Summer Break before starting Year 3

Wow Silver

Following on from the Bronze Wow skills process I have now completed  the second stage of this which focuses more so on Organisational Awareness. I found this difficult in some aspects as I wasn't completely sure of what was expected with our individual answers, therefore I am not completely happy with my responses. Although as I am aware these answers can be edited and finalised as a whole later on in the year in the final stages.

What type of organisation would you prefer to work for?

Once graduating from university I hope to start teaching Art; whether voluntarily, part time or full time; to begin I am not particularly bothered on the size of the organisation or which sector of the company I would be working in. I am aware that it is a competitive industry to break into; therefore I am happy to start at the bottom to work hard and eventually become a full time teacher/ tutor; preferably in a college, continuing my own works along the way.

What are the day to day issues of working in your chosen organisation?

I would say in any teaching job you have to be passionate and dedicated to your chosen subject and enthusiastic on a day to day basis as it could affect the students and your individual approach to teaching and yourself. I understand that there is a lot of work involved in a teaching job, mentally as well as physically; although I believe that being well prepared for all aspects of the job with good planning, organization and time management would make the role much simpler.

What external factors are likely to affect your chosen sector?

I would say like any stressful job, outside life and problems would affect all aspects of a teaching job in many ways; especially when dealing with a large group of students expecting a strong mind and focus. I wouldn’t say particular problems around this area could be avoided however how its dealt with through work is a different matter.

What would you define as your ethical preferences? How do they relate to your chosen organisation?

I do not particularly have any ethical preferences; nothing that comes to mind at this point anyhow, therefore I can’t note at this point if anything in this field would particularly affect my place of work in any way.


How would you describe the culture of the organisation you are interested in?

In a teaching organisation it is quite clear that the job role is a serious environment and atmosphere. The college spaces are initially tidy, clinical and usually simple; avoiding distraction in my opinion but showing a professional impression. Colleagues dress smart, behave professionally and language is specific...being part of a university course and working voluntarily in an art environment has made me more aware of the culture in this kind of organisation which I am sure I can easily perform in the same manner.

Who would you identify as the internal customers in your chosen organisation?

In a teaching environment, I would say that the students and the community of the area are the internal customers as it is them that you as the teacher are educating and them that use the facilities of the organisation.

Who are the main external customers for the organisation you are interested in?

I suppose again it is the students of a teaching environment that are the main external customers, alongside the parents of these students. Also the government comes to mind as it is the tax that is paid and them that makes the schooling system available and successful.

Why is it important for your chosen organisation to actively manage its reputation with clients and customers?

Just like any professional organisation and  environment it is important to retain a qualified reputation to make sure that the public want to contentedly use the schools facilities with the desire to work hard and be successful; retaining a high-quality title for the school and teachers in and around the area.

What behaviour would you describe as important in presenting a professional approach at work?

In any working environment, especially in a teaching atmosphere and even as a student, I would have to say that it is important to be continually punctual and consistently hard working and eager. In my opinion if you are passionate and dedicated to your chosen job title or any work involved than this should happily be the case.

Give an example of when you have demonstrated personal integrity in a work situation.

n any situation that I come across and in past work experience; honesty has always played a huge part in my own personal values. Therefore throughout my education and in past and present work this has and always will be consistent. Obviously in a teaching environment; dealing with challenging situations this has to be the case. However in this sense I cannot conclude a response to this question as throughout my time in work I have not been put in a situation to go against this personal view.

Group Blog Tutorial

As the blog tutorials are usually set individually; it was interesting to discuss the progress in our blogs to see what each of us have been doing, what has been incorporated and how we each spoke about them and how they have helped with the development in our projects. I personally enjoy the whole process of having a blog as for me its a way of getting things down without having to speak about them...It became much like a diary, were I could explain my emotions and how I dealt with them through my work alongside a place in which I could point out my opinions on certain aspects of my experiences, other artists and on the development of my work itself.

I came to notice when reading through the posts in my blog that in time, once it became much more natural to write my thoughts and opinions down that it became much more personal and I gradually started being much more honest and open about my work and the reasoning behind me doing it. I think this has made a stronger outlook to the blogging; creating a mixed approach to my writing as I have spoke about a range of different aspects throughout the project.

I will definitely be continuing with a blog throughout the summer leading towards my third year were I will begin to talk about my upcoming projects, new ideas and my experiences in the time away from university. However I will be creating a seperate blog as I feel that its a new chapter in my life; whether I am continuing the subject matter of my last project or starting a whole new idea, I want to start from a new beginning.

The Bluecoat

To gain experience I decided to contact The Bloacoat 'creative hub' for possible work experience volunteer placements throughout the summer period. Hannah Fray (a member of the team) seemed eager to hear from me and a meeting was arranged for today. Upon arrival I was instantly intreigued by what the school had to offer and straight away got talking about what type of work I was hoping for, my interests and my availability but as I will be working full time over the summer I am just wanting the one shift a week; giving me that bit of experience whilst boosting my CV after graduating next year. Hannah Fray works mainly in the Print Making area of the building, teaching a mixed array of classes that The Bloacoat has to offer for the public. The volunteer position I was offered was also a teaching role, I would be a print making technition, working in all areas of print making, specifically with the public; were I will be teaching and helping them with works that they are wanting to make and to basically guide them through the equipment thats available. I would also be managing the equipment, keeping check of the stock, making orders and basically keeping order in the classes and the rooms. I can also develop my own work whilst on duty which is definitely a bonus; giving me further experience.
This position would take place once a week every Monday, which is ideal for me and so I was more than happy to accept the placement and am more than eager to start. My first day will be in the next few weeks after I have had a health and safety check and an introduction to the techniques, materials and all equipment; which is taking place next week.

