COP2: end of module evaluation

As a start, I feel that this year's COP module went far better than the last. As a module I began to understand it more, how it works but also how it integrates into my own practice.

I chose the topic of the disconnect between the general public and the fine art world because I too felt that and wanted to investigate why- if it was a matter that came from me or them. (Also as an art student, I felt morally at wrong for feeling that way). As expected it was a mix of both, but it was interesting to investigate a topic that I felt was relevant to me in a critical way.  Writing about the disconnect between conceptual/ modern art and the public also made me start to evaluate the relationship between audience and work in my own practice, even though I'm in a different field of visual arts.

I think my essay writing had developed from last year, largely because I had chosen an essay question that made sense, and was less broad. I tried to approach it in a more systematic way but still struggled. I really wish I'd allotted more time for research and planning, and I think I relied too heavy on a few texts rather than looking towards a broader range that could have backed up my opinions and more and created a stronger essay. Once I had written the essay I found it hard to evaluate what was good or bad so was too afraid to make edits to it

I began to understand this year the connection between the written and practical work, but still found it a little hard to make visual work as I was researching and writing. This was mostly a case of bad timing as I was just trying to focus on getting the written work done over anything else. I see that for COP3 it would be a good idea to try harder with this, but I feel that as a module I will probably also have more time to do that kind of work.

I enjoyed making a publication as my practical response to COP this year. It felt more purposeful, and whilst I could have just made a book just about the topic I chose to make one specifically aimed at the people I was writing about in my essay, and chose the tone of voice and format accordingly. I think this made it a stronger project in all, and more relevant to my practice as an illustrator.

What I largely struggled with though was making, essentially, art about art. As an idea I think my publication worked, but I couldn't help but feel a bit odd basically using heavy referencing of other visual art as part of my own visuals. Seemingly it worked to serve its purpose, feedback in crits and tutorials said that the work came across as humorous and accessible (because of these heavy and common reference points) but if I am to do a similar project in COP3 I'd like to find another way of getting these sorts of ideas across. It felt a little questionable on my part, I felt my ideas and images were somewhat derivative as a result.

I can see COP2 as being a good springboard into COP3. I wouldn't like to call my work this year a 'practice run' but it really helped me get my head around the idea of Context of Practice, and how to work with this kind of project. In COP3 I hope to make a more cohesive body of written and practical work that are made as a sort of cycle, in response to each other.  After practicing my essay writing more and getting more into the academic side of things I'm starting to almost look forward to writing my dissertation.