This has to be one of most treasured items of research. It is in my view a beautiful hand crafted photo book and it has such a wonderful personal feel.
I’ve attached the link to her website as, honestly, it’s only fair you read about Julie on there, in her own words. That’s where I was drawn into the magic she weaves with her images.
I think as someone whose only just started out with film cameras and learning how to develop my own images, I find her work very inspiring. Julie is doing what I aim to do, tell a story that touches your soul on some level.
I like the technique she has developed over the years and the lack of the sharp clarity we have come to expect in this digital age, in her images. You can tell that she is involved in the whole process from taking the image, developing them, through to the look and feel of the hand bound book.
Part of a limited edition So beautifully presented
Unusually for a Monday a coach trip to London to visit the Tate Modern. I haven’t been to the Tate for a few years so it was definitely nice to see the current artworks displayed there.
I am intrigued by the link between photography and art and how there is a crossover between the two. Since the dawn of cameras and photography artists have been known to photograph subjects and landscapes for reference ideas and photographers sketch out ideas for photograph ideas.
Whilst at the Tate I decided to have a guided tour and learn a little more about the paintings and artists than the little blurb description tells you.
Francis Bacon – Figure In a Landscape 1945Rita Donagh – Counterpane 1987-8
Both the above paintings were part of the guided tour and I was drawn to the fact that they were both based on photographs. Created 40yrs apart they are both intrinsically layered with politics, dissent, love and loss, and humanity. This is something I aspire to do, be able to portray a moment yet give the observer an insight into the whole story behind it.
I think Rita Donaghs image means more to me because its based on an incident that happened when I was 13yrs old. I remember the news footage of the guardsmen and their horses dead and injured, their bodies covered with coats and blankets. Some things stay with you. I’m also from a generation where we had the best linen and family linen, so to use what biscuits obviously an embroidered counterpane as a shroud over a strangers body, really speaks to me. It’s a reminder of love, family, history, grief, empathy.
I aspire to evoke and convey that much emotion with my art and now I realise that, I really don’t know where to start and imposter syndrome is creeping in with its usual paralysis.
Where do I take my research now?
Do I look at how I feel when I take photographs or when I lose myself in creating artworks?
The first module is about research that defines us as an artist, helping towards our developing practice.
“My journey as a creative involves spending a lot of time outdoors with my horses and dogs at the top and tail ends of the day. I witness firsthand the beauty and magnificence that surrounds us in natures backdrop. I fell in love with photography through my need for good quality reference images for my painting and ceramics artworks. I want to engage the observer, using materials and medium that reduce the environmental impact.”
It’s very difficult defining myself. I am considering this very much a work in progress and it will change as I evolve throughout the year. I will be continuing my endeavours to make my own paints, using materials I have lying around at home to create my own canvases. Hopefully reducing my carbon footprint by reducing the mass produced plastic packaged materials and medium purchases. However, I am well aware I have a stack of already purchased materials to use up. For now, it will be mix and match to reduce wastage.
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
Helen Louise Art 