Thursday 3 September 2009

Relief!

I have finally finished all the work for my current degree module and everything has been packed up and posted off to the office for moderation on Monday. I usually take everything in person but I'm not able this time so I've been anxiously ticking off each item to make sure it's all there... sketchbook, journal, labels, CD of images and of course an example of the finished cocoons.


I made four, one to represent each of my four children.

My Personal Statement:
My work is about security and protection, in particular with regard to my children. It is about the journey from the safe cocooned environment experienced as babies to breaking free as adults. Self contained cells, start joined together but slowly start to break away. It is about the painful process of letting go.

I'm sure those of you sending your babies off to school for the first time this week will know a little of what I mean.

It has been quite a relief to get everything sent off. The new module starts on Monday which is the start of my second level. I'm now a third of the way through my course and it all feels as though it is about to move up a notch. The new module is Visual Studies which is a visual and practical study of the human figure and is one I've been looking forward to. I've signed up for life drawing classes which should be interesting.

Meanwhile I'm off on a train journey north of the border... a family party in Dundee. I'll be back on Monday with news of an exhibition!

28 comments:

  1. Well, your work ended up completely stunning, especially in combination with your personal statement.

    With on starting reception today and one going into KS2 we're going to spend after-school doing rather a lot of nesting and coccooning of our own.

    Congrats for getting everything off on time, and have a wonderful trip!

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  2. Phew! One down, how many to go...?
    I love the loving nests, have loved seeing them evolve too. Can't wait to see some life drawing!
    Enjoy your party!
    xxx

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  3. Yipee! I love those cocoons hanging in the tree -- you're SO very clever!!!

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  4. I love them - they look so soft and delicate but comforting - how you'd want your cocoon to be! xxx

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  5. i can relate to your cocoons... my eldest is sill cocooned most of the time but is starting on her own journey big time today... my wanting to comfort and envelope my girls i often refer to as my apron strings tied tight... i unravel them a little more at each stage ... though the cord is still attached... i hope it gives them confidence knowing that i am always there for them... i know one day they will grow their full wings and fly ... as you can tell i am emotional today as eldest girl starts seniors! loved the post about your son... and a real lesson to the schools system that with support and dedication then every child can suceed! have a lovely trip... and the cocoons are beautiful
    xx

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  6. It is no surprise that your cocoons are stunning and also beautiful. Like all your work there is so much detail and thought in these latest pieces. Brilliant

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  7. these are fabulous - as usual! Well done getting it all completed. look forward to seeing the next lot of work. x

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  8. Really beautiful inspiring work Gina, and your personal statement really spoke to me.

    Well done!

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  9. Congratulations on completing Gina, the pods are stunning. Life drawing classes will be amazing and will be so beneficial in so many ways. I'll look forward to seeing your progress. Have a lovely trip to Dundee.

    An exhibition? Sounds exciting!

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  10. Your cocoons are wonderful Gina and look stunning hanging from the branches. Pity you couldn't pack the tree as well!! Have a great time in Dundee.

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  11. awesome! x no other words necessary!

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  12. Just a thimbleful....

    Really lovely work, Gina, congratulations. I love the cosiness of the coccoon and the translucency of the eggs, delicate yet strong. Starting on the next module Monday, eh? No let up then....

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  13. Oh Gina, Just amazing and so perfectly true to all parents.

    I must say it is early here and at first glance I thought you had hund some dressed poultry in the tree. I didn't even flinch just thought"I wonder what Gina is doing with those chickens?"

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  14. I bet you feel relieved. I thought they were little creatures..skinned....sorry!
    have fun in Dundee..not to much cake now!

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  15. Well done on getting your work finished. The cocoons are beautiful and your statement is very fitting.
    It is clear that you are enjoying the different directions that the course is taking you on.Long may it continue.

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  16. Wonderful - they look fabulous and seeing your children develop and mature is so rewarding

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  17. Your work and your thoughts are fantastic. I wish you all the best and I'm sure you will pass with flying colours. Good luck Gina

    Carolyn ♥

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  18. Just such thought-provoking beautiful work Gina. Have a great party x

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  19. These are wonderful - I love the final result!!

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  20. Well done Gina - it must be wonderful to know that you've finished all your homework. I can't imagine that feeling... x

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  21. Good luck Gina, your cocoons look great and the close up shows the beautiful detail so well. I hope you have a lovely break too. Jane x

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  22. Well done on finishing all that work, it looks stunning. I would love to talk to you about it as I graduated from Norwich University College of the Arts in 2005 with a BA Hons in Visual Studies. So much of my work seemed to come from the same way of thinking as yours. My theme was Protection too, I felted covers for things.. well it's too much for here but we seem to be on the same wavelength. It's great!

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  23. I am in total awe of this work you have made. Its beautiful in the execution and the whole concept.

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  24. They are fantastic! Very original. Do you plans where to hang them in your house? The wire on the pearls is very dlicate and must have taken ages to do. You must be very patient Gina. Best of luck with the next module, I always liked fashion drawing but had mised feelings about life drawing. I have been working on my 'Seed@ sketchbook but I have hit a bit of a wall with it lately!
    My new Year 10 group starts next week so there will be some more wiggley bags by Christmas.
    x

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  25. I wanted to cocoon a little person this week as she went off in her (bright pink, don't you know) wheelchair to "Big School". Shouldn't have worried really, she took it in her stride. Yesterday was spent with three thousand Guides, Brownies and Rainbows..... "Gals of all ages".... You are getting such a lot from your degree.... enjoy.... I did mine ten years ago and learnt so much. x

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  26. My first thought was that they looked like mermaids purses from the sea shore. Looking closer and seeing the threads and beads and soft lining I was overwhelmed by the wonderful imagination of this work.

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  27. Beautiful piece, Gina and I love the concept.
    Good luck with your assessment.

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