Date: 4th March 2025
Tutor: Jonathan Kearney
Preparation notes:
Since the last tutorial, I have been working on the following topics. The ones with * are important for this tutorial discussion.
1. Completed a second Cheongsam painting with ‘Family Dinner #2’ and reflected on the overall Cheongsam series of work to decide next steps:
https://eliza-rawlings.com/2025/02/09/ma-u3-cheongsam-series-family-dinner-2/
https://eliza-rawlings.com/2025/02/17/ma-u3-cheongsam-series-final-reflections-and-whats-next/
*2. Started to explore film photography and seeking a new objectivity mindset:
3. Reflected on my Unit 2 feedback and started a new series of oil paint experiments as a result:
https://eliza-rawlings.com/2025/02/10/ma-u3-reflections-on-unit-2-feedback/
https://eliza-rawlings.com/2025/02/27/ma-u3-exploring-oil-and-incorporating-photographs/
https://eliza-rawlings.com/2025/02/27/ma-u3-exploring-oil-in-thin-layers-and-streetscape-painting/
4. Continued to learn Chinese painting and researched Qi Baishi’s idea of painting between likeness and unlikeness:
https://eliza-rawlings.com/2025/02/10/ma-u3-painting-between-likeness-and-unlikeness/
https://eliza-rawlings.com/2025/02/17/ma-u3-research-on-qi-baishis-likeness-and-unlikeness/
https://eliza-rawlings.com/2025/02/18/chinese-painting-process-of-mounting-work/
https://eliza-rawlings.com/2025/01/09/chinese-painting-the-art-of-using-seals/
*5. Started a new inquiry with cutting and weaving paintings:
https://eliza-rawlings.com/2025/03/01/ma-u3-weaving-narratives-and-interculturalism/
For the tutorial, I would like help with the following topics please:
a) An update from me – a personal situation leading to a mindset change which will influence how I approach my practice.
b) To determine a direction for my practice with the mindset change, possibly incorporating photography, ‘weaving paintings’ and the broader perspectives of my identity, whilst maintaining the objective of producing a coherent body of work. How to incorporate these new ideas into my ongoing practice without seeming incoherent?
*Note: Reflections captured in topic items 2 and 5 listed above are useful for tutorial discussion.
NOTES FROM TUTORIAL
1. Qi’s idea of ‘painting between likeness and unlikeness’ was discussed especially with unlikeness coming from the heart. Other similar ideas are ‘heart sight’ and ‘inner landscape’.
2. I explained my ‘new mindset’ regarding my thoughts and views on the current global issues. Also how I approach my practice (in the short term at least) will need to be re-evaluated to reflect my current state of mind because I cannot separate my art from how I feel. We discussed the fluid boundary between my ‘retreat’ and ‘assertive’ modes and what causes the drifting between modes.
3. The meaning of ‘a body of work’ was discussed as I asked for help on how to maintain a coherent practice with a potential change in direction. A ‘body of work’ is something that is authentically from an artist. The link between my work is therefore ‘me’.
4. In considering the direction going forward, I should give myself space and time to think and make. Keep making. Don’t obsess about having answers straight away.
5. Think about ‘what is it about me that manifests into my work’ to understand how ‘I’ provide the link between different pieces within my ‘body of work’. E.g. think about why I was more interested in film photography as part of my practice rather than digital photography because the latter is too quick to get results.
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