Presentation of work for assessment is a challenge for distance learners. Virtually all the OCA students face it, but Mixed Media for Textiles includes challenges of fragile / over-sized / heavy / temporary samples. Postage from Australia is another issue, then with my “collection of vessels: an exploration of materials and space” I’ve made it still harder. How can I present the physical evidence of that?
Sample p5-4
This first attempt is a presentation of sample p5-4, initially discussed 31-Jan-2016.
First a simple video showing a rotating view of the sample. No voice because I was trying to keep it short and the focus on the vessel – but I suspect it’s deadly boring.
Next my discussion of the sample, trying to point out what intrigues me about it. This is heavily influenced by Ceramic Points of View: ‘Cup on Base’, by Gillian Lowndes on the Victoria and Albert Museum website http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/c/ceramics-points-of-view-gillian-lowndes-cup-on-base/. In particular Alison Britton picks up and move the work as she discusses it, and it really helped me to see her point of view and the mass and dimensionality of the piece.
I would really appreciate any feedback on the usefulness or otherwise of these, so any comments or suggestions are particularly welcome.
In my discussion I mention sketching the sample. I haven’t posted those pages yet, so a preview is below.
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- p5-sketchpage 038; 20160201
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- p5-sketchpage 039; 20160201
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- p5-sketchpage 042; 20160204
T1-MMT-P5-s4 Presentation of sample p5-4
Textiles 1 – Mixed Media for Textiles
Part 5: A final piece
Stage 4: Recording outcomes
Presentation of sample p5-4
Fibres of Being 
I think your description of the work is really interesting and may be ok for assignments however I am unsure what is acceptable for assessment as the rules are different. Having overseas student is nothing new so there must be some guidelines.
Thanks Karen
I and others have corresponded with OCA about postage constraints in the past, and they have accepted we need some latitude . For ACA I made sure to mention the issue in my submission. A1 impossible, A2 only possible if a parcel too shallow for any dimensional work, mountboard too heavy etc. The nature of MMT is particularly challenging.
I know Australia Post has revised its rules since I last posted, so will need to do more research.
Hi Judy, I have looked at your video’s several times and my thoughts are as follows, I agree that the first video isn’t very dynamic and doesn’t add value to your design. In the second video, your explanation is much more effective and interesting, especially as you turn the vessel and show detail. It might benefit from a darker background. The scraping so we can hear the resin finish is particularly effective. Adding a bit more detail about the texture of the organza, the feel, the weight, might add value. I think it could be shorter, limited to 1 min or 1 min, 10. It would be good if you could photograph it to show the sparkling resin droplets (I thought this when I saw an earlier post too).
Your sketches show a lot of movement but would be more dynamic if bolder, a thicker pen, more colour or coloured paper. As your blog has a white background, the white paper is a bit lost against it. This applies a little to the video too.
I hope this is helpful and viewed as constructive criticism – I enjoy your risk taking and continue to be in awe of your bold approach to materials!
Thanks Nina, that’s all really helpful, just the sort of detail and suggestions I was hoping for. I ad libbed this time, but next time will try jotting down notes first which should make the talk tighter – hopefully bring down time and give some more detail.
I’ll do some thinking and experimenting on the sketching and background front too.
Hi, Judy. The first video wasn’t _deadly_ boring, but it didn’t convey as much information as showing the piece from all angles. Your second video is very engaging and effective. You did a super job with the physical description, using your fingers to emphasize the physical features. I agree that adding audio descriptors (scraping) is especially effective. I would consider, when you are tightening up your talk, placing your focus on providing the viewer with a simulation of picking up and examining your piece. Leave what can be effectively expressed in text for your blog. I don’t mind the white background, but the “texture” in the background competes with the texture in the piece. I really liked the tight view while you were describing the piece, but I also wanted to feel like I was seeing the whole piece at once at some point. Maybe zoom in from a wider shot at the beginning if you can manage it with your video/editing setup.
Thanks Leslie, some really good pointers for me to work on. I was using a webcam and the “zoom” was so jerky and unfocused I didn’t use it. Next attempt will be with my tablet, which hopefully will be more flexible. The point about what’s in text, what’s verbal is really important – I’m going to have to work on that.