Fire Station Book Draft

This book layout is very close to being finalised. I have included key sentences and soundbites from an interview with a fire fighter from my last visit to the station to give the story its context. I am going to hardback bind this for the degree show.

Reflective Post 3

Right now I am very much in between projects. I have reached a point with the Fire service project where it is close to being resolved. I have been in contact with a few other services over the last few weeks in order to try and start another project, however I am still waiting to here back from these and to start the work. I had a positive response from a refugee charity based in Leeds (PAFRAS) who seemed keen for me to work with them on a project. They mentioned the possibility of working 1-2-1 with some of the young people that use their service who are interested in art and drawing, which would add a really lovely and valuable side to the work. I am waiting to hear back from them to arrange a meeting to get this started. I am beginning to learn a potential and likely obstacle with reportage work - the compliance of the subject matter. To make work closely about a group or a place can often require access and connections from within, and so projects can end up being at the mercy of those individuals. Having plenty of projects on the go, including additional projects that do not require a specific subject matter/connection is essential to always have work to be chipping away at. 

In the meantime, most of my focus has been on getting stock sorted for Print Stuff print fair which is on 4th May. Because none of my projects have been resulting in prints or lend themselves to print, I had to make some separate work. This was a good opportunity to find a balance between my illustration practice and the more fine art side of my work. It was difficult to know what to make prints of. I didn't know whether to just make work simply to sell, that was just aesthetic and no substance. It was nice to get back to print making and also to have a break from the more subject matter-driven projects that I have been working on recently. I think finding this balance is important, and to just make work that is enjoyable to make and more surface level, as well as the more serious, content-driven work. I can see myself continuing to participate in print fairs after university, giving the opportunity to connect with an audience, keep up contacts with other creatives and also make some money on the side of commissioned jobs. 

Drawing just for practice is another thing I have recently picked back up. Whilst working on projects I find it difficult to draw for myself, and to keep a personal practice up on the side. Although the drawings are not particularly interesting or ground-breaking, I have been practising drawing people from some old photos I have on my computer. Something I really need to develop is my ability to draw people, as it is likely to be important in most future reportage projects I undertake. Keeping up this side of my practice is very important and something I am going to try and focus more conservatively on. 

7X7 no.4

7X7 no.3