I received my SYP assessment results yesterday and am absolutely thrilled to have been given a mark of 85% .
After my (very) long OCA journey I have achieved a First Class BA (Hons) Photography Degree.
Annotated Pdf. of feed forward below (tutor’s name removed).
Dear assessors, thank you for reviewing my work.
The menu at the top can be used to navigate my blog.
All work undertaken for the course being assessed can be found under the Sustaining Your Practice heading, below which are various sub-headings.
My reflective video presentation is in the shared folder on G Drive.
A selection of my Learning Outcomes can be found here: SYP LEARNING OUTCOMES or via the hyperlinks on G Drive in the shared assessment folder / Learning Outcomes.
My tutor reports are in the shared assessment folder on G Drive.
Assignment 3: The Photography Industry essay is available on G Drive in the shared assessment folder / Written Elements. Submitted to the OCA Assessment Team for plagiarism check on 06/02/23.
Assignment 5: The Publication Evaluation is available on G Drive in the shared assessment folder / Written Elements.
A selection of Creative work is in the shared folder on G Drive.
My creative work can also be found on this blog, my Website or Instagram.
Below are links to all the assignments including research undertaken, self-reflection and response to tutor feedback.
LO1 demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the professional context(s) relevant to your practice and have an understanding of the professional dimensions that underpin a successful photographic practice.
I have chosen posts that indicate how I obtained a better understanding of the varied skills and knowledge needed to support an evolving and accomplished creative practice.
LO2 coherently present a body of work, making creative presentation decisions that complement your subject and/or your artistic strategies.
I experimented with a range of artistic approaches to show my project in an innovative way.
LO3 operate in complex commercial contexts requiring the application of specific interpersonal, professional and business skills within an ethical framework.
I have chosen posts which demonstrate how I approached a social media residency, a zoom portfolio review and obtaining an exhibition space. All involved skills the course has equipped me with to deal effectively with unfamiliar enterprises and situations.
LO4 independently disseminate your body of work by establishing relationships and networks with audiences, clients and markets.
I have chosen posts that demonstrate the benefits of responding to Open Calls and the value of portfolio reviews to publicise work.
LO5 confidently engage a public audience with your practice and analyse, review and evaluate information relevant to your practice, identifying opportunities for professional development.
I have appraised how I resolved my major body of work in addition to continuing to promote and widen my practice.
My PUBLICATION EVALUATION is available on G Drive in the shared assessment folder / Written Elements.
In March 2022 I was shortlisted in the Belfast Photo Festival Open Submission and although not one of the final winners my series Hireth was awarded Highly Commended (post here). Just before Christmas I received an email from Calvin Ballard, the Belfast Photo Digital Content Designer offering selected artists’ the opportunity to have a week long Instagram residency. There were limited spaces available and I must admit mild panic set in as I quickly added my name to the list, I have never undertaken a takeover before this.
However, this presented me with the perfect opportunity to, once again, share images from Hireth with a wide audience and demonstrates the benefit of entering Open Calls. My residency ran from the 20th -26th January 2023. Artists’ are encouraged to share more ‘playful’ videos too for Belfast Photo to post to their Instagram stories. I needed to decide which of the Hireth photo montages to share, there a total of 14 in the series and six are required.
Prior to being offered this opportunity I had no idea how an Instagram ‘take-over’ is undertaken. The content I wish to share needed to be sent to Calvin via a suitable method a week or so before my residency. Calvin suggested We Transfer which is free for occasional file sharing of less than 2GB and I found easy to use. Once the files are uploaded an email confirmation is received that they have been sent to the chosen recipient and another confirmation once that the person has downloaded the files.
I contacted Calvin to verify file sizes with him and once again to let him know they had been transferred. The Hireth montages have all been re-sized for posting on an Instagram feed whilst the videos or photographs for the Stories content needed to be in portrait orientation. Frustratingly, a couple of my videos were shot in landscape mode so I needed to crop them. Re-taking them was out of the question as they were taken whilst I was in Marazion. I additionally had to send some accompanying information about myself and my work which has been adjusted accordingly for the takeover… Pdf. at the bottom of this post.
