Statement of intent

Section 1
At the beginning of the course I had very limited techniques and knowledge of media but during the first seven units I was taught many new techniques to help me move my ideas along and also new medias. I was introduced to new forms of art such as metalwork and graphics that I had never used before. Some of these I didn't enjoy but I was thankful for the experience anyway whereas others I knew would be very helpful. I particularly found the techniques for getting new ideas and exploring them thoroughly in graphics extremely helpful and knew I would use them if I ever got stuck in the future.

Section2
At first I was set on taking illustration as my pathway choice as this is what I wanted to do at university and I found the idea of illustrating books and other specifications very appealing. However, I was also highly motivated to explore my own themes and interests through art which I wouldn't have the opportunity to do if I specialised in illustration in the pathway stage. Therefore I chose to do fine art where I could choose my own theme to explore and also illustrate stories and such if I wished to. I still plan on taking illustration at university but I have looked for courses that are either combined with fine art or have a fine art aspect on illustration.

Section 3
For my current project I am exploring the deterioration of traditions and individuality of Japan into the modern day pop culture and westernisation. I chose this as Japan has always been a great inspiration to me in general, I love aspects of both its modern day and also the beautiful traditional art and society.
A massive inspiration to this project is the artist Murakami, his art exploring similar ideas to mine; He satirises modern day Japan. Another artist is Tina Patni, her photography taking a modern twist on the traditional geishas of Japan.
These artists have both inspired me to take the traditional aspects of Japan and combine them in some way with the current pop culture, both through art and photography.
I am planning to create a traditional Japanese looking room which is usually neutral and tranquil and then combine it with my art which will be bright and colourful, much like the pop culture. I want to explore wood block printing, scrolls, photography and perhaps try sculpting a Noh mask which takes the form of an anime character. These will explore things like current fashion, traditional edo paintings and changing of values in society.

Section 4
It is very easy for me to fall back into my original ways of working and not try anything new for this project, such as watercolour paintings of women. However, I am trying the prevent this and keep on moving towards new medias such as woodblock painting, and using textiles in my work as well. I am also finding it hard to come up with new ideas, but I will try and complete my current ideas and then see if I get new ones along the way.
I also need to try harder to record all my ideas and developments in my sketchbook as at the moment it looks like ideas are just springing up out of no where.