I came across an "engage International Conference" while looking for essays on blankness. 'Like Nothing Else: experiment, risk and gallery education'
16 - 19 November 2005
One of the speakers at this conference was Howard Hollands:
Drawing a Blank: picturing silence in the classroom and gallery
'this interpretation panel is intentionally blank'
So, what 'this interpretation panel is intentionally blank', really means is, 'don't worry, this interpretation panel is intentionally blank', as a means of allaying the anxiety generated by the visitor faced with what appears to be nothing on the gallery wall. This throws us back on ourselves as a reader-viewer of images. Art is what we make of it, and 'nothing' as 'something' remains a confrontational and challenging concept. The nature of nothing means that it can never become an orthodoxy, but what we say about it certainly can. In this (blank-blanc) paper with too many words and pictures, Howard explores the empty space of the gallery and classroom as overflowing with pedagogic possibility
Unfortunately I could not find a transcript of his presentation (probably because it is blank?), however, attached was a link to his references which might be helpful. What striked me was the line: So, what 'this interpretation panel is intentionally blank', really means is, 'don't worry, this interpretation panel is intentionally blank', as a means of allaying the anxiety generated by the visitor faced with what appears to be nothing on the gallery wall.
The use of the word "anxiety" reminded me of my own. I never considered that an audience might also experience the same fear as myself. Yet again, I realise how incredibly self obsessed I have become. I really need to stop taking assumptions and turning them into truths/truthes? (For some reason I've drawn a blank on it's spelling - ha, hilarious...I am not.)
I wonder if I contacted him directly, if he might let me look at his transcript if it even exists? Hmm...
About Me
- Emma-Jane Corsan
- Twitter @emmajanecorsan Instagram: @emmajanemint YouTube: Cheesemint Productions
Showing posts with label MA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MA. Show all posts
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
( ......... )
While researching blankness/silence/nothingness, I came across this blog entry by author, Thaisa Frank. It's entitled Speaking of Silence
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It offers advice for writers but can be adapted for artists. As I also write, I found it extremely helpful.
Thaisa explains that the unfamiliar is a good route to expanding your practice and suggests that silence, does not hinder an artist but can actually increase productivity, leading you to new material. Her insight has given me a new way of approaching the concepts that I fear.
"...even if you aren't that interested in readers, experiencing the world without language it's crucial to discovering your most original work"
This could also be related to the viewer of an art work. Language that does not need to be written, or visual language, can often express more. An audience will respond emotively to what they see or alternately, don't see. During my exhibition, I spoke with several viewers, some of whom expressed that my coffee table did not require a written statement. It was evident to these particular viewers what I, as an artist wanted to express. I created this piece through challenging my practice by experimenting with the unknown (sculpture/3D work/furniture design). I am hoping to take this on board with any future work. I feel that Thaisa's comment relates to my current research - my own fear of the unknown needs to be challenged!
No matter what anyone says, there's a part of writing that you can't talk or think about. You're either writing or not writing. And, if you are writing, it's either going well, not going well--or at some point in between.
I have adapted Thaisa's paragraph on silence:
When the art flows, you don't care that you don't know how to talk or think about it: You move easily between intuition and practical work, thought and imagination. Creativity expresses what it means. Images create a subtext. And when you step back from the work to view it, there's a kind of rightness to it. You feel like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat--no one, not even you --can see the hat's false lining.
It's when the art isn't going well that you want to get to the heart of what's not working. You mull over it. Or return to some past work. Attack it at different angles. Or try to remember other moments when you felt stuck, and created something that worked. Often you mimic old strategies--without results. Sometimes, no matter what you do, the art withers on the vine. And sometimes, without quite knowing why, it comes back to life. You may have theories about why these things happen: But since art making is partly an unconscious act, you will never unravel the mystery completely. This is why each new piece of work often feels like the first, no matter how much art you have created.
There are a variety of ways to coax creativity back into motion--all valid, and I may share some of my own ideas later. But often the only solution is to do nothing at all. In homage to this solution, I present a small paragraph of silence. It dedicated to the elusive Edward Tolliver, as well as all artists who reach a point in their work where the only solution is to create nothing. Most of us stare at the blank canvas: Few of us bother to read into them.
The Paragraph of Silence:
I think this piece of writing is particularly helpful. At least, it has been for me.
