Just after my long ago last post, we had an “end of term” assessment.
There has been a bit of a hiatus or lull in many things since then. Feedback was exceptionally late, also: Unfortunately, due to lack of space in the college, we were obliged to move out of our studios to a small space where only the smallest of work can be made. Often these conditions can indeed be the starting point for something different – forced change can create exceptional solutions.
However usually it is just a pain in the behind.
I had decided to continue with my Numbers project and make a much larger, life sized version – the physicality reflecting ourselves in our surroundings. Making large size sculptural pieces with little space to do it in was perhaps not the best idea, but sometimes once you are in the thick of it, there is no going back.
Having a steadfast commitment to finishing a piece of work, despite setbacks, cost, logistical challenges and lack of resource is something I’d say I have. Not purely a stubborn attitude but more not being put off when someone says it can’t be done – more about let’s think how we can do it.
So finish them I did, finally, and they were shown last week at the Talbot Rice Gallery.
This came about as a integral part of the course – working with the curators there to make a show of our peer group.
Initially we were to send an artist statement and images for them to gain an insight to our practice. Later there were studio visits and an ongoing negotiation about what works would be shown and how.
This was a valuable experience, dealing with curators in this way – making decisions about the placement and display of work in a larger space in relation to others work sometimes a consideration overlooked.
We still don’t have adequate studio provision and the time has come now to begin to prepare for our graduate show in August. I hope the energy that has come out of showing in a gallery such as this will carry us through, and the determination and commitment to our work will not be lessened.
