Victoria Munley

@vicmunley

Contemporary Art Student

163 posts

Term Three

Holding on to What Remains (2020)

Paper, watercolour paint, dust, facial strips, glue and thread

Term 2B

I Can’t Escape My Body (2020)

I Can’t Escape My Body

Victoria Munley

2020

Watercolour and Ink on Paper

62 x 96 cm

I Can’t Escape My Body, is exploring and reflecting upon the personal relationship with my body. It is creating a dialogue between the thoughts and feelings, I have been forced to confront and interrogate within this time of disconnection. During this time there has been no escape from oneself and we have been forced to solely be in the presence of ourselves. I Can’t Escape My Body, captures how I have experienced my body throughout the time of lockdown, with the use of text personal moments and thoughts are captured and described. The paper has been manipulated by wrapping it around my body to create bodily shapes and so the work carries traces of my body’s movements.

Traces of Being

Traces of Being, is a body of work that dissects and reflects upon personal experiences of scarring of the skin, emotional scarring, and internal scarring due to the effects of medical procedures and illness. These works explore and include personal memories, feelings and thoughts the scars hold, as well as the dates that hold significant meaning in relation to the scars. The materials used have been manipulated in a number of ways to reflect the treatment of the body, both internally and externally. The actions and materials used reflect upon both pain and healing, this is portrayed through the use of marks made.

Intimate Scarring 2020 Paper, Glue, Watercolour Paint and Thread 22.5 x 59 cm

Concealed Residue 2020 Material, Gauze, Thread, Candle Wax and Watercolour Paint 18.5 x 18cm

Term 2B - Atrophy

Atrophy is a work created in response to the words; trauma, recovery, bodily, embrace and memory. This work focuses on internal body trauma, it is a bodily and visceral sculpture that has been created from air-drying clay and acrylic paint. The sculpture is made up from an accumulation and recovering of broken pieces from a number of bodily and abject sculptures I created. Atrophy explores and imagines how the body is scarred and broken down due to illness. It is visualising the biological process the body breaking down muscle, tissue and fat in order to produce energy and in order to survive. I am reflecting upon my own experience of having an eating disorder and celiac disease and how my body deteriorated and did all that it could to survive and recover itself.

Atrophy

2020

Air-drying clay and acrylic paint

30 x 24 x 3 cm

Atrophy

2020

Air-drying clay and acrylic paint

30 x 24 x 3 cm

Atrophy (Detail)

2020

Air-drying clay and acrylic paint

30 x 24 x 3 cm

Atrophy (Detail)

2020

Air-drying clay and acrylic paint

30 x 24 x 3 cm

Atrophy (Detail)

2020

Air-drying clay and acrylic paint

30 x 24 x 3 cm

Hidden Scars

Hidden Scars

Watercolour series

2020

Hidden Scars is a series of watercolour paintings that explores the visibility/invisibility of our bodies’ trauma. This series specifically portrays the scars my own body shows from the trauma it has endured. Our scars hold their own memories; however, they often catch the gaze from others who may imagine a different narrative. Through different styles of mark making I slightly disguise the scars and allow them to sink to the painting. Their true stories are unknown. In addition to this, I also treated the paper as if it was skin by following out actions such as rubbing and squeezing it.

Hidden Scars 1/6

Hidden Scars 2/6

Hidden Scars 3/6

Hidden Scars 4/6

Hidden Scars 5/6

Hidden Scars 6/6

Task 6: WHY?

I chose to attend art school as it is something, I am very passionate about. Creating art has allowed me to express myself my feelings and thoughts. It has allowed me to work through different ideas, struggles and challenges. It has allowed me to grow as a person.

I would love to be able to be in a position where I am able to help others explore and express their own feelings, whether this be as an art therapist or working with an NGO. I am passionate about using my own experiences to be able to help others. I am also passionate about teaching and empowering young children. I think creativity is often overlooked in schools and I would like to highlight its importance.

Being passionate about what I do is crucial as it will give me a lot energy, enthusiasm and motivation to carry it out to the best of my ability.

Reading Reflection: Start with Why

Sinek, S. 2009. "Start with Why". London: Penguin Random House

This was an interesting and informative read. I hadn't heard of The Golden Circle before, but I am very encouraged and intruiged by its terms and success.

The fact that only a few leaders chose to inspire rather than manipulate in order to motivate people is shocking and disappointing to read.The leaders who do chose to inspire follow The Golden Circle pattern. The pattern was I spired by the golden ratio. This I find very interesting. The golden ratio is a simple mathematical relationship that can also be applied in a large number of different fields.

