MONDAY, 16 JANUARY 2012
I'm still at Art School. Sometimes I wonder how it is possible - there have been many times when I have seriously considered giving up. We got given some grades on the first day of the new term. I can't help take umbrage with some of the grading as I feel, some people who have been given distinctions are producing gash. It is contentious to say this. To admit it to students, teachers and here on my blog probably won't make me any friends, but what are we meant to draw from it? There are students who struggle away, genuinely going through inner turmoil through the term trying to find the right medium and trying to marry their physical creations with their ultimate message. There are some that seem to be charlatans. Barely turning up or appearing to struggle in any way, who come out smelling of roses. There is also the question of taste. Some of what is being produced and graded well, seems awful to me. Cliche ridden and unoriginal. And some seem to be doing exactly what they were doing last year... and still doing really well!
Having initially got upset last week, I have 'squared' it this weekend. Some of the work I think should have done better is more complex than the rest, dealing with issues such as political activism in China.. or memories of a conflicted childhood. But complexity is not a bad quality. Surely, in the long run it will serve you better than work which is more transparent?
The tutors feel we should not 'worry' about the grades we get.. how unlikely is that?
Have decided from here on in to do work I enjoy making, and get pleasure from this making, and ignore everything outside of that... trying to 'look good' to the tutors (i.e. making sure you're always in, and always working), trying to keep avid diaries on your processes (no one reads them anyway). May as well just be completely selfish about it. Afterall, when you're paying £2,500 a year to be there, the least you can do, is allow yourself to enjoy the experience. Screw the grading criteria.
I'm still at Art School. Sometimes I wonder how it is possible - there have been many times when I have seriously considered giving up. We got given some grades on the first day of the new term. I can't help take umbrage with some of the grading as I feel, some people who have been given distinctions are producing gash. It is contentious to say this. To admit it to students, teachers and here on my blog probably won't make me any friends, but what are we meant to draw from it? There are students who struggle away, genuinely going through inner turmoil through the term trying to find the right medium and trying to marry their physical creations with their ultimate message. There are some that seem to be charlatans. Barely turning up or appearing to struggle in any way, who come out smelling of roses. There is also the question of taste. Some of what is being produced and graded well, seems awful to me. Cliche ridden and unoriginal. And some seem to be doing exactly what they were doing last year... and still doing really well!
Having initially got upset last week, I have 'squared' it this weekend. Some of the work I think should have done better is more complex than the rest, dealing with issues such as political activism in China.. or memories of a conflicted childhood. But complexity is not a bad quality. Surely, in the long run it will serve you better than work which is more transparent?
The tutors feel we should not 'worry' about the grades we get.. how unlikely is that?
Have decided from here on in to do work I enjoy making, and get pleasure from this making, and ignore everything outside of that... trying to 'look good' to the tutors (i.e. making sure you're always in, and always working), trying to keep avid diaries on your processes (no one reads them anyway). May as well just be completely selfish about it. Afterall, when you're paying £2,500 a year to be there, the least you can do, is allow yourself to enjoy the experience. Screw the grading criteria.
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