Today our tutor asked us to complete an evaluation form for the site specific project. This is a time to reflect on our group and our installations. The positive side of group work is getting to know people and how they work. On a social level the group worked well. We enjoyed sharing ideas with each other and meeting at the cafe for giggles and chats.
On deciding on the venue I discovered it is a great place to have individual installations as the building is a mixture of old and new. With the old telephone exchange being restored and the additional extension to home a cafe created by the Environment Centre.
The group is such a mixture of people with different skills, talents and vision. I thought it would be best to create six individual installations from six different artists. This worked well so what would I have done differently? As I was clear in the vision for my installation utilising the architectural pieces in the original foyer of the old telephone exchange, I should have been more selfless with the group. I found some people struggled with the delivery of their installations. I assumed that most students would be more confident with their ideas as they have been to art college before arriving at University. It seems this is not the case. We were a group of artists completely out of our comfort zone therefore I should have been more supportive to everyone within the group.
I struggled with time management from the other members of the group. Some not turning up, some late and some leaving early for various reasons. Commitment was also a problem from the group. We were indeed placed outside our comfort zone but I enjoy a challenge and maybe due to age and experience I have learnt the longer you leave planning the less likely you are to meet your goal. I understand research is sometimes overwhelming and to try things out is daunting as you don't want to be disappointed. With our tutor encouraging us to research and try out ideas. I really felt this was invaluable advice and should be adhered to. The tutors are there to guide us through the projects and in return we learn to develop our skills.
Personally, I should have worked more on the delivery of the installation. The small details let the piece down with the sound not being on permanently (as this would disturb the daily working environment). I had to put it on when people walked through the door which took away the impact.
The promotion side of the project was unfortunately completed too late due to the original files being lost for the leaflet. The team came together to complete the leaflets and we had them printed the Friday before the exhibition. We printed 200 however we did not give them out as attended to various places to promote our exhibition. I understand many of the groups were in this predicament as some of the ideas were not finalised until the last minute. It is such a shame as when you work hard you want people to be able to see your final piece. To feel proud. Many students came as the University sent them but not the general public. The promotion was definitely a weak area however on reflection this could be to do with confidence, not feeling proud enough to be able show your work.
The most positive side to this project was meeting the people at the Environment Centre especially the coordinator Phoebe. Phoebe was so encouraging and supportive in our vision of the building. In fact I love the building and the people of the Environment Centre so much, I will be volunteering on a Tuesday morning from next month.
I enjoyed working with a group however to work in a group of people with the same enthusiasm and passion as yourself is simply easier. We name ourselves Tecla. We are three second year students who are very different in personality and vision. We are from different backgrounds, different ages but mostly importantly we have the same passion 'Art'. Hopefully in the Summer Tecla will be organising an exhibition in the great hall at the telephone exchange.
This project has been a huge learning curve and in the eight weeks I have felt excited, frustrated, delighted and disappointed. It has been an amazing ride.
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