The Exploratory phase consisted of us being split up into groups and then these groups would experiment with various workshops and mediums for around two weeks, in which we would be inducted into that workshop and be given the essential skills to work in that area.
For me two areas of the exploratory really stood out to me; the silk screen printing and the maquettes brief. I have already blogged about my silk screen printing, in which i looked at a south sudanese child soldier and the phrase ‘happy to help’
I felt this print was really effective and resembled the work of Barbara Kruger which lead to artists research and a more developed text project. i enjoyed silk screen printing and will endeavour to do it again as it is a nice hybrid between painting and graphics.
The red in this works really well adding a brightness to it but also carrying connotations of blood, violence and anger as well as just catching the eye. The phrase ‘happy to help’ scrawled over is made darkly ironic by the use of his weapon and participation in the civil war despite the belief that he IS helping his friends or family when really he is causing danger to himself and others.
The Maquettes project was a two week workshop in 3D looking at creating sculptures out of wood, perspex, clay and found objects, the second part was to select our favourite ones photograph them and then do a variety of observational drawings from them.
The process of creating them was good fun and despite being competent in DT and sculpture it was still fun to do with a slightly more relaxed mindset.
The aim behind the life drawings was to get representative drawings with a variety of methods quickly. We were given willow sticks to dip in ink and draw with from a distance as well pens, pastel, and charcoal to try loosen up. i found it really enjoyable as we hadnt done a huge amount of drawing yet on the course and i got to relax and draw which is what i really enjoy.
i was really happy with these drawings and i feel they show some of my drawing skills as i can be detailed and accurate if needs be but also have a loose fluid side in which i can get a semblance of the subject.
Harry Toller 