Mary's Journey

Wow

2010-01-14T08:34:00.003Z

So much has happened over the past couple of years - and I am still on my incredible journey.

After working extremely hard during my Foundation I achieved a Distinction and I was well and truly back.

The Foundation was an excellent course and run by a dedicated bunch of tutors that were very knowledgeable and inspiring. I was the only mature full-time student amongst about 130 17-19 and one 26 year old. OK I was old enough to be every ones Mum, and I was older than all the tutors bar one. But age did not matter it was our love for art that carried us though and between us we were extremely inspired and motivated. Of course there we the few immature students that saw me as a person that should not be in their world, but the majority were a delight to interact with during the whole experience.

The course started by having projects in Graphics/Illustration, Textiles, 3-D and Fine Art and by Christmas we split into our chosen area of media. I chose Fine Art.

We then embarked on one major project which was to last for the remainder of the course. The Project was 'Time, Space and Appearance"...........

On Hold

2007-01-31T11:35:00.000Z

I have decided to put this blog on hold until either I give up work, which hopefully will be in June or until I start my new Art and Design Foundation Course in September 2007.

Until then any art/textile postings I will post on Mary's Witterings.

Thank you for your visit.
Mary...//(*-*)\\...

Breaking News!

2007-01-17T15:36:00.000Z

I have just come back from my interview for art college and I have been offered a place, starting in September.

All went very well and I met 3 other interviewees who were all very nice and as eager as myself, however, I do not know if they have also been accepted as I did not see them again after the final part of the interview.

The facilities seemed to be excellent, however, we will be starting the new term in a new building that is being completed for the start of the September term.

One point they made was that I do need to do more drawing and hopefully should rectify that with the evening classes that I will be starting on 24th Jan. But then again once I finish work in June then I will be able to devote more time to my art. Oh yes and the other point was that they will be sending a homework project for the summer - ooo cannot remember the last time I did homework!

Interview!!!!!!

2007-01-11T21:31:00.000Z

A letter from the college came today - I have an interview next Wednesday.....I am so excited.....I cannot sit still.....So much happening what with my post last night on my main blog and flickr account which feeds through to the Take a Stitch Tuesday Group, all the lovely comments.....Its all too much!!!!!

Here we go...

2007-01-08T16:31:00.000Z

This picture of tulips in a blue vase I drew on A3 paper then completed using chalk pastels, however, I think water colour would have been better. But one step at a time as I need to work up to getting my paints out!

This picture is of John on A3 just an exercise to get myself back into things. Oh I am so rusty - but the main thing is that I have started. Not too happy with the nose down to the jaw line - but Rome was not built in a day and I do need practice.... Happy with the rest though as I just let myself go and loosen out some cobwebs - great fun.

Great News

2006-11-24T17:52:00.001Z

As mentioned in my announcement (19th Nov) I was worried about Neil (my husband) only having an iterim job. Anyway, the very next day he was approach regarding a new job, and today he was offered the position, and even better it is a job that he is really excited about. This is brilliant as it means that we have one less worry and it is full steam ahead for me going back to Art College.

Setback

2006-11-21T22:14:00.000Z

Just found out today that the course published by Bishop Burton College and also confirmed by them in the initial phone call is no longer being run! I found this out when I recd the prospectus and it was not listed, after e-mail and another phone call they admitted that the web site was out of date. I feel quite deflated as I had set my heart on Bishop Burton.
I can take this course at York College, for twice the price, but it is not the money as the one thing I did not want to have to do was travel to and from York through the rush hours, which is something that I have hated doing all my working life! Oh well, on with the search but if I cannot find an alternative I will apply to York, because above all this foundation course is something that I really want to do.

Announcement

2006-11-19T14:11:00.000Z

This week we had the announcements regarding the outcome of the review at work. As many of you may know where I work they are making 4000 redundancies over the next year.

Anyway, I did not get my first preference of redundancy but I have been given an interim role to ensure my work and that of the department I work in is handed over to either Sri Lankans or those left behind. In a way I am not surprised as I am the longest serving member and I suppose it makes sense. It does mean that I will have a few more months at work, but I have stressed that I would like to leave well before September, when I hope to do a
Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design) at Bishop Burton College (16 miles from from where I live).

I am very happy as it will mean that I will get more redundancy, a pay rise (which my Pension is dependant on) and some bonuses in April - who knows I may be able to afford a really good sewing machine. And anyway it is in my nature to leave everything in good order.

Neil (my husband) on the other hand (who works in the same department) did not get a full-time position but an interim role like myself. Again it is a case of being a long serving member and having to wind up the development work that he has been doing - and there was no one else who can do this!

It puts a awkward twist onto everything, althouth he is confident at getting another job, I feel a little anxious (leaving work to do a course) until he is settled into a permanent role. Oh well as Neil says it will be best part of a year and he is confident all will be well. He is 100% behind me going for a change of direction and "finding myself"!!!! as long as I can self fund once the redundancy runs out.

LOL

2006-10-26T15:38:00.000Z

That's the scarey part over! The ice is broken.

A3 paper and a gel pen. I chose to draw my son from a photo for the first 3, of course no peaking at the paper (which was very hard) he then came into the room and insisted I did another live. Then he wanted me to do one looking - but I had to be fast!

Oh dear

2006-10-26T14:48:00.000Z

After reviewing many pictures that I created in my earlier years I do not think there is much that I can use for my portfolio. So I am going to have to bite the bullet and create some new work.

So here goes I am going to find some paper and a pen and start by creating some pictures, using a continuous line and without looking at the paper! This should loosen me up.

I will check back later and let you know my progress!

30 years later

2006-10-22T14:21:00.000Z

When I was 17 I was not mature enough to realise my ambition and took the easy path to making a living, this is something I have always regretted and now want to make amends whilst I have the dexterity to do so.

Where I work they are making vast numbers of people redundant and I am hoping to take this opportunity to make a major change to my life. My idea is to explore my creativity so that I can continue on my chosen career path as an Artist.

Over the last few months I have started to explore this as a possibility and have looked to family, local groups and Artists and have come to the conclusion that I CAN DO IT!

Knowing where to start is a major stepping stone, but after a visit to our local College for my son who is at the age for choosing his options in further education, I came up with the idea to do a Foundation course in Art and Design.

The course will run from September 2007 to July 2008 and will cover a wide range of topics and this will enable me to explore my inner me and find out which direction my creativity will take.

After an enquiry I now have an application form - this feels so right - and all I need now is to find out at work if redundancy is an option to me. The process is slow, because the unions need to ensure that every aspect of the reorganisation is carried out fairly. I have submitted my preference form and now await the decision on November 13th to see if I can have redundancy as an option. If this is the case notices of termination will be issued on November 20th, which means as I have 16 weeks notice to serve I will be free early March 2007.

So this new blog is to plot my progress on my continuing journey 30 years on....