Whenever I lapse back into the fear and panic of a new canvas I will come back to this paragragh. (I have decided that my fear may lie in the language "blank" so will refer to the blank canvas as "new". Whether or not this helps or just projects my feelings of panic from the word "blank" into the word "new" we shall see)...I also intend to look at a blank/new canvas (it's actually quite difficult to stick to "new"!) and try to create some work from it, not adding to the canvas but creating work inspired by it's concept.
.
It offers advice for writers but can be adapted for artists. As I also write, I found it extremely helpful.
Thaisa explains that the unfamiliar is a good route to expanding your practice and suggests that silence, does not hinder an artist but can actually increase productivity, leading you to new material. Her insight has given me a new way of approaching the concepts that I fear.
"...even if you aren't that interested in readers, experiencing the world without language it's crucial to discovering your most original work"
This could also be related to the viewer of an art work. Language that does not need to be written, or visual language, can often express more. An audience will respond emotively to what they see or alternately, don't see. During my exhibition, I spoke with several viewers, some of whom expressed that my coffee table did not require a written statement. It was evident to these particular viewers what I, as an artist wanted to express. I created this piece through challenging my practice by experimenting with the unknown (sculpture/3D work/furniture design). I am hoping to take this on board with any future work. I feel that Thaisa's comment relates to my current research - my own fear of the unknown needs to be challenged!
No matter what anyone says, there's a part of writing that you can't talk or think about. You're either writing or not writing. And, if you are writing, it's either going well, not going well--or at some point in between.
I have adapted Thaisa's paragraph on silence:
When the art flows, you don't care that you don't know how to talk or think about it: You move easily between intuition and practical work, thought and imagination. Creativity expresses what it means. Images create a subtext. And when you step back from the work to view it, there's a kind of rightness to it. You feel like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat--no one, not even you --can see the hat's false lining.
It's when the art isn't going well that you want to get to the heart of what's not working. You mull over it. Or return to some past work. Attack it at different angles. Or try to remember other moments when you felt stuck, and created something that worked. Often you mimic old strategies--without results. Sometimes, no matter what you do, the art withers on the vine. And sometimes, without quite knowing why, it comes back to life. You may have theories about why these things happen: But since art making is partly an unconscious act, you will never unravel the mystery completely. This is why each new piece of work often feels like the first, no matter how much art you have created.
There are a variety of ways to coax creativity back into motion--all valid, and I may share some of my own ideas later. But often the only solution is to do nothing at all. In homage to this solution, I present a small paragraph of silence. It dedicated to the elusive Edward Tolliver, as well as all artists who reach a point in their work where the only solution is to create nothing. Most of us stare at the blank canvas: Few of us bother to read into them.
The Paragraph of Silence:
I think this piece of writing is particularly helpful. At least, it has been for me.
Whenever I lapse back into the fear and panic of a new canvas I will come back to this paragragh. (I have decided that my fear may lie in the language "blank" so will refer to the blank canvas as "new". Whether or not this helps or just projects my feelings of panic from the word "blank" into the word "new" we shall see)...I also intend to look at a blank/new canvas (it's actually quite difficult to stick to "new"!) and try to create some work from it, not adding to the canvas but creating work inspired by it's concept.
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Drop-in Centre Private View "The Housewarming"
The private view was a success! We had a really good turn out,I got some interesting feedback and the comments on the exhibition on the whole were 99.99% positive*! (*approximation!).
One of the comments we received, in fact, several of them expressed the view that it was the most homely exhibition they've ever been too. One commented, "I wasn't sure if I was walking into a gallery or someone's house". As well as all the lovely comments, I also recieved a compliment about my chocolate brownies! Score!
Lots and lots of pictures were taken, by several friends and myself and I will upload them in the form of another slideshow soon. The collection of images is vast and impressive!
We had to make 2 extra alcohol runs, much like a housewarming! Also, people naturally interacted with the work, some picking up books, sitting in the spaces and most people did a portrait of Mark! For a first exhibition, I couldn't be happier!
I'm hoping that I'll have a few more comments in my book before the end of the week and will endeavour to publish them on here asap!
Also, watch this space for more pictures!
One of the comments we received, in fact, several of them expressed the view that it was the most homely exhibition they've ever been too. One commented, "I wasn't sure if I was walking into a gallery or someone's house". As well as all the lovely comments, I also recieved a compliment about my chocolate brownies! Score!
Lots and lots of pictures were taken, by several friends and myself and I will upload them in the form of another slideshow soon. The collection of images is vast and impressive!
