#reflection and evaluation

[elinormakin]

RECONSTRUCTED PAINTING

Here is the latest “reconstructed” painting which I created by being informed by the series of experiments I completed with paper manipulations. What I find most successful and intriguing about this sample is the incidental gap/ noticeable lift between the two separate paintings. I think this particularly came apparent in the images I took of the painting.

I am not completely sure why this is so interesting to me but it is most likely in the idea of disrupting a reading of a painting and having control over something- quite aggressive. In terms of my project concept I think subtly like this are beginning to make me realize what I want to comment on through my work regarding the perception of powerful women. The fabrication and weird (almost fetish) behavior to depicting women against a misogynist criteria set out by the media and a hierarchy. This couldn’t have been established within my ideas before I started my practical work which is something I enjoy about my design process and find it a strength to be able to follow the direction of the project naturally.

[elinormakin]

WEEKLY REFLECTION

I reflected on what I achieved last week through my FMP diary, thinking about what was successful, difficult and what to improve for the progress of this week. I find reflecting on a weekly basis helps me understand the progression and journey of my project, looking at the bigger picture.

Last week was really successful for me as I think I worked really hard to continue my research and find something from it that would help inform the beginning of my practical work- sketches.

By practising the process of Automatic Drawing during last week I found a new interest in this idea of having first impressions and stereotypes and how they interlink with perception. The outcomes of this experimental series was also interesting to evaluate and consider why certain drawing and mark making was made.

Having said this, the thumbnail sketches that followed which focused on Theresa May were equally valuable in picking out what visual language can support my ideas in an innovative and curious way.

[elinormakin]

TUTORIAL WITH MEI LING (20/03)

During college yesterday I had a tutorial with another tutor, introducing her to my Final Major Project as she is not with our class permanently so hasn’t seen the beginning of our FMPs. 

Throughout the tutorial I was given suggestions of artists and examples of where my concept could be viewed in wider society which I found useful as they opposed alternatives to my existing research like Malala. We also agreed that I should probably focus on one person as a case study to support my project which would refine my focus and research a lot. I have decided to use Theresa May as my case study as it makes sense to me to use the most relevant and active individual as my project in order to engage with the audience the most which is a consideration that we learned I wanted to pursue.

Additonally, my tutorial resulted in an exciting idea about how to fuse my interest with paint and sculpture together and help me start to come up with visual language that could equip to both. I will print out copies of the images of Theresa May that I have been referencing in my initial thumbnail sketches and then use different paper manipulations to experiment with altering her body, face and general appearance e.g scrunching. I then intend to photograph these experiments and consider how successful the manipulation has been which could result in me painting the outcomes or learning about the success of the physical changes. Other experiments could include wrapping the paper around different shaped objects and layering with Latex and PVA.

Overall, my tutorial was really successful in digging a bit further into the aspects of my theme that can provide exciting visual language and considering different sculptors that could be good contextual artists like Anthony Gormley.

[elinormakin]

WEEKLY REFLECTION 1

Last week was the beginning of my Final Major Project meaning I focused on redrafting and finalizing my project proposal (including proposed action plan and referenced bibliography) whilst also completing a depth of research that ranged from the subject to contextual artists and movements.

By successfully completing my project proposal, the rest of my week felt more clarified in terms of my direction for the next ten weeks. I used the Neil’s Toolbox website to reference my links in the bibliography correctly which then spurred me on to take out some books from the library including Manmade Language by Dale Spender.

Some of my secondary research last week included publications provided to me by a Research Fellow at IPPR North which concluded research and evidence on the gap between women in power in politics compared to men and suggests the reasons why. Following on from this starting point I found myself blogging different interactions, memes and images that I felt supported my concern over the perception of powerful women like the images of Cherie Blair right after Labour won the 1997.

