Well, i’ve been awfully rubbish at blogging. I know. But i’ve been so busy….
I finally got round to making some work, although i haven’t been able to finish the big projects that are on the list. I’m curating the staff art exhibition currently, so thats keeping me busy – its really interesting seeing what the other staff members, both within the art department, and throughout the rest of the school, are producing in their spare time. There really is some stunning work… i’m feeling the pressure as resident artist!
Life in school is still enjoyable although i’m getting so involved that i’m finding it hard to get on with my own projects. Living on site means that i’m always around to help out with one thing or another, and its so nice to be talking to the students about their work.
Went on a textiles course this weekend, as the department are keen to get me sorting out a 3D and textiles specialism… the course was help at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, so a great location – just a shame it rained the whole time. Got an opportunity to look through the Bretton Hall archives for art education though and they were really interesting. The weekend was split into 2 – constructed “textiles” on one day and manipulated fabric through stitch on the second. I enjoyed this one far more, and although the course was good from a teachers point of view, i felt it inspired me personally less as an artist. But that wasn’t the point i suppose! I have some interesting activities and projects up my sleeve now.
I know i should have expected it, coming to work in a school, but i really have fallen into the teaching trap. Not unhappily i should add, but a little tentative. I’ve started a PGCE part-time, as i found that even trying to get part time work in the local university was impossible without one – new regulations so a necessary qualification. Part time teaching while continuing my practice is my intention, though possibly not a secondary level – i’d far rather be in a workshop with 3D students, not that i don’t enjoy what i’m currently doing… I’ve been covering quite a few lessons due to sickness in the department, and although GCSE and A-Level are fine, i found some of the lower years quite challenging.
One thing this textiles course allowed me to do is talk to a group of art teachers with various backgrounds and experiences in a variety of schools. Some of the stories were quite scary, but i realised that i really must ensure my own practice is a priority, and that i should not take on anything full time in a permanent way. I am a maker and a teacher on the side. I am. My new years resolution will be to lock myself away for at least a solid day a week…