On the first day of a residency Belfast Photo Festival share a post on their page about the artist in residence with an image from their series converted to black & white. This is also posted to their stories, I was able to share this to my own Instagram stories maximising views. Each further day of a residency a different image is posted, which I again shared to my own stories. On the final day of my residency I emailed Calvin once again to thank him for the opportunity. He replied “our audience loved them! Thanks again for taking part“.
A post was also shared on Facebook.
I additionally added a new post to my own Instagram account sharing news of my takeover.
LINK TO THE BELFAST PHOTO FESTIVAL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT HERE
What a great way to finalise promoting an element of my major OCA project and gain an insight into the skills required when undertaking a residency, certainly something I wasn’t expecting !
Info sent to Calvin prior to my residency:
Body of my initial email invite below:
LO3 operate in complex commercial contexts requiring the application of specific interpersonal, professional and business skills within an ethical framework.
LO5 confidently engage a public audience with your practice and analyse, review and evaluate information relevant to your practice, identifying opportunities for professional development.
At the start of SYP I decided to enter selections of work from my major project into suitable Open Calls and competitions. Even if unsuccessful getting images ready to the required specifications, self-critiquing and editing one’s own work is a difficult process but I have learned a lot from it. Two of the four photographers I interviewed for my 3rd SYP assignment recommend entering Open Calls to gain exposure. I have had moderate successes over the past few years which have boosted my confidence and definitely encouraged me to continue with my ongoing artistic exploration of photographic archives.
At the beginning of October I entered two series of work into the Budapest Foto Awards (BIFA) in the Fine Art / Collage category. A total of eight images for each series entered could be submitted. One of my submissions was a selection of images from Hireth, whilst the other was a selection of new collages that have evolved from Frozen (in time). Entrants were encouraged to enter new work.
About the new work:
Prior to my exhibition and the final SYP assignment I was experimenting with collages that features elements of the two conceptually different projects that make up my major publication. Earlier this year I entered three of the new additions to my Frozen (in time) series into the 2022 AOP Student Awards and was honoured to be chosen as a finalist…POST HERE. These were also included in my exhibition in August. Once the exhibition was over I continued making new collages, exploring the concepts that both Hireth and Frozen (in time) convey. Encouraged by both my success and positive feedback via Instagram posts with this relatively new work I entered it under the title Paper Memories, referencing back to my major project, along with a short statement. I feel it is important to continue sharing work in progress and potential new projects. Open Calls and social media offer an excellent way to discover if the work resonates with viewers and those within the photography industry, gain feedback, plus hopefully making new connections in the process.
I was absolutely thrilled to hear this week that Hireth won a Gold Award. See series here.
I was stunned that Paper Memories won a Bronze Award.
Winning these awards is such a boost as I prepare for assessment having (finally) reached the end of my long OCA journey.
Social media posts:
LO2 coherently present a body of work, making creative presentation decisions that complement your subject and/or your artistic strategies.
LO4 independently disseminate your body of work by establishing relationships and networks with audiences, clients and markets.
LO5 confidently engage a public audience with your practice and analyse, review and evaluate information relevant to your practice, identifying opportunities for professional development.
Resolution of my major project.
Working with my late parents’ analogue photo archive my major project investigates the changing context of snapshots, how their meaning evolves and alters over time. Abstract concepts, time, materiality and loss are explored. To share the work widely Paper Memories exists in various formats, both physically and virtually, each with slightly different content. Making decisions as to how I disseminated my body of work, what to include or exclude, were determined by the presentation mode.
Paper Memories: Solo exhibition at The Hive 11th August-25th August 2022.
The Hive is a joint public and university facility in Worcester City Centre with a large footfall and long opening hours (7 days a week 8.30am -10pm).
As suggested by my tutor I have reflected on the main strengths and challenges of my exhibition experience, and what I might do differently next time…notes in blue.
I enjoy printing my own images and wanted total control over paper choice, size etc. so I made the decision to print all my own work, with the exception of the silk fabric prints. I did consider having a different style and /or colour frame for Hireth and Frozen (in time) but decided against this. All the frames were made to measure in black wood with an antique finish in differing sizes. I created 4 new montages that incorporate conceptual elements of both my series. Although conceptually different I needed the two series to flow as a single body of work within the exhibition space. Following assignment 2 my tutor advised me to work towards keeping in mind the idea of the two projects as a single body of work.