During an initial tutorial, the TV series Spitting Image was mentioned therefore I watched a compilation of the sketches with Margret Thatchers puppet which I found really funny and relevant in the satirical attitude I have towards my project at the moment. The realization that the humorous tones interested me alongside a workshop led by a visiting tutor I began to research into the Fluxus movement and then Dadaism which was when I started to consider what artists research I want to gather for my project.

 I will be continuing on secondary and introducing primary research this week because I believe research is really important for my design process in order to avoid feeling uninspired or unmotivated. I think the most difficulty I faced last week was over considering what avenues of research I wanted to pursue which I resolved by understanding that at this early start of the project it is natural for my research/ ideas to be not completely relevant to each other and that refinement is happening daily.

My intentions for this week is to continue the research and primary drawings/ photographs whilst trying to reflect on my progressions more in the moment on my blog so I can understand my decisions easily.

[elinormakin]

WEEKLY REFLECTION

This past week has been significant in the progress and development of my project going from a series of initial and refined experimentation to considering mock ups and a final outcome for the exhibition at MAKE North Docks.

I used last week to complete any outstanding experiments that I wanted to complete before focusing on a mock up and research/ planning of the exhibition space.

Some of the experimentation I completed during the beginning of the week includes laser cutting with colour, wire continuous line and experimentation with melted plastic and left over laser cut outs. 

I am happy that I completed these additional experiments as they have inspired me for the final installation based outcome. Additionally, I used the rest of the week to catch up with sketchbook presentation and annotation as well as preparation for mock ups and research for presentation regarding the exhibition.

I originally planned to complete mock ups on Thursday however we completed a mini mock up as part of a peer review on Monday which I was unaware of. After this, my ideas for the final outcome changed due to effective feedback therefore I plan on experimenting with mock ups tomorrow.

Finally, the most significant part of my week has been visiting the exhibition space at MAKE North Docks which I documented through photographs and notes in my rough book. This was important for me to understand what environment I am working with regarding an installation based outcome.

[nataliehaku]

End of week reflection.

//Unit 13: Thanatophobia//. W/C: 22.05.17. -This week, I intended to get my final images completed and printed to glossy paper ready for hand in. I also intended to blog and annotate work where possible, and perhaps paint my board and plinth for the final show. -Space planning for all students had not been completed and I hadn't yet been allocated a board, plinth or space yet, so I didn't prepare my space. However, I did complete all of my images to the highest possible standard, with a variety of problem solving to go alongside this. However, this task took up the whole week due to she sheer quantity of images that needed to be produced, and the standard I completed them to. I still need to record the process on my blog and in my book. -Over half term, I will be coming in to complete my first set of forms, and I will aim to annotate all work up to date. This will mean that on hand in week, I will only need to set the show up, complete my second set of forms, blog and annotate, which is a reasonable amount to do.

[nataliehaku]

//Unit 13: Thanatophobia//. -Reflections/summaries of each technique, summing up how successful the work was, if it met the intentions outlined in my proposal, and pros/cons/if it could be considered for a final piece, to ensure that my reflections have been analytic enough and fully cover all necessary points of annotation.

[nataliehaku]

//Unit 13: Thanatophobia//. -This week, I completed more research to inform my project, and help to generate ideas. I looked into symbolism more (colours, animals, symbols, etc.), as well as researching articles (''How to overcome death"), and the responses to this, where individuals stated why they were afraid of death. I feel that this was successful as it allowed me to view other opinions, and the effects on sufferers articulated in their own words, adding a personal touch to my work, if I feel I can use these. I also feel that completing more research was successful, as it allows me to keep considering my original intentions and reminding me how or what to portray. -We also had a group tutorial with Liz this week, where we looked into reflection and how to make reflection and annotation more successful against the grade criteria. I feel that this was very helpful, as it will help me with written work, and evaluating work more successfully, ensuring I can hit the grade criteria for evaluation, reflection and problem solving. I think that the main thing that I took from this tutorial is that I need to do more in-the-moment reflection, showing an immediate response to what I am producing or carrying out; I will aim to do this more often.