Personal Issues effecting my practice

Printing at the Bluecoat

As decided upon last Monday we decided to meet up this morning as a group for a session in the Screen Printing studio along with Mike and Lucy (two other volunteers) to share ideas and experiment with design proposals for the poster I suggested we put together to advertise the Bluecoats workshops and courses that are available to the public. As I was aware Hannah Fray was leaving us all the information the school wanted incorporated on the poster and maybe a few design ideas or examples to give us a little idea of what was expected. But upon arrival we came to realise that we were putting this together ourselves from scratch with just the suggestion that we incorporated the Bluecoat logos to advertise the building professionally; these were available for us on the desktop computer.

After slight confusion we began considering many possible ideas which came with a mixture of different opinions and responses from one another but settled upon an idea to get us started. We wanted the 'print making' to have a major input in the design as that is what we are aiming to advertise and so we decided to use the print making facilities for the majority of the poster, keeping the template relatively simple but using a repetitive and layering process to express the equipment available on the courses. I designed the templates for us all to use which was transferred onto a screen...following the process we was previously shown in training; and began printing using brightly mixed colours to grab the viewers attention. The text, fonts and logos would be added in black using computer printing and hand drawing at a later date.

However after experimenting with these numerous prints; overlaying and repeating the process we decided that the idea wasn't working as we would have liked as we didn't have the equipment and materials for the ink to sit well on the page; giving that professional finish. Therefore we decided to scrap this initial idea and start again from scratch, thinking of other ways in which a similar affect could be achieved. At that point ideas wasn't particularly flowing and so we decided to go away and individually put together a few ideas to compare the following week. I personally like the idea of incorporating photography with the print; maybe taking an image of the print making room; showing the facilities provided and transferring that image onto a screen to be printed faintly, preferably monochrome with the text and logos of the Bluecoat added on top. I will put together a moc-up idea of my proposal ready for the group on Monday.

Dissertation

The thought of writing my dissertation for my upcoming third year is definitely nerve racking; I am far from confident and honestly have no idea where to even begin. As explained in my dissertation proposal I will be basing my essay on 'feminism' as it is the one area that interests me the most in art, linking to most of my own work. However I still need to narrow this subject down to a main focus point and argument to write about and base my writing on as the subject area is far to broad. Therefore today I started my research in the library; searching for books, journals and essays on all aspects of feminism to read through and take notes. The amount of different books available was definitely helpful although it will take longer than one day for me to scan through these and decide on my main interest, therefore I will spent the rest of this week reading through the collection of books I have taken out of the library and hopefully gradually become more confident to begin my writing.

Training in the Etching Studio

As arranged last week we met up on Monday 20th June as a group for our second training session: this week in the etching studio. On arrival Hannah was called into a meeting, therefore we was left alone to tackle the technician task list in the print making studio before her return: this was initially challenging as the whole routine and process in the studio is still fresh to us, but looking back through our notes we made the previous week guided us through what needed to be done.

On Hannah's return we gathered to the etching studio to start the session of training; this begun with a briefing over the Health and Safety again as the two other volunteers were not familiar with the rules and regulations that must be noted when in the room. From this we went straight onto the techniques and process of etching a plate alongside the equipment and chemicals, were Hannah demonstrated thoroughly with an example piece. I have done this in the past at college but it was helpful to have the reminder to refresh my memory. It was also interesting to see the different ways in which this technique can be achieved but because there is so much involved in each area of the etching studio a further training day will be arranged before we can use the equipment or guide the classes ourselves.

Once we felt confident after the demonstration; we spoke about the courses that are available to the public alongside the spaces available to hire. There are a number of classes that definitely seem appealing; all of them in fact. However I added that advertising the courses through a computer resource only is not enough as many may not check these web sites...I haven't seen anything on these courses before now which I think is a shame as they all would have definitely been helpful in my own practice. Therefore I offered to design an advertisement poster for the Bluecoat to place throughout Liverpool; especially in student areas, aiming to bring in more people and use the building for what it has to offer. Hannah and Emma seemed more than happy with me doing this and very eager and so this following Monday, I will be working with another member of the print making team 'Mike' to start putting ideas and designs together for the poster.

Advanced Fine Art Practice

My development for this project has yet to begin. If im going to be honest I have lost all sense of motivation and concentration to even come to think of where to begin. Since finishing the second year of my course alot has happened in my life to distract me from my art work; causing distress and a major change in my life and mind. However I've come to think that this may inspire the next chapter of my studies.

Training in the Print Making Studio

Monday 13th June was the first of the two training days in the Print Making studios with Hannah Fray were we met as a group at 9.30 in the Bluecoat cafe to briefly discuss what we were going to be doing throughout the morning. I instantly was quite nervous as I havn't had much experiece in print making since college unlike the two other volunteers who have studied the subject on their university courses. However I am eager to learn and gain as much experience as I can from this opportunity; hopfully developing my own practice along the way.


Before entering the building as volunteers we had to sign in at the reception desk to keep record on who is entering the building, alongside signing out the keys for both of the print making studios so we are able to access the areas; this has to be done whenever on duty and returned before leaving.


The first day of training was in the 'Silk Screen' printing studio were we went through and discussed all aspects of the job position; starting with the technicians tasks. The primary role of the technician is to support any hirer using the space to expose, clean screens or print; in addition the technician should:
1. Check levels of all chemicals and mix up where necessary.
2. Empty the red tray under the power hose.
3. Clean washout unit.
4. Check exposure unit for dirt on the glass.
5. Check drying cabinet, rack and any dry screens.
6. Check the condition of the screens belonging to the Bluecoat.
7. Check the condition of the squeegees belonging to the Bluecoat.
8. Check aluminium coating tool is present and clean.
9. Chuck out dried up or unlabelled inks and tidy up shelves.
10. Check over the beds, removing any tape.
11. General Stuff: Clean and sweep up, bring the notice board up to date, tidy the drying rack, clean the sink in the printing room.
12. Leave a note on the board for Print Studio Manager if you need to report damage or advising her to re-order anything we are low on.


Once shown and understood the upcoming job position Hannah Fray went through an example of how to use all of the equipment to create a basic print. This was definetly helpful as it refreshed my memory straight away and I now feel confident to repeat the process myself.


Training for the 'Etching' Studio will take place on Monday 20th June.

Health & Safety Check at The Bluecoat

My second meeting at the Bluecoat was on Monday 2nd May to go through the Health and Safety regulations in my working area and throughout the building. I also got the chance to witness an etching class in progress and look through some of the works produced by the teachers themselves; which gave a clearer picture on what can be produced with the equipment in the building and instantly made me much more interested in taking my own work further in print making. Once we had spoke through all aspects of the job role and the safety we agreed that I would be working alongside Hannah and Emma every Monday and hopfully develop into a perminent placement.

Whilst in the building I took the opportunity to talk to another volunteer whos role is in the art gallery in the building; basically there for the public if they have any queries or questions about the work on show and to keep the area in order. This seemed interesting as I myself would like to be around gallerys and art work a little more to become more knowledged on the range of work out there; this also may help me to develop my own practice and so I also applied for this position for a Monday evening where I would also help with upcoming events.

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

'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.