From these field projects I have been able to develop a wide variety of skills that I can adhere to my making. These projects where both a little out of my comfort zone, Behind the Barcode project, more so than figurative modeling. Both these projects have developed my ways of learning and thinking as well as writing and presenting. They have been an enjoyable way of moving Forward and considering different aspects of art that can influence my own practice. I have definitely enjoyed doing the business side of behind the barcode, this has been something that I have a always found daunting. Now that I have completed it I feel I now have knowledge on the basics of selling myself and my work. I can now adhere this learning to my own discipline. Figurative modeling has taught me some interesting alternatives to researching and this is something that I have continued to do. Learning from other artists and using galleries I have been able to become more inspired and knowledgeable especially considering these current times, I have been able to teach myself new skills from watching others at work.
From figurative modeling I have developed my sculpting techniques and have been taught the basics of modeling in the round whilst watching and drawing from still life, this has greatly improved my understanding of line tone and shape and has made me a more competent and accurate sculptor. Behind the barcode was primarily focused on the business. Although during this project I was attending the Wednesday workshops on book binding and paper making, as this was what I was currently learning I decided to focus my business research on this. I found it extremely beneficial having help form Tom in the print room as he was able to advise me on companies to look at for resource and materials.
It has been really interesting how the behind the barcode has informed my current work and I created a real interest in how books are made and how you can make your own paper. I have enjoyed being able to develop and practice a traditional craft and have used the ways of researching I developed form figurative modeling to inform my learning, by watching artists and exploring online galleries.
I have more awareness of how EDGE can inform the creative industry and my own practice and I am now more aware of the entrepreneurial aspect of being a maker that I will inevitably have to consider as I develop into level 6. I feel it is important for me to consider creatively the ethical, digital, global and entrepreneurial aspects of my own creative pathway and I need to continue to think how i can push these ideas in my own work.
Lara Hoad Artist Designer: Maker 