JanatUni

I have been much more comfortable working with ceramics.  I feel I have an affinity with clay and have enjoyed working in the ceramic workshop.  I have learnt how to throw a pot, which is something I have always wanted to do.  I understand the stages that the clay needs to go through, I just need to practice now.  I have learnt how to make a drop out plaster mould.  I found this process very enjoyable although rather messy.  I will definitely continue using plaster moulds in year 2 to explore their possibilities further.  Discovering the coloured slip has been a revolution to me.  I like working in layers and colour, so this really suits me.  I can see there is a lot of potential in this material and process and find my ideas flow.

I have used the slip cast bowls as canvases to play and experiment with.  I have tested how the clay can be modelled, mixed and moulded.  There are so many possibilities so next year I will start by researching the various colours and glazing techniques.  I plan to make more test pieces of the different ways the slip can be used to decorate.  I will learn how to mix the coloured slip and how to make it.  I also want to experiment more with cutting out patterns in the clay. I will purchase some modelling clay and play with this during the summer break to see if this is something I want to use in the future.

We had an induction into glass, but I haven’t worked with it yet.  I would like to experiment with glass in year 2 and possibly incorporate it into my ceramic work.  I would also like to learn the lost wax casting process and experiment making glass or even bronze sculptures.  I would also like to have a go at sculpting a portrait from clay and to learn how you go about building the structure for this.

I have learnt how to critique my own work and not to feel precious about test pieces. I am still reluctant to take risks and want to complete everything I start. I think with more confidence and experience in the Ceramic workshop, I will allow myself to take more risks.  I am able to single out the successful pieces and analyse why they are successful.  I can see I need to acquire an understanding of the chemistry involved in ceramics.  Also, to learn more about the process of firing a kiln.

I need to work more from a primary source.  To take my own photographs for my research and to carry out more sketching in my sketchbook.  I need to work less literally and keep some mystery going.  Now I know the direction I want to travel I can research other artists and visit similar works in galleries. 

Janet Reeves          BA Hons 3D Design & Craft        2nd June 2018

Date

Action

Research

During the Summer break

Source some modelling clay for experimenting with during the break.

Online

14th June 2018

3rd Year End of Year Show – Private View

Date in diary

June 2018

Practice presentations with peers after hand-in

As a group

June 2018

Visit Suffolk Open Studios

Find address and date

28th June 2018

Visit New Designers

Business Centre, Islington, Liverpool Street

Prepare for when we are 3rd years

Sept 2018

Visit Colchester Open Studios

Find address and date

July 2018

Visit Terry’s Studio

Date in diary

July 2018

Visit the Art Deco & Antiques shop

24 Connaught Ave, Frinton-on-sea, Essex

July 2018

Research about Blurb photographic book of work

Website

July 2018

Visit Sudbury Summer Craft fair

See how they do it

Aug 2018

Visit Gallery’s e.g. Minories, First Site, Sentinel Gallery and any others I find on my travels.

Check what’s on

Aug 2018

Carry a sketchbook around with me to start building a body of my own sketches.

Pocket sketchbook

  Continue to develop my online interest in my work. 

Instagram

  Photograph the things that interest me

Keep copies in sketchbook

  Think about a topic for my year 2 Essay

ongoing

  Read book – 20th Century Ceramics

Obtained from CI Library

  Research Sylvac Pottery

Online

      Year 2

Second Year – Ceramic workshop

Exploring Coloured Clay Slip

Oct 2018 - June 2019

Complete a photography induction with Chris at CI

To learn SLR Camera photography

Confirm date with Chris when return in September

  Start Making my own coloured slip

Materials and process

  Learn how to mix slip clay

Ceramics workshop

  Make more drop out plaster moulds

Ceramics workshop

  Learn more decorating techniques in ceramics

Ceramics workshop

  Experiment with glass in ceramic bowls

Ceramics workshop

  Continue to develop my wood carving skills

Wood workshop

  Continue to practice throwing clay

Ceramics workshop

  Continue to develop my drawing skills

    Start taking my own photographs and making my own sketches for research material

    Hang pictures in my studio space of things that inspire me, prompts, images and objects I admire/make me laugh

Print off pictures taken during the summer

  Continue being mindful of the environment and ask questions of the materials and processes used.

Using reclaimed materials appeals to me.

    Use Athens for research and Read as often as possible.

    Research other artists that have used similar materials and methods to my own interests.

Online initially

  Making unique work – hand made is important to me.

