OCA SCOTLAND 9TH DECEMBER 2017

Our last meeting of 2017 at Street Level Photoworks Glasgow was the usually enjoyable with incredibly interesting work all around. Despite the train disruption and a bit of a delay – my end – the group was eager to discuss:

• Best way of presenting work in a website.

• Tips on creating the literature required to supplement an exhibition, flyers, business cards…

• To black and white or Not to black and white. • Conceptual Drawing – Using an academic environment to explore creative arts.

• Exploring text on image – using the voice, literally.

Paul introduced his new website to the group, http://www.landvalues.co.uk/, which he has been working on for some time now. He has been very successful in creating a visually pleasing website showcasing his work as part of Body of Work as well as expanding that same work within a new branch involving trees. The website showcases 3 distinctively interconnected projects on the human values applied to land. These are, Valuing Land – through engagement and play. Valuing Land – through transformation and conservation. Valuing Land – for its environmental contribution.

He also brought in his exhibition flyers and his business cards. The advice was that a bit more work has to be done on the flyers, as curiously his name was not on it. For Paul, the core point is the work, but the consensus was that it is about him as an artist presenting his most recent work.

Zoe started with a set around the theme of ASD – Autist Spectrum Disorder. In her explorations she has created 2 different set of images in which she uses the actual equipment or objects used to diagnose Autism. She created an all colour set and one with a contrasting black and white image. In addition, she had one set with text on

it and one without. Another personal project was about the Forestry Industry in Scotland which in addition was PH1: Expressing your Vision assignment five. The advice was that these were all very interesting subjects with a lot of potential for better contextualisation. Keeping in mind that the idea that text can work better on a book rather than a screen. To put emphasis on exploring through different perspectives. Her themes Autism, Forestry Industry were very poignant.

Gesa brought in prints. She has started Drawing 2 and is investigating an academic environment in order to explore her creative art.

She is doing so by drawing outside the box, meaning she utilising photography as drawing through shadows, lights, lines, edge etc. She has created a full-size copy of the two file cabinets in her workplace. These two cabinets lean towards each other creating a particular shadow-gap. This, of course, come with its own set of connotations and associations, especially when paired with the actual physical drawing of the said gap.

Philip had received his tutor feedback for assignment two of PH1: Expressing your Vision. His feedback was very welcome on the work presented and good advice on furthering his blog content. He will be working on the concept of the Decisive Moment for assignment 3, it’ll be interesting to see what Phil makes of it as he has a very good eye and has shown massive potential.

Neil was working last time on the family archive, but not in the traditional way. He is using phoneography, more specifically candid portraits of his wife in every-day situations.

I discussed my latest meanderings on using text in my work. This was met with a sigh of relief, of “finally!”. I have been using encounters I’ve had through the years where I have felt as an ‘other’; a misplaced person within an environment that is either my home or my adopted home. This is, in many ways a departure from River Tales, or more precisely an unveiling as this has truly been what has been laying under the investigation of River Tales through folklore. Initially, belonging was the central theme and by exploring the landscape I would use this to connect to the new environment, to find a mark of belonging. But while I still feel I belong, certain encounters keep reminding me that I am still an ‘other’ not originally from the place I feel I belong.

In addition, I spoke about my upcoming exhibition, River Tales, at the Aberdeen Arts Centre during the entire month of February 2018. Unfortunately, my flyers hadn’t arrived in time for the study day to share with my peers but I’ve already done a digital version which I’ve shared via email, social media and

the OCA weekender.

It was a very productive day for all those present at the study day. A lot of interesting work being developed across discipline, which is truly refreshing and inspiring. Thanks to tutor Wendy McMurdo for her unconditional support, for showing us the various ways we can move forward, as well as the delicious mince pies she brought it! And finally, thanks to OCASA for providing the invaluable funds to support our group study days.

Next Meeting:

10th March 2018 Street Level Photoworks, Trongate 103, Glasgow, G1 5HD