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

'Me, Myself and Mind'

I feel that photographs or video definitely does not give this piece justice...It is something that needs to be seen and experienced in person. However I will always remember this project and my development that has got me to this point; as it has become a majour part in my life.....Realisation! Which in time can be changed.

Tuesday 26th April

On arrival at the Student Union on the morning of the exhibition day I was instantly panicked; nerves had definitely taken over and I was far from positive about the night ahead. I think because of the small amount of time I had and with no help to hang the work I knew that the reality was not getting the piece up and finished in time for 7 o'clock; which became much clearer as time went on. By 3 o'clock I definitely knew this was the case and

started making mistakes and ripping the paper due to rushing...stress became very apparent. Although once Rhia Brennan (a member of the group) had finished the set up of her work she came to lend a helping hand by passing me up the strips so I could hang them. This made the process much quicker and helped alot which was more than appreciated.

I also had a problem with the CD player I was using to play my edited sound recording as it wouldn't play the disc as it was copied material. The building also didn't have one available for me to borrow and so I had to buy one that would play the disc along with a repeat setting for the track to play repeatedly.

 By 7 o'clock people began arriving which made the situation much more stressful as the work was still no were near finished; but I continued as fast as I could. I am very disappointed by how this turned out, not only for myself but for the people who came to see the work and I kept waiting....this was the case until 10 o'clock; and so I had missed the events of the night and the fun of the event and still wasn't particularly happy with the room.

Once everyone had left the building, I entered the room for one last time before the next day and I instantly noticed that alot of the strips had been knocked down....accidental or purposely I don't know. And so I returned first thing the next day to rearrange and order the strips ready for the start of the second show starting at 4 o'clock. I was definitely much happier with the piece at this point as I had the time to set it up how I wanted it and so the experience became much more enjoyable; and I became more than eager for people to see and experience the piece, talking to many of them about the work afterwards which was definitely rewarding and worthwhile.

A Brief Insight

On the door of the room my work is going to be exhibited in is a brief description I have wrote for the viewer to read before entering the room; giving an insight into the piece without telling too much so their own judgement can still be made.
______________________________________

Natasha Fewlass

Me, Myself and Mind’
Room Installation
4.26min edited sound recording

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.

Thursday 21st April

As arranged, we met up as a group today at the Student Union to begin the set up of our individual pieces. The rooms had already been cleared of computers and tables and so we were able to get started on arrival, but first of all I had to drag all of my bags of strips from storage at the university to the exhibition space. On each trip I lost my way around the building and so on the nights of the exhibition it will be important for us to put together signs to direct the visitors to the areas of work.

As I began to start measuring up the room and space of the ceiling to hang my strips, I came across my first problem....the light fittings which are in the ceiling are un able to get covered with the
card I bought especially as the fixtures are too delicate and so I altered the route of the pathway leading through the piece to try and avoid these areas. This worked well and so I planned the route before I began positioning the strips. I decided on attatching the strips to the ceiling using pins, which seemed to hold firmly to my relief, although it took much longer than I had hoped and so on leaving the building at 5 o'clock I have only a third of the piece up. Therefore I only have the Tuesday day time before the exhibition to get this finished due to the building being closed throughout the weekend and bank holidays, although I have worked my way around the problems and so I should be able to get the work up quicker. The group also seemed happy to help me get this finished, as the majority of their pieces simply just need hanging...etc. We will also get the building ready for the exhibition before returning again at 6 o'clock, alongwith the food and drink; eager and waiting on the arrivals for the show starting at 7.

Grant Searl

On arriving at Liverpool Lime street station, a huge, brightly coloured painting on the wall immediately caught my attention; it was a nice surprise as the walls usually tend to be typically plain with relatively boring advertisements of some sort. It instantly gave the space some form of character, making most passers by stop and stare. The piece was by an artist named 'Grant Searl' who was inspired by the lyrics, words and thoughts of John Lennon. 