    Learn the lost wax casting process and experiment making glass or even bronze sculptures.

Ceramics workshop

  Learn how to use Computer Aided Design Software.

With Peter Jones

I have been keen to develop my skills in sculptural practices.  I am interested in this area of creative practice. I am good at thinking in 3D and have an innate interest in working in layers.  I have had a forthright approach to manipulating the materials whilst creating my three sculptures.  During the making of the sphere from sheet metal I tackled the welding process.  I found the welding apparatus quite cumbersome and difficult to use because of the safety mask and protective clothing that you must wear.  My eyesight isn’t perfect, and I require glasses to aid my close vision, having a mask over my glasses wasn’t comfortable and made it difficult for me to see where the two pieces of metal needed to be joined.  I didn’t let this deter me though, I found an alternative method to join the metal which was riveting.  I was determined to complete the sphere and using an alternative process resulted in a preferable aesthetic in my opinion.

I have carried out research in the materials I have been using and looked at the work of other artists.  I particularly liked the work of artist Linda Raynsford who has created sculptures using recycled materials.  I am aware of the environmental problems we are currently facing so I am keen to use recycled materials in my own work.

I was able to develop the first sphere into an eye which received very positive response from my peers.  I plan to have this sculpture on display at the Minories during our exhibition in June.  It will be good to see it mounted on a wall where the public can view it.  I am keen to evoke emotion from my work.

Using polystyrene to reproduce the stone led me to experience the adaptability of this material.  It is easy to cut and lightweight which makes it suitable to use to build Marquette's of bigger structures.  I can see I would use this material again, despite its messiness. Also using wire to create shapes which can form the base of a structure.  Wire is easy to manipulate and helps to visualise an idea in space.

I went on to create the lips sculpture making 4 smaller spheres and manipulating the sheet steel to form the outline.  I have surprised myself using the sheet steel because I needed to get to grips with the various machinery and tools in the metal workshop.  I developed a real liking for the material and riveting process.  I always worked safely and wore protective gloves and goggles where necessary.  To complete this sculpture, I decided to use recycled coke cans to try to incorporate my desire to re-use existing materials in my creations.

My confidence and enjoyment of drawing has grown throughout this module.  I have discovered my strengths are with my technical ability to measure and plot a drawing accurately. I have developed a strategy in my drawing that helps me get started and make the necessary decisions on how to progress the drawing.  I have also found that working on a large scale has the benefit of including the small details of a form.  Mistakes and corrections are then easier to see and put right. I have learnt how applying Chiaroscuro creates volume and depth to the subject. I have made some successful drawings using this method. I am particularly pleased with my drawing of the two heads, the lights against the darks work very well to give depth to the form.

I have dabbled using Photoshop with one of my still life drawings.  This produced some interesting images.  I particularly like the layering technique in Photo Shop.  I will be exploring using digital software with my drawings further.  I am sure there is much for me to learn in this area.

I tend to take my time whilst drawing so when I have been asked to draw within a limited time of a few minutes, I have found this challenging.  I realise that I need to practice working faster and limiting my strategies to the most important will help.  If I can work faster this will help me when I want to sketch outside and the scene changes fairly quickly.  The life drawing has been particularly challenging. Further studies of the proportions of the human form will help me. I have particularly enjoyed our life classes though, I like working in a group and I am interested in seeing how my fellow students approach their drawings. I feel I have had some success with my life drawings, particularly with portraiture, I plan to continue with these studies too.   

I do find it difficult to talk about my own work and works of others. I want to start forming my own opinion on works of art.  If I can identify why I like some of my own mark making it will help me to compare my work to other artists.  I can then learn from them.  I will look at the aesthetics of my own drawings and decide what I like about them.  I want to discover who I am and what I am about.

I have had a go at throwing, which is much more difficult than it looks.  I have learnt the stages of the process so its just down to making time to practise now.  One of my first attempts had an additional shape in the middle, but I quite like that because it is different.

I have discovered I like things that look hand-made.  Making things too precise can then look similar to manufactured pieces.  I don't see the point in that.

Grayson Perry’s studio in Walthamstow, north east London.

My notes of the interview from the website;

Grayson Perry makes ceramic pots. He says’ people think they need to interpret art, understand art instead of just enjoying it.  Ask yourself ‘is it beautiful?’ Just enjoy it.

As an artist you have a brand and I am known as the Tranny Potter, which isn’t a bad thing.

