Lauren Charlie Bailey @laurenbaileyctca - Tumblr Blog

The Unquiet Mind

This piece narrates my recalled conversation with The Unquiet mind. I chose to write in a stream of consciousness to describe a recalled conversation had with mania. The crossed out and edited nature speaks to the indecisiveness of and inability to pause when experiencing the unquiet mind.

This notion of the unquiet mind is my explanation of mania which is associated with Bipolar type 1. Mania can be characterized by high energy, sleepless nights, a flurry of thoughts and often no concept of consequence. Mania, especially for me, starts out as enjoyable. It feels like a drug. Unfortunately, it is followed by a quick decline into depression. On the way there, mania turns sinister and controlling. When experiencing the down spiral of mania, I feel as if I am trapped on a hamster wheel that is increasing in speed.

(this looks better as a PDF)

Final outcomes and submissions / Workshop B

Assemblage

Stopper

Slip Knot

Square knot

Collage

Speaker

Chris Workshop

Business Studies Task 6: Why?

Why is such a loaded question and I have been asking it my whole life. But if i really sit down and think about it, concentrate on what it really means to me, it becomes pretty simple. I want to become an artist because i want to communicate. I want to share my ideas and feelings with those who might feel the same. I want to create a common thread between people like me, he feel lost sometimes but dont need to be. Since I was a child i have always wanted to help people, not like a doctor but more so like a friend. I want to remind them that they are not alone, even if they are a stranger to me I want them to know that I see them And i think a big way I can do that is through my art, by making open communication about the issues that I believe in, feminism and mental health rights for example. This open communication could hopefully reach those that are also looking to talk about it, or those that just need to listen. I guess basically I want to let people be seen and heard. So thats why.

#BS300

Business Studies Task 5: To Intern/ Freelance or not to Intern/ Freelance

I have an image of myself where i am siting on the floor crossed legged with a cat in my lap while i am painting a canvas that is in front of me. I imagine that it is a Tuesday around 11Am. This is my life, I get to paint all day with my cat. Now I know that there are so many complications to being a freelance artist and that it isn't as simple as it is in my head but there really is something that draws me to it. I have been constantly told that freelancing is hard but not impossible so that does give me a little bit of hope. I really like the idea of having short term goals everyday to resolve an artwork and long term ones of working towards an exhibition. Although i do feel that I would miss people and human interactions. I think that on top of freelancing i would like to teach part time. Maybe once or twice a week and this would also bring in an extra income. Ultimately i like the idea of freelancing and the freedom it brings. I am my own boss and i think that sounds pretty great.

#BS300

Reflection: Build a Network- Even When You Don’t Think You Need One

I have always known the importance of networking. Due to working in the film industry from a young age I was constantly reminded that it is all about who you know. This did not stress me then as I felt quite confident with the relationships and networks I had built then in the film industry. However now that I have chosen a different career path and have virtually no art world connections I am quite terrified.

This reading has been helpful though as it has advised me to adjust my preconceived notions of what networking is and how to achieve it. It talks about how networking should not be looked at as a daunting and challenging thing or something like a transaction. Instead would should aim to gain and grow both professional and personal relationships through meeting new people that work in the same field. Networking should be seen as an opportunity to find like minded people who can also benefit from your relationship. It is important to remember that we are all human beings and that we need not be afraid of each other. We must take eachother off of the pedestals we have placed them on and speak to them as equals. Be confident and be yourself and you are guaranteed to gain from the act of networking.

#BS300

Reflection: How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul

One of the main things that stuck out to me in this reading was how toxic anxiety can be very harmful to the creative process. I relate to this on a very personal level and find that if I am overly anxious or stressed my creative abilty is greatly diminished. To combat this it is important to create deadlines for yourself and stick to them within their peramiters. I feel when I set a deadline for myself and dont stick to it it makes it so much harder to try and start it due to the anxiety caused. However on the same not it is also important to make allowances and be gentle with oneself as so not to burn out and to get the best out of their creative abilities.

Thinking ahead and seeing the bigger picture is vital. One needs to make strategies that can help them accomplish their short term and long term goals. Work with what you have and how you are feeling. If you are not going to be able to achieve the days work you set out out for yourself due to illness or emotional troubles, its okay, just stratagise so you will be able to work with it in the future. Be patient with yourself but still practice self discipline.

#BS300

Business Studies Task 2: A Practice of Openness

Daily- I want to wake up early in the morning and give myself more tme to get ready for the day. I find it very hard to get out of bed and as a result I am often late for things. I think that maybe if I set out a simple goal to get me out of bed faster and earlier it could work. Maybe like immediately getting up and making tea as soon as my alarm goes off. I think by getting out of bed earlier and therfore being more on time to things it could improve my quality of life.

