statement of intent

In the last year I have had the opportunity to practise and experiment with many different materials and practises. Learning how to use tools such as Photoshop, techniques in painting and the development and implementation of concepts in art. I have become a more confident in my goals and work. The projects in fashion, graphics and fine art have all been enjoyable and useful, and this foundation course has been a pleasant and cathartic experience.

At the beginning of the year my skill base was in drawing and illustration. Although I initially intended to study illustration, the freedom of personal expression and medium as well as my interest in the history led me to focus on fine art. This has led me to explore more art history and personal reflection to develop my work. Attempting practises such as Dadaism, minimalism and conceptualism. Through responding to project briefs with a personal and individualistic approach I have been able to improve my photographic, drawing and collage work to express myself and construct a portfolio.

Ants are one of my favourite creatures and I have spent a lot of personal time studying them, I want to explore the nature of their society and ours, particularly factors of communication and individualism. I want to use art to express the differences between our world and theirs, and the possibility of what we could learn from ants. With this project I intend to break away from the canvas, exploring installation, photography, video, performance and photography. I also want to involve my own research into human behaviour and communication, and find out what people think about ants and other social insects.

Anthropomorphism is an effective and interesting method of expression and I want to explore what we have in common with the ants, and what makes us different. Are we truly the Earth’s highest form of life, when we can only use our own culture and lifestyle as the denominator?

In order to record and evaluate I intend to keep a visual journal of research and theory, both as a physical book and online blog. I will set myself targets in order to manage my time and organisation. I need to be very active and positive to achieve all of the ideas I have.