Reflect On and Evaluate Your Practice Plan, Process and Your Progress

Reflection on Current Experience

The most valuable learning experience for me throughout this course has been the process of reflection itself. Being able to pause, observe, and deeply analyse my own work while connecting it with both theoretical and practical frameworks has given me clarity and direction. Through this reflection, I was able to identify the key strategies and core themes in my practice, and this awareness is something I will certainly carry forward into my future work.

Looking back at my previous practice plan,

Goals for the Future

1. Large-Scale Installation

I want to realize a large-scale installation that embodies the themes of my essay. This work will combine visceral materiality with immersive spatial dynamics, engaging viewers emotionally and physically.

2. Material Exploration

Ceramics and Polymer Clay: Further experimentation with these materials, exploring their capacity to evoke emotional and tactile responses.

Drawing: Deepening my practice of traditional abstraction, emphasizing lines and marks as intuitive expressions of affect and resonance.

Sculptural Assemblages: Continuing to integrate materials like newspapers and wood to reflect on temporality, fragility, and permanence.

3. Community Engagement

Art Theory Lectures: Launching a series of free art theory lectures in my local community to foster accessibility and cultural exchange.

Restaurant Collaborations:

Designing the interior for a local restaurant and curating exhibitions of regional artists in the space, incorporating dialogue with an invited art curator.

Creating a multi-sensorial experience in collaboration with another restaurant, blending food and art to explore synesthesia and immersive, tactile engagement.

I now see that while it expressed my interest in large-scale installations and material exploration, it lacked an overarching strategy for how I would grow as an artist. It was more a collection of intentions than a structured path.

That’s why, together with ChatGPT, I developed a new practice plan, one that is more intentional and focused on elevating my artistic career. I set a clear long-term goal: to establish myself as a recognised contemporary artist. From that point, I built a step-by-step strategy, which I will follow, and which is included below.

Strategy to elevate my artistic career

Goal: Establish Myself as a Recognised Contemporary Artist

Objective: Achieve representation by a reputable gallery, participate in significant art fairs like Art Basel, and have my work acquired by museums.

 Step-by-Step Strategy

1. Refine Artistic Narrative

• Clarify The Message: Ensure my artist statement and portfolio convey the depth of my work, highlighting key themes of my practice

• Professional Presentation: Maintain a well-organised website and social media presence that reflects my artistic vision and professionalism.

• Continue to develop: Large-Scale Installations, Material Exploration and The development of theoretical depth

2. Secure Gallery Representation

• Research Compatible Galleries: Identify galleries that align with my artistic style and have a history of supporting emerging artists.

• Professional Outreach: Prepare a compelling portfolio, artist CV, and personalised cover letters when approaching galleries. Highlight my unique approach and the conceptual depth of the work.

• Network Actively: Attend gallery openings, art fairs, and industry events to build relationships with gallery owners, curators, and fellow artists.

3. Participate in Prestigious Art Fairs

• Understand the Process: Galleries typically apply to art fairs like Art Basel on behalf of their artists. Once represented, discuss with the gallery the possibility of showcasing my work at such events.

• Build a Strong Exhibition Record: Participate in group shows and smaller art fairs to build a resume and demonstrate my work's appeal to a broader audience.

4. Gain Museum Recognition

• Engage with Museum Programs: Attend museum events, lectures, and exhibitions to familiarise with their curatorial focus and establish connections with museum professionals.

• Submit to Museum Calls: Apply to open calls and juried exhibitions hosted by museums to increase visibility within institutional settings.

• Collaborate with Curators: Seek opportunities to work with curators on exhibitions or projects that align with my artistic themes.

5. Apply for Awards and Residencies

• Target Reputable Programs: Apply to well-regarded artist residencies and awards that can provide funding, exposure, and professional development opportunities.

• Leverage Achievements: Use accolades and residency experiences to enhance my portfolio and attract gallery and museum interest.

 Additional Resources

• Professional Development: Consider engaging with artist advisory services which offer strategic career planning and exhibition placements.

• Stay Informed: Regularly consult art industry publications and platforms to stay updated on opportunities, trends, and best practices.

This new strategy also leaves space for ongoing material experimentation and deepening of my artistic practice. As for community engagement, I’ve realised that it might be too early for that stage. Right now, I feel it is more important to concentrate on my MFA and further personal development. In addition, one of the ideas from my previous plan a collaboration with a restaurant, no longer feels relevant or inspiring to me. My focus has shifted, and I want to invest my energy into what resonates with my current direction.