Weekly- I would like to go for more walks, not long ones that I can't commit to but atleast a stroll around a park or my neighborhood. I want to get moving and change my environment a little as i am often just finding myself at school or at home.

Monthly- I would like to increase my social activity. Nothing too much sa that may be overwhelming but maybe going out for dinner with a friend or going to a gallery exhibition.

#BS300

Reflection: Overthrowing the Tyranny of the Ideal

For someone who constantly battles with the concept of failure this was a very insightful and encouraging read. To understand that failure is something you are in charge of and only occurs when you choose to atop growing, trying and learning.

Everyone has a critic that sits in their heads and whispers damaging thoughts. Its something we all share but no one really names it. I thing the Tyranny of the Ideal is a good place to start. It speaks to the idea that seeking perfection and when when goals are not achieved you feel like a failure because that little voice is telling you so. When setting yourself up to achieve perfection you are only solidifying your fate of failure. To achieve your goals you need to take it one step at a time and adjust with the changes that may occur. To go straight into it seeking perfection only feeds the little voice who is anxiously waiting to tell you its evil thoughts. However this little voice that speaks the words of failure doesn't need to be a bad thing if you choose it. Failure can be one of the best ways to learn and improve upon yourself. By setting small goals and working with the failures you can ultimately achieve and mute out the tyranny of the ideal.

#BS300

Reflection: Maximise Your Potential: Grow Your Expertise, Take Bold Risks and Build an Incredible Career

This reading was very informative as it highlighted some of the traits and values that i need to apply in certain working and personal environments. What I found refreshing was that both chapters stated there is no set path to achieving ones goals and that it depends on you and your own time. I often feel there is a pressure to achieve things by a certain age and in a certain amount of time so this helped eade some of that anxiety. Throughout the reading the importance of grasping new opportunities was stressed. If giving the opportunity to learn new skills and grow one must not shy from it. By taking opportunities when they come it will push you further into success.

Later on in the reading Making Your Own Luck Jocelyn K. Glei’s stated that “titles are a trap” really resonated with me.Society has put so much pressure on a name and title and how it defines your worth. I feel that this pressure limits individuals to work towards new skills and widening their work field instead of just climbing a ladder. I feel that titles create a sense of hierarchy that limits positive reinforcement in the workplace and can create a hostile environment. Instead i feel work places need to celebrated open mindedness and positivity to encourage better work flow and a healthier environment.

#BS300

Business Studies Task Week 1: Personal Goal Setting

I am and always have been terrible with time management and self motivation. These characteristics have haunted me my whole life. When i was a child i was diagnosed with ADD and that can be largely to blame for these weaknesses of mine. I have been placed on and off medication to assist with combating the focus to bring self motivation to light but medication cant be the answer. It starts with me. Unfortunately i have started and restarted countless times. In grade nine it was recommended I join a time management class that was created for the matrics. I was 40 minutes late to the first session. As funny as it is I am only failing myself. Over the years I have developed more skills to try and be better at self motivation and time management however it is still a daily struggle. It is not that i don’t want to do something it is just simply that i have no drive to do it. As a result i leave everything to the last minute so i can take advantage of the kick of adrenaline to reach the deadline. It is very bad for my health and wont help me in the long run. So here i am catching up my business because once again i have left everything to the last possible minute. It doesn't mean i am stupid or lazy it just means that i have to work a little harder for these attributes than others. I have set myself todo lists, I have two calendars, one physical and one digital that is synced to my devices and a constant reminders to breathe. I use small doses of ritilin when i feel it is absolutely necessary but other than that I know i still have a long way to go in improving my self motivation and time management but what is important is that i am trying.

#BS300

Business Studies TASK 4: Job hunting

Art gallery manager

I am very interested in working in a gallery. Although I don't plan on doing so for the rest of my life, I think that I can gain a lot of knowledge and experience with regards to the commercial art world. Once graduating I would like to work in a gallery as it is a more structured position and will provide me with the skills needed to succeed with my own work. I would need to find an internship to gain experience before I could apply for this job.

https://www.mncjobs.co.za/jobs/art-gallery-manager-cape-town-386086?utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic

Gallery Administrator at Smith

I think this is a great option for a job coming out of graduation as I will be assisting people and this will allow for me to learn from them as well as gain an opportunity for networking. I am proficient with the programs required however mail chimps is something I would need to learn. Hours and salary were not posted so I am curious to know what those would be.

https://vansa.co.za/opportunities/gallery-administrator-at-smith-studio/

#BS300

Business Studies Task 3: Internship Plan

Where do you intend to intern?

I intend to intern at a contemporary art gallery, preferably one in the more mainstream circuit. I would really ideally want to intern at WHATIFTHEWORLD, Stevenson or 99 Loop.

When should each internship be scheduled?

I would like the internship to be shedualled in my college holidays and preferably not during term time. I feel that by including this into my holidays I can fully immerse myself into the experience and allow for the best possible engagement.