Having experimented with Awagami paper before I knew it was perfect for my Frozen (in time) series (despite being costly). All the A3+ images were printed full-bleed with Kozo (thin)70 gsm Natural whilst I printed the A4 images full-bleed on either Kozo (thick) 110gsm Natural or Premio Unryo 165gsm. The paper has a matt finish and creamy colour with a delicate quality that enhances the images. I wanted a more heavyweight paper for the Hireth montages, which all have a large white border. I chose 350gsm Hahnemuhle Baryta FB paper, the first time I’ve used it, it has a whiter base than other papers I’ve used previously. I was really pleased with the resultant A3 prints, I did initially consider A4 size but was wary of the prints being too small due to the surrounding border.
Challenge: I would have liked the A3+ Frozen (in time) prints to have been larger, perhaps A2 or even A1. However, my printer only prints to A3+ size. My choice of Awagami Washi paper was for aesthetic reasons, I did not intend compromising on this by getting them printed commercially on an alternative paper. Given more time I would try to find and pay an independent printer who would be prepared to print larger scale prints with my choice of paper, which if necessary I would be happy to supply. Again something to consider in the future.
Strength: Undertaking the printing and framing myself despite being incredibly stressful. I feel I made the right choice of photographic papers for each series based on their aesthetic qualities.
Although the majority of images were framed I wanted a selection of my Frozen (in time) prints to be hung from bulldog clips. I had a look at artists who have exhibited work this way and experimented myself to check out the best way to do this despite the tight time schedule I was on… see post here.
The silk fabric prints needed to ‘float’ but I was conscious that they would be in a public space on a display board and could easily be pulled down ! William (my husband) screwed small bulldog clips to the top of a strip of balsa wood which left the bottom free but held the silk securely, it was the perfect solution.
Strength: The Awagami paper and silk fabric prints I used for the Frozen (in time) series drew a lot of interest leading to discussions about the concepts explored. Making the decision to hang from bulldog clips, despite being in a public space and therefore possibly easy to damage or steal, was balanced against allowing visitors to touch them. This was important because the work explores materiality.
Challenge / learning point: I was horrified when the silk prints were hung as there were visible fold marks, particularly noticeable in the one of my dad. However, one visitor I chatted to said she did not feel it was problematic but that it looked as if the silk fabric had been simply unfolded from the green case where my parents’ snapshots are kept. However,I should have ensured they were ironed prior to the exhibition and not folded them in a box to transport them to the Hive !
Strength: Prior planning is both invaluable and essential. I took an A3 sketchbook with the exhibition layout on the set up day so had a clear idea of where all my prints needed to hang and on which board. Recruiting my son in law for the hang was a wise move, he advised me to be prepared for all eventualities. We took a spirit level, tape measure, blue-tack, spare command strips, small steps, plus a dustpan and brush. It took four of us over six hours to set up, this involved a dash to a nearby store to purchase some extra bulldog clips.
Setting up:
Challenge / learning point: I could not have hung the exhibition without my son-in-law who undertook hanging all the work with my husband’s assistance. It is easy to underestimate just what hard work it is and the time it takes. Enlist any help offered, it is easy to become overwhelmed, but something as simple as helping distributing leaflets relieves the burden.
Learning point. I used my iPhone and Fuji X100F to document my exhibition. Unfortunately, they are not the best quality. Furthermore, and much to my horror, all of the photographs on the final day were out of focus… I had left my camera in manual focus mode ! I’ve acted on and taken note of my tutor’s comments below:
Paper Memories Website.
Home page:
I have amended my website as discussed with my tutor following submission of my final assignment. It will be solely for my OCA major project until after assessment.
Tutor comments:
The projects section includes the following:
Learning point: My website has undergone many alterations, and will be an ongoing process as I continue on my artistic journey. I will be able to add further projects later on.
My Artist Statement, Bio and CV are now all together in an About section.
Projects page:
ZINES.
My zines can be viewed online, click on the links below:
Learning point: Following the 2nd assignment an interesting point made by my tutor was that whilst it’s important to disseminate the work I needed to consider if a zine is too casual for what my tutor called my ‘fine art’ work.
