Where do you begin? At the beginning I suppose…
I’ve never attempted to write a blog before, so all of this is
completely new to me. In fact, introducing myself in more detail than just
telling people what my name is seems to be quite a challenge. Welcome to the
next two years of my academic life…
I’ll introduce myself as Lem. I am a recent BA (Hons) graduate in
Photography, completing my 3 years within Staffordshire University. Before this
stage in my education, I went to Birmingham City University to do a Foundation
Diploma in Art & Design. After this was completed, I realised that it
wasn’t the university for me, so I ended up at Staffs. It was one of the best
decisions I have ever made. During my time at BCU, I stumbled across
Photography. It wasn’t a subject I had considered studying. In fact, I wasn’t
even aware that you could study it. Throughout the year, I gained more of an
interest, and upon gaining my diploma, I decided that it was the right path to
take and to leave my paintbrush behind.
An MA in Creative Futures wasn’t my first option. After I
graduated, it was a MA in Design Management that caught my eye, and it was this
postgraduate course that I enrolled on. After talking to the module leader and
discussing the path I was considering taking, he pointed me in the direction of
a new MA that was being set up, which would be a lot more ideal, beneficial,
and practical! This was at this point I transferred and began looking forward
to a new outlook on my academic progress.
The main thing that has attracted me to this MA, was the fact I am
able to carry on being creative, generate new ideas, put them into practice
with help and encouragement from people around me, and develop the skillset I
already have, as well as gain many new skills along the way. Another major
factor is that I can get the advice and support I need on setting up a business
if I so wish. Self-employment is a pathway I have considered, and hopefully,
taking this MA will help me to decide if it is the right decision. I know that
I will change my mind a number of times in regards to what direction my career
takes; but I am embracing this and looking forward to developing my knowledge,
and considering opportunities I never thought about prior to engaging on this
course and with the people I meet along the way.
Education has been my life so far, never stopping to take a gap
year or to push myself in to the fast-paced world. As a result of this, knowledge
gained in industry/art sector, is where I am lacking and can’t bring my working
experience to the course. I believe this has become a weakness of mine because
I constantly compare my achievements with other individuals and knock my own
confidence and self-belief. Throughout the next few years, I am determined to
rid myself of any negativity surrounding my abilities and exchange it for
positive thoughts only; proving to myself that anything is possible, regardless
of what stage you’re at in life or what your previous achievements are.
Determination, positive attitudes, and hard work are vital.
Internally within the university, I have played an active role in
getting involved with what there has been to offer; the biggest achievement
being my contribution to a photography exhibition in London displaying a
selection of images from my final year degree project. A selection of students
off the BA course got the opportunity to display their work at the Association of Photographer's Gallery.
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| © Emily Chapman 2011 |
Prior to this, a exhibition organised in my 2nd year of the BA, resulted in the university's Leek Road Venue, purchasing my photographs and using them as door covers for their union venue.
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| © Emily Chapman 2011 |
Studying Photography in depth for 3 years, made me realise that my interests lie more with the final images than the act of 'creating' them. The technical aspect has never been my strong point. My focus is to view images and use them to get messages across and to help people in the process. This isn't to say that I don't enjoy the taking of photographs, there isn't a feeling much better than standing back and looking at your framed final piece of artwork. You feel a sense of achievement after the hard work that went in to the initial idea, the picture making, editing, printing, framing, and exhibiting. There will never be a moment that I am without a camera and I'll always continue to photograph, regardless of the path I choose to take.
I have always tried to link in my interests and hobbies with what I would link my final career path to be. I believe that in order to enjoy and be fully happy with the direction you are taking, you need to be involved with what you love. Having a job that ties in with my passions in life, is my main aim. Countless number of career paths have been considered, including; opening a gallery/tea shop, designing a travelling exhibition out of the back of a converted VW Campervan and exploring the world, as well as, working as an events organiser/photographer for the National Geographic. No matter what path I take, working for charities along the way will always be a big part of who I am. If I see a chance to help for the better, I will.
Baking/Cooking is a big passion of mine and takes up more time than it should. Exploring new flavours and creating exciting dishes gives me the chance to relax and remind me that life is interesting. This love develops further in to travel and culture. I find different cultures fascinating and it would be truely amazing to visit many different places and experience the contrasts between each; the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, the quality of life. exhibitions and documentaries would be developed out of my travels to show people the diversity of what the world has to offer and bring to light issues that countries need to share.
Through the university, I have joined up with ChildReach International, who work with 'local communities in the developing world to help improve children's access to healthcare, education, and child rights and protection.' On this journey, I will be cycling 16 days across India to raise money for the wonderful cause. Along the way, I will have the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience and achieve all the things I have always wanted to do. Hopefully, this will be the start of a series of events I do to help others less fortunate than me. Not only will I be contributing to a better quality of life for children, I will be gaining vital skills and knowledge I need to succeed in life and the confidence needed to achieve this.
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| © ChildReach International |
Watch this space...
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