Week 2 at big school

My second week at big school is over and I'm still as high as a kite. I'll warn you - this means I'm in self-congratulatory mode. You have been warned.

As you may recall we are working on "Objects of Desire". These are little sculptures of things we find desirable - based on either actual objects or a more emotional response. I went with the latter. I made all sorts of little things which I may well post at some point but I wanted to show you this week's journey.

This was the starting point. Yep we're back with spirals. I couldn't help it. I cut the metal into strips, it twisted and my heart flip-flopped. Anyway, on Tuesday we had to draw our objects. We were only allowed to use graphite stick, pen and pencil dipped in ink. Drawing fills my soul with a certain dread. Mainly due to previous tutors. (One of which told me not to include any of my drawing when applying for Uni because "it's just not good enough" and almost cost me the interview!). So, it was with some trepidation that I approached the class. It sounds stupid seeing as alot of my work will be based on initial sketches and it is something I work on, however, I accept it as a process. It spawns ideas and therefore doesn't have to be perfect.

I finished Tuesday feeling quite good about what I'd achieved but aware that my day "off" (Wednesday) would see me sat in my jammies, working on my drawing. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't treating this as the torture I've previously been exposed to, I was just aware I had some work to do.

Then I went to Uni on Thursday. I was in the studio a little early and caught up with my drawing tutor (DT). Figuring I may as well crack on with the day, I asked if we were continuing with Tuesday's work. DT confirmed that we would be having another semi-prescribed day, ie, she'd give us guidance in what we were expected to produce. And then she said something that made me beam. "I mean people like you and the girl sat next to you are just fine. You obviously know what's expected and are fine to just fly. I'm talking about people who need a bit more guidance, support and a bit of confidence building.". OMG! She thinks I'm good. We discussed the research aspect and I showed her where I was heading. She was more than happy with what I was doing and exclaimed "You've got it!". Needless to say, Hermione got Thursday off and Jemima (my inner 5 year-old) came out to play. And yes, I am medicated.

DT gathered us all together at 9.45 and gave us the day's programme. We were told to use the lines that we'd worked with on Tuesday and to be aware of the qualities of those, but to incorporate stitch, fold, scalpels, cut lines and the photocopies of Tuesday's work. Now if you say to me "cut lines and stitch" this is what I want to do.

I had a fantastic day and felt I'd really achieved alot. However, if I was already bouncing with joy, DT's end of day comments pushed me to new highs. We had to look at the other desks within our group and pick our favourite. As a year group, there is a general sense of apathy and it was seen more as an opportunity to stretch our legs and chat. DT gave us 10 mins before coming over to see which stations we'd selected. She started with my neighbour's desk and asked if anyone had selected it. No-one came forward and DT was astonished. "I'd be really amazed if no-one has" she exclaimed "this is clearly a girl who loves to draw and has a really good sense of negative space. She understands what is required and really enjoys it.". Then she moved to my desk. "So did anyone pick this desk?". Again no response. "Come on someone must of. As with the other desk, this girl is great. It's interesting that her structures are really delicate and yet she uses really bold lines in her drawing. She's not afraid to put different lines together and stretches the media. I love what she's done with the construction pieces and I love that she's done things that I've not asked for. She really pushes those boundaries and has explored her subject thoroughly.".

Did you hear that?! That's ME she's talking about. DT actually said that she's excited about my work. The final concerns about my drawing ability evaporated and I floated all the way home.

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