To start he builds a pot out of raw clay.  He then shaves it down and smooths it into shape.  He then coats it in liquid slip (coloured clay).  He paints it on, uses a little knife to cut into it, carve lines on it, inlay it or put little moulds on.  He usually plans the design, draws into the clay and fills in the groves.

Making pottery is really bad when it goes wrong, war of attrition. You have got to put the hours in.

https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/artist/grayson-perry-ra

Perry studied at Braintree College of Further Education from 1978 to 1979 and graduated from Portsmouth Polytechnic in 1982. He was awarded the Turner Prize in 2003.

My confidence in using new materials has grown on this module.  Working with wood and metal usually involves machinery though which I am not keen on using.  I feel I am most comfortable when I can use hand tools because I find them less intimidating and I feel more in control.  I have used the ban saw regularly, also the electric sander and am aware of the safety precautions I need to take with these machines.  The wood and metal workshops are usually a very noisy place to work which I have become used to.  I have been positive about engaging with the various materials and I have learnt about their different properties.  It requires a lot of physical strength and endurance to work the metal in the Forge which I have realized I do not want to have to do for my craft.  I also found the Welding apparatus quite cumbersome and difficult to use because of the safety mask and protective clothing that you must wear.  My eyesight isn’t perfect, and I require glasses to aid my close vision, having a mask over my glasses wasn’t comfortable.  I tried out using the wood lathe and was pleased with the bowl that I produced.  I didn’t enjoy using the lathe either because it was so noisy and made me feel very tired.

I am looking for material and associated tools that I feel comfortable in using so that I can relax and enjoy my craft.  I don’t think I have found it yet although I have enjoyed creating the wood carving of the Robin bird.  I have learnt how to work with the grain in wood and how best to use the carving tools.  I have also learnt the respect I need to have in using tools safely and to take care of the tools, sharpening them so they perform to their best.

I like to re-use old materials because they have a quality about them that feels good.  I want to be considerate of the environment, I know this is important to me.  We experimented with using clear resin, which I could see has possibilities for creating some interesting pieces of work.  But I am not comfortable with the environmental impact of plastics so for this reason I don’t see me progressing with this material much further.

I am sure there are still many processes with wood and metal that I could learn more about.  I think I will be doing more wood carving in the future.  I have watched a few of the others do enamelling which looks to be a simple process that I may well use myself at some point too.

Although I have been quiet gentle with my engagement with the three materials, I have always tried my best to be positive and open minded to each process that we have experienced.  I am hoping that this attitude will lead me to the material and process that I feel comfortable with, that will enable me to produce the Art and Crafts that I know I am capable of.

I visited the Minories Gallery whilst Tom Dilloway had an exhibition on.  Tom is a graduate from Colchester Institute.  He won a place at Cookcoo Studios and his own exhibition at the Minories.  It is inspiring to see an exhibition of a former student from our University.  I often think about what I will do when I finish at university.  I can see that exhibiting work and getting your name know is important.

I visited the First Site Gallery in May.  Sara Barker jewellery maker was selling some of her work.  Sara is also a Tutor for the Art Foundation course at CI.

I really like Sara's designs, she uses coloured nylon which is very delicate and appealing.  I did feel though that her prices were a little high.  Had they been £10 cheaper I may well have bought something.

I really liked this portrait, it is quite large.  The face and eyes portrays some moving emotions.  They look sad and it pulls you in.  Why are you sad?  Whats happened to them?  The artist has had a hard life.

This was painted by a prisoner at HM Prison Warren Hill.  He says, My childhood and life inspired this piece.  The child's expression hopefully conveys my thoughts and feelings.

Simon spoke to us today to tell us about his experiences from student artist to successful artist today.

Simon started his foundation Art course in 1981.  He obtained a Fine Art degree at the London Polytechnic.  Came back home and after a year got a job as a part time post man which meant he finished at 10am and could then do his artwork.  Did that for 16 years. He has his own studio now its very important to have space to do your work. He applied for several exhibitions eventually 4 years after leaving collage, got into Gainsborough's House - drawings for all.  You want people to notice you.  Two shows at Chapel's Gallery (near Viaduct).  In 2006 Joe Dodds, boat painter in Wivenhoe, recommended Mascall's Gallery in London to look at Simon's work.  They took his stuff and put it into a group show and from that he was able to build up a relationship with them.

4 Important things

1 Recognise your assets.  Your main asset is each other. Its much easier to talk about someone else's work.  Set up a group exhibition.  Work together.  Simon part of a group called Contemporary British Painting. Continues to work with them today.

