I've drawn on it this time as well. Basically it says that there is a creative process:
- preparation
- incubation
- illumination
- implementation
and I can identify wholeheartedly with that.
I have borrowed printing skills from my Textiles course and made them work on paper. I experimented with frottage and its application in a way I hope is inventive. Ideas have been taken from a variety of artists not only in Part 5 Research but throughout the course. The monochrome work of John Virtue has a particular appeal.
My work appeared in several guises before I finally got to where I wanted to be. It was fairly repetitive but on each practice image I learned something new and was able to refine my ideas. I like to push and take risks and I'm beginning to be less anxious about whether of not my work is "right".
I was surprised to find that what I thought would be my final work felt so unresolved. It's hard to pinpoint the feeling but it was unequivocal. My original idea evolved and changed substantially but I'm happy to be fluid although it sometimes feels like rolling with the blows.
I was surprised to find that what I thought would be my final work felt so unresolved. It's hard to pinpoint the feeling but it was unequivocal. My original idea evolved and changed substantially but I'm happy to be fluid although it sometimes feels like rolling with the blows.
Demonstration of technical and visual skills
I am continuing to develop more ways representing my ideas and feeling less bothered by adopting the ideas of others. Plagiarism and recreating are a fine line apart. I am constantly trying new techniques and increasing my awareness of the possibilities. The frottage work of Max Ernst is a case in point.
I don't feel that I have become proficient in any particular technique or material but I have had lots of tasters and found what I want to do more of.
I don't feel that I have become proficient in any particular technique or material but I have had lots of tasters and found what I want to do more of.
Quality of outcome
I find it hard to judge my own work. I see so much that I revere that I'm constantly dis-satisfied with what I do. However, I am learning all the time and constantly questioning my practice and that is a good place to be at my stage.
I find it hard to judge my own work. I see so much that I revere that I'm constantly dis-satisfied with what I do. However, I am learning all the time and constantly questioning my practice and that is a good place to be at my stage.
Demonstration of creativity
My life generally is pretty well ordered and tidy. In my drawing I have found something hidden that I didn't know about. I can be slapdash and untidy and rather like it. It is part of the freeing up process but there's a long way to go. I have become aware that things don't have to be perfect - out of apparent chaos lovely things can occur.
(I have no idea why the font here has changed - there must be something deeply Freudian going on considering content of the section!)
Context reflection
I enjoy looking at the art of the famous and influential but I have also found a wealth of talent closer to home. I have included some local work in my blog because it has a real influence on me. It gives me hope.
I surprise myself at what I have grown to like now that I have more knowledge and experience. Initially I wasn't fond of John Virtue but the depth of his work I now find inspirational.
I surprise myself at what I have grown to like now that I have more knowledge and experience. Initially I wasn't fond of John Virtue but the depth of his work I now find inspirational.
I am a very reflective person and tend to over analyse sometimes. I could do with just letting things happen a little more but I'm working on it.
I treasure my three OCA blogs because they are a great way to record my work. I find that I refer to them often.
I treasure my three OCA blogs because they are a great way to record my work. I find that I refer to them often.
Overview
When I began Drawing 1 it was with lots of trepidation; I was well out of my comfort zone. I can't claim to be through that uncomfortable feeling but it's getting easier and I have a "can do" attitude to my drawing that is new.
There is no doubt I will continue to draw; I am totally hooked. It will support my Textiles work but it will be a part of my life as an independent skill. The people I have met this year are folk I don't want to leave behind just because I've finished Drawing 1.
There is no doubt I will continue to draw; I am totally hooked. It will support my Textiles work but it will be a part of my life as an independent skill. The people I have met this year are folk I don't want to leave behind just because I've finished Drawing 1.
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