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.