The Golden Circle finds order and predictability in human behaviour. It provides evidence that shows how much we can achieve if we first stop and ask why. Asking why is something I do far too little of, I often just complete the task in hand instead of first thinking about what purpose it may be serving, why do I care and what am I hoping to achieve etc.

The Golden Circle shows how leaders are able to use inspiration instead of manipulation to encourage others to act.

The Golden Circle can be used as a guide not to only improve leadership but also to improve; business culture, product development, sales, and marketing. It can help a company turn an idea into a social movement.

Sinek describes the terms of the circle. They include what, how and why.

WHAT – A company and every employee must know what they do. Whats are easy to identify

HOW – Not all companies or employees know how they do what they do. Hows are given to show how something is different or better.

WHY- Very few people can identify why they do what they do.

Whys can include:

- What is your purpose, cause or belief?

- Why does your company exist?

- Why should anyone care?

It is important to note that a message that starts with why has a more inspiring and positive impact. It is something deeper and more likely to connect with the potential buyer or client. Another crucial point is to remember that the work of the company, organisation or person must also reflect the why.

A person’s decision to buy or invest often starts with why. They want something that they can connect to, something that is meaningful.

Sinek gave the example of Apple being a great company who uses The Golden Circle and how we are able to see their lasting success. This shows that a company defined by why and not what is much more successful. Knowing your why and living by your why will create lasting success.

To Freelance or not to Freelance

Becoming an independent practitioner is something I have thought about a lot, I have been debating the idea for the past couple of years. There are a number of pros and cons for becoming an independent practitioner.

Pros include:

- Creating my own schedule, I can work at the times that suit me best

- The freedom to choose what to create

- Meeting and connecting with new people

- Exhibiting in new and different spaces

- Being able to work and travel - I would be able to work when travelling back to England

However, I am aware there are many cons, especially to being a full-time independent practitioner. Cons include:

- Possible lack of income which will cause anxiety and stress

- Worry of how to fill time between jobs

- Time-management, possibility I could leave everything until the last minute

- Not having the benefits of a full-time employment contract such as paid sick leave and medical aid

- I personally struggle a lot with reaching out and networking which could limit my opportunities

- Being tied into a contract where I am unable to move to new spaces/galleries

To be able to work as an independent practitioner I would need a space to work outside of my apartment. If I am stuck in the house all day I struggle with motivation and I would struggle to work and stick to schedules. I would also need to practice networking a lot. This means I will need to go to gallery openings and art events. As networking is such a crucial part of freelancing. If I did freelance I would definitely get a part time job as well, whether that be in education, childcare or working in an NGO. This would bring me a sense of security and help with my anxiety as welling to help give me more of a schedule to follow.

Reading Reflection: Talent is Not Enough:Business Secrets for Designers

Shel Perkins

Talent is Not Enough: Business Secrets for Designers

Chapter 04: Sample Independent contractor agreement

This reading is an important one, however I didn’t find that everything it applied to me. It was quite a tedious reading, but it is crucial that it is read carefully.

Overall, I found this document quite intimidating.

The contract does cover extremely important points. The ones that stood out to me include:

- Intellectual property ownership

- Confidentiality

As an artist these will be crucial in my career, especially when working with galleries.

Other policies covered include:

- Services

- Compensation

- Originality and Nonfringement

- Conflicting obligations

- Term and termination

- Assignment

- Independent contractor

- Equitable relief

- Miscellaneous

A contract is always drawn up to keep both the firm and contractor safe. It also allows the contractor to know their restrictions and if they are able to do any other work etc.

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

Clark. D. 2020. Build a Network — Even When You Don’t Think You Need One, "Harvard Business Review". [Online]. <Available: https://hbr.org/2020/02/build-a-network-even-when-you-dont-think-you-need-one>

Dorie Clark begins by mentioning the many excuses we make to avoid networking. This Is something I relate to I often prioritise other things whether that be work, admin or other obligations I may have. Another big reason for myself for why I don’t network enough is definitely fear and anxiety. As an introvert I struggle in big crowds and find it difficult to start conversations with strangers, so I have often avoided these situations when possible. However these are fears I need to overcome as they definitely hold me back. Clark brings up the importance of finding time-efficient ways to connect, this helps o lose the excuse of not having time.

Another crucial point is to understand what networking is and is not.

Some helpful tips Clark gave to have a positive experience of networking and to be more excited about networking are:

- Identify people you truly respect - Create a wish list of people you would like to connect with - Recognise how a lack of networking may be holding you back - identify your vehicle for networking

Each of these helps to illuminate opportunities as well as helping to explore and overcome any concerns one may have about networking. I found these very helpful and will definitely use them as I begin to network more.

