FMP

For my final major project i want to develop what i started in the last brief, i still feel that collage is a relevant production method and that using a narrative with in the work is important for me. I want to represent things in my life that have held me back and also things that have set me free, my vision is some kind of cage like structures which will both contain and release representations of people events or places that have impacted on my life .I want to use my own illustrations of animals along with collaged fabrics and papers to create creatures that will be either trapped in or escaping from cages.

During my negotiated project i made contact with or visited several professional designer makers in the art/craft field who all gave me feedback on my work, the general feeling was that my presentation was good and that i was aiming towards a niche, high end market. It was suggested that i used my own illustrations rather than found imagery and i needed to push the ideas much further, to be bold and work on a larger scale and don't limit the subject matter.

It was great to get some positive feedback which really helped boosted my confidence , i realized by talking to these artists that's it is ok to be yourself as long as the work is of a high enough standard and is executed well. It was also reassuring to hear that there is a market place for unusual quirky work, not that commercial gain is my main focus.

Claire Brewster has added me to her mailing list and keeps me up to date with all relevant events in the art and craft world such as trade shows and fairs and Claire Worthington has offered to help me develop a website to show case my work.

The links i made through networking at trade shows and via email have been really helpful i have met some lovely people who have given up their time to offer advice and suggestions. Maxine Sutton sent me some information aimed at students and has been in touch several times via email.

I also contacted several possible outlets for information regarding selling my work.

I have a couple of posible new contacts in mind for portfolio visits for my final magor project.