We were given the project task with the theme being completely self-generated. At the beginning of this project, I decided to focus on urban environment and nature, especially in Edinburgh City. However, as the project went on, I became more interested in the new development in Edinburgh City, especially in the area that I live in. Since spending the majority of my time inside this past year. Initially, I was going to make new construction the main topic of the project, however I wanted the project to be more personal to me. I decided to focus the theme on my insignificant memories of me walking around the city, living in Edinburgh (i.e. tripping on the pavement, dropping a phone) and capturing the streets in which these small events occurred. These small memories that I don’t realise even exist until I walk down a certain street, see a certain house or shop. It’s these memories that can affect my whole point of view on the city in which I live in. The developed theme is still relevant as it is focusing on the journey of the city and how a simple building can say so much about a city. The theme also allows me to look at the relationship I have with the city and the meaning of it.
The artwork that I have created throughout this project is still relevant as each artwork created presents me and my view on the chosen topic.
The artists that I have been studying have had a great influence on the work I am currently producing. One of the main inspirations would be Lynette Jackson and Sarah Morris. In many of Jackson’s paintings she incorporates photography and graphic design with collage. She uses vibrant colours and geometrical shapes. I found Jackson’s artwork refreshing and exciting. I want to try and capture the layering and depth she creates in her own pieces. The majority of artworks I’ producing are by Adobe Photoshop, and I find it hard to create depth digitally, but I do that it has helped progress in thinking more in placement when I need to, and I feel it has allowed to develop my art as an artist.
Since all Educational buildings have been closed, students have to study and work at home. This means limited resources, meaning the materials that I have mainly used in this project is acrylic, pastel, Gouache and Adobe Photoshop (mainly). In a way, I find this quite fortunate, as I feel only being able to use what is in the house. This encourages me to use materials that I would never consider, which can lead to development breakthroughs. For surfaces, I started off with using basic paper, but I soon started using photoshop as I feel I can create the artwork I want to make, without worrying about materials. I have also used cereal boxes as a base for some pieces as well.
When reflecting on the work I have produced to date, I feel I have experimented greatly in painting, photoshop and digital art. Listening back on the feedback from my fellow students, I can see that my artwork in aesthetically pleasing and has successful outcomes. However, the meaning behind the piece is still blurry. Also, that I can get stuck in a routine and certain materials and neglect exploring other techniques and materials. I completely agree with all the feedback I was given from my peers and lecturers and I feel I have become slightly stuck in Photoshop and want either new ways or techniques that can collaborated. However, I do feel that during this project I have struggled with the meaning and message I want to present. I plan on looking at what I have done and developed so far. Focus on textures and more on the building representation instead of the aesthetics.
In past projects, many of my topics are experimental and technique based, and I don’t always feel that the connection between me and the work is of importance. However, with developing this theme I have surprised myself in wanting to take it down a more meaningful path. I really enjoyed this method, it was completely out of my comfort zone, but I feel I learned a lot in how I personally work.
If given the opportunity to extend my work more, I think I would still focus on looking into memory more and develop more of my digital skills and look more into video. Also look further into audios and sounds, as I feel that could allow the work to be more effective. Exploring my personal feelings with the city and possibly looking what are good and bad memories.
When it came to time management, I tried to give an equal amount of time to all aspects of the project. I made sure that I kept my blog up to date and balancing time with written work and practical. If I could improve my time management, I wish I spent lesser time on focusing on editing and instead explore the city more. As the project nears an end, I’ll be making sure that I balance the time I have on my more resolved pieces and written work.
I really enjoyed this project, and I feel the outcome was a great success, however if I could improve on one thing it would be to use my sketchbook more for developing ideas, however I will take this into consideration for future projects.
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