After Placement...

To be continued...

I was very thankful that this opportunity was offered as part of my module. To challenge us, to start thinking abut the future and what we are trying to accomplish. Being shy and insecure, I was really anxious to embark this journey. But I told myself that I wouldn't let that affect my future and my destination.

Charlotte and Glen both being very welcoming and friendly, really helped decreasing my anxieties. I felt that if I spent more time with them, I would've loosen up a lot more than I did. I still let my shyness come through and I wish I didn't. There was so much I wanted to bring to the table, so much I would've wanted to share. On the opening night, I couldn't find the courage to talk to the public, so I used my photography as an excuse to seem 'busy'. This, though, is just the start! This experience made me realize that the only person stopping things from happening is myself. Now I know that if I want to do something I should just roll up my sleeves and do it.

This placement made me very excited about the future and how to curate exhibitions. I would like to be able to exhibit outside the premises of my university. Get a sense of the art world, collaborate with other artists. In short, just get involved with everything that will enhance and encourage my artistic path. Both Charlotte and Glen have taught me useful methods, ways of thinking which I am looking forward in turning them into practice.

My next logical step is to get to know more artists and their approach to their practice, I find this method very informative. Also, I need to work on my time management! Lateness will not be tolerated in the future

I have asked Charlotte and Glen to give me some feedback, as I would've liked to see myself from a different perspective. As they did not know me as much, meant that I would get a very sincere criticism.

Charlotte Dawson: "I think you did really well just getting stuck in and helping straight away. I think when there were practical requirements like painting the walls, you were really open to the fact that all of the practical tasks needed in an exhibition and you made sure that they got done.You put a lot of hard work into those days. In more curatorial roles you were really helpful and I could just trust you to exercise the task. For instance, with placing the ceramic pieces amongst the gravel in the window, that remained as you did it and no changes needed to be made because of how you'd understood the vision of the exhibition. This happened in many different parts of the curation too like placement of bollards and when we were deciding on fabric to test. I don't think I have any improvements really which I know isn't that helpful but I think you faced all the tasks set with acceptance and encouragement. I felt there was a genuine desire to be involved in all of the processes, the floor plan and then coming and documenting on opening night. I think I couldn't have asked for more from someone who gave so much of there own time."

Glen Stoker:  "It is a difficult task for someone to come into a new organisation, and especially one like ours which works in quite a quick reactive way, and immediately feel confident in the space and with the people. However, I was impressed firstly with your demeanor and attitude. you were a good and positive presence throughout the sessions, demonstrating an interest in the activities and a willingness to do any job you were asked to do. It was great for me to see that you undertook each duty without complaint, and did a really good job with each. 

I was happy that you took the time and commitment to watch and listen to (and hopefully learn from) - the discussions and deliberations that happened throughout the week. When asked for your opinion, you were ready and willing to engage, with a thoughtful answer. Additionally, it was clear that you had a set of questions in mind that you wanted to ask Charlotte or me, which showed good preparation.

Your final task, of documenting the opening night was your best input for us, as you took the instructions readily, understood the requirements and importance of the task quickly, and acted on your own initiative. This meant that at no stage was I worried that the evening was not being documented properly. The images were delivered to us quickly and were of a good quality.

In terms of things to work on - this may be due to you being nervous in a new situation, and not feeling too confident which is very understandable, but I would encourage you to be more vocal. In a respectful way, it is always good to hear opinions voiced - these can lead to discussion all round, but also may raise something that has been missed by the curators or artist. To aid this, I would encourage you to ask more questions on site, but also, prior to the activity, to do some background research into the artist and their work - both will increase your knowledge which in turn will allow you to feel more comfortable in the situation. 

I would keep an eye on your time-keeping - though I know we were a bit reactive in terms of when we were asking you to be in - it is always important to arrive on time.

I would also encourage you to go and see as many shows/exhibitions as you can, and as much as looking at the work - look at how the work is presented and hung - and how the gallery is talking about the work - all of that research makes you better informed - and then you can make suggestions and play with possibilities in a more confident manner - and it will also help when it comes to how you visualise your own work being presented.

All in all, Daby, I was really impressed - and would be happy for you to come back and help us more in the future. You were a good and positive presence during the install and I enjoyed having you around."