What a strange year it’s been...
COVID has affected everyone’s ability to work this year. For me, this has especially been the case this semester, as not having any access to the studio at all has made it a lot more difficult to motivate myself and to keep a steady rhythm (on top of which I have come to realise I probably have ADHD, although that‘s still TBC). It’s also restricted me in terms of materials, as I am a very messy worker. So oils and clay, at least on a large scale, have been off the table this semester.
That being said, I don’t feel like this year was taken from me either. I have become more confident artistically and produced some solid (albeit sporadic) work. I’m privileged to have access to a large workspace and supplies, which allowed me to create a studio space in my room. Living with five other art students has also made it a lot easier to stay motivated.
In many ways, working from home has been quite an enjoyable experience. It was definitely a lot more relaxing than in first semester, when we were moving back and forth from the studio to home. It was also good practice in motivating myself when I don’t have a place to go and work, which is something I don’t want to take for granted.
I do wish I had made more work this semester, but I am generally really happy with the work I did produce. I am also really proud of my essay, although I do wonder if it was a bit too descriptive - I spent a lot of time trying to fully understand Kristeva, so I ran out of time to research other writers. I’m curious as to what my grade will be.
If anything, I feel more motivated to do my best next year, when (fingers crossed) we will have full access to the studio. I am the type of person who really needs to separate work and leisure time in order to be productive (and happy), so I’m really excited to have a designated workspace again.
This Summer, there a few projects I want to work on. I already mentioned the painting I wanted to do on glass. I have since been researching paintings on glass and played around with different mediums (I am thinking of ordering some more transparent oils, as mine are either opaque or semi-opaque). I also emailed an artist who has done a series of landscape oil paintings on glass to ask for technical advice.
Once I go home, I would also like to make at least one oil on canvas piece. My dad is an oil painter himself, so I’ll ask if I can borrow some of his paint for a wee painting.
I would also like to do some sculpture this Summer. I ordered a lazy susan (which has taken forever to arrive), to use as a turntable. I really want to do more sculpture next year, as well as pottery once I have access to the clay workshop.
Most importantly, I want to make the most of my time. I’m looking forward to visiting plenty of art galleries once I am back home and sketching places around town. Once I am back in Scotland, I would really like to travel around to paint the beautiful scenery from life. I havent been to the highlands since I was little, so if COVID regulations allow it, I would love to go up at least once.
I‘ve really enjoyed writing these entries. It has kept me sane and helped me focus on the tasks at hand. Writing essays was my favourite part of school, so it’s been a great comfort to have this space to return to every week. I am planning on continuing to post here over the Summer at least every two weeks, depending on the amount of work I am doin... I hope my ramblings were also enjoyable to read.
Lastly... Upon my tutor Mark‘s request, I ended the semester with piña coladas... Here’s to many more!
Bibliography
Giacomelli, Amy, Stained Glass Tree #1, 2012, Acrylic on canvas.
Giacomelli, Amy, Stained Glass Tree #2, 2012, Acrylic on canvas.
Giacomelli, Amy, Stained Glass Tree #3, 2012, Acrylic on canvas.
Stavela, Velina, With and Without I, 2017, Mixed media.
Stavela, Velina, Winter footage III, 2017, Mixed media.
Weaver, Kevin, Kippford Sunrise, Dumfries & Galloway, Oil on glass backed on whiteboard.
Weaver, Kevin, Winter Fields, Dumfries & Galloway, Oil on glass backed on whiteboard.
Weaver, Kevin, Pica, Oil on glass backed on whiteboard.