Using old artisan techniques perfected over the past 26 years, Grant Searl's skill and craft have been achieved by self application and persistance. Using oil on canvas, 'The Madness of King John' took a total of 214 hours to produce. Having found his own unique style, and with a passion for colour, Searls work has been influenced by nature, architecture, literature, and of course music, resulting in a genre known as Romantic Surrealism.

I havn't come across this arist before but will deffinately look into him and his work further after witnessing this piece; I personally found this piece especially intreiguing, I think the use of colour and unique style plays a majour part in this....The style of work reminds me of an artist I can't seem to recall the name of, which is irritating; although I think it was a great idea to place this on the wall of a train station anyhow, introducing art to people who are not particularly involved with the 'art world' or have the time or patience to visit art galleries.

Portfolio Preperation

On clearing my studio space yesterday of all of my development work for this on going project, today I selected a collection of the works; arranging them in the order of creation and placed them presentably in a portfolio, ready for my final assessment. Further works and photograps from the upcoming exhibition will be added, alongwith appropriate information once the exhibition has finished next thursday.

Megumin Sato

On my return back to university I noticed that there was an exhibition taking place on the Lower Ground floor of the building. Megumin Sato, presented as 'Babie Sato' is a final year History of Art & Museum studies undergraduate who has put together a photographic self-portrait art exhibition; having spoke to her whilst I was looking around the work, she stated that the work was created in her spare time.

'A Girl who Smiles at Confi-dence Crisis' is an exhibition of photographs and collage works inspired by the artists thoughts, reflecting her identity with the message of how it is important to be yourself and to be confident about who you are. The exhibition visualises the artist Babie Sato's definition of being herself, illustrating common ego, desire, imperfections, sensitiveness as a girl and individuality such as the exotic and the quirk.

I found the information written about the theme of the exhibition and work intriguing alone before I even saw any of the work itself....the title and design of the advertisement poster caught my immediate attention, which I think gave me the first impression of a powerful show. On entering the room I was excited to see what was in front of me, the vibrant range of colour usage was the first aspect to catch my eye and my love for collage and photography was quickly followed as I spotted the range of individual pieces placed around the room.

I particularly enjoyed the piece titled 'Fruits on the Street'. There wasn't anything immediately exciting about this piece, it was simply snap shots of bits of fruit found on the street but I found the layout of the collage, the colour range and the randomness of the idea behind the work fantastic. Although I can't say I particularly know what I get from this piece, I have no idea what this piece is suggesting or how it links with the other works but I can wonder and make my own interpretation....I love it anyhow, and this piece alone has left me wanting to follow this artist to see future works and maybe ask for her advice on my own works and ideas. Her e-mail address and facebook account was available for us which I intend to acknowledge further www.facebook.com/babiesato.

Another piece I found instantly interesting was 'Heart Breaker- Confidence Crisis-', which she put together with the collaboration of Justyna Czasnowics (another fellow student).

This piece is very different to the previous, capturing herself rather than an object; whilst taking some of that control away from the artist herself as someone else is taking the photograph. I love the collection of images in this piece; which instantly made me smile, it's definitely got that sense of humour behind it....maybe capturing Megumin's personality. I also think the scale of the piece worked perfectly alone along with the other surrounding works. And again the use of colour works well, limiting the choice; creating a great contrast with the clothes in the photograph and the background painting.

This exhibition and artist hasn't particularly made me think any differently about my own work or ideas but she has made me think about myself, my identity and my own personal confidence; which I suppose is a positive aspect to gain from an exhibition.

Concerns with Materials

On visiting the Student Union again, I noticed that the ceiling of the room I intend to hold my installation is made from a polystyrene type material and so using 'white tac' to hold up each individual strip as originally planned will no longer be suitable as it would not hold. And so now I am un sure of what material to use...I could use something called 'adesive dots' which is a clear sticky form of blu tac although as I would need 2000 of these, it would be too expensive but if using drawing pins to hold up the paper doesn't work well in the material or look particularly great as a whole I will most probably just pay the price as it is definitely the best option.

