I've been having a great time taking part in the Fun A Day project over January, and felt almost sad today it came to an end. The project is co-ordinated by Sam Baxter, based at WASPS Dundee, and was open to anyone to take part. The idea is to do something creative each day during January. Last year I took part by producing a little sketch each day as a visual 'diary'. This year I thought about making a cyanotype, using light-sensitive paper in the natural light. I would make the image at the same time each day, probably 12 noon, using something pertinent to that day. I tried it, but day one it was dull and didn't come out well. Day 2, i.e. 2nd January, it was pouring with rain, so it didn't work again, so I gave up.
Fortunately I had a back up plan; to take photographs of friends and 'significant others', who I met or saw on each of the days. That became my project, and it turned out to be brilliant fun. It was a great learning experience and I really enjoyed taking photographic portraits. We spent New Year with friends in Galloway, so that was a great start. Each time I met with friends, whether bumping into them when out shopping, or at our house for a get together, or out for a walk or birthday drink - I took their photograph. I got a fabulous response from everyone involved and got some cracking photos. I will edit them as required and intend printing them in black and white. I can't wait to take part in the Fun a Day Exhibition 3-5 March. Meantime, here are a few of the images that I like, but didn't quite make the cut for the exhibition.
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I'd often debated with myself whether or not to create a website, but it turns out this is part of our Professional Practice unit, so 'decision made'! I had to set up a new email address linked to my website, rather than using my private one. So [email protected] is now active! I've learned loads setting this up, and feel excited about using it in future.
We also got a visit from Tracy Henderson, aka @Aspidoodles, who talked with us about her experience of using social media and the internet to sell her artworks. I've been on Twitter for a few years now (@pamlovescupcake), and more recently Instagram (pkelly1769), but it's really just been for fun and keeping in touch with what's going on in the world. Tracy also talked about using hashtags, raising your artistic profile on line and selling through Etsy and EBay. Today we were issued with the brief for our Grade Unit.
I am writing this blog as a record of the planning and development of my graded unit artwork. I intend to share my inspiration and thoughts as I develop ideas, and also to tell you about my experience of producing my final piece. I expect there will be trials and tribulations involved, as I attempt to meet the brief within timescales, but overall I am really excited about undertaking this project.
I will try to keep you updated by way of this ‘journal’, on at least a weekly basis, but expect to jump in with any news or exciting developments as often as they occur. I expect there might be a mixture of positive experiences and challenges to overcome – but that’s what makes it exciting! This morning we went to Forfar for a study trip. Our tutor Oonagh DeVoy was installing her exhibition, Pilgrimage, at the Meffan Gallery in the town, so we went along to help, and more importantly to learn about hanging artworks and other curatorial skills. It was amazing watching the pieces being unpacked, laid out around the gallery space, then hung on walls and in cabinets. I took my camera with me, for two reasons; I was taking part in the Fun a Day project and wanted a photo of Oonagh as today's subject; and also as a record of our activities for our professional practice unit. I took loads of photos, and was pleased with a number of them. I was delighted when Oonagh asked to use some, and posted them on her own website; www.oonaghdevoy.com
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