Progress Review Panel at Coventry

I burned a lot of nervous energy for this PRP with Graham Chorlton and Sara Reed, largely because of my experience at London Met, when I ended up walking out of the Masters course.  As experiences go, this PRP could not have been more different!

I took the PRP seriously, and created the presentation as required, plus brought up multiple sketchbooks, other artworks and the samplers.  I did not want to damage the walls, so I hung one sampler on the back of the door (more robust surface, unlikely to be damaged), laid out two more samplers on the table, and put sketchbooks on a table.

I have to say, it was a lot more pleasant than I had expected.  I delivered my presentation, and found the questions, which were supposedly a preparation for next year's Viva, to be very gentle.  The panel actually appeared to be interested in my work!  Hurrah!  A very different experience to last year.  I was advised to restrict my range of interest - and when I said my interest was clearly focussing on  working class women - they said this was exactly how to do it.  I said the 5th sampler might be the end of the series.

I talked about some of the detail of what I had considered in creating the designs - my self portrait line drawing: being non-sexualised because it was a profile line drawing with no gaze, but showed a female form without using a toilet-style dress outline.  I talked about the phallic image on the large concertina sketchbook, and explained how Sarpong had had a man expose himself to her.  I explained the script at the top of the sampler was in Twi, and read out the English version of the four values that are key to these Ghanaian cleaners.  Graham was curious about the amount of effort put into all the different artworks, and how/why my work ended up as samplers.  I think he was surprised at the move from free artwork, to detailed, accurate stitch.  I did wonder whether he thought the artwork was better than the stitch.

Graham Chorlton asked what proportion of my assessment was art -v- writing.  I'm not sure, but the reading/writing is critical to make my work robust.  I think I said about 50/50, but it may be more art based.  Part of my assessment will be an exhibition, and Jill suggested I get some of my peers to assist, as they are good at setting up exhibitions.

It was very flattering when I received a text from Jill afterwards saying my performance was impressive.  Praise indeed!  But I did put the preparation into it.  So glad it was better than last time.

It took me a few hours to come down afterwards, with all the adrenalin!  Jim and I met Darren for a meal at the local Wetherspoons, and it was delightful to see Darren again.  Jim and Darren were able to talk a bit about South Africa, as they both have lived there.  A perfect end to a day that I had made stressful!