Assignment 4

This post represents assignment 4 and will be presented entirely in blog format. This will enable me to pull together all the work I have done designing a flyer, the exhibition handout, making a maquette and a video of the gallery layout. In addition, by selecting the 'Assignment 4' label on this blog all preparation for the work I've done for each individual piece can be viewed together.


As mentioned I made a maquette of the Pie Factory gallery space. I then spent some time placing my images in the space and working out the layout. Here is a video I made of the current layout:




Assignment 4 SYP from ammoniteM on Vimeo.



As can be seen in the video I have made the decision to make further work to spatially reflect an exhibition in the Pie Factory location. These changes are ongoing and I hope to finalise the new work during April. One aspect of the gallery that is not seen in the maquette is the fact that only two of the rooms are white spaces. The other rooms are tiled or brick, reflecting its former commercial identity. I really like the space and I feel its visual aspect is a good fit for my body of work. Of course visualising my work against different backdrops rather than an all white setting presents further challenges.

Pie Factory, Margate

For my exhibition flyer. I did some research of designs and decided what I did and didn't like in a design. It is important to provide all the relevant information clearly and simply. I feel I have achieved this with my design. I presented the first draft to the Level 3 student hangout group and taking their advice I made some changes - this is the final draft before my presenting to my tutor Clive White.

Exhibition flyer

Here is the exhibition handout that contains the relay text for the eleven images in the Target Practice sequence. It is a very simple design printed in landscape format, slightly smaller than A4, and folded in half to present as a small card sized piece that can sit in the hand easily.
  

Exhibition handout

For the exhibition I've adapted my artist's statement by cutting out and condensing certain elements. I am aware that too much text on the gallery wall is off-putting to the viewer. I fully expect to re-edit this version a few times before the opening.

Artist's statement

I've also updated my website www.michaelmcolvin.com with my Artist's Statement and bio. I will publish the flyer on the site ready for promotion once it has been cleared by my tutor.

Artist's bio

I am currently working through my project list and April and May will be my busiest months with mounting prints, completing new work and sculptural pieces taking up most of the time. I also frequently promote my work via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Trello project plan

I have put together a Kickstarter page where I am asking for backers to contribute towards the £500 printing costs for the exhibition. Backers will receive a digital HD print of one of the pieces. I am unfamiliar with this type of promotion and I understand if the financial target is not reached then no money is received. This is why I decided to just ask for the printing costs rather than the whole exhibition cost as I thought it was a more achievable goal. Even if the target is not reached then I guess Kickstarter can still be seen as another avenue for promotion. I am waiting for admin confirmation for my profile I.D. before I can launch the campaign next week.

Kickstarter campaign

Edit 15th April:

Following my Zoom hangout with my tutor Clive White today the following points were discussed:

• Flyer is approved for distribution with a small amendment made to image placement.
• Discussed timing of flyer distribution: agreed to publicise one now to allow time for people to add to diary and another as a reminder a week before event.
• Layout of exhibition discussed and I spoke about not worrying too much if some of the exhibition’s elements are not fully realised (sculptural elements). Agreed they are a bonus but not necessary to complete exhibition.
• General approval given by Clive of project management of exhibition
• Spoke about issue of pricing work and the ethics of this concerning the Holocaust subject matter. As discussed I said that I did not want to place a pricing schedule on the work but if anyone spoke to me personally about a piece I could assess if I wanted to sell.
• Check out Vistaprint for use of postcard giveaways - check budget for this.

It looks like I have covered most of the essential tasks necessary for Assignment 4 and the forthcoming exhibition. Now I need to focus on finalising some of the art pieces and getting my prints ordered and mounted onto foam board. At the same time I need to ramp up my publicity campaign starting with my e-flyer to all social media channels. I expect the next few weeks to be quite intense.