Learning Outcomes (completed as requested by mentor)

On successful completion of the module the student will be able to:

LO1 plan and act upon a series of considered and structured conversations that can assist with the development of practice, presentation and networking capabilities

I have had a series of meetings with my designated mentor where we discussed and addressed topics and themes relevant to the development of my practice. In the first meeting on 4th December 2018, we discussed my research project and a series of tasks that will help me achieve my goals, including volunteer work, artists/animators with similar aims to my own and where to seek advice about funding. Following this, I sent various emails to prospective collaborators and volunteered once a week at a creative charity for people with various needs. I had discussed my research project with this charity and it was agreed that it would be suitable for them and we could work together to see it through. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons of the founder, the charity was put on hold. During this time I also researched the work of Tony Gammidge which greatly inspired my practice. I saw finished products of collaboration and enjoyed the use of materials. The work sparked ideas for my research project in terms of the medium and narrative framework. I also started to run an art group, on a volunteer basis, once a week at Brighton Housing Trust, hostel for homeless men and women. This was to try to improve my confidence and practice working creatively in an inclusive setting.

In the second meeting on 21st February 2019, we discussed the importance of reading, exhibitions and finding another organisation to work with for my research project. Following this I took a few books out at the library; Story Telling, Art & Technique, (Augusta Baker, Elin Greene), Understanding Identity, (Kath Woodward), The Cambridge Companion to Narrative, (David Herman). These books were an interesting insight into my thoughts on what to explore with my research project. I went to two exhibitions at the Tate Modern, Pierre Bonnard and Franz West. Two distinctly different artists, this was a refreshing and inspiring as it helped me to think about different materials, viewer impression of work and what I want to say as an artist and how. In order to network, I had visited JustLife studio on 21st February for their open day and visited Artspace studio on 5th March to talk about my research project.

For the 3rd and final meeting on 9th May 2019. My mentor and I discussed the layout and Learning Outcomes of this module and how I could achieve them. We identified and addressed aspects that need improving. Time management and sticking to set tasks was some things we felt I could do better at. We discussed the use of a diary and what SMART goals are and how they are a useful tool to ensure tasks are realistic and achieved on a certain date. We also discussed useful videos on creativity and I watched John Cleese’s’ lecture on Creativity in management, which helped me to think about what mode I need to be in to work creatively and how to get into that mode. Other tasks for me to complete include; Making and sticking to SMART goals, continuing to network, visiting exhibitions, using LinkedIn Learning to learn more about puppet making and animation, making a short animation(s) and analysing it and continuing to read relevant books. These tasks, and the ones previous, will make up this module and I will continue to identify, discuss and complete them as well as log them for my mentoring journal.

LO2 identify the development of the technical and intellectual refinement of a body of work through the informed discussion of appropriate media

For this LO I will create a number of puppets/models out of found materials and clay and practice animation techniques. This will be informed by my current skills as well as new learning I have undertaken as part of this module. This will inform my practice as it explores a skill that has a narrative, can use aspects of illustration and allows for collaboration and storytelling. This will help improve my confidence in this medium and also with various equipment i.e. cameras, microphones and animation software. This has been discussed with my mentor as an appropriate media as it would really benefit my confidence surround my research project and open up a lot of possibilities surrounding my illustration practice, giving a new avenue for my 2-D narrative work. Animation will also be a way to put things I have learned into order. This process will include exploring exhibitions and articles that are about this medium, and setting up a project for myself to complete, (which is also an important skill that I need to refine).

LO3 present a succinct personally accessible Mentoring Journal, which contains references for your future use. This should contain texts and visual documentation as evidence of the critical debates and conversations with your mentor.

For this LO I will refine and put together the main important factors of the journey I have undertaken for this module. I have been keeping a written and visual diary throughout the discussions and adventures that have occurred. Elements of these will be copied, cut, scanned and edited to create an easily accessible, well designed digital document in-line with the tasks of the module. There will also be reference to texts, videos, exhibitions, artists and books etc. that have inspired me and informed my practice. During this process I will aim to refine my illustration practice and let it evolve to become more inclusive. The mentoring journal will also include: photographs (with consent), drawings, paintings, tasks and when and how they were completed and a documented/analysed body of work. There will also be a clearly arranged conclusion with plans going forward. All of this will be an ongoing process as various tasks are completed but will be a finished document by the due date for this module 24th June 2019.

Written by Sophie Bishop