Thursday, 3 May 2018

Professional principles

Something I've been thinking about a lot recently is what principles underpin my practise. To me, I want my work to be stamped as mine by a principle, a tone of voice, or opinion, rather than by any particular visual signature. I think this is something that I have been gradually developing over the year, and will continue to develop.

I think that this idea, more than any other factor, has created space in my mind for me to actually develop creatively. It has also helped explain what sticks and why, and why some ideas just don't develop.

Example

  • The project I wanted to do on ancient Egypt failed to develop, because although I love the rich and beautiful mythology of that period, I didn't feel there was anything I could really say through it.
  • My 'Let's Talk About...' project started and developed very quickly, because I immediately felt that what I was creating was in some way important to my practise, and said something about the creative I want to be.  


Ideas about Radical Softness and Craftivism have become integral to my practise and what it means to me.

"radical softness is the idea that unapologetically sharing your emotions is a political move and a way to combat the societal idea that feelings are a sign of weakness. "

We like in a cynical, emotionally-stunted society. I'm a bit proponent of the idea of being the change you want to see in the world. I want to make work that communicates feeling.

"Craftivism is a form of activism, typically incorporating elements of anti-capitalism, environmentalism, solidarity, or third-wave feminism, that is centered on practices of craft - or what can be referred to as domestic arts"

This idea is important to my practise for a few reasons. Firstly it spans 'craft' rather than art; making as a tool for change. In an increasingly digital age and industry, making almost seems an act of resistance. Craftsmanship is tied up in our history, it is essential to us. It was through craftsmanship that we first told stories and exchanged information or a large scale. 

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