A new study year and a different room with a new desk and a view. Wasn’t one of the first in to choose my desk but I’m happy with my spot. Have a board to pin up my work and any research articles this year – gives me a reason to produce more as I work better when I have a little inspiration around me.

The first group exercise what is art? Words that define are to our group.

And then what is genius?

This is my second attempt at writing the remainder of the post as unfortunately my update didn’t save and I lost half the post that I had typed….. starting the year as usual with my technology gremlins.

This module is really aimed at self led research with the intention of developing and defining my own art practice. Can I be specific in my art practice without being restrictive? What do I do? Why do I do it?

During the tutorial we looked at various questions what is Genius? is it a gift or a curse? Is it genetically inherited or can genius be created. 10000 hours theory of learning of any random thing can become a master. Also looking at Nature v Nurture -what if Homer Simpson had been brought up by Albert Einstein and Madam Curie?

The Polgar Family used their own three daughters to create chess masters, however was it flawed with experimental bias? Consider their own genetic make up as both were chess players – would the theory have worked as well with 3 children from different social economic backgrounds? What if you don’t have a natural aptitude for the subject you are learning? And if you didn’t believe that you could do what was being asked? Would that self doubt prevent you from becoming a master. Do you have to be technically astute and good at something to be successful in particular field?

We create from our personal experiences and in our lives we have many passive and profound experiences that shape up us and create emotional responses. Who influences the artists and photographers Hiroshi Sugimoto seascapes 1980 v Mark Rothko Abstract Paintings 1952 . Part of this module is for me to now go away and think about the list of artists and photographers and what their influences and messages are? Can I link them together? Do any share a similar path to me? Who do I find inspiring? I have found some similarities with the work I have done in previous years on synesthesia and music in art and Kandin seems to crop up as an influencer for many of the later artists I have researched.

For me it is really important to stay authentic and true to my own beliefs, that I don’t forget being in the here and now whilst striving towards creating my brand as an artist, and chase that illusive notoriety.

It’s going to be interesting to note how my definition of myself as an artist changes as I do more research, or may it doesn’t? Maybe the knowledge I gain from the research just cements the pathway I’m already on and who I believe myself to be