11/11/2009

I tried on several occasions to get onto the computer that had my video on, alas, every time I went to the multi-media room, there was someone on that particular computer. I see no other option, other than download the software to my own computer. Took some photos of the installation, with a couple of people posing in the mirrors. I had an excellent CCS tutorial with David this morning; one particular web site he mentioned could be a good reference source for the thesis.

10/11/2009

I spent the morning in the library writing for my thesis. In the afternoon, we had a seminar with Mark, he invited a guest speaker; Dr. Kieran Cashell. The seminar was concerned with aspects of how artists use language. It was a dialectical discussion.There were many topics discussed, including truth, meaning, semiotics, philosophy, and so forth. It was intriguing to hear another Professors philosophy, and the terminology he uses. Many theorists were mentioned, including; Saussere,Pierce, Nietzsche, Barthes, Derrida, and Wittgenstein.

09/11/2009

I had a progress review today, and I must say it went very well; I have gained a clearer understanding, of the specifics I need to consider within my work, in order to give the work a better sense of clarity, coherence, appropriateness, focus, communication, and so forth. In short, I need to delve my 'angle'. Having said that, I was under the impression (perhaps wrongly) that the first half of the term was meant to be, in some sense, experimental; fun, enjoyable, explorative. I had not realized that we were meant to be so specifically focussed at this stage. Nevertheless, constructive criticism is always well appreciated, and I can well understand the tutors concerns. If I was to be perfectly honest, I had indeed realized that the work was fragmentary, and disjointed; I was going to see where it would take me. It is clear now, that I have to take control of the work (as it were) and lead it. Still, this has ignited a strong sense of urgency in me now, to bring this coherence to the work. My daily arranging of the studio space will be no more (it was becoming banal; the health and safety restrictions within my studio space, limited me, in terms of artistic self expression). My collaboration with Mathilde can only continue, if it is appropriate to my own work. I was never happy with the term 'visual confusion' that I related to the mirror work, and Mark has verified this, by explaining that it is an inappropriate term to use. In conclusion, I am well aware of the necessary steps, that I now have to take, in order to realize the full potential of the work.
One of the graphic lads wants to use my installation to do a fashion shoot, he reckoned the place feels unnerving; as though someone is watching you. Maurice also used the space today; interactivity on two counts today.... yeaaah!!!

06/11/2009

I'll tell you how confusing the installation is getting; I have to look around each time I go in, to actually see what I have done ! LOL.
I have spoken with my 'contact' in the glass business, and he is prepared to donate mirror for my work. I have to approach a security firm now, to see about cctv.Nigel said this could be problematic, as there was another student a couple of years ago, who had problems in this area, we'll have to see what transpires, however, I am confident that I can obtain it without any problems. Added a bit more to the installation. On reflection, I will upload the photos of my studio space; after all , it is part of my actual work.

Went to the Burren College of Art on Friday, they had an open day for post graduate students. It was an absolutely wonderful place; small, intimate, friendly. The standard appeared very high, which I suppose is obviously understandable.

05/11/2009

Peter Morgan was passing and stopped for a chat, which actually turned into a good tutorial. He has suggested that the photographs which I had taken of my work; studio space, installation and so forth, could actually be used as resource for paintings. I have to say that it was not my intention to go down this route, (I had planned to use the carnival mirror for this) however, Peter has given me some great advice as to how I could use the photographs, and it has tweaked my curiosity. Some of the artists he has suggested include:Calum Colvin, James Tyrell, Duane Michaels and Wolfgang Tilmans. Peter has asked if I would put some of my photos on disk, and give a talk about them to 2nd year students. I have agreed to this, although I am a little apprehensive about talking about the work to strangers, nevertheless, I expect it will be a good learning curve; good practice for public speaking.
I have scanned the Lev Manovich book "The language of new media," and whilst it is a useful reference, I am not convinced of the appropriateness of the content to my thesis.

The ladder which I had been using whilst hoisting up the table and chair in my studio space, has now become a part of the work. I have   staged a photograph with the ladder in it, again, trying to come up with ways of creating visual illusionism. I realize that with the software available, it would be very easy to do, however, there is something rather satisfying, in becoming physically immersive in the work, rather than just sitting at a computer. With another reference to the way artworks are displayed, I have hung a small canvas from the ladder; it hangs unassumingly in a little world of its own, (Like Duchamp's shovel) not quite sure of its place in the universe; I suspect that  if it had its own way, it would materialize itself bigger, and hang itself proudly on a white wall, in some minimalist white cube setting.

04/11/2009

Progress reviews today, so I spent the morning organizing my artist research, and putting it in my folder. Also, I got my photographs developed. I actually forgot to put out my sketchbook, diary, and ideas book. I mentioned this to Aine, but she said that it was not an assessment, and that they have a good sense of what my practice entails. Added another piece to the mirror instillation. I have a contact in the glass business, and I will be collecting some more mirror over the week end; when this is realized,  I believe I can take the installation to another level.

                              All ready for progress review!

02/11/2009

I spent the day in the library, completing the project proposal, and putting my practice diary into print. I am not certain if the project proposal is a fitting instrument of expression for an artist. Fair enough, in terms of the course requirements, yes maybe, but in some sense, I believe it stifles the creative processes, which should flow, rather than follow some pre determined specifics.