University of Cumbria

It’s time for a new era! The last time i poured out in here i was 50/50 about where i was going next after the BA (hons) Photography degree. I had hopes of being accepted onto the MA programme at UOC, and lo and behold, i was!

Last Friday i travelled up north to enrol and meet everyone else on the MA. We got told the outline of of what we’ll be doing, what is expected, etc… aswell as having a lecture on academic research, which at MA (and any professional) level, is a vital key towards any output of practical work.

One thing that stands out like a sore thumb to me these days is a well informed (researched) piece of work, has an aura of sophistication about it. It’s better by default, not just aesthetically, but progression through research and development through a project, essentially gets your message across almost effortlessly, without the need of a 500 word outline of ‘what it’s about‘. Admittedly, that is something i’ve always struggled with. The last 2 projects i did on the BA i was nearly there (though subjective, are you ever there?), but i feel i’m naturally working backwards, or the wrong way around when it comes to my practical work.

I have an idea for what i would like to work on as my starting point for the MA, but the only thing i’ve really thought at great length about is how i’m going to do it, and why im doing it that way. My focus is around a piece (and the vague aesthetics), and what i can do with that piece when it comes to displaying it. All my concept lies within after the piece is constructed.

So, now i need to get to grips with what that piece is, and for the past week i’ve had various ideas spinning around in my head, but those are only ideas generated through factors of if they work with the format, and method i need (want) to use.

I’m clearly a bit backwards, or working the wrong way around, though this feels natural to me. I always have the final image in my head, and getting there through all the ‘why’s is taxing, but fun!

Nevertheless, im extremely excited about this new start!

The day i was utterly dreading (results day) has been and gone, and absolutely left me over the moon, surprised and relieved.

I really did believe i was going to get a low grade but as it turns out, i did pretty well.

This situation is reminiscent of when i was a child, and how everything i did (despite not doing it to my best ability…sometimes), i always managed to come up smelling of roses. Lucky!

I’m absolutely looking forward to the MA at UoC… i really couldnt wish to be under the wing of a better team.

I’m currently working on a short experimental film, and im looking for venues to display a collective exhibition i’ve been organising for the past month.

Everyone seems to be graduating around now…UoC arts dont graduate until November. Gutted!

The past 2 months have been quite the rollercoaster, with more downs than ups. This seemingly defies the laws of the coaster in that it has to go up to come down, however, the rollercoaster (and karma) haven’t been playing the fair ball gane with me recently.

The degree show went well, and my work ended up that bit better thanks to the window light source disagreeing with my images in my specified space, this resulted in me moving spaces onto a makeshift wall i was then able to paint black. The black wall made what was a set of 12 images, look like just one piece of work which in turn ended up echoing my concept really well.

I’ve been seriously considering doing the Masters degree (at UOC) for a while now, and the past few weeks i’ve had my heart set on it. Infact, im sure if i wasn’t looking forward to doing the Masters my head would be in a pretty bleak place right now.

It’s worked out for the best that my relationship of nearly 4 years ended recently, because one of the main things i’ve been considering is whether i can focus on the Masters degree enough to justify spending all the money it costs. And now thats over, im actually ready for my life to be just me and the Masters for the next 2 years with no distractions.

Also, im determined to do myself some academic justice on the MA. I haven’t done anywhere near aswell as i could’ve on the BA. And I absolutely have no excuse as to why i didnt.

All this determination and focus is on something i’ve applied for but isn’t yet set in stone until of course, my application gets accepted.

Fingers crossed!

Apologies for all the double posts when commenting on certain peoples blogs. I cant delete them, my internet connection makes me believe it isn't functioning when i press 'submit', so of course i click it again and lo and behold, double post. It is annoying for me to do this, i am sorry if it's annoying for you too!

I was catching up on the news this morning as i haven't been updated about what is happening in the world for a good week or so now, this is due to me living outdoors every day continuing with my final major. I take most things in the media with a pinch of salt but this just annoyed me.

Cup of tea in hand, on the Guardian website, reading…reading…

I came across an article about the current Pope Benedict making a statement that 'the use of condoms increased HIV infection rates' whilst on his trip to Africa last week.

This absolutely makes me angry, it's a topic i've covered in my personal work (see attached image). I just don't understand how brainwashed someone must be to make such a ridiculous statement.

His attempt to manipulate science to support Catholic doctrine will be devastating to the health of millions.

I absolutely cannot tolerate the thought process and ideologies behind these religious 'idols'.