ART420 | Proposal

Deep Mapping and Auto-Ethnographic responses to a developing art practice.

Exploring the concept of  ‘new self’, entering the online/ physical art scene and navigating progress, success and failure.  Here is a thought that influenced my objectives for working with interdisciplinarity. How do you spot an artist? We are not visible, like paint, colours, material evidence etc...I feel that I must include myself within my work, else risk losing opportunities due the emerging technologies (such as AI).

I have created a set of self portraits, representing the heightened emotions of a newcomer to professional practice. What do I want to achieve as an artist? How should I be presenting myself and my work? New thoughts that are directing me away from old creative habits and comforts. 

Discomfort was dominant whilst editing these images. Each posed to show the careful curation of my emerging artistic presence, particularly online. They’re unnatural, colours distorted - brightened to flatten human characteristics. Providing insight to my fear of disconnection from my work. 

Which invites the concept of anonymity - the confidence to be unknown, creating without recognition. As a fine art student, I often find that I remember a piece or a body of work by selective details...rather than the artist’s name. 

How do other people remember my work? If not for my name, then what characteristics stand out..

Would it be appearances or meaning? 

Display or presence? The day or a memory attached? 

During this Art420 Module, I would like to further convey and explore these thoughts. Documenting my experience, struggles and success as an artist. Exploring personal and physical distance in relation to progression and practice, as well a predictive journey of my next steps and future goals.  

I have selected the disciplines: Deep Mapping and Auto-Ethnography. Whilst complementary, they allow me to record and document details and lived experience in a vast variety of methods. 

Drawing on conversations that I have had with my peers, there’s a common agreement that the work requirements from secondary school/ college to university increase. I wonder whether sharing my honest experience may be of interest to other art students/ those considering studying art. Honest, relatable, evidenced. 

The theme of ‘Distance’ is where I will make the connection to Art422 (Creative Reading). Using the opportunity to connect to wider themes of ‘Land’ and ‘Chance’, they offer a variety of strong sources to complete comprehensive research. 

Inspired to broaden my personal understanding of my art practice, I will question geographical influence. Taking the ‘Distance’ and ‘Land’ at face value initially to generate content and additional ideas. I’m thinking about how locations are connected physically, via routes: roads, paths, rivers etc.. and also, how the events, memories and common traits connect them, and may influence us.

The theme ‘Chance’ is easily relatable to previous mentioned concepts and ideas. Particularly locational influence. Going anywhere or doing anything requires thought and action. Belief dependent, nothing is completely predictable therefore, anything could happen.

My employment in America during the summer of 2023, offered me the unexpected option to work and experiment with ceramics: selling, painting and making. Prior to this, I had no interest in working 3D or sculptural. I found this experience enjoyable and beneficial, and have continued to study ceramics within my practice. From America (California) to England (Plymouth), My personal practice was expanded due to a stranger's decision to hire me! From this experience, I have decided to be open to unusual/ new opportunities, excited by what may inspire me.