SKILLS, TECHNIQUE, STRATEGIES, PROBLEM SOLVING AND RESOLVING
Exercise 3: Your Skill
Gathering resources and research
Consider wire work and see it as a series showing materiality and exploration of woven wire. The knitted work was done with a sliver Tiger tail. The next drawing was made with charcoal, a preferred medium which can erase and move easily over the velour texture. I preferred the velour paper as I could have more than one outcome due to the paper being translucent.
Making a start
Follow the size of the knitted work and focus on capturing light and lines in the work. Compare knitted thread with drawing lines and start to work on velour and then paper.
Gaining momentum
I wanted to explore more by working with a line in a drawing, so I made an erasure drawing to explore the light and texture of the knitted work. I would say this is an iteration of the first drawing exploration, and it feels fresh and exciting to record this process.
Getting things done
Both drawings are small-scale works on repetition, line, and shadows—they are comparable in size to the knitted wire work.
Realising your project
Decide to layer the work on top of each other to reflect on each other.
Reflecting, evaluating and feeding back
The scale of the work makes them connect, and one can present them as one work, either layered or framed. The work shares the textures of the material and how light reflects into it. I am considering making a mono print of the knitted work. The work reminds me of mycelium drawings from earlier in the course and, therefore, has ideas of connectedness in mind. I also realised it talks to my grief for my son: loss became a reminder that I am not in control and that sometimes I become unravelled and there are always holes that show – I could let the light shine through and allow the process to form me.
I appreciated feedback on social media that the work is a poetic exploration. To me, this involves subtlety, nuance, and layers of interpretation. The artwork may communicate its message indirectly, leaving room for multiple interpretations and personal reflections.
Understanding learning and appreciating achievement to move forward
I would think this is about
- Being willing to explore and take risks, adapting and evolving in response to challenges and opportunities.
- Artists may reflect on their learning journey, identifying areas of improvement and setting goals for future development. This self-awareness fosters a growth mindset and drives ongoing artistic growth.
- I would also include celebrating achievements, both big and small. This is essential for maintaining motivation and momentum in art making. This includes recognizing milestones such as completing a work and receiving recognition or feedback.
- Moving forward requires analyzing one’s art skills, which involves setting new goals, honing specific techniques, and exploring new creative directions. This could also imply seeking further education, collaboration, or exhibition opportunities to continue artistic development.
Having written and considered the above, I am excited that I have an exhibition in August to work towards, which will include collaboration with an established local artist. I have to assess skills gaps and cultivate resilience. This space has become a place to reflect on my learning journey. I have to identify areas of improvement and set goals for future development. By using self-awareness, I know I can foster a growth mindset that drives ongoing growth.