I love being a student again… despite the deadlines for presentations and essays approaching at an alarmingly fast speed, I’m really enjoying the whole experience.
So far, I’ve been to a few galleries, all within a days travel, listened to curators talks, started to read critical theory books and explored new contemporary artists. Oh and I’ve started to make some artwork.
It’s a joy to be in a mentally stimulating atmosphere again.
My work has taken a direction towards textiles, I’ve started to look at quilt making as an art, it’s position in regard to gender politics and craft, how this artform can be used to express ideas whilst creating a beautiful object.
Ive realised there are three elements to my process, from walking and foraging, bringing these foraged items home, lighting a fire to create the alchemy that happens in eco dyeing to the domestic act of sitting and sewing. There are several threads to explore further and they all seem to contrast each other.
This week we were introduced to our art theory module and the concept of self plagiarism. I’d not heard of this before and I have to admit I have an element of concern, the pressure of feeling like I’m on Just a Minute and not allowed to repeat myself is a bit daunting. This is carried across modules, which is a bit worrying, I’m quite bad at repeat8ng myself, usually because I’ve forgotten what I’ve said. At least this will be written down…
I also sat sat through presentations from fellow students, these are a way of getting to know each other’s work. My presentation is in two weeks and I find myself looking forward to it.
I’ve picked up several books, some not relevant, some very interesting, including ‘Place’ by Tim Cresswell.
Returning to study after such a long break is still feeling exciting, it’s a welcome break from a stressful work life and a relief to be working on my own ideas.
I found myself sat on the floor in the library, alone with shelves of books and realised how much I had missed the mental stimulation, the physicality of books and having the time for myself to read.
Ive decided to really throw myself into this MA and push myself beyond my boundaries of comfort. I’ve already volunteered for an extra presentation which needs to lead into a discussion. I’ve been scribbling some ideas down but have nothing firm yet, just ideas floating in and out.
I also have to present my work to date, so far I have some very small paintings, textile pieces and a couple of films. I’m mostly worried about showing the films, but probably need to as these make me uncomfortable. I don’t want to be a film maker, they feel like supporting research, but I also need to look at editing.
I’ve mainly got textile pieces and got quite excited about the print facilities now available to me. Large scale printers that can be digitally altered, embroidery machines with software for text and the opportunity to experiment and play with these.
