Within this Exploratory Module and in particular the making sessions, and the imagery produced during these sessions have displayed diverse and extensive photographs that has allowed plenty of research scope in regards to femininity, the aging element and body image.
Learning and developing my understanding of self expression within photography rather than my prefered medium of painting, has allowed me to explore different ways of experimenting by using my own body as the main focus for my creativity and exploration of aspects of my identity.
These module and the use of the camera has allowed me the opportunity to not only be the subject matter but also the creator of the work.
However the sessions were long because the application of the paint to my skin at times took up to four hours, then taking the photographs often carried on until late into the evening.
Afterwards I would then sort through the images cropping, then I would make the decision to either keep the image either as a coloured picture or as a monochromatic image. Then I would use photoshop as a tool to deepen the contrast of the piece.
However due to the time element which I used mainly for the process of creativity and therefore I neglected the theory issues that would underpin my work until quite late into the module.
Furthermore I did not allow enough time to concentrate on my writing which I recognise as my weakest area within the MA.
I have learnt that within my making process I have been able to project through my work very private and intensely personal aspects of life exposing my body as the tool of communication in a creative and visual manner.
To creative this series of work I used my home as the focus of place, mainly I used my bedroom, shower room and upstairs landing. This is a place of safety which allowed me the confidence to continually explore the context of my images through each individual session.
I used a full length mirror to help me with the composition of the images especially when I was working on my own. This tool was invaluable during this module as a visual aid and became an intrinsic part of the work because it reflects the different perspectives of my identity.
This whole module has been about taking risks because it has involved showing my imperfect aging body, and the very private essence of my thoughts even soul and body and allowing this to be become public property, open to negative reactions.
Sadly this became a reality when somebody from work made a judgement regarding my work without even viewing this module. This has become a valuable lesson learnt and I have gained more of an understanding on how art is separated from the public due to a lack of understanding.
Because of this on a personal level I have to admit that I have lost self- confidence not only in my work but in myself as an individual, and for someone who has suffered with depression in this last year and is on medication this reaction has not helped.
On a positive note this could be another area of research that could be investigated through the creative process.
Furthermore the risks I have taken during this module has pushed me to take interesting and relevant risks, especially regarding the use of my body as the canvas.
In using my own body and within the risks that I have taken within the module I was able rein in at times and not create work that would not offensive, I did not want to cross the line into pornography which really could easily be crossed.
Because as an artist how far should I go?
What I recognise is that as an artist I have a duty of care to create work that is relevant and important and how I explore these elements are as important, creating imagery just to offend is not an area in which I would venture.
The main issue I encountered has been towards the end of the module because I concentrated more on the creation of the work and I did struggle with the time that needed to me spent on the theoretical placement of my work, academically this is my weakest area, however I have found time and I have put alot of effort into this module, furthermore I have had a huge amount of support not only from the tutors but the group of students with whom I had three meetings with on google during this module.
These meetings with Amelia, Claire and Alexa, took place on the 1st March, on the 19th April and on the 26th April these meetings allowed me the chance to not only let off steam but time to discuss in depth each individual's work created throughout this module. During these meetings the invaluable advice given and support has been invaluable to me and this was an intrinsic part of how I coped with the problems throughout this module.
Furthermore the individuals different characters have created a group who have become more cohesive and have gained an understanding of each others personality and our strengths and weaknesses.
This development has helped me to gain confidence in how I verbally discuss my work, furthermore I am gaining confidence to impart advice and some of my knowledge of art issues to these particular students, as well as accepting advice and help that has been offered via the students. Within these meetings we discussed the artists Cindy Sherman (b.1954) and Mona Hatoum (b.1952) I have been really drawn into their work because they explore the issues of feminine identity which reflect how confined we as women are at times confined within the constricts of society.
I do believe my work draws on the concept of identity through the images I have created reflected through my own personal reflection.
The images I have created does explore the multi-faceted elements of everyday life and as well showing personal beliefs, these are taken through my own personal perception and also extends into extension of my identity that is reflected into the social context of feminine identity.
My personal challenge during this module was to be brave and explore beyond the obvious, and attempt to create unusual and obscure imagery. I wanted to be experimental, to use Photoshop and explore what this particular software could do, but not to overdo the processes of photoshop.
I do have issues and concerns regarding my body however I did want to be brave and deal with the issues of nudity on a personal level, however in exploring this element was not to cross the line into pornography.
Within the work that I wanted to create I believed the sense of being uncomfortable and should be reflected within the imagery, however I wanted the imagery to be strong, sharp and I wanted the writing and any images that I created did not overwhelm the skin.
Furthermore I wanted to produce a strong body of work rather than a final piece, also I was going to make the effort to keep records of each stage and processes that I attempt and I believe this has been reflected on my blogsite.
These personal challenges that I had set myself gave me the incentives to succeed with these particular elements, however I wished I had made more emphasis on the writing side of this course.
What I have learnt regarding the work I have produced during this module that creating work that explores self-portrait for me has been an invaluable tool for self expression, as well as exploring my identity through this work.
