The mind-mapping exercise was useful if a little brutal and probably the main positive I took out of last week’s lecture. Although I had heard of mind-mapping before it did suggest another line of enquiry for this journal.
I have removed all the journal postings which I had labelled ‘negative’ simply because they re-treading same themes I tackled previously on art criticism blog. I have not been surprised or inspired by any of what I heard so far and that simply the truth. For me going over old ground does I suppose clarify my position. I understand I have more experience (good and bad) than others in group.
The mind-map established some stark facts pretty clearly…
Since Xmas 2001 when I resigned from my five years employ as a ‘minion’ at Oxford University I have systematically and quite deliberately ‘progressed’ and eliminated the following means of earning a living from my ‘portfolio’. At all times the intention was to find part-time employment that would enable me to continue my ‘art’ without undue interference be it funding, sale targets, sales gallery owner or whatever. To this end it relatively unimportant what the job was as long as it provided enough income for a half weeks time that will cover rent, seek council tax and bills. From 2001 until July 2007 I was successful in this although rather less successful in producing my own work in the time left which varied ( e.g. F.E. teaching was so demanding it virtually a full time job).
To this end the following been tried and eliminated….mostly.. X= eliminated
October 2007- present
Trent University sessional teaching – two hours a week but well paid and enjoyable. Contracted until May 2008. Is means by which I will probably survive the current academic year and complete course. Hopefully will lead to more such work if not this year then next. Possibility of technician and NCN sessional employment too (awaiting outcome of applications – wary of F.E. problems as detailed below however). Trent ideal as correct level for experience and relates well (multimedia) to both art work and web design strings to bow.
2006 -present
Web Design – relatively well paid – massively over-competitive market – reliant on friend-or friend-of-friend marketing. Sustainable as long as peer group receiving funding (generally arts council) As of May 2007 this funding slashed and market shrank immediately. Remains important income stream but not strong enough to live full time on. Now an ‘extra’ income stream not main.
X 2006 – Community Arts – clique-ridden, politically correct and starting from a bad position as ‘over- experienced’ compared to others in ‘industry’. As at Xmas 2007 no longer involved in any projects . Some projects successful others not. Found most too much of it paying lipservice and having no real effect on ‘clients’. Maybe too ‘left wing’ for this area which strangely conservative despite the glossy publicity to the contrary…
X 2005 Sessional Teaching F.E. – stressful, too much prep work for hours actually employed rate. Little time for artwork.
X 2003 -4 Teacher Training – grant funded – time-consuming but progressive.
X 2002 Temporary Work – London and Nottingham – Library and office work. Badly paid and menial. Full time wage did not cover rent and bills.
X 2001 – Library work – underpaid and menial – no progression.