Thursday 3 June 2010

Evaluation...

Evaluation

Over the past 3 years I have been nomadic with my work. I started out trying to conform and impress other people with my pieces and volume of work, and then I began to understand that interdisciplinary means you can bend the rules. These are not rules established by other people; they’re a personal system. Each individual’s set of rules differs, and this is where the beauty lies with this course. I think myself as an individual, and my colleagues on this course, have all learnt to alter their way of working to coincide with their personal regulations, whilst being able to gain from everyone else’s systems.

This project has pushed me further and wider than I have ever been taken before. Firstly the length of time the final major project is given to complete, allows for a huge expanse of research and preparation plus the idea of the final piece being exhibited really forces you to produce something to the highest standard. It has allowed me to literally go out and capture the essence of my concept, and being able to enjoy the process also.

I believe I have changed my way of working particularly as I know it pays off to produce something, evaluate it and move on to improve it. I have spent the last 6 weeks of this project selecting and editing my work, printing it off, considering how to exhibit it and what methods and equipment to use. This method has enabled me to produce a final piece which I believe is of the highest standard I could produce. I am overjoyed that I have given myself this opportunity of editing as I think it has strengthened my project, tenfold.

I personally think the postcard stand is the item that wraps the whole project up. It is able to produce a conversation piece, whilst also providing mini conversations with what’s written on the postcards. The manner in which I contacted individuals to get them to write on my postcards and return them was really exciting. It was costly and time consuming to do, but even to get one postcard back out of 20 was a bonus. I believe that when you ask someone about themselves they are more likely to respond, plus us as an audience we enjoy reading the responses, as we are a little nosy! During the project I managed to record several conversations, as the original starting question was quite personal, yet controversial; which social class are you in?

I have gained a great deal by finding a starting combination of imagery to use as a final piece, and then developing to changing several times along the way to become what it is now. The tutorials and crits I have had have really forced me to consider my way of working, what message I want to put across, and how I want individuals to read my work without forcing a message upon them.

My original proposal for this project was to investigate the social class of Britain. I believe I have been able to examine a very traditional yet tiring pastime in our society, which has begun to crumble over the last couple of decades. The increase in available money has meant families are more able to pay to holiday abroad, leaving our local resorts to be empty. This has meant a lack of income for such resorts and subsequently they have begun to wilt and fall apart. I have tried to regain some of the spirit associated with British Seaside Holidays and bring back memories for those who have had the pleasure of going on one. My aim to bring back the smell of salty sea air, candy floss and fish and chips with the sound of waves crashing and the amusement arcades with seagulls flying over head symbolises the losing battle of British tourism and enhances the audiences understanding of our ever changing society, ‘It wasn’t like this in my day’.

FINISHED!!!





Today I have finished putting my work up!! I have spent a lot of time re-doing things, and adding final touches. I think the overall look is great, and I'm really pleased. The postcard stand is the thing which gets most attention, so hopefully people will actually contribute and write some of their memories down.

Wednesday 2 June 2010

Final Images..... UP!!!


Printing in the dungeon....


3 images up in my space!


I used photoshop yesterday to work out, to scale, what size I should print the images. I decided that rather than having the 1 portrait image big, so it was the same size as the landscape images (150cms x 100cms) I thought it would look better if they were all on one size together, i.e. all on one line. I think this has worked really well, and with the addition of the postcard stand as well, I think it would look perfect.

Last Decision, Which Images?

I spoke to Dan and Cheryl yesterday about the images I intended to put up, and they disagreed.

They thought the two images were too 'samey' and that there could have been a better combination. They also implied a meaning whereas there were other images which would leave it open for individuals to produce their own conclusion.

I was concerned about the layout of my exhibition space as there is a large pole to the left side of the wall which breaks it up.



The final images were chosen:





Which Pins?!


Nail with a larger head, 30mm


White Upholstery pins


Small thin pins


Small headed pins, 30mm




We have now started putting our exhibition up and I must decide on how I am going to put my images up.

I already know I want to use nails/pins, but I need to know which ones. Therefore I have bought a variety and have tried them out...

I decided to use the smallest pins as they were discreet but also noticeable when you look to see how the image is put up. I really think they're going to look good!

Final Photos....






I have been through my images again, and tried to reflect on what was said in the Crit.

Generally, I think the general consensus was to consider how the imagery relates to the postcard stand. With the old images there was a minimal relationship as the photos didn't reflect a seaside place and could be anywhere in the country. Therefore I have tried to pick out images which reflect the seaside, whilst staying a bit loose so individuals can take away their own thoughts from seeing them.

I chose these two images because I think they enable people to think about their memories of their personal seaside holidays whilst matching as well, so they look good together.

Crit 18th May 2010

Today's crit has left me confused, but a little clearer on what I need to do.

I will have to make some important decisions in the next couple of days.

I have already been to book another time slot in the print dungeon!!