Throughout
Unit X I focused on expanding upon the coding and narrative elements to my work
which I begun in the practice unit. I wanted to develop a clearer narrative
that could communicate my ideas coherently. I started this unit by continuing
my research into ancient communication systems and written languages. I
stumbled across an ancient Incan communication method called a Quipu. This used
knots in rope to display numerical data. I liked the literal approach to knots
having relevance to numbers so chose to investigate how knots can be used to
display numerical data.
I
identified early on that I am interested in installations and public art. I
researched a range of installation artists who create environments within their
work. Cornelia Parker’s Cold Dark Matter recently opened at the Whitworth
Gallery, and influenced my decisions about light and shadow. I also found
influence in Zimoun’s Wooden Pole Installation, which created a moving
environment that could be walked around and interacted with. I found these
elements of light shadow and interaction to remain consistent themes throughout
the project.
After
I graduate, I will be working freelance on a commission basis. To prepare
myself for this, I entered a competition for a commission with The Art
Playground, Cheltenham to create a dead end installation within a maze made
from art. The experience taught me a lot about working to deadlines and turning
a sketch into reality. I encountered a series of set backs in the two weeks I
had to prepare for the install including materials being delivered to the wrong
address, transport issues and construction. I also learnt that I work more
effectively when I have a tight deadline a head of me. After consulting with a
number of technicians and tutors, I developed and installed a piece based upon
the Quipu, using numerical data that had a personal relevance to me. I
collaborated with a photography student who filmed the piece for a video to be
used within his portfolio and as marketing for me. This film is now on Youtube
and my website to promote my practice.
I
also entered the Vertical Gallery commission for the final degree show. I
wanted to use this opportunity to expand my contacts and knowledge of working
to commission whilst still having the support of a university environment. For
this proposal, I revisited some of my development work in which I created a
series of nets informed by numerical data. These created web-like structures
that could be said to describe identity. I proposed for the entrance space and
a smaller space on the third floor. Unfortunately the panel didn’t commission
my original proposal, as I wanted to use a large amount of un-dyed synthetic
rope that they felt didn’t correspond to my ideas about coding and communication
effectively. However, they liked my series of identity nets drawn with yarn on
paper and asked me to come back a week later to propose a series of these on a
suspended wall space. In the second pitch, I showed the panel my collaborative
video and they decided they wanted to include this, next to the series of
identity nets.
I
expanded my networks and industry knowledge by going to a number of enrichment
talks including Luke Jerram and Susie McMurray. This has helped me realise how
to work as a freelance artist and earn a living after
University. I also volunteered with Cabasa Carnival arts offering my skills to
help manufacture a series of costumes. This has been a great opportunity to
work on real life projects, as well as keeping my sewing skills fresh.
Throughout
Unit X I have been refining my portfolio and realising the context of my work.
I discovered that my practice is multifunctional. I see my work to be displayed
in a gallery environment as I enjoy responding to contemporary issues with
materials. However, I am aware that my work can be applied to a range of contexts to give it a functional application including architectural
installation and jewellery. I am in the process of developing a series of visualisations to
illustrate the broad range of contexts that my work could cover.
If I was to repeat the project, I would think more critically about the materials I used. I found myself to be more interested in the concept, than the materials. Next time, I would like the materials to inform more of my decisions. I ended up with excess materials that haven’t been relevant to the project or un usable in terms of quality. I learnt that I work best under pressure; from only having two weeks to complete the commission for The Art Maze, I made decisions faster and produced a large-scale piece of work in very little time. This has encouraged me to take on more commission-based work and given me the confidence to work freelance after graduation.
If I was to repeat the project, I would think more critically about the materials I used. I found myself to be more interested in the concept, than the materials. Next time, I would like the materials to inform more of my decisions. I ended up with excess materials that haven’t been relevant to the project or un usable in terms of quality. I learnt that I work best under pressure; from only having two weeks to complete the commission for The Art Maze, I made decisions faster and produced a large-scale piece of work in very little time. This has encouraged me to take on more commission-based work and given me the confidence to work freelance after graduation.
