Rita Byon

I came to London about 2 years ago to study MA Visual Arts, Book Arts at Camberwell College of Arts. For the last two years I’ve been trying to figure out what it is and how I am as an artist. Part of that also included explaining what Book Arts is or what I do, which made it more clear for me, but it still a confusion for some people, even my close friends and family. It’s fine as long as I know what I’m doing. I’ve learnt to set my path and as I think about the time when I left my office job and got into the design school and had no clue about things, I’ve got more conviction about my practice.

One thing I regret though is that I didn’t put my work or my thoughts online as much. I used twitter and Facebook for my books at BYON Book Arts, but like keeping the artist journals, it would have been a good practice to record quite an instant thought, as typing and iPhone photos are sometimes faster to put together. It’s a shame that those two years are not really put together here, but it shall be starting from how I do now. Maybe I’ll go back to my notes and try to read my horrible handwriting that I decide to update some of my old notes.

I’m thankful for those who helped my journey throughout; my tutors, my colleagues, my family and friends, and those who liked my books / works. Reminiscing, I’ve just went through some of the Facebook photos for the past few years and I’m now a bit sentimental how it has been. There were ups and downs but mostly good memories. Now I’m at this strange in-between state where I’ve been pushing all my strengths for the final show installation which is the end to my studies and my life in London. This coming week is starting point for me to find my new life after this, when I’m still busy for the preparation or assessment for the final show. It’s all so suddenly happening that it’s a bit scary and nerve-racking. It IS exciting to see the achievement but I’ll really miss this place.