DEGREES UNEDITED

# 1 [21 March 2010]

I have been busy developing  four different sculptural forms and during this process constantly thinking about how they could be displayed. I want the pieces to explore and expand on the historical content of the buildings and landscape that inspired the work. I have introduced some signifiers as a means of encouraging the viewer to question the meaning and intent but feel a need to explore the traces and memories of what these buildings were used for. Even though the buildings dominate their surrounding landscape they are only a shadow of their former self and evoke a curiosity of what they could have or may have been. To explore the possibilities I have taken some of my pieces  into the photographic studio to explore creating shadows with some interesting and positive results. Though as usual with art work any new discovery creates more questions than answers and has left me pondering where to take my work next. Tutorial tomorrow, hopefully leading to some interesting discussions!

# 2 [23 March 2010]

Tutorial went well yesterday, was considering placing line drawn transfers on my building structures (images in last blog) but printed them on paper to se what they looked like and even though they are effective they seemed to detract from the piece, tutor agreed. So hours of hard work on photoshop may not be used, lots of learning achieved though so all positive. May use them as backdrops for the show. Have been busy getting photographs ready to send to new designers, have decided to include my circular forms. Screen printed the image on the inside of the form to represent the inaccessable nature of the buildings and the image of the windows evoking curiosity of what lays behind. Have been busy using letters that are symbolic of the history and function of the buildings before they were abandonded. All good so far, images to follow soon. Going to look at some studio space in Bristol on Friday with fellow students, feels exciting but scary looking at means of moving on from uni. Time is ticking faster than I can move, but enjoying filingthe time!!

# 3 [24 March 2010]

Very busy day today constructing my letters which I enjoy. In the afternoon was making glazes  then applying them and loading a kiln. I don't enjoy making the glazes as we have to wear a mask, but if the result is good it is satisfying. Looking forward to opening the kiln on Friday. Had a good tutorial with Amiee Lax, she gave me some good suggestion on how I could push the concept of the shadows further, all will be revealed in time

# 4 [27 March 2010]

Have spent the past couple of days feeling unsure about my work which doesn't feel good but also enables me to reflect on what I am doing at a different level and make push myself that bit further. So even though I'm having a wobble its a positive one!!!!!!!! (I hope). A group of us are looking at getting a studio together (reading the a-n guide about settin up a studio from back to front - highly recommended). viewed a great place on Fri although needs a bit of work, great space lots of room and we can do what we want to it!!!

Viewed an exhibition of Ione Parkin today at the RWA Bristol. Thought provoking and evocative work. She uses a combination of monoprint and mark making, no brushes. If you live near Bristol do go and see it, it is on until 27th April, if not view her website on ioneparkin.co.uk and enjoy.

# 5 [27 March 2010]

Looking through my photography and thinking about what to include in my degree show, any comments on the images included greatfully received. This is the problem with taking loads of images I suppose.

# 6 [7 April 2010]

have spent five days in Pembrokshire supposedly relaxing prior to the big push before the degree show, spent most of the time feeling exhausted and worrying about a kiln I had fired on the Thursday before going away. It had most of my work in and the start of a new project, if it all went wrong I don't know what I would have done.

It didn't go wrong, all work came out looking good. I have included images of my most recent project, they are not finished yet and there are another six letters to go with them. What they spell out will be revealed in due course. Also had completed pieces in same kiln, I am really pleased with how the print and the glaze have come out, looking forward to photographing them in situ.

My anxiety levels are rising as the date of the degree show looms ever nearer. It feels like there is to much to do but I'm sure it will all come together in the end. Have been thinking hard about exhibiting the work in another venue post degree show, would be good to do an exhibition in Bristol close to the architecture that has inspired my work.

# 7 [8 April 2010]

Hard day today, feeling exhausted, but still enjoying the process. Have decided to contact Bristol Industrial Museum to explore the potential of showing some of my work there when it reopens. Have also been keeping a note of empty shops around Bristol  (Loads at the moment) Thinking about using one for a solo exhibition.

We had a group meeting today to discuss our group studio project, all very complicated but we sem to be making progress. We will be revisiting the site I mentioned earlier and attempt to renegotiate a price, may not work as it is already fairly cheap. Fingers crossed.

# 8 [20 April 2010]

Had what a difficult but positive tutorial yesterday as I wanted to discuss my proposal for potential degree show space. Left me with a lot to mull over and a sleepless night running through options. Did not update blog following tutorial because felt unsure of how to put in writing complexity and strength of thoughts. Had another discussion today with tutor and all feels more in perspective. What a relief!!!!

I have produce a lot of work most of which I am pleased with, along with a significant amount of supporting photography, drawings and print. My dilemma was what to include in my degree show. Most of my work will be included for assessment but I have been struggling with the balance of showing more work to demonstrate the diversity of approach to my ideas to exploring the narrative behind my work with one strong piece. Following further discussion with my tutor it was a joy to find out he had been thinking along the same lines - concentrate on showing the one piece of work as it will increase the impact of the statement I am trying to make - communication is a complicated process, but one worth pursuing!!!!

We find out what space we are allocated tommorow. Will be good to know as then I can make firm decisions about layout and display.

Feeling very tired now as have been using my wet polisher to finish some of my pieces, why do they always make electrical tools so heavy????

# 9 [4 May 2010]

Oh my gosh it seems so long since I last blogged I have been very busy trying to develop my website, which is now up and running. For those interested it can be viewed on www.michellecook.co.uk still needs some tweeking but I'm quite pleased.

I have been back to Avonmouth docks photographing my work in situ, pleased with the results, need to select the best but have put a few up to give an idea of what i'm doing. Was stopped by the Police again to check what I was doing, would have thought that was pretty obvious. Sometimes I'm glad i don't pay any tax at the moment.

Going to take the pieces into the photography studio next week to get a different perspective. Hard work but all good fun!!!