This was a very useful reading that I will keep going back to over time.

Extracted Remedies

Week 4 - Final Works

Extracted Remedies

Extracted Remedies investigates the human body, illness and healing, as well as the relationship be- tween mental illness and the physical body. It ex- plores materiality through the use of a range ma- terials that relate to the process of healing from an illness or injury. This includes gauze and a va- riety of medicines. The medicines used comprise of corenza-c, iron tablets, mitrazipine, medlemon, rehydrate and disprin. I chose to work with these medicines as I wanted to explore the different re- actions each one would create, and how each one would work as a painting tool. I also chose to work with gauze to create abstracted and uncanny soft sculptures of human organs, with each of these I stitched short statements found in the journal I kept during my time in hospital. This is reflecting uponmy own experince of physical and mental recovery.

A Tranquil Treatment

2020

Paper, wire, corenza-c, iron tablets, medlemon, rehydrate, mitrazipine, wa- tercolour paint and thread

A False Comfort

2020

Gauze, fabric, corenza-c, iron tablets, medlemon, disprin, rehydrate, water- colour paint and thread

Smothered

2020 Gauze, cotton wool and thread

Numb

2020 Gauze, cotton wool and thread

Installation View

Job Hunting

Creative Facilitator for Children

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Beaux-Arts+Kidz+Kraftz&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&ibp=htl;jobs&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwje7IK72ojoAhWMzIUKHTTgDHMQiYsCKAF6BAgHEBM#fpstate=tldetail&htivrt=jobs&htilrad=10.0&htidocid=j81QY2_zwJAp633zAAAAAA%3D%3D

- What about this position appeals to you?

There a couple of things that appeal to me about this position. The most appealing s being able to work with children. I am also excited by the fact that there is the possibility to travel to different schools in the area.

- What about this position intimidates you?

I am extremely eager to work with children, however, at the same time I am also nervous and intimidated by teaching/looking after a whole class especially older kids around the ages of 12/13.

- What more would you need to know about this position before you apply?

I would want to know what the training consists of and what is expected to be covered during lessons.

- How does this position relate to your envisioned career trajectory?

This position strongly relates to my envisioned career trajectory, I would love to work with children within the art context, encouraging children to follow their passion, as well as giving them opportunities to explore their thoughts and emotions in a creative way.

Museum Educator at Zeitz MOCAA

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=art+jobs+in+cape+town&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&ibp=htl;jobs&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwje7IK72ojoAhWMzIUKHTTgDHMQiYsCKAF6BAgHEBM#htivrt=jobs&htidocid=LNt-RYnH2Ed0Md8FAAAAAA%3D%3D&fpstate=tldetail

- What about this position appeals to you?

Similarly, to the previous position what appeals to me about this job is working with children and also being in an educational role. I think education is extremely important.

- What about this position intimidates you?

Something that intimidates me about this position is giving guided tours to children, students and teachers.

- What more would you need to know about this position before you apply?

I would need to know more about the South African primary and high school curriculum.

- How does this position relate to your envisioned career trajectory?

It again strongly relates to my aim to work with children, also work in an educational role which has been a career aim of mine for a very long time.

Visual Arts Facilitator at Lalela

https://ngojobsinafrica.com/job/visual-arts-facilitator-lalela/

-What about this position appeals to you?

Being able to work at NGO working with different communities and helping others follow their passion.

- What about this position intimidates you?

Something that intimidates me about this position is managing workload of administrative responsibilities as well as facilitating workshops for 30 – 40 learners.

- What more would you need to know about this position before you apply?

What a workshop consists of.

- How does this position relate to your envisioned career trajectory?

Working in community outreach and again working with children.

I would need to complete a teacher training course and have 2 years experience before applying for this job.

Internship Plan

NGO

Where you intend to intern?

I intend to intern at an NGO/NPO such as the Butterfly Project

When each internship should be scheduled?

The intern should be scheduled on a Thursday 9-5, as we do not currently have classes on a Thursday, otherwise I would schedule the internship for during college holidays.

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

I would like to intern at the Butterfly Project as the work they do with children really inspires and encourages me. I love seeing the different art workshops that take place for children in many different circumstances, but all have a passion for art. I thoroughly enjoy and I am very passionate about giving back to communities and specifically helping and empowering children and young people.

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

To prepare for this internship I would need to familiarise myself with every workshop that is offered as well as policies and objectives. I will then need to get in touch with the organisation and also find out if there are any documents I need to work with young children.

ART INSTITUTION

Where you intend to intern?

