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Term 3B final work

False Pride

Daisy Darling

denim, cotton, cotton thread, button

39cm x 39cm

False Pride

Daisy Darling

Cotton, cotton thread, found objects

40cm x 49,5cm

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Inga & Mitch's 'REMOTE EXHIBITION & WRAP UP’

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zay6OGji7LmEPbZp_BPXRSWPhS53ncOp/view?usp=sharing

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SP300: Your New Home is Never Ending

By Daisy Darling

By applying queer theory to normative understandings of space, one begins to question the “hegemonic construction of time and space” and the way in which it is imbedded in a gendered structure (Halberstam 2005: 8). This naturalisation of time and space is most evident in the example of the gendered domestic space, a space which embodies heteronormative, western, gender dynamics (Halberstam 2005: 8). This concept of queer time and space relates to Jose Muñoz’s discussion of “queer utopias” within his book Cruising Utopia (2019). Muñoz suggests a rejection of heteronormative narratives and rather calls for new potentiality of queer life, as he states, “We need to step out of the rigid conceptualization that is a straight present” (Muñoz 2019: 185).

Through an investigation of the “home” this artwork further explores queerness in relation to the heteronormative nature of time and space. The topic of queer utopias are further discussed within the use of domestic imagery and semiotics. The choice of material and medium speaks to the words “childlike” and “intimate” which in turn evokes an abstracted representation of time and space. The colourful forms and figures become mere shapes in a composition. They reject a certain type of plain reality which speaks to the concept of queer utopias-separate from heteronormative values and beliefs. Thus within Your New Home is Never Ending I aim to demonstrate how queerness opens up alternatives modes of being.

Your New Home is Never Ending

2020

Fabric, felt, cotton thread

82 x 122 cm

References:

Halberstam, H. 2005. In a Queer Time and Place. Transgender Bodies, Subcultural Lives. New York: New York University Press.

Muñoz, J. 2019. Cruising utopia : The then and there of queer futurity. 10th anniversary edition. New York: New York University Press.

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Chris’ Workshop: materials/collage/hack/assemblage workshop

My speaker

My lumpy glue made with flour, sugar, water and vinegar.

My stopper knot

My slip knot

My static Knot

My square lashing

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Chris’ Workshop: Assemblage

For my assemblage I worked mostly with square lashings as I felt it was the best method to hold my base structure. I struggled to implement the stopper and the slip not but I managed to demonstrate them in my red paper garland and the green string around the pink fabric. 

I used the static knot here to tie my speaker to the structure which is held up by square lashings. I attached my collage with my glue and a bit of tape which seemed pretty secure. I made a bit of the polystyrene glue but it did not make it in to my assemblage.

I used both the stopper knot and the slip knot here to weigh down the rake for more balance.

I used a weaving method here to hold up this broken rake. It worked pretty well but I needed a more secure structure I would have to find another method.

Here I used the stopper knot to create my garland.

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Rowan Smith: Task 0

A

I am

Daisy Darling 

text on A4 page

2020

This work consists of a compilation of results taken from Instagram filter quizzes. Each quiz is only based on facial recognition thus there is no rational input from those who take the tests. 

B

Folded

Daisy Darling 

Cartridge paper 

2020 

Crumpled

 Daisy Darling 

Cartridge Paper

 2020

These two works consist of blank sheets of A4 paper which have been folded multple times and crumpled then placed inside the back pockets of a pair of jeans. The jeans were then washed in a washing machine followed by the wet paper being unfolded or layed out to dry.

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Business Studies Task 6: Why?

To ask the question “why” you do what you do helps to ground one in their authentic selves. I often question my decision to study contemporary art and worry that it is not the career path for me. However, I reel myself back in by simple remembering I do this because I am passionate about creativity. My choice to study contemporary art is a stepping stone in the path to find my career ambition. In creating an art practice I have opened up the ability to be self reflexive which has allowed me to make more sense of my beliefs and desires. Although I may not become a practicing artist in the future I will still thoroughly benefit from what I have learned in this course, even when applying it to my daily life. 

Looking at the future, I had always envisioned some kind of entrepreneurial endeavor. My sister and I always had the dream of opening up some kind of art/bakery store. I think in South Africa there is a lot of room for entrepreneurs as there are gaps in the market. However, looking at myself now I do not think I carry the skills yet to become an entrepreneur so I only see this happening in my career in the far far future. On the other hand being a practicing artist or designer has many entrepreneurial qualities such as building a brand and name for yourself. So I do think I need to build on my social skills and ability to promote myself in order to get a foot in the door of the creative world. 

At the moment I am quite unsure of my career path and even my career ambitions but I do know that I will always be passionate about creativity. If I stay authentic to my passions I believe I will end up somewhere in which I am happy. 

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Unknown (British)

The Pink Table

Mid-20th century

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Business Studies: Reading Reflection: Start with Why

This excerpt of Start with Why introduces the concept of “The Golden Circle”, a formula which “helps us understand why we do what we do”. In other words, it is a useful tool to investigate human behaviour which can also be applied to to any career or field of work. By understanding these behaviors, we are able to dissect a person’s success and achievements and how they are able to influence others. Furthermore, the Golden Circle method encourages us to think before we act - to ask ourselves the simple questions of “what”, “how” and finally “why”. 

