My assessment date has been confirmed as 15th December, a lot of work to do before then, especially as I feel that I’m starting again.
I have a lot of problems with imagery. Even though I may know exactly which tools, methods and materials to use, I often sit there unable to decide which image will be appropriate. Over the years I have tried the body, ornamentation, minimal lines and architecture, and although I have had successful pieces of work, they just haven’t worked in some way. So where am I going with this?
Something so simple came to me on that train back from Edinburgh as I was scribbling away in my third notebook of the year, it was exactly that. I’m a compulsive writer. Along with that, I often get comments on the aesthetics of my writing, it seems that I could have been ignoring the answer that was right in front of me.
My day has been like this: 6 hours bent over a sheet of paper, pin in hand and 4 hours standing on a chair, on a table, trying to suspend said paper in a way that I’m happy with. I finally broke my three weeks of not working, a happy day!
Although burning took over my practice last year, it just isn’t relevant anymore. The subtle pin prick is much more suited, and although I initially worried that it “had been done before” (a comment from an artist tutorial in year one) I just don’t care anymore. I think I’m finally getting to the stage where my work is for me, and not for the tutors or my peers.
I took a rainy afternoon trip to Edinburgh to see the “Attitudes To Drawing” show at the Fruitmarket Gallery in search of inspiration. While I was there I didn’t think anything had clicked (although it was a great show) but on the train back I suddenly had a flash of an idea, one where this blog may become integral. More soon….
Also, 3000 words down on the dissertation:
“The men of old were born like wild beasts….therefore it was the discovery of fire that originally gave rise to the coming together of men, and to social intercourse.”
I do love those “epiphany” moments.
My anxiety is at its most heightened right now, with two confusing tutorials under my belt, I am now on week 3 of doing no work. I’ve tried to look at this positively by focusing on my research and writing my dissertation, but I still have that nervous feeling at the back of my mind everyday.
It seems that every time I have an idea clarified in my mind (after much procrastinating), somebody says something, or I discover something that puts me off it, very frustrating! I think this is why I tend to work in short, intense bursts, get it all out of the way and then contemplate my pile of work-it’s strengths and weaknesses…hopefully one of those “bursts” will happen soon!
