Despite my attempts to stay positive is has not been easy over the past couple of weeks. News from Middlesex University isn't great. Those students who are due to graduate in 2012 will be supported for the coming year (although this is still subject to various arrangements). The rest of us will be supported through our current module until the end of July, after which... we're on our own! We will have credits which we can use to transfer to another course or we can cut our losses and walk away.
The only distance learning option in Textiles is with the Open College of the Arts. I have looked at this in some detail but for various reasons it is not what I want. The other option is to find a local University with a course I could transfer to - which is what I am currently investigating although sometimes it feels easier to walk away.
But, I'm not one to take the easy option (well, not just yet anyway) so I am intending to complete my current module so at least I have the option of taking my 240 credits elsewhere. For my Personal Specialism site specific work there has been text on tulle ribbons...
I've also worked more on the portraits of people using mobile phones... looking at ways I might emphasise the figures if I were to make them life size... from scribbled sketches...
to free machine embroidery.
Which made me think of the wonderful work of Rosie James and gave me the idea...
of appliqued net under my stitched figure to make her stand out.
which finally feels as though it is getting somewhere.
Especially when I layer it with the ribbons.
It still feels like a struggle, but I'm taking it one step at a time.
Sorry things haven't got sorted yet Gina but don't give up I'm sure there will be a solution.
ReplyDeleteYour stitched figures are wonderful, it would such a shame not to walk away from it all!
University of Ulster have a great art dept., you come live with me and go there, we could eat cake. ;)
Vivienne x
So sorry to hear it isn't working out too. I do hope you find something to suit as your work is truly inspirational - keep it up!
ReplyDeleteKeep struggling Gina, I'm sure you will resolve this awful problem. Your work is so good and those figures are fascinating. I love the ways you have interpreted them. It is so hard to be positive when everything seems to be against you, but I have a gut feeling that you will achieve your degree qualification. The Open College of the Arts is excellent and I did their Textiles 1 and 2 courses some years ago, but they aren't degree standard unless things have changed drastically. Fingers crossed you will find a university to allow you to finish your degree course.
ReplyDeleteThe work is looking great! Am so sorry about your course but I'm sure you'll sort something out even if it means a little break in the meantime x
ReplyDeleteDon't lose hope. There are some wonderful courses. There's a BA in Contemporary Applied Arts at Herts that looks great for textiles and I've seen some wonderful work in their end of year shows. And I'm sure that Anglia Ruskin must have some lovely courses too. There will definitely be something that's right for you.
ReplyDeleteThe spam-word for this comment is 'Evita', surely that must be an omen? Strong woman and all that?
Sorry the news is not more positive for you. It would be a shame to walk away after all your hard work. Something will turn up. Love this project with the lady. Just ordered my machine today, thanks for the advice. :)
ReplyDeleteSorry things aren't improving Gina - there used to be a degree, think called a General Degree, which could be any subject. Content and credits given for modules were worked out between uni/student - reaching the required number equalled a degree.
ReplyDeleteTry looking sideways too..... ggg
Friend was studying textile degree at Norwich School of Art, but she never got to make anything - she switched to Fine Art, where she is happily allowed to stitch - go figure!
Talking of figures - think yours are brilliant, keep making them.
Fingers crossed you have a solution soon so as not to affect your current work and give you the right choice with peace of mind.
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
Sandie xx
love the work you are creating here Gina. it's always so interesting to see how you progress on through each stage. I do hope you find something that suits the level you are working at Gina. don't give up yet.
ReplyDeleteDon't give up!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure all your hard work will lead to great things (even if it's not a 'stiff-kit')
Celia
x
Oh Gina, it must feel hear-breaking with all that work you put in! Keep on creating and enjoying what you are doing and I really hope something great comes out of it very soon for you. x
ReplyDeleteI love your figures. Don't give up - keep positive and keep creating. Something will turn up when you're least expecting it. x
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it has been a struggle, but I really hope you don't give up now when you have achieved so much. I love your stitched figures, they look wonderful with all the layers.
ReplyDeletex
Oh, this is all just Not Fair - and I know how ambivalent you were feeling anyway so it must be a big struggle at the minute. I am so sorry, and I really, really hope you can find somewhere that lets you finish your degree because your work demands it - it's brilliant. Are you about later in the week for tea by any slim chance?
ReplyDeleteGina, my heart goes out to you. We have all worked so hard for this degree, and I am so lucky to slide under the wire (although not done yet...so who knows).
ReplyDeleteI don't think you should walk away just yet, you are so close. Maybe if you could transfer to a university that you are close enough to - there might be a fine art degree that would open up a new door for you. This might be the chance of a lifetime.
Best to keep positive.
You have such blazing shining talent! Find the open door. It is there, somewhere.
ReplyDeleteand the word verification has a w in ribbonwork ;~)
So sorry it's all bleak just now. One door closes and another opens they say. Thinking of you.I love the figure!
ReplyDeleteVera and Kathy Slapdash (Jersey) say keep at it. Lovely work. Veronica.
ReplyDeleteGina , It must be so frustrating and crazy making. In a far less exciting course I have been though similar, I just kept plugging away while they moved the goal posts time and time again. I hope you get a resolution that works for you.
ReplyDeleteKEEP GOING! This present work shows you just have to keep going.... it's really rather lovely.....
ReplyDeleteWhat they've offered you doesn't sound like much of a choice, but you're right to keep going. One step at a time is the only way to move forward on two legs...
ReplyDeleteYou've put too much effort into the course to just walk away, I'm sure that something will turn up. Meanwhile, just continue to be creative. Love the new theme and the way you are working at it.
ReplyDeleteGo Gina, go! Art triumphs over bureaucracy every time.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with finding a way through all this. The use of the net with the figures was inspired, they look great.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I think you're on to something there...keep plugging on, it's working!
ReplyDeleteWell, your creativity is definitely still firing on all cylinders even if you yourself are struggling with positivity. That was inspired to add the netting and ribbons to your figure - it's a brilliant wash effect and I love the diaphonous ribbons of text. Hope that all of your research at the moment results in a lightbulb moment and that this time next year you have the opportunity to look back and see this all as having a positive outcome, J x
ReplyDeletePlease keep up the tenacity, even develop a little bloody-mindedness if you can. The work you have has evolved so much and it almost seems to have taken on it's own momentum, surely it must keep moving? (but I know banging your head against brick walls can make one a little sore so hugs) xx
ReplyDeleteYou are being so resilient Gina - look at the beautiful work you've just produced despite being in the middle of such a tough time. I so hope the transfer option provides some hope for you. Sending cheery cake-filled thoughts xxxx
ReplyDeleteThe answer is out there somewhere Gina and I know you will find it. I think the idea of layered netting is an inspired one, definitely gives more oomph to the figure. An exciting piece of work that can only lead to more. Lesley
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful Gina. I tried to do free machine embroidery and made a mess of it. I did not know that you needed a special foot for the machine. I finally have one and am keen to try it. You are an inspiration!
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