As a Postgraduate student I was offered the opportunity to hold a presentation about my current practice to the Foundation art and design class followed by 1/1 tutorials. The presentation consisted of a 20 minute talk about my current thinking and approach to both the process and functionality of painting but also my research methods and how that manifests itself into the work. By explaining to them the importance of practical experimentation together with reading around their chosen subject, finding out what underpins their own interest and practice. Having been a foundation/access student myself I felt I could hopefully demonstrate the importance of these skills and that they will learn from every mistake made and every book read, but probably more importantly to experiment and make mistakes, don’t be afraid to try something even if it doesn’t lead on to what you were expecting, every experience moves them closer to their own methodology and voice.
After the presentation we had a good Q&A session with lots of questions from both young and mature students. Afterwards I was happy to have a few 1/1 tutorials, these consisted of speaking to a variety of students with varying practices, painting, drawing, ceramics and screen printing. For each student I completed a tutorial guidance sheet with advise given and possible research books/artists to look up. Not only did this benefit them but I also found it enlightening for my practice and my own personal development.
Michael Palmer 