Motivation behind each internship (this is why you would like to do an internship with that person/organisation)?

I am fascinated with the contemporary art world as a whole. There are so many factors that go into the ins and outs of a gallery and creating a show. To be part of this team that works behind the scenes would be such a valuable learning experience and I feel that I could really benefit from the knowledge I would learn.

What do you need to actively do in order to prepare for this/these internships?

Most importantly I would need to apply for the internships and express my interest in learning from the team in the listed galleries. I would also like to familiarise my self with their locations, how often they put of shows and which artists they represent. I also need to familiarise myself with certain software used for admin, ie Microsoft excel, numbers, incase they would like me to assist in that side of production. Finally I need to ensure that my CV is up to date and professional.

Tutorial Gallery Questions

Smac:

1) Why are four of the works named “tuck shop” and the rest not?

2) Did the artist consider the sound to be a seperate sound piece or an accompaniment to all the work?

3) Was the artist pushing the current trend of found object tapistry lime works or just recreating it?

Blank:

1) Was the show planned between the artists or did the curator choose two artists separately?

2) Did the artists contribute to the curation?

3) Did the curator feed off of similarities of the work?

Stevenson:

1) Why didn’t the artist make it clear that they were quoting Maya Angeou?

2) Were they trained in cursive in school?

3) By writing in the style of cursive are they commenting on the colonial influence in developing African countries?

Goodman:

1) Does the artist have a history in film?

2) Are these self portraits?

3) How much research went into replicating the male directors personalities?

Bonus: How did the artist manage to choose from the giant pool of male directors?

Business Studies Week 4: Reflection on Reading

Principles underlying Nonviolent Communication by Erik Torenberg & Power Up Your Team with Nonviolent Communication Principles by First Round Review

The act of violence, contrary to popular belief, does not only manifest in physical actions. Violence can also manifest in our daily communications with one another. Poorly chosen words or problematic vocal tones can bring forth uncomfortable conflict and can hurt others. To combat this it is best to practice Nonviolent communication (NVC).

Nonviolent communication (NVC) can be described as the way in which we express ourselves to others in a respectful manner. It puts specific focus on empathy and “how we communicate and connect with ourselves”. In relation to ourselves, our violent communicative tendencies can ultimately be seen as a result of unmet needs and low self esteem. In response to these unmet needs people often resort to using labels when communicating. Labels such as good, bad, right, wrong and so on and so forth can be damaging and can create a hostile work environment.

According to the readings it is best to stay away from blaming words like these and instead focus on yourself. Communicating your own feelings has proven to be more beneficial and less hostile than using negative labels. Using statements like “I feel…” and other forms of nonviolent communication can create opportunities for growth and healthy communication therefore avoiding conflict and hostility.

#BS220

Installation Work: Lab Eight - Documentation

Lab eight saw the creation of an atlas. The atlas provided an in-depth review of all the previous labs combined. It also allowed for one to express their own creativity and understanding of these installation workshops.

The labs that were featured in the atlas presented were:

Lab 1: Columns

Lab 2: Piles, Stacks and String

Lab 3: Floor and Wall

Lab 4: Blobs, Drips and Soft Forms

Lab 5: Paper Craft

Lab 6: Screens

Lab 7: Light Sources

The atlas also presented fun tips and anecdotes about the past experiences with the labs.

Business Studies Week Two: Reflection on Reading

How to Escape the Dreaded Drama Triangle by Remy Blumenfeld

This readings’ explanation of what the drama triangle is and how it functions is clear and coherent. The roles that are situated in the drama triangle were also communicated well. These roles include; the victim, the persecutor and the rescuer. Human beings in modern society all fall into one of these categories when responding to situations. These roles are however in constant motion and can change depending on the environment and situation. Important aspects of these three characteristic should be noted when participating in The Drama Triangle. When one portrays the role of the rescuer the fulfillment or relief that is felt is only temporary. The rescuer will also often overexert themselves as a result of trying to assist others and overachieve in their own sections. The victim will often feel powerless in work situations and is frequently associated with having low self esteem. The relationship between the rescuer and the victim is complicated as the rescuer will want to help the victim, which they allow, but this assistance results in further weakening the victims power. The persecutor is a difficult characteristic as they are not very well liked and have the negative trait of blaming others. This ultimately is detrimental to both the production of the office as well as the individuals own personal growth.

The Empowerment Dynamic (TED) is also an effective model of placing conflict and personal responses to a situation. However according to the reading The Empowerment Dynamic is considered to be more effective and beneficial than the drama triangle. It places focus on creating a healthy environment and growth for passion based actions. I feel that I would benefit more from The Empowerment Dynamic as it seems to be nurturing and encouraging as opposed to The Drama Triangle’s more strict, labelling technique.

#BS220

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

Lauren Charlie Bailey