I need to divide time between creating and researching, furthermore I recognise that I do need to focus and concentrate on my writing which could be considered to be my weakest area, however this could be down to lack of confidence which has started to grow as the course has continued to develop.
However the sessions were long because the application of the paint to my skin at times took up to four hours, then taking the photographs often carried on until late into the evening.
Afterwards I would then sort through the images cropping, then I would make the decision to either keep the image either as a coloured picture or as a monochromatic image. Then I would use photoshop as a tool to deepen the contrast of the piece.
However due to the time element which I used mainly for the process of creativity and therefore I neglected the theory issues that would underpin my work until quite late into the module.
Furthermore I did not allow enough time to concentrate on my writing which I recognise as my weakest area within the MA.
I have learnt that within my making process I have been able to project through my work very private and intensely personal aspects of life exposing my body as the tool of communication in a creative and visual manner.
To creative this series of work I used my home as the focus of place, mainly I used my bedroom, shower room and upstairs landing. This is a place of safety which allowed me the confidence to continually explore the context of my images through each individual session.
I used a full length mirror to help me with the composition of the images especially when I was working on my own. This tool was invaluable during this module as a visual aid and became an intrinsic part of the work because it reflects the different perspectives of my identity.
This whole module has been about taking risks because it has involved showing my imperfect aging body, and the very private essence of my thoughts even soul and body and allowing this to be become public property, open to negative reactions.
Sadly this became a reality when somebody from work made a judgement regarding my work without even viewing this module. This has become a valuable lesson learnt and I have gained more of an understanding on how art is separated from the public due to a lack of understanding.
Because of this on a personal level I have to admit that I have lost self- confidence not only in my work but in myself as an individual, and for someone who has suffered with depression in this last year and is on medication this reaction has not helped.
On a positive note this could be another area of research that could be investigated through the creative process.
Furthermore the risks I have taken during this module has pushed me to take interesting and relevant risks, especially regarding the use of my body as the canvas.
In using my own body and within the risks that I have taken within the module I was able rein in at times and not create work that would not offensive, I did not want to cross the line into pornography which really could easily be crossed.
Because as an artist how far should I go?
What I recognise is that as an artist I have a duty of care to create work that is relevant and important and how I explore these elements are as important, creating imagery just to offend is not an area in which I would venture.
The main issue I encountered has been towards the end of the module because I concentrated more on the creation of the work and I did struggle with the time that needed to me spent on the theoretical placement of my work, academically this is my weakest area, however I have found time and I have put alot of effort into this module, furthermore I have had a huge amount of support not only from the tutors but the group of students with whom I had three meetings with on google during this module.
These meetings with Amelia, Claire and Alexa, took place on the 1st March, on the 19th April and on the 26th April these meetings allowed me the chance to not only let off steam but time to discuss in depth each individual's work created throughout this module. During these meetings the invaluable advice given and support has been invaluable to me and this was an intrinsic part of how I coped with the problems throughout this module.
Furthermore the individuals different characters have created a group who have become more cohesive and have gained an understanding of each others personality and our strengths and weaknesses.
This development has helped me to gain confidence in how I verbally discuss my work, furthermore I am gaining confidence to impart advice and some of my knowledge of art issues to these particular students, as well as accepting advice and help that has been offered via the students. Within these meetings we discussed the artists Cindy Sherman (b.1954) and Mona Hatoum (b.1952) I have been really drawn into their work because they explore the issues of feminine identity which reflect how confined we as women are at times confined within the constricts of society.
I do believe my work draws on the concept of identity through the images I have created reflected through my own personal reflection.
The images I have created does explore the multi-faceted elements of everyday life and as well showing personal beliefs, these are taken through my own personal perception and also extends into extension of my identity that is reflected into the social context of feminine identity.
My personal challenge during this module was to be brave and explore beyond the obvious, and attempt to create unusual and obscure imagery. I wanted to be experimental, to use Photoshop and explore what this particular software could do, but not to overdo the processes of photoshop.
I do have issues and concerns regarding my body however I did want to be brave and deal with the issues of nudity on a personal level, however in exploring this element was not to cross the line into pornography.
Within the work that I wanted to create I believed the sense of being uncomfortable and should be reflected within the imagery, however I wanted the imagery to be strong, sharp and I wanted the writing and any images that I created did not overwhelm the skin.
Furthermore I wanted to produce a strong body of work rather than a final piece, also I was going to make the effort to keep records of each stage and processes that I attempt and I believe this has been reflected on my blogsite.
These personal challenges that I had set myself gave me the incentives to succeed with these particular elements, however I wished I had made more emphasis on the writing side of this course.
What I have learnt regarding the work I have produced during this module that creating work that explores self-portrait for me has been an invaluable tool for self expression, as well as exploring my identity through this work.
I need to divide time between creating and researching, furthermore I recognise that I do need to focus and concentrate on my writing which could be considered to be my weakest area, however this could be down to lack of confidence which has started to grow as the course has continued to develop.
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