2 Keeping Visible.  Social media makes it easier to stay in the eyes of other artists.  Instagram.  Artists follow you, keep posting and keep it relevant to who you want to see it.  Visit events that gallery's are putting on. 

3 Networking - talk to people, go to things, find those openings with people that are going to be useful to you.  Visit First Site and the Minories.  Visit London, Cambridge, Norwich just an hour away.  Find the people that will enable you to do what you want to do.

4 Keep working - this is the most important thing.  Keep producing your work.

I have chosen an essay question about the environment and researching the problems we are currently facing has really opened my eyes.  I used to think, I recycle, I do my bit.  But the problems are many and the effects will take effect sooner than I had thought.

Knowing what I do now, has definitely changed how I will approach my work in the future.  I want to ask more about the processes and materials I am exploring.  I want to make sure I don't add to the existing problems further.  It has made me realise how writing an essay really can focus your mind on a particular subject.  I had to get out relevant books and read loads.  I have been looking at academic journals and found how useful they can be in really getting a good grounding on current thinking on the subject.

I have come across the 'Cradle to Cradle' concept, remaking the way we make things.  It doesn't have to be like it is.  We can do things differently.  If we think about the whole picture, the whole life of a product when we design it.  We can ensure the materials and processes used will not harm our environment.  Recycle and re-use just wont cut it any more.  We need to consider first what will happen to a product at the end of its use.  We can make sure it can continue in the natural cycle and either biodegrade or be of continued use.

Referencing and acknowledging the works of others, why is this so important?

We will be using the Chicago referencing method and being consistent is the key.

We must use other people's ideas but they must be referenced.  Your own analysis is different.  Look at all sides of a discussion.  Put quotes into your own words to show you understand but they still need to be referenced, particularly if it is a long quote.

The Chicago system of referencing

Insert a footnote at the end of the sentence or paragraph. For a direct quotation the reference needs to be put directly after and state page number.  Use quotation marks - not speech marks. Then the referencing information goes at the bottom of the page.  All referencing material must appear in your bibliography.  A Bibliography is a list of sources that you have quoted from (in alphabetical order by Author (or Editor).

For book referencing:

Author surname, initial (just one), (ed) if editor not author, Title (in italics), edition, place of publication of book.  All this information is found on the inside first page of the book.

For a Journal reference:

Surname of author, initial, title of article in 'quotation marks', Journal title in italics, volume & issue/part number & publication date, page numbers.

For Websites:

Title or Web address, date of last access.

For YouTube links:

No hyper links, no blue underline (curser at end and backspace)

If you have the same reference but different page = Ibid or as above.  If you have already given a reference in full you can shorten it for the next time.

Reflection

Its been a relentless few months.  I have got into the routine of the 9am Monday morning lectures and have started to understand them.  The language used is obviously of a highly academic nature which is very unfamiliar to me.  I have found it so useful to have debrief sessions afterwards where we can discuss the lecture in a more straightforward way.  I have also become more familiar with blogging but there is more for me to learn in this regard I feel.  Writing up the lectures in my own words has helped me to absorb the information in them.  I can appreciate this background information is useful and will aid me to understand the many books that I need to read at this level.

I have enjoyed the practical craft work of this course although we have had to use Wood, Metals and Plastics which are not my favourite of materials.  I have been open minded to experiencing new processes and using new tools and machinery.  I feel more comfortable in the wood/metal workshop now and have even found a real liking for wood carving.  Safety with the machinery is always paramount in my mind but I have a gentle approach to new processes that has ensured I am able to learn in a safe way.

I have loved the Drawing module.  I have the utmost respect for our Tutor Jane Frederick, every lesson has been a pleasure and I have learnt so much.  Jane has introduced me to new ways of thinking about drawing.  I have learnt and use a strategy in my drawing process.  Most of all, it has given me a confidence in my own ability.  I can draw and know that this will always play a big part in my artistic journey.  I am trying to adopt regular drawing habits so that I continue to practise and improve my drawing skills.

Jonathan Kelham Lecture 14

Today, Jonathan Kelham Fine Art tutor, talked to us about his journey as an Artist.  Jonathan creates characters based on real people that have two sides to their character.  Mainly using drawing to portray his ideas.  He draws the characters with their real faces but with a famous characters body ie Paddington Bear.  Jonathan has taken up several Residencies since he completed his studies.  He has been successful in securing funding from the Arts Council for various projects.