Final Assessment Point

For my final assssment of the second year I decided to present a portfolio holding a selection of the works from my development on the projects and confidently spoke my way through each main point; answering any questions or queries along the way. The portfolio held paintings, drawings and colllage, Sketch books, Photography, discs with an edited sound recording and a video of my final piece and information on my personal blog and the groups exhibition page for them to look into further if wanted to do so.

I was a little nervous before entering the room as I wasn't completely confident on what I wanted to say, I think this was the case as I know that both Miguel and Peter are already very aware of my work and so I didn't want to sound like I was repeating what I have already spoke to them about. However my time in the room was enjoyable, I was comfortable to talk freely and recieved great feedback to what I was explaining throughout. With positive comments and a great atmosphere I feel overall  that it went really well.

The end of the Chapter...For Now

Taking the 2000 strips down from the ceiling of the room was probably the most depressing yet rewarding process of this projects events so far. I would have liked the exhibition to have continued for a while longer so that more people could have had the chance to see the work but also because I have spent soo much time and effort on the development of the project and the final piece. It has also been a big experience in my life and with the work being personal; emotions towards the work is stronger. And so taking the work down seemed like the end of this projects subject matter....however it isn't, although I am more aware  and through working on this project, it has definitely helped me to move on and 'try' to get over the situation with time.

This project could most definitely be taken further and continued in my third year on the Fine Art Course; wether I will do this is a different matter...at the minute, the thought of cutting and hanging any more paper makes me want to run; and so I will see what aspects come to happen in my life throughout the summer period before deciding on my next project base line.

Introspective Exhibition

Natasha Fewlass

'Me, Myself and Mind'

This piece is based on myself, control and the struggle between wanting and letting. Using paper and text as the main resource with the addition of sound; the cutting process is a symbol expressing the repetitive system, insecurities and over excessive management of my daily routine...admitting yet still hiding. I have repeated the process of cutting 2000 sheets of paper into singular strips containing the written words that are repeated uncontrollably in my mind daily. These strips are hung individually, taking over the space of the room inviting and leading you, the viewer into the piece. The purpose of the work is to intentionally give a sense of claustrophobia and an insight into my life and mind; whilst allowing the viewer to interpret the meaning of the piece rather than being told.

Louise Hastings
'Retrospection & Introspection'

Trinkets and bric-a-brac hold a resonance of the past, they can inspire recollection even in a person who has never before been in contact with them. I have created a series of physical assemblages, which initially serve to create a sense of curiosity, but upon the viewer's further consideration, they are challenged to look introspectively to their own past, drawing out memories and narratives.

 Rachel Armstrong
'Irrational thought process'

A film installation exploring the physical and emotional effects of anxiety.

The four minute installation is split into three projected layers, each layer symbolises a different aspect of anxiety.
1. Reality
2. The physical effects
3. The effect anxierty has on the mind

Keiran Harris
I have created this work with the intentions of coming to terms with being ultimately left with a creative gift and at the time understanding that there are times when you can become uninspired, challenged and undetermined. This work is heavily based around my father walking out and leaving me troubled with little or no understanding  at times, asking questions and ultimetely becoming confused, realising the best way to answer these questions is to create artwork. These works are heavily focused on collage and expressing mark making, I feel these can best represent the precise thought and feelings I have had during this creative experience.

Rhia Brennan

As part of the Introspective exhibition, for the past three months I have been based in the Student Union building. My on-going presence here has influenced me to engage in a range of projects and create work based on the particlarities and conditions of this space, mainly focusing on the student bar area where most socialising and interaction happens. Some of my work has included investigating the changes in my daily routine by visiting the union, experimenting with the social aspects of the area by recording parts of conversation from a range of different people and making changes in the layout of the space and recording the reactions of audience. My rationale for the work was to simply engage and inhabitat my space, therefore allowing me to be influenced by the conditions of the union to create the work. Throughout this time I have sound recorded

students conversations in the union, documenting dialogues, presented questions to the audience, videoed my route to the bar and re-arranged tables and chairs.

Freya Addey
'Words'

An accumilation of excessive over thinking and anxiety driven prattling realised in literal form. A self indulgent project used to absolve feelings of culpability and repentance by using the process of writing.

Hannah Boulter
'Team, Legends, Price (2011)

Inspired by the competative nature of computer gaming, Team, Legends and Price explore the theme of self-image through online aliases and connections.

Yvonne Williams

In this space I have documented numerous diary enteries from myself and others and used them in one continuous decleration. It represents various emotions from myself and from others who have experienced similar situations that I have for example, leaving home, being in new environments which you are not necessarily comfortable with and also shows how it can trigger the reactions of other peoples feelings. The space plays a huge part in the staging of my work as it is an environment where the viewers can participate and interact with. The spae is not only beneficial for me but also you as it gives you the opportunity to express how you may be feeling or have felt on a related experience, it doesn't have to be about a specific situation but can be a reflection of how you felt in a stage of your life.

Tom Beach