It has occurred to me that I haven't been using my blog in the way that I should. I used to write about my progress, analyse pieces of work and document my feelings as I worked. I made notes for a post back in November, which I intended to post after I finished my diploma in December. I completed the course, but chose not to type up the blog post. I want to start writing more here, even just little snippets. For now, here's the post I wanted to share 5 months ago:
I recently graduated with a diploma of visual arts. For the most part, it has been an enjoyable and fulfilling 2 years; I found the most incredible teacher, I met some lovely people from around the world and my skills base has grown enormously. However, sadly the last 6 months have been quite awful. So much so that I would have quit the course given half a chance, but visa and grant commitments had me tied. Our resources were taken away from us, our teachers were forced to resign, our work was damaged or stolen and the owner of the college, once a passionate patron of the arts - who had in the past purchased my work and praised my skills - ignored our pleas for support. The arts department was marginalised and ostracised, when it once it was the very core of the educational institution.
My moods have gone from mildly agitated to argumentative to downright angry with the education offered in the last 6 months. A distinct lack of positive communication or even respect from the management has frustrated students and teachers alike. In the last weeks of classes and now that I have graduated, besides having a great sense of relief, I feel deeply disappointed. We started the diploma in February with such energy and enthusiasm, which to our despair was drained from us over the course of 10 months, to the point that we couldn't wait to be out the door.
Back to May 2011. My disappointment still lingers on, though I do my best to look forward and be grateful for the few good and kind people that I met and the skill set that I gained. These things make my life good and happy. Michaela Kloeckner is now my mentor; we meet every few weeks to talk clay and share ideas. Through her I joined the Gold Coast Potters Association and met more beautiful and talented potters, all of whom have been unconditionally supportive of me as I take the steps toward founding my fledgling business.
[plate throwing, May 2010]
