Orientation

Geez, I've been a slack posting on my blog lately. I have been so busy with uni that I just haven't even thought about it :-)

I have done a few new paintings at uni that you can see on my website. I have also been working on my art and design in the public environment subject. It is interesting because I can use all the stuff I have read about planning and use it for my assignment.

the painting above is part of a series on disorientation. Drive to any new development without prior knowledge of the layout and you will soon be lost. They aren't very intuitive or pedestrian friendly and are like mazes. This one needs a little bit more work but it's nearly finished. It is 210cm x 120cm oil on canvas. The reference for these paintings is sourced from architectural 'lifestyle' magazines. You know those magazines where all the houses look the same, sterile and no people present. Heaven forbid that people might want to dirty up the place with day to day stuff like messy life... :-)

After this I will need to stretch another one too. I think i will have to go to uni early on Thursday and do it. It took me 2 hours last time. It's hard work doing it by yourself, but at least I know it will be done properly :-) Our lecturer is also going to show us how to make large strainers. A lot cheaper than buying the pre-made stretchers from the art shop. I also want to try polyester instead of canvas. I might have to wait though as it is a little bit expensive.

I am pretty happy with the way my work is going. I am getting to experiment a bit at uni also and that is always fun.

holy snap induction batman

I had to re-do my workshop induction yesterday. It took 3 hours and then I have another half hour on Wednesday. So full on! but i got to use all the power tools in the workshop and can soon just go in and make my own stretchers again. I had done the induction just over 3 years ago but things have changed slightly since then.

I have started two smaller paintings today - 762 x 1219mm - to go with my biguns. If I finish these by early next week... ha ha ha... I can enter them in the churchie. maybe one will be done but I highly doubt that 2 will be finished.

Tru luv II

Big canvas

I stretched a 210 x 120 canvas this morning. it took me 2 hours and I was buggered after that. Then I primed it. On monday I'll give it another coat and then probably another one on tuesday or wednesday.

I am not sure what I will be doing with this yet, but I have always wanted to paint something large. I will see how it goes and if it doesn't suit i will change back to smaller sizes.

There are so many paintings I have in my head. I want to do all of them. they all follow the same theme but use different techniques. I am also thinking about what i want to do next year for honours.

The studio is great. The people I have around me this semester are fantastic! They like the same music that I do so I am happy.

Even though I am only doing 30 credit points, I am there every day. I forgot how much work uni actually is. It is consuming my every thought at the moment. Even roller derby is taking a back seat, which is amazing considering our first bout is coming up on the 4th of April.

First week back

I am so happy to be back at uni!! That is my space in the photo. It is in the walkway but it has natural light so it isn't too bad. I can't believe I am back there. I enjoy it so much. I think i am happy because I have missed the structure and regular feedback on the work. Although I have had a friend that I have been bouncing ideas off the last couple of months, it will be good to hear what others think.

There are a few dickheads in the class but they are young and don't realise how stupid they sound.The banter is non-stop and their laughter is forced. It's like they want everyone to know how cool they are. They are only there one day a week at the moment, so it's nice and quiet the other days.

I am working on my proposition this weekend. What I will be doing over the year basically. I have been doing a lot of reading over the last few months, so I feel well prepared and have hit the ground running.

My lecturers this semester are Mostyn Bramley-Moore and Jenny Watson. Jenny wasn't there this week as she has a show on. I can't wait to meet her.