I chose the paper and size of each zine carefully keeping in mind the concepts explored in each series. The zines were commercially printed by Mixam.
Hireth is A5 size printed in landscape orientation, it can be held easily in the hand. The inside pages are printed with a 170gsm silk paper and have a 300gsm silk cover with matt lamination. The Frozen (in time) zine is A4 size in portrait orientation. I chose a thinner 135gsm paper from the Recycled Natural range for the inside pages as it has a slight transparency and a creamy textured tone, which is perfect for these images. The cover is 250gsm from the same range.
After being offered an exhibition venue I made a decision to limit the quantity available and chose to gift them.
Feedback.
A staff member at The Hive told me my exhibition drew a lot of interest and how it was very different to what is usually on display because it is such personal work. Feedback from my exhibition, zines and website indicated that I had achieved my objective of conveying the poignancy of old photographs and their continuing contemporary relevance. More detailed feedback is documented in my Publication Evaluation in the shared G Drive assessment folder.
LO5 confidently engage a public audience with your practice and analyse, review and evaluate information relevant to your practice, identifying opportunities for professional development.
‘The work itself is wonderful’
Amend the exhibition images as per discussion today:
Website:
Blog:
Assessment:
Reflective account:
Recommendations / future ideas list :
Creativity.
I included lots of illustrations* throughout my reflective account. Also included are links to various blog posts, my zines, website and images from my exhibition.
* Possibly too many …I’ll discuss this with my tutor. There are over 45 illustrations !
Presentations and outcomes.
I referred to relevant blog posts of my progress through SYP. Amongst these were my experiments with paper and silk fabric, my handmade books and social media posts. I discussed the advantages of entering Open Calls to promote work including illustrations of my images exhibited in Arles and those printed in the AOP Awards Book. Images along with the choices I made for my exhibition display were included in my reflections. Feedback from my exhibition, zines and website indicated that I had achieved my objective of conveying the poignancy of old photographs and their contemporary relevance.
Professional Context.
I discussed the work of Ellen Korth and how it had influenced my own practice. I noted the benefits of two portfolio reviews*; how they helped when making decisions about my publication and its final presentation. My Contextual Studies essay investigates the enduring affect of vernacular snapshots which certainly enabled me to discuss my work with Brett Rogers of The Photographers Gallery knowledgeably and on a professional level. Despite the stress of organising an exhibition in such a relatively short time it gave me the opportunity to network face to face and gain an insight into the practicalities of exhibiting.
*The Photographers Gallery & Lens Culture review of Hireth.
Knowledge.
Initially I was unsure how I would resolve my body of work but concluded that SYP has enriched my knowledge of the photography industry. My intention was never to begin a new career but I now feel better equipped in my aim of becoming an independent artist. I feel I can confidently continue with my use of vernacular snapshots within my own art.
Submit a 2 ,000-word reflective account of the resolution of your publication (i.e. the work you have done since Body of Work).
You should discuss in depth how you have resolved your major publication and justify your particular choices relating to its publication. Evaluate your efforts to engage an audience with your major project and the related themes.
This should be a fully illustrated and referenced piece of academic writing.
You should also reflect upon the feedback you documented throughout the publication of the work, and also describe how you might either develop and/or promote the work further. If appropriate, you should include installation shots and a press book and/or visitor’s book.
I submitted my final assignment to my tutor a few weeks ago. I am not posting the essay on my blog but have summarised how I resolved my major publication below.
I had no clear idea of how I was going to resolve my publication, my initial aims at the start of SYP are listed below.
Introduction.
Upon commencing Sustaining Your Practice I had to take into consideration that I might not be able to have a physical exhibition . Despite not having a clearcut objective of how I intended to resolve my publication I made tentative plans to promote and refine my body of work. My initial publication proposal included producing a selection of bespoke and /or hand-made books plus a number of zines. Additionally a dedicated website and virtual exhibition were planned.
Hireth and Frozen (in time), although conceptually different, needed to evolve into a coherent publication. Hence, I chose the umbrella title Paper Memories to indicate that the two series are both part of a single larger body of work. To reflect this my website required updating. Whilst being subjective I wanted my interventions to convey to a wide audience the poignancy of old photographs, their altering context over time.
