Tutorial Reflections

Tutorial reflections

24th May 2017

End of Ba1b/Ba1a

This year has been packed with feedback from various members of staff however tutor meetings seem to meet a more personal level. Fay's engagement with my work and feedback was very similar to my own personal feelings regarding my practice that never make it to the blog or journal. As she praised my research and intellectual engagement with sources I feel confident this is an aspect I will not struggle with in the future at all. This aspect is key to my work, however; the physical pieces of artwork I produce rarely reflect this fully. The social interaction of my work and the metaphorical aspects need to be explained more in depth. The essays, poems and writing I produce could be a way to do this. I could also produce sound pieces to accompany the works and as discussed within the meeting, not be afraid to overpower a space. Floor, ceiling or wall poetry/writing were discussed. This was an initial idea after I started to look into mosaic's as a way of creating historical links. The depth and interests of my research, along with the issues it raises are not currently reflected in the art I produce. This therefore defeats the aim of producing politically and socially engaged work. I therefore need to aim to have the same power in the finished artworks as I do within the written opinions and views. Or, alternatively, look into writing as a means of artwork. Publication was something that was also discussed to make work more accessible and engaging.   The words also hold more of an authority when removed from the gallery setting and placed within a more formal 'text'. This was something of great interest to me. It would be interesting to look into this possibility for next year, to encapsulate my work with my writing and poetry. Fay recommended a few publishers that I could look into. This would be vital to investigate how and where my own work/book would fit into and already standing area. Spending more time in the library and less with PDF versions of books may help this as it will lead to other books. 'Radical' publication is already something I am involved in so this would tie such aspects together nicely. A visual version of my work within the books would act as a therapeutic and mental break for the reader. This therapy of my work was also discussed within the meeting. The therapeutic nature it holds within my own life and that being why I use hands in methods instead of digital. The heavy content of my research gives way to the expression of my work. This is another reason that beauty is vital within my work, for my mind's eye to rest from truths. This is likely to continue within my practice as it develops my mental well being and understanding of the conceptual aspects. However, a clearer link with well set out steps will also make more appearance and Confidence will be vital to present my own ideologies and takes of the world. The tutorial therefore had lead me to consider a number of ways to progress within my work and to develop myself and my opportunities. It also showed me to utilise the strengths I have within written word.

The second aspect of the tutorial was receiving our essays back. The feedback on this was of great use and I hope to re work this essay until the improvements have taken place. The 'ambitious' subject matter may be too much for the 2,000 limit however, when improved it could be put back into my creative body of work. Albeit as a new, longer essay, I still hope to use the work again and improve greatly upon it. However, I feel my style of writing is very different. The conversational style means that sometimes the reader is less clear on the focus. This is something to address. Being a retail contributor to the Norwich radical is something that has helped this greatly. Writing articles every two weeks allows me to practice the skills needed to a deadline. Further to this, my editor provides feedback which helps me constantly improve stylistically.