Day 3 of the installation, I have added the base map colour, and made the 3-d parts. I have working on it on my own which has been less stressful for me.
I have been thinking a lot about my mentalities of the group in China, and also the work ethic of the young graduates that I have met here. Many young people do not work after they graduate, and survive from their parents help. I think this approach is worrying for the long term prosperity of the country. I read a few articles on the internet regarding the expansion of universities in recent years, the push for students and universal belief that a HE degree will ascertain a good career. Different reports suggest that 30 – 45% of these graduates are unemployed since 2009. Although the country is growing there is not the business and market for such students. Many of the graduates just pass the time, with friends etc. I would go crazy! From my experience graduating is hard, but work experience is so important, and unfortunately alongside low paid jobs, this is the only way to go until you build up your portfolio and experience. I always believe if it is easy it is not worth it.
Also with some of the artists that I have met, I am surprised at the slow attitude to work, however there are others I have met that work very hard (and to me the success and credibility, unsurprisingly, of their work reflects that). I am not generalising, but I have had quite a strong reaction to people that I see wasting time. Time for me is like chocolate – I always want more! In my life with trying to make money to make art, I always have so much to do, that every decision is made around trying to free up more time for work – from house moves to career decisions to social plans. For me having time here in China, funded by the Arts Council, is like gold dust!
