W O R K I N G O U T S I D E O N E ‘ S C O M F O R T Z O N E
It has been suggested that, in exploring emotion as a way of knowing, it might be productive to work with images which are stripped of significance.
I was astounded by just how difficult it was to select images from my archives which were without some level of emotional resonance.
In the end, I let someone else pick.
Interestingly, Irene selected two images which speak to me of place – photos from a little gated alcove outside my Cardiff studio.
I returned there this morning and will extend my homework assignment by working with two artifacts found in the location which mean nothing to me.
Well,
they meant nothing to me until I photographed them and brought them home.
I think this might be a productive homework assignment.
My Intermediate Project explores transparency in the form of exposed materials and processes.
In particular, I am interested in learning’s palpable nature and to facilitate a focus on the feeling of learning, have decided that part of my practice-led research will involve working in a previously unexplored medium.
Great.
Way to go with the soul-destroying, ego melting, as-if-you-don’t-have-enough-on-your-plate-at-the-moment, moves.
I did not realize how strong I would have to be.
And this is weird, because I knew from the outset that learning is by nature destabilizing.
A whole lot of mucky stuff preceeds the satisfaction of intelligibility. And right now I am neck-deep in the mucky stuff.
Email this morning:
THE WORLD IS RUN BY THOSE WHO SHOW UP!
love,
Mom and Moe,
xoxoxoxo
xoxoxoxo
xoxoxoxo”
T H E I M P O T A N C E O F S H O W I N G U P
Back to the studio space at CSAD, Cardiff today.
I am missing having one space to work where my computer speaks nicely to my printer and I can reach for the scissors and not find they’re in Bristol.
And I am flailing in a new medium. Producing work reminiscent of my highschool days. No, make that grade nine.
It is embarrassing.
I have put myself here for a reason. These feelings associated with learning are what I am interested in.
And I don’t have to like it for it to be a good thing.
I know what this is about and how this works. The important thing is to show up. To be ‘there’ everyday.
I have tied my scissors to my backpack.
Do you have an emotional attachment to a table or chair or couch or stool that others find hard to understand?
Can you drop me a quick email about your misunderstood furniture?
Just let me know if you would prefer to remain anonymous in any subsequent on line posts (text and/or images) and how you would feel about your image potentially being reworked – with proper credit given of course.
[email protected]
You can send or post a photo, a quick description, or both if you have time.
