The recent module where I attended lectures with visiting speakers, and contacted established artists, has helped to advance my planned project considerably. The timing of the assignment was not ideal, as it coincided with the coronavirus lockdown, and reduced the opportunities to meet artists at exhibitions and fairs and visit studios. However it forced me to think very carefully about the questions I wanted to ask, as several of the interviews were conducted by survey or email.
I was struggling to find a starting point for my investigation. I didn't know whether the starting point should be work that I like to see, a making process I enjoy, or a concept I am interested in. So I asked the established artists, and they helped to clarify my thinking and allowed me to develop a framework within which I could move forward. This is discussed in more detail in my assignment.
I also asked how I could narrow down my sources of inspiration,and find my own area of interest. As the artists explained how they had achieved this, gave me practical tips, and told me how I should feel about a concept in order to take it further, everything became just a little bit clearer. I thought of my previous work, my sketchbooks, and other visual reference material and started to identify recurring themes. I made connections with my experiences, family stories, and my environment, as well as with favourite books, poetry and art. I was also able to discard ideas that I liked, but were not quite as important, something that is difficult for me as I like to keep my options open. I was advised to be a little bit protective of my developing themes, but to be stubborn too. This gave me the confidence to talk about my developing project in the video interviews, and then with my tutors.
I have a plan to move forward on two fronts simultaneously. I have been told by Dave and Rob, and the other artists, that when I get back in the workshop, and begin to experiment with making and surface decoration again, my plans will change and develop. I have been told that as I review the literature and context of my ideas my focus may shift and change. However I feel much more confident to engage with this process. The interviews have significantly improved my thinking, given me greater clarity and helped me plan for the journey ahead. I am so thankful for the help I have received.
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