We had to make 2 extra alcohol runs, much like a housewarming! Also, people naturally interacted with the work, some picking up books, sitting in the spaces and most people did a portrait of Mark! For a first exhibition, I couldn't be happier!
I'm hoping that I'll have a few more comments in my book before the end of the week and will endeavour to publish them on here asap!
Also, watch this space for more pictures!
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Installing the Drop-in Centre!
Setting up my exhibition on Sunday proved harder work than I imagined. There had been an event at the space we were using the night before and let's say that it didn't smell/look too pretty! We had to clean up before we could start! Despite it taking longer than I assumed, it was actually quite fun. I took lots of pictures to document the progress of installing our work. There are too many pictures to post, so I have made a slideshow; hopefully it works!
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| Make a Smilebox slideshow |
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Panic and Nothingness
I forgot to write this up from Thuuuuursday 21st.
For one of my projects I'm concentrating on blankness or nothingness. The scary blank canvas! When I was explaining this to everyone in the sessions, our tutor made a point that when I use the word "blank" I say it with negative connotations...which I do. I panic!
We put ourselves into images when we view them and acquire stimulus from different objects/concepts. I'm going to try and detach this pnaic and fear I have when thinking about blankness. It was also pointed out to me that silence might be interesting to explore, as it is another form of blankness! The scary thing is...I am actually terrified of silence, which I'm sure comes as no surprise for those of you who know me! I hate silence, I feel so incredibly uncomfortable surrounded by it. No such thing as a comfortable silence for me! So I'm going to look at nothingness, which sounds impossible! Ha! No doubt I shall be revisiting philosophy once again for this one!
I'm hoping to also investigate what might happen if I take my book sculptures into an art setting. Maybe the context my practice will change? Or maybe not?! Apparently the main idea behind action research is learning to accept not knowing!
I'm intending to research and re-explore the work of Rauschenberg and De Kooning. Also going to look at Ulrich (representations in visual objects/stimulus). Best get on with it then...
For one of my projects I'm concentrating on blankness or nothingness. The scary blank canvas! When I was explaining this to everyone in the sessions, our tutor made a point that when I use the word "blank" I say it with negative connotations...which I do. I panic!
We put ourselves into images when we view them and acquire stimulus from different objects/concepts. I'm going to try and detach this pnaic and fear I have when thinking about blankness. It was also pointed out to me that silence might be interesting to explore, as it is another form of blankness! The scary thing is...I am actually terrified of silence, which I'm sure comes as no surprise for those of you who know me! I hate silence, I feel so incredibly uncomfortable surrounded by it. No such thing as a comfortable silence for me! So I'm going to look at nothingness, which sounds impossible! Ha! No doubt I shall be revisiting philosophy once again for this one!
I'm hoping to also investigate what might happen if I take my book sculptures into an art setting. Maybe the context my practice will change? Or maybe not?! Apparently the main idea behind action research is learning to accept not knowing!
I'm intending to research and re-explore the work of Rauschenberg and De Kooning. Also going to look at Ulrich (representations in visual objects/stimulus). Best get on with it then...
Makeshift Cardboard Houses and Thinking Creatively!
Have been meaning to put up the pictures from one of the new units I'm doing at the moment; Learning Conversations. It's been really interesting so far and has proved quite enjoyable.
It's been more practical than I thought it would be and the 1st week we listened to a piece of writing about washing hands whilst washing our own hands with wet wipes! For some reason this sticks in my memory more than anything else from that particular session. The combination of bringing something normal and ordinary into the realm of out of the ordinary...it really encouraged creative thinking. For me at least!
The 2nd week involved a lot of fun with cardboard! (See pictures!) And the 3rd week, or last week we talked a lot about the way we learn. When we see something new we will always respond emotively then we begin to orientate what we see, comapring it to everything we already know. Once we give it a name, we know it. Once you describe something and frame it with language then you can begin questioning and enquiring. Maybe form metaphors. This made me think about delivery and how something could potentially be viewed and I've had this in mind all day while I've been installing my exhibition!
I will be adding pictures from the installation later but these are the pictures from the 2nd week of Learning Conversations...we all had to make a space for our things, or utilise the space around us in some way to create a space for ourselves using the cardboard...
We had to make use of what was in the room and the materials we had on us!
Ali decided to just plonk herself and her chair down on the card!
Jenny stole a corner and piled her things up on it claiming it was hers because she is an only child!
Jane made use of the corners and strange interior of the room to highlight form.
