Initial Thoughts/ Comments
I have concerns about offering this exercise at this early stage of the Unit. It might have something to do with the wording of the exercise, which feels more summatively framed than what really should be the beginning of a formative process. There will be exceptions amongst the students, those who have a firmer grasp on their practice and their interests, and who just need guidance to clearly articulate that. But for many, if not most, of us, we are just beginning to get a sense of what our practice and interests might be, and constructing the semblance of an artist statement, this early, without a more fully-formed understanding of that practice will be towards the impossible end of the ‘challenging spectrum’.
The exercise is already talking about adapting for different audiences, being a true reflection of my work, modifying tone, style and length for different applications: it is overwhelming to be presented with those considerations at this point. The exercise itself is only a nascent step to developing the statement, so the introductory narrative should look at ‘lightening the load’, just introduce this step, and the main questions/ considerations. Don’t burden the student yet with the wider necessities, introduce those piecemeal during the module.
At the moment, I am unsure of my creative practice, I am not producing enough work on a consistent basis to write a statement that clarifies what my practice and my interests are.
