This week we were tasked with thinking about our professional development and coming up with two directions we would be interested in exploring and following in the future and now, this is to make us think about our careers and what they will look like. I found this difficult initially as I have little understanding of my practice as a whole and therefore don’t know where my ‘skills’ would be best suited. So I decided to focus on things that I would find interesting, even if they seem beyond me now.
Working Artist – One avenue I would like to explore, like most of us I’m sure, is that of a working artist whose main practice is to make work and try to get it out there for people to enjoy. This has been highlighted to us as a difficult path and one that will rely on a secondary source of stability, initially at least. Obviously one way to start this is via an MA in a different city and use this as a springboard to develop work with likeminded people. It’s also a great opportunity to make connections and partake in exhibitions and see exhibitions, build relationships with galleries that can maybe be approached to show work later on.
Masters – This direction is relevant to both of the other career pathways I would look at, which is Working Artist and Art Lecturer. We discussed this in the lecture and there was some interesting insights and guidance. For instance an MA abroad was highlighted as not only an opportunity to experience another culture, but also a cheaper alternative as costs can be much lower.