UCOL Experience

I have just returned from 10 days in Palmerston North with my host, UCOL. Continuing on my 'Visual Odyssey', I immersed myself in all things digital, visual and educational. 

The photo opposite is the foyer of the Photography, Art & Design' building where the tutors often display their own works to inspire and enthuse students. The tutors are artists in their own right and have work displayed in art galleries. Ian Rotherdam and Tricia Faulkner were exhibitors in the recent Te Mana exhibition 'Landed'.

Te Mana art gallery's present exhibition is called 'Landed'. As described, the ' exhibition touches on some of these ways we view the land through the medium of photography. It features both early work drawn from the Te Manawa collection and current work by Manawatu photographers. The technological divide between film and digital imagery is also evident in the changing perceptions on display. Exhibition curated by Malcolm Somerville and Paul Gummer for Te Manawa.'

I was fortunate to meet Malcolm Somerville, a renowned photographer and publisher. Chris Hubbard arranged a meeting and Malcolm graciously gave up his time to come and offer his suggestions and contacts to further my DVD project plans.

The staff at UCOL were very supportive and generous in providing space and time. Chris and I discussed possible formats for the proposed secondary school 'taster' programme in Visual Imaging.

I sat in on a number of Year One classes: Design; Photography; Art & Design; Creative Processes; Digital Media. Interesting and creative - I wanted to be a student again!

An assignment in the Design class inspired me to hobble, (yes hobble, as I cracked a bone in my foot on day two!),  around the CBD looking at typefaces and using the camera lens as a cropping tool. Diversity, colour schemes, and framing were the elements to be noted. My results can be seen on my newly added slideshow using the Google Picasa web album. With an iphoto plugin I can upload photos with a mouse click (or two)!

Creative Processes looked at learning styles and left brain v right brain. If you have not come across the illusion of the 'dancing lady' yet then check this out:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22556281-661,00.html

The time for exploration was invaluable. I am at present contacting the many businesses and industries I researched and had suggested to me as possible resources for my planned Careers DVD.

I also caught up with my mentor from RSNZ, Katherine Hicks and had a profitable discussion about my progress to date and proposed changes to my professional development schedule.

Painting class to night. I am learning about mixing colours and reproducing light and shade through studying the art work of Don Binney. I am in the process of reproducing one of his painting - I am not that entranced with his stylised birds but do like his use of lines and shapes!

Exploring Visual Arts

My learning journey continues. I am beginning to recognise the importance of the visual arts as the building blocks to develop the processes and creativity within the digitial mediums of photography, design, animation, web and video.

I am investigating the Visual Arts programmes within secondary schools and, was invited to the HB Art Teacher's Association meeting in Havelock North High. I am hoping for feedback from them regarding the uses of digital technologies within their teaching/learning areas. There is evidence that this is developing in some schools, but of course, dependant on the teacher's experitise and availability of the technologies. I plan to further this investigation into those schools where such programmes have developed.

ArtsOnline provides excellent resources and support for teachers in this subject area.
Website: arts.unitec.ac.nz

Exploring the Artist Within!

Talk about being out of my comfort zone!

 The last time I attempted to be creative with a paintbrush was in 1966, 3rd form art classes! As part of my exploration into art design and my own creativity, I have joined a "Painting" night-class for beginners.

After two lessons I have managed to grasp the very basics of handling a paintbrush (other than for house decoration) and mixing colour to shade, shape and create depth.

This is my first wee practice board! I have learnt that there are definite techniques that must be practiced; that there is a lot to learn about types of brushes and what works best; observation is a major part of drawing and painting and that I will probably need to keep my day job!

But - what fun! This is something I have wanted to do for ages and I now have the time! I have started my visual diary to record ideas and discoveries.