So back to the summer school: i was slightly weird-ed out by the dead friends shoes analogy - im not sure i'd use that but i can see why it might make sense. All I know is how tired i was on Saturday which is always a sign of hard worked week and sleepness nights worrying its all going to be ok. As i left on Friday i said to steve why don't we do that evaluation thing that Amanda does at the Gallery, but then couldn't quite remember the questions - its something like this - What did you enjoy? What was your least favourite part? What would you change or do differently? I think i have mixed up the participants version, the teacher one and the one i do as an artist...anyhow i am going to try and answer the above 3 questions and see what it shows.
What did you enjoy?
The people and the growing strength being part of a group can bring. One of my ambitions for the week was to create a network of support so that at the end everyone could feel they had space to ask for critical thinking, support, ideas, help etc. I think that has happened and will be added to over the rest of the programme.
I enjoyed listening to people and ideas and theme tunes and seeing confidence grow.
Being in a space that Steve and I had created that was active and critical and empowering for us and the Poly-Maths.
Creative problem solving as we worked our ways across the days. I have developed a way of working that appears to be planning 'on the hoof' but in reality it is me being creative in the space with the group, letting ideas surface and being responsive to what appears. It has taken years to get to a place where i am confident that i can do it and it works. Some times i have a little panic that i dont know what im doing or that i'm chancing my arm or a doubt rises where i wonder what gives me the right to think i know how to work with groups, but then an idea appears. I love having ideas or working at ideas, its my favourite bit of being an artist.
Seeing people learning and making and being exposed to new stuff - not just coming from me and steve but the others or life or general ephany.
Seeing what got made - responses to opportunities
What was your least favourite part?
Not having the days end constrained by time or being trown out - steve says i have a huge stamina for days like these but i do think that being trown out doesnt help sometimes with making or doing. I like how days find their natural length - so it could be 2 or 7...
I suppose the start - its always hard, you know its going to be hard, you know it takes time to let things settle but its always difficult and im not sure how to make it easier. there are so many expectations, nervousness-es and worries.
Being seen as the expert, i know i'm the leader but i carry this lightly and aim always to dissipate it in the room.
What would you change or do differently?
Kids often write - Nothing - and part of that is true - i think whatever happens is whatever happens and it forms the week. I suspect i could have explained things better or set things up better, you do your best and try hard...so it was what it was. However buildings can cause problems, they are difficult to access, have loads of meaning and baggage attached - all of which can affect how we make work and think.
I think there is something to be said for having a base that doesnt change but then part of the Polymath thing is to build resillence and the capacity to adapt. So in a way i was happy to work both at the Hepworth and The Art House [both who generously gave their spaces for free].
Finally - i said i would post a link to this its Penny's 6 Music feature
http://freshonthenet.co.uk/2015/09/mixtape20150921/
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