It’s that time at last – our contextual studies lectures have come to an end, and the Monday time slot has been assigned one-to-one dissertation feedback sessions with our lecturer, Kath. She’s just had two essays published in 50 Key Texts In Art History, and our course leader Mav has had an essay published in it as well. Not bad for our little college eh? Kath had read the second draft of the dissertation that I’d emailed her, but wasn’t too surprised (maybe slightly exasperated!) when I said I’d replaced it with a third version. She had a few suggestions for further reading, but said it would be fine to leave it as is is, and then went on to discuss my post-graduation plans. She thinks I can follow the same route that she has, practicing and writing as well, and had a lot of practical suggestions on what to do from here. Yes, it’s cheesy, but I came away from the session with a good old fashioned warm, fuzzy glow because of her advice and offer of support… And you know what? Actually having someone who knows their stuff show so much confidence in you is priceless. True, hearing the words “PhD proposal” made me slightly wobbly of knee, but kinda chuffed at the same time. Some of us graduating soon will have an idea of sorts about where to go next, some will have set plans, and some won’t have a clue where to go or what to do. I’ve got plans, but who knows how things will turn out; what I have now is a bit more confidence that it’ll turn out ok.
Back to the here and now there’s still plenty to do. I’ve been spending so much time on the layout of my professional practice unit, you’d think I was doing a design degree instead. Such a waste of time… but strangely addictive. I’m so glad it’s due in soon! On Monday we had a fill-in tutor, Jane; it was interesting explaining to her the processes I’m going through, as she taught us on the HND, but hasn’t seen my work in progress this year. The project is so clearly defined now that it’s mostly a matter of getting on with it and hoping to fit it all in. I’ve been carving in the studio and spray painting frames on my washing line at home (I’m sure the very prim next-door neighbours hate me, but I care not.) The paintings have been neglected due to the sheer amount of time the carving demands, but the prospect of having to take some new work in next Monday (and getting my portfolio shots printed) has made me get on with it today, and clear a space in my head ready for some new images to germinate.
Having to come up with a 150 word statement for the catalogue has been interesting – my work makes so much more sense now than just a few months ago that it’s easier to be sharp and concise. Now we just have to persuade the rest of the group to come up with their statements on schedule. Kate’s designs for the cards are pretty much settled, and we’ve got an artist to contribute an essay… now we’ve just got to get the whole thing past management. How hard can that be?