An art institution such as Norval Foundation

When each internship should be scheduled?

Weekends or college holidays, I am also willing to help and be present for openings of exhibitions as well as any events the foundation may hold.

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

I really enjoy and I am passionate about the educational aspects of the Norval Foundation. In addition to this I especially enjoy the sculpture garden, and I am also very interested in the curation of this gallery.

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

I need to familiarise myself with any software that is used in case I am doing admin work. I would also need to ensure I knew as much as possible about Norval Foundation. I will then to contact them with a cover letter and CV.

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

Shaughnessy, A. 2010. How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing your Soul. London: Laurence King

How to be a graphic designer, without losing your soul

Shaughnessy discusses a variety of tools that are crucial in the creative industry and how each of these can be improved.

Firstly, Shaughnessy makes the important point that these skills can be taught, although they are best developed heuristically.

Heuristically can be described as encouraging a person to learn discover, understand, or solve problems on their own as by experimenting, evaluating possible answers or solutions, or by trial and error.

Time Management

Time management is crucial and is definitely something I need to work on and can strongly relate to having a problem with managing my time and being stuck on the illusion that there isn’t enough time. Anxiety and fear have a huge effect on my time management. I found it very interesting that Shaughnessy noted that being stuck in anxiety, fear or panic is when time slips away. However, there is an importance of having some anxiety, as having no anxiety shows a lack of passion and commitment. A lot of anxiety comes from waiting and searching for the great idea, for me this time is filled with a lot self-doubt, and many questions. Even though this is very difficult during the time, but it definitely helps me to grow and develop ideas. A crucial point to highlight is the important link between professionalism and time management. Time management is critical in the workplace, this why it is very important to prioritising and determining what order to do different tasks in.

A very interesting point that Shaughnessy raised is that it is us who determines how slow or fast time goes.

Something that is vital to remember when scheduling and planning it is important to remember that it is inevitable that interruptions, disruptions and disasters will be happen. So, we must build in time in our plan/schedule for errors, mistakes, setbacks etc.

Strategy

Having a strategy in another tool that Shaughnessy spoke about. They noted the importance of the strategic positioning and creating and making process should go hand in hand.

Another vital part of strategy is combining research with audience intelligence. This is why there is importance in scheduling time for research and using that hand in hand with our creative intuition.

Sometimes we wonder how we get to a final idea, Shaughnessy stated that the unconscious mind always plays a part in the creative process. I found this point extremely interesting.

Presenting Skills

Another vital skill set to have in the creative industry is having presenting skills. We have to be able to present our ideas. Shaughnessy points out that it is important to present our ideas with objectivity. This is vital to remember!

It is important to have confidence when presenting. Confidence will grow with time, but I must definitely try to fake it till I make it!

Writing Skills

The final skill that Shaughnessy shared is the skill of writing. They highlight the importance of the delete key and the importance of editing. A lot of great writing comes editing and I really need to remember that! I definitely lack confidence in writing and to gain more confidence I need to keep practising and to keep reading.

Reading Reflection: Overthrowing the Tyranny of the Ideal

Lidsky, I. 2017. "EYES WIDE OPEN: Overcoming Obstacles and Recognizing Opportunities in a World That Can’t See Clearly". New York: Penguin Random House.

Isaac Lidsky refers to the critics in our heads as the tyranny of the ideal. Tyranny can be described as cruel, unreasonable, or arbitrary use of power or control. Lidsky speaks about the tyranny lures us into a false sense of optimism and hope of perfection. This creates a sense of warmth and comfort for us, even though we know perfection is unattainable.

I found it extremely interesting that Lidsky noted that our fear are behind our critic, and I most definitely related to the fears he listed; fear of failure, fear of success, and fear of the uncertainty. Lidsky also mentioned how the critic is its most strongest when we have not begun a task. I have experienced this many times, before I begin something I am filled with self-doubt which gives my critic the perfect opportunity to raise its voice to tell me I won’t achieve perfection etc. Which is not possible anyway!

Lidsky then goes on to speak about ‘the strong man’ who looks for and worships effort, struggle, momentum and growth. The strong man is confident in knowing that none of these things can be found in perfection. Lidsky said “There is no progress in the void of perfection, no motion, no life.” I really love what he is saying here, it reminds me of the growth we can attain and how much we can learn and achieve through the process of making mistakes and getting back up again. It also causes me to question is perfection really worth aiming for? The strong man also represents always improving, always growing, yearning for better but always knows no best. This is another reminder of striving for more but to remain humble. It is vital for me to remember the many characteristics of the strong man and to live them out in my own life.

Victoria Munley @vicmunley - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag