BA Hons Creative Arts: Starting out in 3D: Sculpture 1

Reflection on tutor feedback for assignment 1

I am encouraged by my tutor’s response to my first assignment. I understand the point he raises about drawing the sculptures. I have yet to get to grips with the idea of using drawings as a way of developing ideas. I am sure this will transpire as I progress. I will endeavour to expand my choice of media in the future. I had what I considered great success with some charcoal sketches. Charcoal does have its drawbacks in that it has a habit of transferring black marks on to existing or other work. I need to exercise more care when using this medium. It is clear that I need to store these drawings in individual folders with care. I hope to purchase some oils in the near future. I’d like to experiment with some heavily textured portrayals of my work.

Reading between the lines, it seems it was okay for me to gather materials whilst simultaneously forming an idea for a subject. I had worried and stewed over whether there was some strict sequence to follow or be adhered to. My tutor described my method as a fluid yet driven approach. I will take that as a compliment and use it to build my waning confidence. It is suggested that I research semiotics as it will give me a better understanding on how objects are read as symbols. I touched on this subject in the compulsory part of this course. Never the less, I take his comment on board and will take a fresh look at the subject with a renewed purpose. I further agree with my tutor that whilst attempting to construct sculpture that expresses all the meanings, I have restricted my method of construction.

I think I follow what the tutor is saying about my use of a concrete plinth. It is perhaps surplus to requirements. A bit of a cop out, maybe. It does not relate to the other materials and their intended purpose. I could have exercised a little more creativity. I should have made more use of existing, similar or duplicated materials and been more experimental when trying to achieve stability. I have begun to compile a glossary of terms associated with the subject of sculpture with a view to assisting me with my understanding of context. Having read my tutors report a couple of times, I now feel more positive moving forward.