Change of pace/change of plan...

I gave myself the summer off firstly because I'm pregnant and was worn out and sick when doing the last assignment so didn't really enjoy it and needed a break and secondly as I had an arts and crafts exhibition with friends so got ready for that. Although still keen to learn and finish the course I am no longer sure that I will go for assessment (might do - haven't really decided yet) and I am absolutely certain I won't finish in my original timescale. Had said I wanted to do the course in as close to 12 months as possible but change in circumstances mean I will give myself more time to do each assignment and probably a lot of time off from February!

I am also not sure if I am going to work towards a degree now - various contacts made whilst at the exhibition etc have got me thinking I may be better off spending the same amount of money on a wide range of short courses - for example I plan to take some machine embroidery and textiles classes before Christmas and could do all sorts of other things e.g ceramics, life drawing, printing etc etc etc over the next few years gaining more experience in different areas than I perhaps would with the degree.

I also sold some of my smaller things - cards and prints at the exhibition so set myself up an online shop www.folksy.com/shops/rachalulabelle  and am extremely chuffed to bits to have sold prints and a brooch after only 2 weeks.  I have no plans to be a great selling artist but if I can make bits and bobs and try out different things I'll be very happy!

My long term plan of hopefully one day teaching art I think could be as easily realised with short courses as with a degree what with already having one and teaching quals so will do some reflection and research during the rest of this course and make a decision about what will be best and most enjoyable in the long run.....

Reflections - Assignment 1

I am coming to this a bit late this time but better late than never....

I really enjoyed these first units building up to assignment 1.  I struggled with the amount of reading initially but now seem to have settled in to this and have found that reading up on the period in another 'lighter' book first means I have the background knowledge to tackle the main text book. 

I feel that I have learnt so much, particularly about architecture which I wasn't really expecting.  I can't go anywhere now without noticing and pointing out to myself the classical design features that are everywhere.  It has been so interesting finding out about changes in techniques and the purpose of art and how this effected what was produced.  The historical elements are really useful to put the art into context.

I feel that I have settled in to the course now and can more easily see how the rest of it fits together and how I will tackle it.  I am enjoying doing this blog as my learning log. As I've never done a learning log for art before I intend to use a paper version for my next course so I can compare the 2 experiences - I think there will be pros and cons to both so for future courses may do a bit of each. 

My favourite units were U 5 and 6 - the Renaissance.  It could be that I was starting to settle into the course by this point but I think it is also because more is known about the artists so they have become 'real people'.  I also personally really like the art of the time and find the course moves away from such a heavy emphasis on architecture towards paintings.  It was also the first time that any female artists were mentioned and I feel I would like to find out more about women who were creating in a male dominated world.

I was pleased with the feedback for the assignment and am glad I seem to be working well and on the right lines.  I followed up the comments and suggestions to improve and for further reading. 

I'm now really looking forward to completing assignment 2 and the rest.