Review

In Unit 1 & 2 we explored creative expression in the classical form of fine art. From a background of photography and a career as a photojournalist I explored ways of expressing my curiosities and passions. From dry-point prints of funerals to plaster sculptures of mourning gods, I have found ways of expressing myself.  I believe I was successful in my Unit 2 sculpture to find in art the capacity to express my frustration and despair of the images from the invasion of Gaza.  In the meantime, I explored colour and composition with acrylic paints and pastels, understanding light and colour. We were shown the possibilities in photography and digital imaging and manipulation.  They were exciting and opened many new forms of expression. However, I will continue with drawing into Unit 4, to learn and improve on my line, my composition and aid my understanding of colour, light, and tone 

Proposal

Shepherds Bush Market is a declining shopping street in West London. It is in the early stage of a radical redevelopment, the street will be rebuilt, the stalls replaced, it has the support of many of the stall holders. I   live close by. 

 The diverse community of stall holders and their customers interest me. I propose to spend time every week drawing and recording the market, the stall holders, their stalls, their contents,….and, I hope, their stories.  

I realise this will be an interestingly difficult task, the stall holders are a diverse group, very few white British, the majority are Sikh, with people from the Middle East, Africa, eastern and Southern Europe. It may be difficult to get their trust, and their permission, to record their lives.  

I have the permission from the Market owners and managers and will be working with them and their street security workers. 

 From my drawings and photographs I hope to produce a coherent art piece. I am unsure if it will be a traditional set of drawings and prints. Or a more complex work. 

The market street is visually uninspiring, grey stalls, a tarmac path, a nondescript brick railway embankment. The people, and the kaleidoscope of watches, African clothes, fish, falafel, exotic fruits excite me. 

 I may produce nothing more than a documentary on paper in a series of sketchbooks.  

I am nervous of my ability to capture what I see and feel, I enjoy drawing but have very little confidence. Beyond anything, I hope that this exercise will help me to learn to capture and reflect life with my art