artists statement

A Chaotic New World - faq

Modern western civilisation, especially current generations, are exposed to the biggest height in consumer culture and globalisation in history. The effects have imbedded themselves so extremely in our lives that it’s almost impossible to notice. In fact, we are, in many ways for many reasons, conditioned not to. It reminds me of a saying about trees and the forest.

Q. How do we deal with it all?
A. Escape.

Q. How do you do it?
A. Be somewhere else. An alternative reality or perception often works.

Q. Where can we find these alternatives?
A. Just look into a television, computer, phone, iPod, camera, etc. Generally somewhere with a screen.

Q. Why a screen?
A. People are attracted to light. Stimulation. Escapism. There’s often some form of narrative happening. It helps aid distraction.

Q. Why do we do this?
A. Life is difficult. There’s a lot going on. Time is precious. When we can, we prefer not to get too bogged down in it all. It’s a bit contradictory though, because we’re generally looking for stimulation. Stimulation is information. And if we use narrative as an example, the more chaos, stimulation, and information, the deeper we can immerse ourselves in it, and the deeper the immersion, the more we enjoy that distraction.

Q. That sounds a bit complicated… chaotic even.
A. That’s how it is for me. I want to dissect it all. So that it’s less chaotic. We think we like order more than chaos. Like anything, it’s not that simple. I’m going to try and work it all out using images. To create some kind of order out of this mess.

Q. How? Why?
A. We’re exposed to over 30,000 images every day. We understand them. How to read them, what they mean. We’re still susceptible to their manipulation, which is another theme I hope to explore. I believe images are the primary form of escape. So it makes sense to use them to communicate my findings.

How will your images illustrate your findings?
I’ll shoot images of people while they’re in the state of escape. This will at first appear meaningless, it’s something we see all the time. Which is part of the point, because we are so immersed in it. The form of the images, my choice of communication method; the fine art print, in an exhibition setting, will suggest that there’s more to it than that. The elements and construction of the images will provide clues for the viewer to read. Ideally, after a bit of consideration, the viewer should be able to understand the meaning and metaphors I have placed within the photographs.

review I 2008

The Digital Fine Print, Wednesday 9:30-1:30
Assessment 1 [25%]: Class Project – Week 4
This is a technical competency project to determine each student’s ability to identify and consider aspects of a digital fine print. Students present printed work that demonstrates an ability to make quality prints.

Class Project Assessment Criteria:

Presentation [25%]:
Presented images need to reflect a consideration of the relationship between the content of the image and the printing of the image.

Evidence of technical investigation [25%]:
Provide evidence of technical research that has informed and contributed to the production of the work. Evidence can be from a variety of resources, including the internet, books and journals. This should be presented in the form of an annotated bibliography.

Evidence of technical competency [25%]:
Provide evidence of technical competency and understanding of the key considerations for the making of a print. This can include use of technology, an understanding of terminology or a combination of skills. This should form the basis for the oral presentation.

Artist Statement [25%]:
Provide evidence, in the form of a typed artist statement, of the nature of the work in relation to the influence[s] and concepts.


Fine Art Photography Project 1a, Friday 2:30-6:30
Assessment 1 [25%]: Class Project – Week 4
This is a visual presentation of the project proposal, including preliminary research and investigations.

Class Project Assessment Criteria:

Presentation [25%]:
Presented images should reflect an engagement with technique and technical competency. The basis of this should be a demonstrated understanding of the realisation of your concept, proficiency of technique, and its relevance to the making of the work.

Evidence of Preliminary Investigations [25%]:
Provide evidence of the development and progress of ideas for your project. This can include examples of exhibitions you have seen or investigations of other artists’ work. It can also include films of interest, online sites or any other reference points for yourself. This should be presented in the form of a visual diary.

Evidence of Project Planning [25%]:
Provide evidence of planning for the project. This should include an analysis of projected costs for the project and relevant considerations. This should be presented in the form of a timeline and budget.

Artist Statement [25%]:
Provide evidence, in the form of a typed artist statement, of the nature of the work in relation to the influence[s] and concepts.


Advanced Studio 1 & 2, Thursday 9:30-1:30, 2:30-6:30
Assessment Review I – Project Proposal presentation
Presentation of project proposal, with support material, artist statement, project plan, references and sample images.

Assessment criteria for Assessment Project: Review I

Presentation [25%]:
Presented images should reflect the visual development of the project, in relation to the concepts and ideas. Whilst it is expected that images may be work in progress, they should demonstrate the visual aspect of the project.

Proposal [25%]:
Present and submit the completed project proposal, including the budget, timeline, investigation description and methodology.

Evidence of information and influence [25%]:
Provide evidence of theoretical and practical research that has supported and contributed to the development of the project proposal. This evidence could include books, papers, catalogues, journals, magazines, websites, film reviews, drawing, notebooks, mindmaps or any other appropriate material. This should form the basis of your bibliography, but can also be presented in other formats, for example - as workbooks.

Artist Statement [25%]:
Provide evidence, in the form of a typed artist statement, of the nature of the work in relation to the influence[s] and concepts. This should be incorporated into the Proposal.