Mega Progress Crit

I only bought along my two building portraits, extended practice sketchbook (sketchbook of confusion) and personal sketchbook with me to the crit, not expecting a great deal to come from it. 

In a nutshell, most of the feedback commented on the fact that I should just focus on things I am enjoying doing, rather than forcing  ideas that don't come naturally to me. I think that the building portraits are the start of something good; I love the whole process, and actually feel confident in the outcome. Sitting in coffee shops, people watching and observing and asking questions in my head about the surrounding environment is something that I guess comes naturally, and also ties in with my interest in sociology and behaviour. 

For the first time in what seems like forever, I've used the sketchbook as a documentary tool for personal outflow for everything that goes on in my head, which actually feels somewhat liberating. Ever since I've studied art, I've seen the sketchbook as a platform for critical judgement. I've been so meticulous about how the pages in my sketchbooks look aesthetically, rather than just embracing it and utilising them for progressive and reflective purposes. 

~I THINK THIS MAY BE THE REVOLUTIONARY MOMENT THAT I HAVE BEEN LONGINGLY AWAITING FOR~

(Here's your mention Jack!) 

Jack gave me a really helpful pep talk about where and how I can build on these ideas and skills and how I can start to regain the confidence in my ability, what a life saver! Having peers that can see the development process you've been through since the start of the course,are able to empathise, give constructive advice and a confidence boost when you need it most really is a god send.
Things that he suggested:

• Jumping straight to using pen isn't the best way of working (for me) as there is no mercy in using pen and ink straight away.
• Using pencils more as a preliminary tool is the way to go, this can be adapted, changed, manipulated so that I'm not immediately knocked if something doesn't go to plan.
• For now, focus on drawing still life things like buildings, food, objects
• In terms of drawing people,play around some more. Draw different angles of the face. Layer things up on the light box, just go through the process of learning again

Now what? 

I think that due to all of the stress with COP, I'm just going to see extended practice as an enjoyable relief from now to January. I'm not going to let the briefs that I didn't submit put me off, but I'm going to just try my best to make work that I enjoy doing with the hope of it being more successful.