Evolution of my own artistic practice
- nelllambmckay
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
As an artist, my education journey has been a fascinating exploration of self-discovery and growth. From the moment I started creating art, I was captivated by the power of art to express emotions and tell stories. Over the years, I have undergone a significant transformation in my artistic practice, driven by my desire to experiment with various techniques and materials.
GCSE
During my GCSE exams, I tried out different painting mediums to depict the human form and emotion. Even though I explored various techniques, I often felt unhappy with the outcomes. I came to understand that I frequently faced challenges in creating art and lacked motivation. When I tried to produce meaningful works, my figures often appeared flat and lacked character. The precision of painting and the intricacy of the human face didn't align with my personal painting style. Nonetheless, during this time, I persisted with methods that didn't fit me because I thought it was the only way for people to take my art seriously.
Sixth Form
My artistic journey in further education began with photography, which immediately resonated with me as I enjoyed capturing moments and playing with light. However, I struggled with motivation and rarely advanced my techniques or editing skills, remaining in a comfortable but without growth.I continued creating oil paintings but felt unmotivated to produce original art. Constrained by my own limitations, I kept practicing traditional art until I left sixth form to attend college.
College
After entering college, I discovered new opportunities to create art. By experimenting with scale, graphics, and themes, I developed a style within my practice. Inspired by in-depth topics, I began creating art based on research. With newfound motivation, my work improved. Understanding digital manipulation of my work influenced my process, enabling me to work as a junior graphic designer during my college years. Developing an understanding that i wanted my work to spark conversation and options rather than be admired, led to me covering topics such as religion, extreme plastic surgery and interactions.
First Year University
After leaving college, I embarked on a journey to study fine art at university, a decision that would shape my understanding of both artistic expression and my own identity. During my time at university, I delved deeply into various artistic mediums, techniques, and historical contexts, which allowed me to refine my skills and develop a distinct voice as an artist. Exploration into texture and textiles created a pathway for my future work.
Second Year University
After finishing my first year, I aimed to keep exploring the intricate combination of textiles, texture, and history, delving deeper into how these elements interact and influence one another. Textiles, with their rich variety of materials, patterns, and techniques, serve not only as functional items but also as powerful mediums of expression that can convey narratives and cultural significance. I am prioritised the way different textures can evoke emotions and memories, transforming the tactile experience of a piece into a profound connection with its historical context.
Third Year University
In my final year of my BA, I have been able to delve deeper into my themes and materials. Gaining a better understanding of my style and focusing on my strengths has shifted my perspective away from simply defining what is good art. With supportive research, my art now carries more meaning and narrative, eliciting reactions. Observing the evolution from my GCSE work highlights the transformation in the narrative purpose of my creations.
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