I planned to use social media, sharing work in progress and to raise awareness of my project. I intended to enter suitable Open Calls. I lacked confidence when discussing my work and hoped to improve this. Finally, an important goal was to finalise the major project to my own satisfaction and evolve into an independent artist.
Working towards a resolution and promoting my project.
Open Calls.
I used Open Calls to gain greater exposure for my forthcoming publication, they offer the perfect opportunity for getting work seen even if not successful.
I was honoured to be chosen as one of the winners in the 1854 Open Walls 2021 Open Call, the theme of which was Then and Now. The subject brief fitted perfectly with the concepts my major body of work explores. Two images from Hireth were exhibited at Galerie Huit Arles, Arles, France from the 4th July – September 26th 2021...SEE POST HERE. Unfortunately, I was unable to travel to France for the private reception or visit the exhibition due to Covid restrictions and my husband’s medical condition.
I entered four images from Hireth into the 2021 AOP Student Awards and was thrilled to be chosen as a finalist…SEE POST HERE. They are also included in the Association of Photographers Awards 2021 book published this year.
I was privileged to be chosen as a finalist once again in the 2022 AOP Student Awards. I entered three new montages included in my final publication, these will also be published in a prospective AOP Awards book. SEE POST HERE.
My series Hireth was shortlisted and awarded Highly Commended in the 2022 Belfast Photo Festival, a huge honour…SEE POST HERE.
Source Graduate Photography Online Show 2022.
A group of nine OCA students made a submission to the Source Graduate Photography Online Show 22 organised by fellow student Amano. Each participating photographer submitted eight images, a bio, website and email address…SEE POST HERE.
Books and prints.
I made a small selection of hand-made books and prints experimenting with varying photographic papers in addition to having fabric prints made. Photographs and short videos were shared on my social media accounts… SEE POSTS HERE. I was hugely inspired by Walks, seven folios made by Ellen Korth with incredibly delicate Japanese Washi paper, something I tried to emulate. Awagami Factory shared a video of one of my books made with their paper. It has received 1.2k views on Facebook…POST HERE.
Zines.
Designing and getting zines printed was a huge learning curve. If unable to have an exhibition I wanted to ensure I could share the work physically, widely and not at too great a cost. However, following a portfolio review and being offered an exhibition space I decided to limit the numbers available.
Portfolio review...SEE POST HERE.
A portfolio review with Brett Rogers of the Photographers Gallery earlier this year was the catalyst that led to my decision to try and arrange an exhibition. Despite my incredible nervousness prior to the review I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was able to chat confidently about my work. It gave me the opportunity to discuss my interest in photographic archives on a professional level. Brett strongly encouraged me to do a physical (not virtual) exhibition of the work stating it really did not need to be in a proper gallery setting, that a library is fine. She felt this was very important as my work is concerned with materiality. Accordingly, I abandoned my initial plans and set about finding a space to exhibit.
Publication resolution.
Working with my late parents’ snapshots my major project investigates the changing context of snapshots, how their meaning alters over time. Abstract concepts, time, materiality and loss are explored. To share the work widely Paper Memories exists in various formats, both physically and virtually, each with slightly different content.
Exhibition.
Exhibition at The Hive, Worcs 12th -24th August 2022.
The perfect location to exhibit my work would be Marazion but logistically living in the Midlands, and with my husband’s ongoing hospital treatment, I needed to find somewhere more local. The Hive, where I held my exhibition, is a joint public and university facility in Worcester City Centre with a large footfall and long opening hours. In May I was thrilled to be offered a space in the upcoming summer holidays ( it is usually booked for more than twelve months in advance). However, this left me with just eleven weeks to organise my exhibition and a new publication proposal became necessary…SEE POST HERE.
The Hireth montages originally included text, faced with the decision of whether to include this or not I took heed of the advice offered by Brett Rogers who suggested that it is better to exclude it, leaving it instead to the imagination. This was also suggested by an anonymous Lens Culture reviewer… SEE POST HERE.