Linda (as seen in the photo) wore hers for the rest of the lesson!
Angela made a defence shield for her things!
And I...made a strange house for my things using my trusty scalpel and tip-ex, that live in my make-up bag!
It's been more practical than I thought it would be and the 1st week we listened to a piece of writing about washing hands whilst washing our own hands with wet wipes! For some reason this sticks in my memory more than anything else from that particular session. The combination of bringing something normal and ordinary into the realm of out of the ordinary...it really encouraged creative thinking. For me at least!
The 2nd week involved a lot of fun with cardboard! (See pictures!) And the 3rd week, or last week we talked a lot about the way we learn. When we see something new we will always respond emotively then we begin to orientate what we see, comapring it to everything we already know. Once we give it a name, we know it. Once you describe something and frame it with language then you can begin questioning and enquiring. Maybe form metaphors. This made me think about delivery and how something could potentially be viewed and I've had this in mind all day while I've been installing my exhibition!
I will be adding pictures from the installation later but these are the pictures from the 2nd week of Learning Conversations...we all had to make a space for our things, or utilise the space around us in some way to create a space for ourselves using the cardboard...
We had to make use of what was in the room and the materials we had on us!
Ali decided to just plonk herself and her chair down on the card!
Jenny stole a corner and piled her things up on it claiming it was hers because she is an only child!
Jane made use of the corners and strange interior of the room to highlight form.
Linda (as seen in the photo) wore hers for the rest of the lesson!
Angela made a defence shield for her things!
And I...made a strange house for my things using my trusty scalpel and tip-ex, that live in my make-up bag!
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
The Kindness of Strangers...
Exhibition is happening fo'real!
The Drop In Centre presents...
Serena Caulfield
Emma-Jane Corsan
Mark Jennings
Cherry Styles
Curated by Alison MacRonald
The House Warming!
Private view 26th May
at Unit 5, off of Magdalen St, Norwich!
Woo!
With that in mind...I've been working hard like a good Emma should. Today has been quite productive...whilst planning exhibition details etc. I had a bit of a breakthrough. Have decided to make my work interactive to fit in wth the theme of the exhbition. We want to make it as homely as possible. So, I'm going with the coffee table idea. What's the coffee table idea you say?
Well, I shall tell you. I've decided to make a coffee table out of "coffee table books" This is a comment on the absurdity of books for display purposes only (see my last blog entry!) and fits in with my previous work in that it involves the manipulation of books and the creation of something new out of existing objects/media. Rather than adapting the narrative of a book as I have been doing, I will use the books in their entirety and give them a purpose, not only as art but also as a functioning coffee table. On this table will be a few of the paperbacks which I have "destroyed" for my viewer to peruse, whilst sitting on a selection of comfy cushions. Above them there will be 2 book shelves which will hold my book sculptures and a few more of my books. The idea is that the viewer can take books off the shelf and look through them. As the coffee table will be covered with a layer of perspex, I might even throw in a cuppa for them!
That's the plan anyway...
On the other side of things; the resubmission of my research project is done and dusted...although I am a little worried as I don't think it's even half as good as the one I gave in and failed! Very scary...although it's a relief to have it done! We'll be starting a new unit soon; Learning Conversations (whatever that might be!) so I'm pleased to have finished.
This exhibition has also motivated me and inspired me to think "big"...as I still enjoy using books I decided that for the exhibition I would go a'hunting for lots more books...hundreds. Ambitious, yes. Realistic...yes, actually! Although I never thought it would be! I sent an email to all of the students at NUCA and a few Facebook messages requesting any unwanted books...despite offering to pay I've been offered 4 boxes worth of books as well as buying some top quality hardbacks and coffee table type books for a damn good price! It's really surprised me just how kind strangers can be (friends too of course - although that's a given!) and so I've also decided to make a mention in the exhibition (in the form of some kind of list) of all the people who donated/sold me their books! People have been so kind that I feel I owe it to them at the very least. That, and baked goods Emma-stylee! Speaking of which, as our exhibition is called The House Warming we'll be putting on tea/coffee/cakes as well as the usual wine and beer at the private view. All cakes made by me!
I suppose I better get back to work, as I've got little time left (not only am I working at Borders but I'm working for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival at the moment too so my precious art-making time is being eaten away!)