Exhibition Preperation

On our return to university from the Easter break, today we met up as a group to discuss the final plans for our upcoming exhibition on the 26th April. Our first priority for the day was to print out the advertisement posters (the main large posters on A2 and small hand out leaflets on A5). We placed these throughout the university and on the TV's scattered around the building for further advertisement. We also placed these throughout the Student Union and on the entrance of the main library.

On speaking to another student, we were disappointed to hear that an exhibition with the involvement of over 30 students from our course is on the same date as ours and so the viewing by students and tutors on the opening night will be much limited than it originally would have been. This will definitely effect the outcome of the exhibition and overall atmosphere of the show and us individually but it is too late to change now.

After situating the posters we went onto putting together an event on facebook to send to a large number of people; mainly from the university and different courses  and then we made individual invites to send to friends and family. I also sent an e-mail containing our exhibition information to a few of the second year tutors to forward to contacts we may not have....also reminding students who may have already seen the posters.

Our next meeting will take place on Thursday at the Student Union were we will begin to clear the rooms and spaces that we intend to use for the exhibition; hopefully Jess Green will meet us there to discuss final plans and decide upon arrangements with the food and drink for the opening night. I also intend to begin the set up of my work on this day as it will definitely take a while to hang each individual strip, however two days prior to the exhibition night should be enough time to get this sorted.

After the group meeting I went back to the university to clear my studio space; which holds all of my development work from this project, alongside materials...etc. The majority of this work will be cut and presented in order in a portfolio ready for my final Assessment, along with sketch books, all exhibition information and development, the online group discussion page and my individual blog which has recorded every step up until this point.

Williamson Art Gallery

As I went back home to Yorkshire during the two week break, I unfortunately missed a few of the student exhibitions that I was hoping to see; although I am glad to say that I am able to visit the remaining shows which have been organised for the upcoming week.

However today after a browse for galleries on the Internet, I went on a visit to the 'Williamson Art Gallery and Museum' in Wirral. Although on entering the building I was disappointed to see that the majority of the rooms containing the newer, 'more exciting' collection of works were closed off due to construction and so the selection of works I could actually see was limited. This was disappointing but I took this opportunity to look more into the older collection of works which if I’m honest, I would usually walk straight past as they don't tend to be particularly eye catching....for me anyway. 

 But I am nicely surprised to say that I found a number of the paintings intriguing to say the least. A piece that immediately caught my attention was a sculpture titled 'Liverpool Sky dancer' by an artist named Emma Rodgers. She is an internationally successful sculptor whose work explores the dynamic relationship between form and movement. This piece kept me fascinated and intrigued for some time; I simply love how it appears so unyielding and solid because of the solid, stone and metal like material used yet to me it still seemed so delicate, most probably due to the pose and subtle markings applied onto the surface of the sculpture.

Another artist I found particularly interesting was Philip Wilson Steer; an artist from the 1800's whose collection of paintings were held in an entire room of the gallery. The works were painted almost perfectly and the majority of these were of a huge scale,  

 immediately drawing you nearer to the intricate detail. There was a different quality to these paintings as the age of the pieces have taken effect; cracking slightly throughout the paint. I found this artist alone very interesting, for what reason I do not know and so I purchased the Phillip Wilson Steer catalogue from the gallery 'A very english impressionist' which contains the collection of works that is exhibited at the gallery alongside many others. I may refer back to this collection further along in my blog research.

Michelle Hunt

During a browse through artists and blogs on the internet I came across a Fine Art student named 'Michelle Hunt' who's blog and work alone immediately caught my eye. I found the majority of the statements made really interesting, making me reflect upon the work and my own studies. I particularly enjoyed the section titled 'Obsessive (love triangle) of an artist, where she explained her relationship with art which is released through philosophy and living, giving her art meaning; 'Creating a triangle of Art, Logic and Me'. She also stated 'I feel that art is to ask yourself questions you want the answer to, then through figuring out an answer for yourself you can create a concept that can always be questioned by an audience leading to more questions. And more answers'. I found this point intreiguing alone and read through the majority of her blog. The images of the work is also worth a look into...
 http://michellehunt.posterous.com/