20/02/2010

Much of the same really, again , still in the process of applying for an MA degree. I thought I was ready to submit one proposal, so I asked a colleague who is well versed in these matters to give a quick look at it; he suggests some changes that will entail re structuring the whole proposal. It is so time consuming, and as a result my studio work is at a standstill. That said, I had a tutorial with Nigel during the week and he has given me much good advice to ponder; he suggests a meeting with Mark and Katriona, himself and myself to discuss matters relating to my video work. I have acquired the software that will enable me to edit my own video work on my lap top, this is such a God send; it will help me to work at home as well. I received a letter from the HEA, they have asked me to volunteer to talk to students about my Erasmus study experiences; I think I will volunteer, it will be good practice for public speaking.

16/02/2010

The past week or so I have been in the process of writing proposals for an MA degree. it is quite an intense procedure; nearly every word has to be looked up in a thesaurus !!! I am settled into George's quay now; there is a good energy down there. I will not be doing any studio work until the proposals are completed.

05/02/2010

Had to get another new fan for the drawing machine; it is working fine again. It is a little time consuming every day, but, I believe it will be worth the effort in the end. I was invigilating for the drawing show this Friday afternoon. Was speaking to Katriona, and have booked a tutorial with her for next Friday; she seemed enthusiastic about the performance piece I did in Limerick.I made a video recording of the drawing machine in action, it will be interesting to see the drawing as it takes place.

04/02/2010

Had a few problems with the fans for the drawing machine, but it is up and running well now. I am all set to go down to georges quay now. I believe it will be a good experience, although, Mark is not too sure about it. I will see what transpires over the next few weeks, and will probably go back to the main studos around the Easter period.

03/02/2010

Got my assessment marks today; I have to say that I am still on track; my marks still maintaining a high grade. I was a little disappointed with the studio marks, however, after an excellent tutorial with Mark, I can understand why there was a little uncertainty amongst the tutors as to the coherency of the work; MORE CLARITY NEEDED!!! That said, my CCS grade went up very high, and that saved me dropping down to the next level (T.G.)

02/02/2010

The drawing show was a great success: I got many favourable comments about my drawing machine. Donald Teskey spoke well of it also. I am going to change the paper every day while the show is on; there should be an interesting collection at the end of it.

01/02/2010

First day back after the assessments. Finally got the thesis finished; had a few problems trying to get it printed, but eventually got it sorted. Some of the pages are loose, I will have to go and see the company about this and see if they will give me a replacement. I am happy with the work I produced; didn't get my results yet, but I am confident that It will merit a very good mark. Was under a bit of pressure to get my drawing machine set up for the open drawing awards exhibition, which opens tomorrow night; I was not a 100% certain that I could get it to actually work ! I have been so busy what with assessments, thesis etc, that I have not had the time to experiment with it. Nevertheless, I have been successful; and got it rigged up and working.

Video of drawing machine