Although, I do feel as if I'm finally becoming an artist and I'm relieved to have found my feet...true it's taken 6/7 months...but hey, I got there in the end! I've begun to associate my work within a wider context and discover where my practice fits in the contemporary art world. I don't expect to become the next big artist or anything...it just feels amazing to have rediscovered the confidence to associate myself as an artist, I've missed it...plus it's another label to add the institutional pile, featuring such delights as bookseller, student and not forgetting female 20-something; all of which will only to be deconstructed and recycled at a later date...hehe! I really ought to read some more Foucault!
The Drop In Centre presents...
Serena Caulfield
Emma-Jane Corsan
Mark Jennings
Cherry Styles
Curated by Alison MacRonald
The House Warming!
Private view 26th May
at Unit 5, off of Magdalen St, Norwich!
Woo!
With that in mind...I've been working hard like a good Emma should. Today has been quite productive...whilst planning exhibition details etc. I had a bit of a breakthrough. Have decided to make my work interactive to fit in wth the theme of the exhbition. We want to make it as homely as possible. So, I'm going with the coffee table idea. What's the coffee table idea you say?
Well, I shall tell you. I've decided to make a coffee table out of "coffee table books" This is a comment on the absurdity of books for display purposes only (see my last blog entry!) and fits in with my previous work in that it involves the manipulation of books and the creation of something new out of existing objects/media. Rather than adapting the narrative of a book as I have been doing, I will use the books in their entirety and give them a purpose, not only as art but also as a functioning coffee table. On this table will be a few of the paperbacks which I have "destroyed" for my viewer to peruse, whilst sitting on a selection of comfy cushions. Above them there will be 2 book shelves which will hold my book sculptures and a few more of my books. The idea is that the viewer can take books off the shelf and look through them. As the coffee table will be covered with a layer of perspex, I might even throw in a cuppa for them!
That's the plan anyway...
On the other side of things; the resubmission of my research project is done and dusted...although I am a little worried as I don't think it's even half as good as the one I gave in and failed! Very scary...although it's a relief to have it done! We'll be starting a new unit soon; Learning Conversations (whatever that might be!) so I'm pleased to have finished.
This exhibition has also motivated me and inspired me to think "big"...as I still enjoy using books I decided that for the exhibition I would go a'hunting for lots more books...hundreds. Ambitious, yes. Realistic...yes, actually! Although I never thought it would be! I sent an email to all of the students at NUCA and a few Facebook messages requesting any unwanted books...despite offering to pay I've been offered 4 boxes worth of books as well as buying some top quality hardbacks and coffee table type books for a damn good price! It's really surprised me just how kind strangers can be (friends too of course - although that's a given!) and so I've also decided to make a mention in the exhibition (in the form of some kind of list) of all the people who donated/sold me their books! People have been so kind that I feel I owe it to them at the very least. That, and baked goods Emma-stylee! Speaking of which, as our exhibition is called The House Warming we'll be putting on tea/coffee/cakes as well as the usual wine and beer at the private view. All cakes made by me!
I suppose I better get back to work, as I've got little time left (not only am I working at Borders but I'm working for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival at the moment too so my precious art-making time is being eaten away!)
Although, I do feel as if I'm finally becoming an artist and I'm relieved to have found my feet...true it's taken 6/7 months...but hey, I got there in the end! I've begun to associate my work within a wider context and discover where my practice fits in the contemporary art world. I don't expect to become the next big artist or anything...it just feels amazing to have rediscovered the confidence to associate myself as an artist, I've missed it...plus it's another label to add the institutional pile, featuring such delights as bookseller, student and not forgetting female 20-something; all of which will only to be deconstructed and recycled at a later date...hehe! I really ought to read some more Foucault!
Sunday, 12 April 2009
For Display Purposes Only!
Have got myself involved with an exhibition running in May at Unit 5 studios in Norwich. We've provisionally booked the 24th-30th May! We haven't got a specific theme in mind however all of our work can is loosely connected via "the home". I intend to make a bookshelf to exhibit my "books" and also make a coffee table using books as the base (currently on a mission to find some so called "coffee table books", as I would quite like to highlight the absurdity of owning books for display purposes only! The very idea shocks and appauls me, such a waste! I think it'd be very amusing to give these books a use like their name suggests!
However it isn't without contradiction that a lot of "coffee table books" are big, expensive art and photography books! I find it bewildering that a book which holds images of an art object can become an art object in itself by virtue of its purpose. "For display purposes only/Do not touch" comes to mind! It has made me consider the different purposes that different types of books can possess, especially as someone who struggles to let go of a book...I mean, I still own study guides that I no longer need! One of which, I thought of framing as a piece of art, the pages are covered with colour coded notes. It's odd that I had no qualms whatsoever about writing or drawing on study guides...I suppose it makes sense when revising but in any other book i'd view it as sacrilege!
