Mx.D.P

What a start to my MA, two weeks of academic workshops, then today meeting our fellow course members… we had breakout rooms and a chance to talk to our fellow course members.

They are all so inspirational! From around the world U.K to N.Z. and with such diverse practices it is both exciting and challenging.

Our course leader entreated us to be Mindful, Hungry and Generous… listening to each other and discussing the opportunities that are afforded to us you begin to see why!

We had a chance to speak in more depth to each other in the breakout rooms, talking with Karl, a Painter on my course from Belfast, we discussed our painting practices, I’d assumed mine was somehow separated from my animation and film making then on later reflection, I realised it never was, but I just couldn’t see that! These conversations matter…

 

How do you digest this mass of knowledge as it hits like a tsunami?

 

Well I do have a sketchbook practice where I argue with myself, I used a sketchbook to develop an artistic response. This session I used ‘Gelli’ Printing and collage, it gives me time to reflect on the previous days session and start to assimilate it into my practice. I also realised today that my notes give me the excuse to create physical art. Why do I need an excuse? I’ll let you know when I’ve figured that out!….

 

Here’s a quick run down of the topics covered in the optional extra workshops I’ve had in the last two weeks…

 

Thinking through moving image

 

Working through project briefs using sensory mediation

 

Introduction to arts participation

 

Academic research

 

Visual research 

 

Critical Thinking 

 

I’ve written some reflective responses to these workshops and I’ll post these up in separate posts.

I’ve made an animation for an open call at CSM, https://www.arts.ac.uk/students/stories/the-bill-of-health

 

 

IS THIS DISABLED: SOUNDS LIKE A YOU PROBLEM (2023)

 

This film responds to the exhibition ethos. It is a silent animation to describe the act of muting disabled needs. The ableism that exists in accessing help to maintain and develop independent lives for disabled people. It speaks from my own experiences and those who try to break out of the box of what disability is and what we can do.

 

I’ve been busy making use of all the opportunities that CSM give their students and I’ve applied for a really exciting residency in VR.

The CCI and Feminist Internet Residency gives the opportunity for one UAL student to develop their own project in line with the program’s research theme, questioning how we can incorporate queer and feminist practices into virtual realities. It would be an exciting opportunity to use VR and work with other departments at UAL especially in digital technology which feeds into my own art practice focus and methodology.

My art practice embraces Contemporary Dada; I am deeply intrigued by the interplay of ironic materiality and online social communication. With my experience in filmmaking, animation, and performance, I create thought-provoking work that challenges societal norms and conventions. Drawing inspiration from my diverse background as an airline pilot, radical home educator, tattooist, and artist, I seek to reflect on these experiences and explore how the virtual world can serve as a platform for reimagining new positions.
In my exploration, I am particularly interested in delving into online communities and examining the internet’s transformative potential as a catalyst for change. The internet can be a powerful force for positive transformation, capable of pushing established boundaries. By leveraging the reach and accessibility of the online realm, I aim to challenge societal norms, foster inclusivity, and create a space where marginalized voices can thrive and be a force for change and propel outwards into the mainstream to establish a new framework that positively impacts the well-being of all.
Through my artistic practice, I aspire to ignite conversations, provoke critical thinking, and contribute to a more inclusive and empowered society. By embracing the virtual world and harnessing its potential, I want to pave the way for a future where feminist and queer communities are celebrated as innovators.

I’ve also got a job as a student partner on a ‘online learning’ study group at UAL looking at refining and expanding online learning we’ve had our first meeting and I’m looking forward to our upcoming tasks.

 

I’m putting together an application for a Venice Fellowship Programme.
UAL Decolonising Arts Institute in partnership with the 2024 British Council Venice Fellowships Programme at the Venice biennale.

There will be huge competition for all these places but you have to be in amongst the thick of it otherwise why are you here…Welcome to Central Saint Martins : UAL…. Phew…..