ART418: Self Initiated Project

As a child you are consistently asked the question of “What will you be when you grow up?” This question is usually met with stereotypical ‘good’ jobs, such as a teacher, doctor, vet, policeman or even an ASTRONAUT!! Being able to answer this as a child shows use of imagination, combining (limited) real world/ technical knowledge with confidence and experimentation. This self-assured exploration is different to how many adults would approach this question. Many adults respond to decisive questions with jaded logic and practical justification. 

 I’d like to expand my knowledge on the concept of a childlike mindset. This includes approaches and viewpoints to adult situations. Exploring the differences, similarities to their adult counterparts and how these characteristics can work together.

When considering the ‘making’ aspect of this project, I’d like to begin with mediums such as markers, paints, ink and clay. These are typical expressive mediums with opportunities to combine and push possibilities. Using these will also allow me to work on multiple surfaces, with a broad variety of colour, texture and potential depth. Working on different surfaces will also allow me the chance to experiment with new installation methods/ locations depending on the end result. My aim is to challenge my confidence as an artist, to work freely and embrace mistakes. Exploring new styles and straying from traditional techniques will help me embrace a child-like curiosity towards my work. I’m hoping that exploring a less pressured art style will help me to work more imaginatively and consider different aesthetic conditions such as lighting, touch, shape, movement, time etc... Automatic response methods, drawing painting etc are one way I will practise the use of a free style of art. Multi-medium, non traditional method work will aid the meaning of this topic. It’s all about learning, seeing the possibilities at different stages and interacting with them- adding more meaning and personality through actions. 

I have few initial ideas for the progression of this topic. These are based around child and adult experiences and responses. Using a variety of sources I will explore psychological aspects of responses to a collection of situations. An example of this is the task of comparing art/ writing/ speech to deeper psychological meanings/ understandings.

I aim to explore the effects of ageing on creativity, understanding priorities and aspirations. This topic is interesting to me as I have always valued creativity. My answer to “what do you want to be when you grow up?”, has always revolved around art and was a decisive factor in my educational progression. Researching responses and their psychological meaning will allow me to evaluate the cross over between child and adult thoughts and actions. Combining and potentially discovering beneficial characteristics of both age categories.

Research will be completed in a variety of methods, such as asking specific questions (interview/ questionnaire style), identifying artists who have worked with similar topics, analysing psychologists reports on related questions/ situations and personal reflection. Other ideas for research include video/ audio/ photographic/ written documentation of specific settings/ interactions. 

To explore the wider theme of growth, I will include a variety of age groups within aspects of my research : pre-school, higher education, employment and retirement.