My previous experiments with paper and fabric prints were invaluable for my preparations. Printing my own work is an important part of my practice. Awagami washi paper is perfect for the Frozen (in time) prints. The paper has a matt finish, creamy hue and gossamer quality. I chose 350gsm Hahnemuhle Baryta FB paper for the Hireth prints, it is more substantial with a white based tone. This ensured the prints were bright and the surrounding border remained white.
The prints exhibited at Galerie Huit Arles were effectively framed in simple small black frames. Hence, when making framing decisions for my own exhibition I decided to choose a similar style. The design layout allowed Hireth and Frozen (in time) to be viewed on separate but closely placed sets of display panels. However, the use of simple black frames for prints of varying sizes formed an aesthetically pleasing visual connection between the two series despite their conceptual differences.
Nevertheless, not all the prints were framed. My decision to hang two silk georgette fabric prints and some Frozen (in time) images from bulldog clips rather than more traditional frames was to emphasise their ethereality and a reflection on the impermanence of analogue snapshots. My initial inspiration came from Ellen Korth’s exhibition The Fabric of Time but I had to keep in mind the limitations of my own venue, hanging prints from the ceiling was not only impractical but impossible ! Making the decision to hang these from the exhibit boards, despite being in a public space and therefore possibly easy to damage or steal, was balanced against allowing visitors to touch them. This was especially important because Frozen (in time) explores materiality and how memories finally fade away.
A display case held copies of my handmade books, the camera used by my parents’ and other ephemera. In retrospect I wish I had displayed the green case used by my parents’ to store their snaps.
Postcards were left alongside my visitors book for people to take home.
Website.
Zines.
Feedback.
Exhibition feedback.
I chatted with staff members, visitors and especially enjoyed meeting up with OCA students who have followed my progress. A former OCA Foundations photography student informed me her tutor had recommended looking at my work. Over 50 comments were left in my visitors’ book, they were thoughtful, reflecting their emotive responses and an understanding of the concepts explored.
I have included feedback quotes with references in my essay but do not want to publish personal details or names on my blog. A few from my visitors book below minus info:
Zine feedback.
I decided to concentrate on promoting my exhibition rather than selling larger numbers of zines as originally planned. Copies have been gifted plus I had a prize draw for exhibition visitors who left their contact details. Two copies have been left in Marazion. Feedback was via email…see below, again I have excluded personal details:
Website feedback.
Feedback to my website is very limited however there is a link on my Instagram page to it. I received the following message:
Judith, I went to your website for the full project and wow, what a treat. You are simpatico when it comes to appreciation of old memories, particularly those in print. I’m so impressed with your concept and execution—well done I wish I could see these in person !
Portfolio review.
Finally, Brett Rogers told me how wonderful it was that the OCA course has enabled me to create this ‘meaningful project‘ commenting that the green suitcase was ‘the greatest gift mum gave me‘ and how there are ‘rich pickings to furthering my career … using family photos‘.
Future development and conclusion.
The feedback to my final publication has exceeded my expectations, I feel I have achieved what I set out to do. Whilst the publication of my major project signals the end of my OCA journey it does not signify the end of the project. I shall lookout for future exhibition opportunities, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the experience. I included four new montages in the exhibition that incorporate concepts from both series of work, something I intend to expand on. I will continue entering Open Calls to gain further exposure for Paper Memories in addition to new work. I enjoy making prints, the challenge of creating handmade books and zines. There is the opportunity to expand on skills learned in the future. I think of this not as the end but the beginning of my future practice as an independent artist. I have finally gained the confidence I felt I lacked at the start of the course.
LO5 confidently engage a public audience with your practice and analyse, review and evaluate information relevant to your practice, identifying opportunities for professional development.
Exhibition at The Hive, Worcs. August 12th-August 24th 2022.
WEBSITE.
Project dedicated website here .
ZINES.
USE LINKS BELOW TO VIEW ONLINE:
https://mixam.co.uk/share/61d3311f35a3d967fdb5e25c
https://mixam.co.uk/share/631f3cc94c3f4a0e61272681
LO2 coherently present a body of work, making creative presentation decisions that complement your subject and/or your artistic strategies.
LO5 confidently engage a public audience with your practice and analyse, review and evaluate information relevant to your practice, identifying opportunities for professional development.
Judith Bach 