31/12/2015 0 Comments New Year New Skills
PhotographyWith current technology anyone can take a reasonable photo but auto settings have become a crutch for most of us and sadly I must admit this very much includes myself. However, this week I spent one day with a friend from Minerva who is keen on analogue photography and therefore has a much more theoretical knowledge on the subject.
Moving universities was a fantastic way to meet and network with more people and whilst I have found amazing friends here it is also important to realise how useful this change of community is for learning new skills and gaining different feedback. This day was a good example of utilising the talents of those around you to exchange skills as I could also help him with his skills for teaching beginners in English whilst gaining a huge amount of knowledge myself.
0 Comments
17/12/2015 0 Comments Model DrawingLife is about opportunities, and art school takes this further requiring risks and experimentation. When I heard the first years had a drawing class with live models I was the first to volunteer to join in. To get the most out of these years it is important one is not restricted by set timetables and expectations but pushes further to squeeze a little extra knowledge and practice wherever possible. I know I have said it before about a previous course but taking extra life drawing courses is the best freedom, motivation and technical support I have found. Here you can see my work from this short course - most are just quick sketches, experiments with poses, materials and techniques but it is that loosening and playfulness that makes me gain so much from the classes. These specific classes had no set format just two different models each session with frequently changing poses - the rest is down to my own imagination and whatever materials I had on me that day. Class Interim ExhibitionMy hand-lettered cups soon developed into 3-dimensional pieces by creating hand-drawn labels for recycled bottles and paper cups. The messages remained the same 'wonders of the world' quotes but in this format they took on an atmosphere of celebration, as if they were the remnants of a party for the world. I liked this idea that the piece could not only inspire gratitude but be a celebration of all these wonderful things. When given an opportunity to exhibit these to the public, this time I made three shelves from old wood and scattered the pieces across them using metallic gold cups and even party straws. I kept the colours warm and neutral so as not to distract from the lettering and used warm spotlights to highlight the work and give a homely glow. This was aided by the darkness surrounding as all neighbouring artworks were projections that needed the low light. The location was actually outside the main exhibition hall, a conscious decision I made in order to set people at ease allowing the inviting warmth to have full effect with some visitors even picking up pieces to read them more closely. Erasmus Studies Exhibition
10/12/2015 0 Comments Artistic OptimismI just had to share this graffiti on the window of a Minerva classroom. For an optimist it is always good weather and now here in Minerva and over these beautiful dutch buildings - out of this window at least - it really always is.
|