This project was the first one I did at Uni. As much as I'd like to say it went really well, I can't - because it didn't! I started really enthusiastically but, as I found out in my assessment, I was barking up the wrong tree. I am writing this project about 4 or 5 months (I can't remember exactly) after I finished it so bear with me as I try and stitch together a page worth reading. Some of the work is fairly random and doesn't adhere to the "portrait" theme even remotely, which was my big undoing. In hindsight it was the best start I could have made by getting a dodgy mark for this project (58/100) because it did two things. The first was to inspire me to work even harder and the second, and most important, was that it broke me out of the protective layer of "research > sketchbook > ?" cycle I had become boxed into while at Batley School of Art & Design.

Our first University project was quite cool and quite unexpected. Although I did pick Visual Studies so I guess anything was possible. Our first project began by being assigned a partner from the class (someone we didn't know) and discussing a little about each other - generally getting to know the other person. The project was then revealed to be a "portrait" of the other person. This could either be interpreted as a literal portrait, or something completely abstract - so long as the work uses the partner as a starting point.

I love experimenting with different ways of working, so doing something like drawing or painting a literal portrait didn't jump my guns. Instead, I learned a little about my partner and s she told me she loves natural forms, screen printing said forms (leaves etc). My initial idea of exploring natural forms really appealed to me as its a subject area which fascinates me from multiple points of view.

I love experimenting with different ways of working, so doing something like drawing or painting a literal portrait didn't jump my guns. Instead, I learned a little about my partner and she told me she loves natural forms, screen printing said forms (leaves etc). My initial idea of exploring natural forms really appealed to me as its a subject area which fascinates me from multiple points of view.

Here are some initial photographs I took relating to natural forms. I wanted to be kinda spur-of-the-moment so went outside with my Macro lens looking for interesting wildlife/foliage shots - anything that appealed (to me?) visually. Enjoy :)