DEGREES UNEDITED

# 3 [16 August 2012]

The State of Play is my most recent a-n Artists Talking blog, in case you're interested.

http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/sing...

Also, please check out my website for new work and up to date info on exhibitions:

www.eldidundee.com

# 2 [29 October 2009]

I decided after a year on this course that it was not the right choice for me, my money or my time.

Travel each way, door to door, took 2 hours. It was a 4 hour daily commitment I only had the heart and stamina to stick with for a year, rather than two, being that I am also a full time parent of a school aged child.

I decided that it was best to relinquish my place in favour of a PGCert for my completed first year, and keep my options open for a more suitable future course, in terms of location and actual programme.

I thank my globally and artistically varied fellow MA students for their companionship during what felt like a very stressful year indeed! And I thank Grenville Davey and Karen Raney especially for their support and belief in me. My memories of my tutorials and chats with them both are very fond indeed.

Through Grenville, I got to work with the Olympics Advisory Committee and Royal Academy of Arts architect Savina Torrisi on a public consultation workshop for the 2012 legacy for local people once the games are gone. The ideas that were brainstormed in that room were exciting and ingenious and I loved every minute of my experience helping to facilitate these great ideas into 3-D form.

Also through Grenville, we were approached by Canary Wharf's Art In the Workplace power-houses/curators Ann Elliot and Sally Williams to propose work for the lobby of 1 Canada Water. It was a smashing opportunity for all who participated, and for which I am very grateful to have experienced. The work was shown in the hulky space throughout summer 2009 and was an intriguing marriage of dark, heavy corporate marble, stainless steel and glass and artistic whimsy of a high standard.  Thanks to all who helped make the show happen.

# 1 [22 July 2009]

The full timers on my course are preparing to work over the summer all over the college now that the BA's and Doctorates have finished for the year; every studio in the college is empty and up for grabs.

The part timers are not really meant to have a studio space, but as I was full time for the first term and only changed to part time in the second term, not to mention having paid my tuition fees in full up front, a blind eye was turned and the rules bent a little to allow me to stay in the space.

Over the summer, if no one needs that space, I can still work there, if I want to...

I'm actually considering not going back next year, however-- for a variety of reasons.

I think I will probably ask for a PG Cert, which completing the first year makes me eligible for.

My full time colleagues thought I was mad to switch to part time and thought I should have got the degree done in one year-- the Dean seemed to have felt the same.

But I needed a little breathing space, as the travel to the far reaches of East London from a part of South London that is off the tube map meant that travel to and from college took a minimum of 2 hours each way when the interchanges were working. Sometimes it took much longer.

Not really conducive to a thriving studio practice-- talk about inconvenient!! But though I survived a year of intensely commuting, I am loathe to repeat that routine again next year. Especially as I have a child to look after, too!

I think I would rather take a year out and reflect on what this past year has been about for me in terms of my practice and future goals.  With a PG Cert in my hands at least to show for it.

Then, if I decide that I definitely want to retrurn to postgrad art education, I will apply elsewhere, somewhere closer to home and with a solid reputation.

I simply can't see myself returning for another year, however, I will give myself the summer to make up my mind...

If anyone is thinking of doing the MA and wants to get in touch to find out what it is like at UEL, please feel free to get in touch.