Evaluation of Origins Unit

Now that I've completed the Origins unit, I wanted to take time to reflect over the work that I've done over the past few weeks. Not only have I been able to further develop my previously known skills, but also practice new techniques and learn how I can use them to the best of my ability. 

With a starting point of photographing Manchester, I was instantly drawn to focusing on different surfaces in the city and textures that I discovered. When I studied my photographs at a later date, it also struck me that not only did the city's textures appeal to me, but also the lines and patterns that were within these. I therefore chose to pursue both of these routes. 

When responding to my first hand research, I was able to experiment with a variety of methods and medium, and this confirmed that simplicity was an important factor in my work. I also wanted this to be shown through my colour palette, so chose to focus on organic and natural forms to be my initial inspiration. 

During this unit I was able to experiment with different drawing techniques and this in particular was a massive eye-opener for me. 'Drawing is a form of visual art that makes use of any number of drawing instruments to mark a two-dimensional medium.' It was the workshops, that I participated in, which made me realise what this really meant. In the past I've never particularly enjoyed drawing; I've always understood it to be an important way of expressing your ideas however struggled with observational drawings. Learning new ways in which I could respond to my research and develop my ideas, was really exciting for me. I learned that drawings could be created using whatever tools and materials you want, and can be as simple or as complex as you want as well. This has been the biggest learning-curve for me so far. 

Although my time on the looms has been short, I've thoroughly enjoyed it and feel that it is definitely something I would like to continue in the future. Unlike knitting, I feel that I could express myself and my ideas much better. 

Throughout the time I've been studying art, I've always found an interest in researching other artists and the contextual aspect of the subject. I recently came across Ismini Samanidou and was fixated on her work. I find her to be a massive inspiration and admire how she is able to create textures within her weaves; something that I have previously been struggling to do. 

From coming straight from completing an Art Foundation course, I feel that my time management skills and understanding of independent study is already quite good. Initially, I did struggle to grasp how even more independent this course would be, but now that I am used to it, I really enjoy being able to decide which direction I want my projects to go. I think as the weeks unfold, this will become even more exciting.