DMU Art and Design Degree Show

Yesterday I went to have a look at the Degree Shows at DMU.  It was laid out differently this year, which made it feel very messy.  Student work seemed a bit sparse too.  Fine Art was the biggest by far and had some very strong paintings.  I wasn't keen on the sculpture, I've seen better.  Design Crafts was ok - I'm so glad I didn't do that now, it all seems a bit superficial.  Oh how quickly we are converted to the Fine Art view point.  It's a little like the work I'm doing during the holidays; pretty, mindless stuff.  It's just not me, and it shows in the work. But it fills the time without having to think too much!
Anyway, back to the show.  Textiles was poor - it always is.  Contour was sparse.  Footwear was same as ever. And I just don't get Fashion....
I have taken pics of some of my favourite Fine Art pieces - I noticed that lots of the paintings had sold, always a bonus.

Crazy Patchwork

The current Yr 12 students are starting a new project in preparation for their last year of 'A' Level study.  I've decided to join in.  We are doing Crazy Patchwork, which is fairly self explanatory; random fabrics, colours and shapes patchworked together.  I'm no seamstress so prepare for the next failure - but at least I'm keeping busy!

Print Revelations

I've been printing after work again this week and I've had a revelation, an epiphany moment, a dawning of realisation. I CAN'T WORK WITH PATTERN.  There I said it, it's out in the open and I haven't fallen off  planet art.

It's been a struggle these past few weeks, trying to produce something that looks abstract, pretty and meaningful all at the same time.  Success has evaded me.  There is only one more workshop left (can you feel the sense of relief?) so I will soldier on to the bitter end and complete the two pieces I'm working on - but I'm not happy...

The photographs show the prints in their current state, clearly there is more to be done, but I have no idea what.  It doesn't bode well for a beautiful finished piece does it?

I prefer the green one, but if I'm honest, I don't like either.  Can't wait for the class to end...sorry Amy!

LUSAD

Today I went on my annual trip to LUSAD to have a look at their Final Show.  I have to say that this year I was thoroughly disappointed.   There were one or two interesting pieces of work but most of it lacked originality - or is it that I have higher expectations and a wider knowledge base now?
I did find a quote that I liked though...
'By definition memories are from the past, they refer to what is absent from the present, but yet they simultaneously bring this 'absent' into the present.' Helen C. Chapman 1997.
It relates really well to the theme that runs constantly through my own work, memory, memorials and recalling the past. Fascinating.
The Textile work was as lovely as ever but seemed a bit thin on the ground.

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/publicity/degreeshows/index.html

Dilema

I have to choose a module to study at Uni in September - okay, no rush but I do like to be organised.  I'm a Sculpture girl at heart and completed that module this year.  So, do I choose Print or Paint?  My Sculpture Tutor says Print.  My Drawing Tutor says Paint.  That doesn't help.  I like both.  My main concern is time.  As I work, I can only attend Uni when I have a timetabled class or in the evenings, unfortunately the workshops shut at 5pm.  This would seriously limit the time I could spend in print and limit the amount of work produced.  I could paint in the studios after work or in my studio at home, so Paint would be the obvious path to take.  But Print sounds really interesting.  Decisions, decisions.  The life of an Art Student can be very fraught....

Leaf memory

I noticed this 'watermark' on my patio this afternoon.  It's the outline of a leaf that had fallen off the tree and left a stain when it had rained.  I really like it; it's like the memory of a leaf, not real anymore, dead but still remembered.