Hmm...I fear I am digressing, back to the different purposes of books, I suppose you have:
Study guides - no explanation needed here I guess, although they are often sold on or handed down through generations to make use of the more than once!
Coffee-table books/books for display - you know the type, usually full of glossy photographs, with minimal text and as for those display books, I actually own a few (I do like to contradict myself!); nice editions/covers of books I already own, a lot of publishers tend to market huge leather bound versions of classics too.
Books for pleasure - probably the majority of my book collection falls under this, could be any kind of book.
Books for escapism - this is one of the main reasons i read books, to relax, unwind and escape the stresses of life!
Books for entertainment - fiction that entertains us, could be anything depending on what entertains you! (but also humour titles)
Books that educate/inform/instruct - self explanatory really, but a few examples might be cookery books, assorted reference titles and "how to guides"
Religious/Spiritual books - again, it's all in the name
Mini books/pocket guides - that you never actually keep in your pocket
Toilet books - yes, there are actually books marketed to keep in bathrooms...weird!
Gift books - books you receive as gifts, probably something marking your day of birth/'You are a Good Friend' - full of endearing/overbearing sentiment and cutesy pictures of animals in hilarious pairings which actually suggests that the person who bought you this gift probably isn't really worth classing as a friend!
reference books - dictionaries/encyclopaedias and the like (that tend to sit on shelves until a dispute during scrabble ensues!)
I guess a lot of these depend on the person.
And ofcourse...books for art!
I'm sure there are many more purposes of books, perhaps I will ask my fellow booksellers when I'm next at work. I'm sure someone out there uses books in a practical sense maybe as a doorstop/cheap alternative to fire wood/lining for a litter tray...maybe.
My musings will end here as I fear I will get on to rambling territory (as usual!)
Oh, also, I have recently started using Twitter, (yes,yes, I know...I've jumped on the bandwagon!) but if you would like to follow me just search my username: EmmaJaneCorsan
However it isn't without contradiction that a lot of "coffee table books" are big, expensive art and photography books! I find it bewildering that a book which holds images of an art object can become an art object in itself by virtue of its purpose. "For display purposes only/Do not touch" comes to mind! It has made me consider the different purposes that different types of books can possess, especially as someone who struggles to let go of a book...I mean, I still own study guides that I no longer need! One of which, I thought of framing as a piece of art, the pages are covered with colour coded notes. It's odd that I had no qualms whatsoever about writing or drawing on study guides...I suppose it makes sense when revising but in any other book i'd view it as sacrilege!
Hmm...I fear I am digressing, back to the different purposes of books, I suppose you have:
Study guides - no explanation needed here I guess, although they are often sold on or handed down through generations to make use of the more than once!
Coffee-table books/books for display - you know the type, usually full of glossy photographs, with minimal text and as for those display books, I actually own a few (I do like to contradict myself!); nice editions/covers of books I already own, a lot of publishers tend to market huge leather bound versions of classics too.
Books for pleasure - probably the majority of my book collection falls under this, could be any kind of book.
Books for escapism - this is one of the main reasons i read books, to relax, unwind and escape the stresses of life!
Books for entertainment - fiction that entertains us, could be anything depending on what entertains you! (but also humour titles)
Books that educate/inform/instruct - self explanatory really, but a few examples might be cookery books, assorted reference titles and "how to guides"
Religious/Spiritual books - again, it's all in the name
Mini books/pocket guides - that you never actually keep in your pocket
Toilet books - yes, there are actually books marketed to keep in bathrooms...weird!
Gift books - books you receive as gifts, probably something marking your day of birth/'You are a Good Friend' - full of endearing/overbearing sentiment and cutesy pictures of animals in hilarious pairings which actually suggests that the person who bought you this gift probably isn't really worth classing as a friend!
reference books - dictionaries/encyclopaedias and the like (that tend to sit on shelves until a dispute during scrabble ensues!)
I guess a lot of these depend on the person.
And ofcourse...books for art!
I'm sure there are many more purposes of books, perhaps I will ask my fellow booksellers when I'm next at work. I'm sure someone out there uses books in a practical sense maybe as a doorstop/cheap alternative to fire wood/lining for a litter tray...maybe.
