STAGE 1 REVIEW

Stage one has been very eye opening and influential for me as it has defiantly shown me where I should direct my future studies and allowed me to experiment with different ways of working and new concepts, much of which I have enjoyed. Obviously there have been aspects of these two months that have not appealed to me as much and I have not enjoyed, but for the most part I feel I have learnt a great deal.

Although during the drawing weeks I felt a lack of inspiration due to the last of a structured project I did really enjoy the life drawing, which was a strong highlight of the whole two months as it allowed me to work independently yet still haem some structure and focus. Although I have had some experience with life drawing before, these workshops allowed me to really focus on my strengths and weaknesses, especially in the experimental life drawing as I was taught more strictly with more guidance which allowed me to focus on key elements such as perspective and proportions in a logical way, such as using your pencil and other measurements to gain information. I also enjoyed the other drawing aspects of these weeks as it taught me things like the creative process and the double diamond method, which I have been able to transfer into my other projects.

The fine art project was definitely a favourite of mine, which was unexpected as I had the intent of going onto study media, however the charm and freedom that fine art lends itself to, was highlighted during my independent studies and when learning new techniques such as printmaking and bookmaking. Another aspect of this project which was especially intriguing and inspiring to me way was the strong focus on lateral thinking which really influenced my decision making and made me evaluate my presentation a lot more than in other projects as I was conscious of thinking in a contemporary way in order to create an effect that is my style or creates a particular mood. This was also emphasised by the idea of thinking about the end user and not they may interpreted my work. The only thing I felt was missing from this project was perhaps a stronger starting point, this was because the idea of ‘chance’ was a bit confusing and ambiguous for a first project which meant in order for me to find a strong theme I needed to look past this.

The design project, however, found strengths where the fine art project lacked. Although this was probably my least confident project and feel it is where I have fallen short on analysing and being able to document work, meaning my project became quite dull despite its strong subject matter, it did have many good qualities. For example, the starting point in this project was very effective as how it was organised meant that many different people in the class had different aspects to focus on, furthermore was very clear in what was expected from each topic whilst not being too controlling and allowing space for lateral thinking and artist interpretation, which I definitely appreciated and believe effected my work in a very positive way. This project also gave a lot of freedom to me as it was mainly independent study and lacked in workshops or guidance, which although I appreciated as it allowed me to focus on my work, I would have also appreciated some more subject specific work as design is something I have never really explored and still do not feel I fully understand what it entails. Although this project did also get me work in a new way, on pieces of paper, I do not feel like this suites my way of organisation as I can often be unorganised or discombobulated, meaning here had to be especially conscious not to complicate my work, this also meant that I was hesitant to do more trials ad material experimentation as I was not used t not working in a sketchbook. However one aspect of this project which I did really like was the concentration of the end goal and end user which meant I was always considering my ideas weather they were suitable and whether they got my idea across strong enough.

The media project was the project that initially felt I was most suited to as I felt I wanted to explore more in photography. I initially like the start of this project as it was very open and allowed me to be free with my starting point which would direct the rest of my work. The idea of using a collection of items I felt was very effective as it allowed room for expensive and focused idea and material development throughout the two weeks. I also liked the analogue day as it showed me that not all of media was about technology and digital editing, this intrigues me as it gave me a greater insight into what was expected from this project and what would be expected if it went on to study media further, likewise with the digital workshop. I appreciated these days as at the same time as working on my independent work I was also allowed to learn new skills which I will be able to transfer into my future studies despite the fact that I am going onto do fine art. I also felt that the emphasis of working on both a blog and a sketchbook was very positive in this project as it is definitely my suited way of working and allowed me to present my work easily at the same time as being helpful when I felt stuck for ideas. The only drawback to the media project for me was the lack of emphasis on lateral thinking unlike the two past projects, although there were some suggestions of thinking outside the box it was not a dominating concept that was pushed onto me, which meant that I feel I have produced fairly basic final piece which isn’t as unique as it could have been.

The workshops I did were very enjoyable as I was able to do a range of things that interest me and that I like, proving to me that fine art is the correct route for me as I wish to explore a wide range of ways of working. I just wish I was able to do more.

I feel i have really tried to make the most of these two months as i feel that it was imperative in order to really see where i stand in terms of pathways and my future careers. It has definitely clarified many things for me as well as teaching me a large range of new things that i haven't been able to experience before, and taught me how i can see myself improving in the future through the process of lateral thinking.