Assignment 4 and reflection

Demonstration of technical and visual skills – materials, techniques, observational skills, visual awareness, design and composition skills

As the course continues to develop I am becoming more aware that I need to use a wider range of materials. Like assignment 3, with more time a viable I think I have been developing the variety and instinct for materials. I know I am curious enough to experiment and try new combinations but such experimentation takes more time that I could give in this course along with my work-life. In a full time educational situation I know I would have the means to successfully follow such ideas through.

My visual awareness and compositional skills continue to progress and feel second nature. I am always looking at objects, people and connections to see how I could interpret and represent them; there is always room for learning!

Quality of outcome – content, application of knowledge, presentation of work in a coherent manner, discernment, conceptualisation of thoughts, communication of ideas

I am enjoying presenting my sketchbook as a working piece. Showing all thoughts and processes allows a concept to form, with which I can develop. I teach my school children to use their ‘Art’ (as opposed to ‘sketch’) books as a working book, to show me how they are thinking and developing.

Demonstration of creativity – imagination, experimentation, invention, development of a personal voice

I think this assessment criteria will become more evident through assignment 5 as the exercises so far have been quite prescriptive on the surface. Interpretation is key, I am seeing, and this has enabled me to relax, simplify and play again. I always remember that I was experimental through my A-level as it was less structured and I was not working through developmental exercises.

Context reflection – research, critical thinking

This is another criteria that could always benefit from more time being spent on it. I think in reflection, I need to make a study schedule so that I allow an  amount of time of research and reflection. In further levels this will become a priority.

I also need to allow myself to turn to artists for inspiration, even to replicate and use their techniques to inform my work. I was always a little reticent to do this but I am well aware of its advantages. Again, more time spent on this would be a benefit and a work flow and schedule would help this happen. Research – replicate – apply – reflect.