My musings will end here as I fear I will get on to rambling territory (as usual!)
Oh, also, I have recently started using Twitter, (yes,yes, I know...I've jumped on the bandwagon!) but if you would like to follow me just search my username: EmmaJaneCorsan
Thursday, 19 March 2009
It Pays to Be a Fan Girl Sometimes!
A few things to report...
Hopefully, if things work out ok, myself and the part-time ladies on the course will be having an exhibition! Yay! I find it odd that it'll be my first, I am but an exhibiting virgin! Obviously this brings to light the fact that I don't have a great deal to exhibit...I need to get my art on!
In other news, one of my favourite contemporary artists at the moment, Mike Stilkey, replied to a message I sent him and I'm chuffed to pieces! Despite sounding like a total fan-girl he seemed pleased that I recognised him! If you haven't seen his work check out one of my earlier blogs...his website is there and he is amazing, he paints in a similar style to Egon Schiele and there's definitely an inherent humour within his work! I might have to ask him for some advice at some point!
Also have a seminar and private tutorial with an art therapist at 4.30pm today, should be interesting and might give me some tips if I decide to go down the art therapy route. I'm wondering what I might possibly ask him or if I should take in some of the art therapy tasks I did...or maybe not! Better get thinking...
I feel fairly relaxed at the moment regarding my MA but I feel somewhat guilty about this...I need some kind of pressure to get me working! Maybe the suggestion of an exhibtion will gear me up! I'm going to make a few more book sculptures methinks!
Hopefully, if things work out ok, myself and the part-time ladies on the course will be having an exhibition! Yay! I find it odd that it'll be my first, I am but an exhibiting virgin! Obviously this brings to light the fact that I don't have a great deal to exhibit...I need to get my art on!
In other news, one of my favourite contemporary artists at the moment, Mike Stilkey, replied to a message I sent him and I'm chuffed to pieces! Despite sounding like a total fan-girl he seemed pleased that I recognised him! If you haven't seen his work check out one of my earlier blogs...his website is there and he is amazing, he paints in a similar style to Egon Schiele and there's definitely an inherent humour within his work! I might have to ask him for some advice at some point!
Also have a seminar and private tutorial with an art therapist at 4.30pm today, should be interesting and might give me some tips if I decide to go down the art therapy route. I'm wondering what I might possibly ask him or if I should take in some of the art therapy tasks I did...or maybe not! Better get thinking...
I feel fairly relaxed at the moment regarding my MA but I feel somewhat guilty about this...I need some kind of pressure to get me working! Maybe the suggestion of an exhibtion will gear me up! I'm going to make a few more book sculptures methinks!
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
The End is Closer Than I Thought...
My research project...is dooooooooomed. The school I was working with has pulled out, I'm left with NOTHING. Just all the research and prep work I did...I even had all the materials ready. Ah well, it's all part of the learning process for next time I guess. In the meantime I need to think of something new to do...and fast! My brain is having a bit of mental meltdown though, the deadline is but a week away!
I'm surprisingly positive though. I even tried calling Red Balloon (the charity I used to volunteer with- do check them out as they are such a worthy cause and do so much for bullied children!). Unfortunately, they too are quite busy and unable to accommodate me. At least I have a lot to write about in my evaluation and I'm more than prepared for any future projects now!
Despite this strange optimism ('tis a rare thing!) I'm a bit worried as I might fail my unit. I might continue some more practical work as a break from over-thinking, uploading my last pictures has made me want to do some more actual art!
I'm surprisingly positive though. I even tried calling Red Balloon (the charity I used to volunteer with- do check them out as they are such a worthy cause and do so much for bullied children!). Unfortunately, they too are quite busy and unable to accommodate me. At least I have a lot to write about in my evaluation and I'm more than prepared for any future projects now!
Despite this strange optimism ('tis a rare thing!) I'm a bit worried as I might fail my unit. I might continue some more practical work as a break from over-thinking, uploading my last pictures has made me want to do some more actual art!
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Never Work With Children!
It's been far too long since my last post! I thought it was about time for another!
Well, so far in the RPP unit a lot has happened. My original proposal was going to be be; Art as a Way of Combating Stress in High Achieving Pupils.
It linked in well with my fascination of art therapy and was at one point on track. I had found a school, sent my proposal, planned "lessons", made up questionnaires and researched quite a lot of material...for a change, I was ahead of my game!
