Thursday Blog Assignment

• Did anyone critique your work this week? If so, what were their impressions?

You did Paul. Not so much my work as my thoughts, ideas, and motivations behind it. It was a nice kick in the teeth experience. I hope that is taken in the nicest way possible. I also had, so far Jennida and Nia critique my work for Studio. Some of the main comments that arose were exploitation of subjects (Claire) and why I was really making the work. I think I’ve been confused by this question of “why… really?” I’m not sure if my answers aren’t adequate enough or just not right. Of course, I think this is relating to a lack of authority when I speak of my reasons. This needs to be worked on and talked out. The exploitation claim is very disturbing to me. Again, it could be from a lack of knowledge of the situation or the direction of the work (less about Claire & Me, more universal), but I find it interesting that this hasn't been raised before when Claire has been the subject of my work. Only after her diagnosis and illness is her "exploitation" move up to front and center. Since I'm getting away from the subject based work it isn't something I'm going to have to confront in the immediate future, but I'm interested to hear my thoughts on the topic.

• What was the most motivational or creative moment of the past week?

Having my motives questioned for the first time in a few months.

• What do you want to achieve in next week's studio practice?

I want to begin implementing ideas for adapting my personal experience into more universal themes and work

• What did you achieve in your studio this past week?

We did a group critique of me, Jenn, and Hassan’s work. I think revisiting old work and finding the reasons for their ineffectiveness was a pretty important activity.

• What has been an artistic failure this week?

I didn’t make anything. That’s a failure in itself

• What was the most profound thought in relation to your practice this week?

I need to think about what I’m doing more and understand what I’m making before I go any further.

My video for this week: Taylor Mali