Tutorials with Gareth Polmeer

Tutorial with Gareth Polmeer: 16.00 Wednesday 13th June 2018

Today’s Skype tutorial went well. I was able to send Gareth the first draft of my research question and an abstract for the statement. I am doing much background reading on the subject of poiesis and still gathering together my main references.  I have already written lots but need now to filter and condense it all. I am very apt to digress once I get going but nevermind, I can discipline myself. Gareth sent me an additional link to some new material relevant to my research statement.

In background, today I have been starting to process the best quality photos of the painting sequences, beginning with the painting Mind Mirror.  This means learning Adobe Lightroom to best process the images as these series I intend to publish in book form eventually. I have completed several large paintings since I began the MA last October, and each series of photos has now to be worked on. All in all, plenty to be doing – and as always I am in the middle of the next painting – which I shall begin posting up soon – early days but header image acts as a taster, this painting is just starting out on its journey. I have my system of pictopoiesis regarding how to make it but I do not know what form it will be given or take up.  I have to cultivate it purposefully and let it be at the same time, this is the balance that has to be struck to keep it alive.

an extra group session with Gareth Polmeer to look more at the research paper.

Gareth Polmeer: Tuesday 3 July – 13.00 – 15.00 (UK time) – in Skype group for online students

I had  some more developed thoughts and plans for this session, also listened in to learn from the group discussion.  Even when the focus is not specifically on my  paper, it is helpful to see what others are asking and doing.  Gareth suggested a slight rewording of my Research statement, which I appreciated and have implemented. I am enjoying learning the academic approach to writing – which contrasts to my own free flow of thought. The style and protocols of academic writing are helping me to be able to say better what I mean – always such a challenge when that which I have to say is otherwise so wrapped up in the painting, not in words. I know things through the painting but the painting involves a process of conscious unthinking – difficult to navigate this in words.