5 WEEKS TO GO - MA UPDATE

Just about to head into the last 5 weeks before I install my MA degree show and thought I’d share what I’ve been up to this week.

This week in my studio…

I sandwiched together 44 pieces of insulation foam ready for carving into seeds and pods (and bought an electric bread knife to help me out)

I completed my Polymorph hanging pod from last week

• I glazed my ceramic seeds & created a prototype of a hanging seed pod made of sliced thick felt, which needed thinking through logistically but I’m hoping should be fairly quick to make.
• I glued a couple of polystyrene balls with curtain rings to make 2 pods to add to my hanging pod series and created a chickenwire/plaster pod
  
• Most excitingly I had my first studio assistants session - 4 papermache seed pods were created in one day!
  

How's it going?...

• I worked out this morning that I am currently in the middle of 14 pieces of art (not counting all those I need to make), for a ‘completer finisher’ personality type this feels a little bit of a challenge but seems a necessary way to work at the moment due to drying times, trying things out, waiting for extra materials to arrive, working across 2 studio venues etc etc
  
• This week has had a few EXTRAS to add into the mix - 2 daughters birthdays within 5 days of each other and a trip to A&E on Thursday that eclipsed the day due to a nasty split lip when my 11 year old tripped in a rehearsal at school. Next week is even fuller with my 3rd daughters birthday and graduation, visitors staying and 2 daughters playing the lead in 2 separate performances that need watching, plus the last week of school term ‘stuff’ that needs to happen.
  
• I’m really excited about having found some extra studio help and am spending my weekend getting projects organised and ready for them to do. As well as gathering materials, creating example pieces and writing instructions, this has also meant some scary calculations and list writing. I worked out if all goes to my current plan I need to make 37 pods and 195 seeds! So far I have 12 pods & 27 seeds completely finished.
  
• I spent all day Monday writing my ‘Case for a Space’ proposal, which formally documents my intentions for the show and gives my arguments for which exhibition space I would ideally like to have. I will complete this this coming Monday adding in imagery of mock ups, maps etc. I can’t wait until this decision is made by our tutors as it leaves a layer of uncertainty over the whole project which is unsettling, it makes things a little tense with fellow students too which is the last thing I want. It’s a weird situation to be in - I am creating a large, impactful installation that sort of really needs to be in the large gallery area in the centre of things, I’m having to fight or ignore my shyness, my worry of what others will think, that british nervousness about putting yourself forward and just go for what ultimately I believe just makes sense and is fitting for my art. Assertiveness, self promotion and seeking out the lime light seem to be as much a necessary part of being a professional artist as constantly working outside your comfortzone, not easy!
  

To find out more about my project click HERE where you’ll also discover some lovely merch I’ve designed especially for the show! You could even order your very own bespoke seedpod sculpture from the show

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See you next week for the next instalment!