I have now made a body of work, which I must consider how I would curate for the Final Show next Spring. Seems a bit early to me, I want to continue making to see where I get to, but the tutorial order to stop making and THINK has probably begun a useful process.
Also I had the Crit group from hell when 2 other students wrinkled their brows and asked if something “horrible” had ever happened to me, as they couldn’t relate to my theme that patriarchy was harmful to women.
At first I became incoherent with frustration, the young male and female student looked so concerned for my mental health, but slowly I found I was considering their view. they were both only expressing their personal perceptions.
So one day I realised that this was a good thing.
My pieces have been somewhat polemical, call to un/arms……. an argument rather than an authentic reaction. Then I saw the slogan
“All the Women in me are tired” or was it “All the women I am are tired” It opened a door for me, or a window or maybe just the curtains.
I am not sure about using the “am tired” part, but it is certainly true. The polymyalgia is on the wain, but I ache fiercely in most joints as I come off the steroids and I AM 73, I am beginning to accept that…..soooo
I now feel more confident about me work as it is Mine, and I can pursue it with more vigour, rather than having to think what to say next.
Although the constrictions of the Final Show balance this new found freedom of expression. The requirement to curate a unified piece of work……does that really mean I cant make this or that because it doesn’t fit in !?
Also the needling about using “new media” a video……I like the idea of an endless loop of endless stitching but how!?
