As the week has gone on it has become clearer that as Alun and I have differing attitudes to our work and practice, so we have chosen to use this blog accordingly.
Alun evidently prefers to discuss his work verbally and is articulate when he does. He is currently engaged with his work technically and in exploring for himself the possibilities of video and sound and so is using the blog to up-date news or clips from the sound or video files.
Whereas I find writing progressive and an aid to me embedding my work theoretically and therefore am using the blog to ‘think aloud’ about aspects of collaboration and my processes in making this piece of work.
This is a reflection of the artists and people that we are, our attitudes to our work and where our strengths lie. Rather than being a forum for exchange or dialogue between us as it might have been it is more of a record of the event. That is fine, another way of doing it.
Alun and I have spoken on the telephone about this and had an interesting conversation about the types of language that one uses to describe ones’ work and the requirement or drive to do so.
Also about the experience that we have of blogging. Alun uses one for his running diary and inclines to using a more abbreviated and colloquial language in his entries, as though writing for himself.
I have never before used one and when I write do so in quite a lengthy manner as though i am in dialogue with another. So we have quite distinct views as to how we feel we want to express ourselves, the function that the blog fulfills, to whom it is addressed etc
This gives me a lot to think about. I am curious about the potential of this medium for dialogue and debate – of being able to make accessible one’s thinking during the making stages of the work and for the immediacy of response. It is intriguing to me to make this generally hidden aspect more transparent and to offer it up for testing and enquiry.
My hopes for exchange and debate are a little disappointed as no-one has yet left a comment –except Carrington on day one – thanks for that !
I have had the opportunity in the last year to join TIE, The Ideas Exchange, a group of artists who meet regularly to discuss their work and related issues. It takes place during the day on a Saturday when I have family commitments and so I have not been able to participate. A discussion forum on-line is ideal for me as I can connect with it when I have the time and can fit it into my schedule. I will look for existing on-line fora where I can contribute to debates around artistic practice and if I cannot find one I will start one.
i am really glad that you enjoyed experiencing mine and Alun’s work Harriet and i am really interested in what you have to say about the blog. yes, i have been feeling a bit baffled by it as i was hoping for more response than we have had. but i think that you are absolutely right – i need to post a direct question – as you did – if i hope for an answer ! so thanks for illustrating that point !
I went to the exhibition today and found it an enjoyable and thought provoking experience. I especially liked the different ways in which to participate – sitting down to watch RUN, then physically taking charcoal in my hand to draw (although it did make me feel a little exposed) and then watching and taking part in YOURS.
blogs are a different medium to a face to face discussion, and in this way I think it can be a more difficult place to participate – even though you have more control arguably on how you present yourself as it is through words alone . I’m interested in recent media coverage about how people are more likely to be rude through blogs as many are anonymous and not face to face with the person. similarly how blogs online are the polar opposite of the secret diaries you write as a teenager as they can be seen by an infinite number of people. I think that many blogs are not commented on unless you ask people direct questions, so I think if you want a reply or a discussion you need to pose something. What do you think?