ART418 : Proposal

Documenting plan, process, outcome and research is an important aspect of fine art practice. It creates a helpful reference point for the future, a recap of thoughts and ideas that inspired each piece. Documentation of each of these categories is also useful to be able to share your process with others, making the work repeatable if needed whilst providing insight into reasoning.

There are different types of documentation, and times where each is appropriate. Written description is a formal documentation method. It can be paragraphs, bullet points or annotations. This is typically useful when explanation of something is needed, perhaps when learning new information or skills. Written documentation can be personal, a simple way to share raw thoughts. Through using draft writing, these thoughts can be explored without pressure of expecting a final result. These initial concepts may not be used, but have potential to influence new ideas. Documenting one step helps the progression of a project and can be considered idea development.

Photographic documentation is one method to show visual details. It can save time and is often more efficient than written descriptions. A photograph can show someone else exactly what you saw, or be edited to alter the experience. There are modern and traditional methods to develop photographs. Depending on which method is used you can achieve different results, work within a set time frame or reproduce and fine tune details. Modern methods typically mean quicker results, however, they usually involve technical knowledge and software, which may be a set back. Visual documentation is a simple way to share and rework / reuse work, posters, collage, edits, social media uploads and many more opportunities.

Time based documentation, such as video and sound, are effective methods to record lots of information, or changes in information. Depending on playback quality, sound recordings transform a new location into the one where it was recorded when closing your eyes. Sound is strongly connected to memory, revealing what was mentally documented too. Video is effective for documenting movement, sound and change. Like photography, it is often quicker and can clearly show, without the need to tell.

When creating art, it’s important to consider if a material process is appropriate and what meaning it could enhance. Considering different materials / methods can sway the narrative created by a piece. Effective choices here show an audience that there was planning and research involved within the final result. An example of this could be using a dark ink etching- to represent an unclear opinion or a low mood topic.

Working with different material processes also means working with different equipment, often new and technical. There are different techniques involved to create different results as well as health and safety guidelines to observe. The use of new techniques typically means learning the stereotypes and ‘rules’, before being able to explore alternative methods for different results.

Working in a studio is an exciting opportunity for anyone. It allows you to claim space and expand your practice. There’s space to interact with peers to discuss opinions and ideas. Work can be displayed at any stage of completion, an effective way to share and find feedback. Clear wall and floor space here is available and suitable to install work. Utilizing this opportunity is especially effective when allowing time to experiment and explore layout opportunities prior to the deadline. Experimenting with multiple methods / displays allows for evaluation and improvement. Installation can be used to show professional personality, understanding, aims and narrative. Taking time to find original methods of display can complement any final outcome. Method of instalment can also enhance the narrative impact of the piece or make the meaning more clear. An interesting display prompts audience interaction.

Throughout any creative process it’s beneficial to consistently analyse the results and how it’s going. This may be as simple as taking a break and viewing from another angle. Personal opinion can change based on perspective, situation and time. A current opinion of work may differ from one previously documented. Other analysis examples could consist of gathering peer / public feedback, through conversation or social media uploads. Gathering feedback can be a useful tool if done precisely and effectively. Planning questions to ask or pieces to display / share in advance will save time and allow more time to interact and learn. Another simple analysis could be comparison to existing related work, viewing what works and doesn’t, and making appropriate alterations.