But then...it all came crashing down. I hadn't really considered the ethical implications and the school asked if I had ethics board clearance and what I could offer in the way of counselling if any psychological issues arose for the pupils...
SHIT!
That was pretty much my reaction for several days...sandwiched between panic and despair!
To make matters worse...along came half term, making any communication with the school difficult. Children eh? Maybe I should have looked into adult education!
So, last week, the realisation had dawned on me that I was going to have to rethink my whole project. I decided to take out any art therapy/psychological element in my research proposal and try out something new (and with only 3 weeks left- out of 10!)
I still intend to do work shops with the pupils although now they will be art sessions not art therapy and I will observing the effects that non-curriculum art can have on these high achieving pupils.
Now half term is over, all day I've been refining my questionnaire, attempting to re-do my proposal and writing a parent/guardian permission letter for all pupils who will be participating.
The sessions will be fun (I hope!) as I'm going to buy a book for each student and let them manipulate it! This will fit in with my own practice too! I'm hoping also to get parental permission to exhibit their work alongside mine at my MA show!
I'm looking forward to the sessions as they will also be good practice for me if I do intend to go into teaching eventually and I can always apply to do a PhD and do art therapy research in the future. At least all the problems I've had will enable me to be better prepared in the future and will give me a fair bit to write about in my evaluation at least!
So that was my quick update!
On the creative practice side of things I've made a little progress, I used glue to stick together 6 books to create a kind of book sculpture, then I painted it with white acrylic. It had been sitting in my studio for weeks as I had no idea where to take it next.
Last Friday I decided to paint onto it and began painting an image of red riding hood. It has given me several ideas;
1. Make a series of "sculptures" similar and paint scenes from my favourite books onto them (maybe fairy tale related?! Or to highlight narrative of a singular book?)
2. Make a shelf then use a book sculpture as a book end? Perhaps with new spines painted on to look like books?
3. To paint images on my sculpture, document them photographically and then paint over in white acrylic only to begin the process again (to highlight the layers of meaning maybe?)
I will post an image of the red riding hood sculpture soon, so watch this space!
Well, so far in the RPP unit a lot has happened. My original proposal was going to be be; Art as a Way of Combating Stress in High Achieving Pupils.
It linked in well with my fascination of art therapy and was at one point on track. I had found a school, sent my proposal, planned "lessons", made up questionnaires and researched quite a lot of material...for a change, I was ahead of my game!
But then...it all came crashing down. I hadn't really considered the ethical implications and the school asked if I had ethics board clearance and what I could offer in the way of counselling if any psychological issues arose for the pupils...
SHIT!
That was pretty much my reaction for several days...sandwiched between panic and despair!
To make matters worse...along came half term, making any communication with the school difficult. Children eh? Maybe I should have looked into adult education!
So, last week, the realisation had dawned on me that I was going to have to rethink my whole project. I decided to take out any art therapy/psychological element in my research proposal and try out something new (and with only 3 weeks left- out of 10!)
I still intend to do work shops with the pupils although now they will be art sessions not art therapy and I will observing the effects that non-curriculum art can have on these high achieving pupils.
Now half term is over, all day I've been refining my questionnaire, attempting to re-do my proposal and writing a parent/guardian permission letter for all pupils who will be participating.
The sessions will be fun (I hope!) as I'm going to buy a book for each student and let them manipulate it! This will fit in with my own practice too! I'm hoping also to get parental permission to exhibit their work alongside mine at my MA show!
I'm looking forward to the sessions as they will also be good practice for me if I do intend to go into teaching eventually and I can always apply to do a PhD and do art therapy research in the future. At least all the problems I've had will enable me to be better prepared in the future and will give me a fair bit to write about in my evaluation at least!
So that was my quick update!
On the creative practice side of things I've made a little progress, I used glue to stick together 6 books to create a kind of book sculpture, then I painted it with white acrylic. It had been sitting in my studio for weeks as I had no idea where to take it next.
Last Friday I decided to paint onto it and began painting an image of red riding hood. It has given me several ideas;
1. Make a series of "sculptures" similar and paint scenes from my favourite books onto them (maybe fairy tale related?! Or to highlight narrative of a singular book?)
2. Make a shelf then use a book sculpture as a book end? Perhaps with new spines painted on to look like books?
3. To paint images on my sculpture, document them photographically and then paint over in white acrylic only to begin the process again (to highlight the layers of meaning maybe?)
I will post an image of the red riding hood sculpture soon, so watch this space!
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