Most people and businesses are able to answer the “what” and the “how” as they are straight forward questions, however many struggle to answer why they choose to do or believe something. The reading emphasises the importance of the “why” specifically in regards to businesses as the aim of a company is what drives the motivation. The “why” simultaneously is the message which draws in customers and clients. The “why” provides the product or service with a meaning which gives the client or customer an incentive to connect to what is being offered. 

The reading uses Apple Inc. as a successful example of emphasizing the “why” as a market strategy. Within a competitive industry, Apple is able to stand out with their incredibly user friendly designs. Their business model is based on the user’s experience of their products rather than the product itself. 

Those that have reached success through implementing “The Golden Circle” method have a clear vision of their purpose by continuing to ask why they started doing what they are doing in the first place. Thus this formula allows people and businesses to stay authentic rather than getting caught up with the competitive nature of the industry. Personally I found this reading quite grounding, as I constantly doubt my choice to study contemporary art (as most artists do). However by asking myself “why” I chose this career path I am reassured by my deep passion to be creative.

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Business Studies  TASK 5: To Intern or not to Intern

As a contemporary art student most artist jobs rely on an independent schedule. Freelance work is something I have considered as an option after graduating, especially making commissions for people. However, at the end of 2020 I have to ask myself if I do have the right skills that will be marketable to a clientele. I need to way out if my creative skills are in demand in order to have the right grounding to start out as an independent practitioner. In the art world, a clientele also relies heavily on one’s connections. In other words it is important to create a network of people to rely on and trust. I do worry about about if my introverted personality is compatible with a freelance job as you have to have the confidence to promote your brand to potential clients. Ideally, if I were a freelancer I would like to have studio space which is separate from my living space in order to create that shift in environments of work and home. As a very anxious person I feel this system would be beneficial as to keep the mental shift of work and relaxation separate as to not create an unhealthy relationship with work. I believe this is also important for artist’s as to distance themselves from their art in order to gain some perspective. 

I still live with my parents which I do think can be beneficial to a starting out freelancer as there is financial cushioning. As a freelancer you have to plan for the uncertainty of work as there is no monthly salary. I would need to be cautious about how I spend my money and as an artist I would need to be cautious with my materials. Alongside being a freelancer, I would like to find a more stable job which is not too draining such as an artist’s assistant or an au pair. I do worry about balancing two careers, especially when managing my own time. I do have a strong work ethic but I would need to work on my self-motivation especially when I have less job opportunities.

A general positive aspect of freelancing is the creative reign. It is very reassuring that your clientele is working with you because they like your unique approach to things. There is more confidence when it comes to expressing creativity which I think is definitely dumbed down in an office space. Once you have established yourself in the freelancing world you have the ability to choose projects that you feel passionate about rather than taking on any job for the cash. Another pro is the flexibility and independence freelance work allows for. I tend to feel very isolated when I am working on a project for a long period of time but with the ability to choose your own hours freelancing allows for socialising and personal time. You have the independence to make these decisions for yourself, however one must be very diligent how they balance work life and social life. 

I think the main con of freelancing is the uncertainty of work. As an anxious person the fluctuation of work would heavily effect my confidence as a creative. In these instances it is important to budget for slow cash flows and try and find another more stable income. As a freelancer you are also your own manager, you are responsible for delivering on time and keeping track of payments. I do not think I have the emotional maturity and independence to carry out the responsibilities of a freelancer yet, thus I imagine myself getting a more stable job alongside doing artist commissions.

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Prescribed Reading: Talent Is Not Enough: Business Secrets For Designers

The reading Talent Is Not Enough: Business Secrets For Designers covers topics that can also be applied to artists. Emerging artists are often caught of guard by the amount of admin and contracts that are involved in the art world, especially if you want to become a commercial artist. Artist’s can often be taken advantage of when signing contracts with galleries which can stunt their creative growth and new opportunities. As an artist it is important to create terms and conditions around payment, specially compensation for expenses such as framing or shipping. It is important to have an understanding of how these expenses are included in the pricing and what percentage of this is tax.

The topic of “Intellectual property ownership” is important in addressing conditions surrounding artist copyright laws. Within the art world the notion of ownership is very controversial-once an artist sells a work does the work still belong to them? It is very difficult to copyright an artwork as all art is derivative and all work made in a postmodernist world is referencing the long history of art. I think the terms of ownership also changes when a work is created under the guide of a commission as it often no longer portrays the conceptual meaning the artist is known for. I would be interested to know more about ownership terms and conditions within gallery contracts, especially when redisplaying work in different exhibitions or galleries. How much does the artist have a say in how the gallery promotes their work or curates it within exhibitions and group shows? I think this also bring in the question of how a gallery or collector responds to lost, damaged or destroyed work. It is important to include terms in a contract that protect the artist from these sort of circumstances in which they should be reimbursed with the costs of making the work.  

I think this is an important reading to remember if I ever have to deal signing or creating a contract. However, in these circumstances with gallery contracts it is important to speak to those that have had experience with their gallery and contracts. I feel I was already quite aware of the circumstance around gallery contracts as my sister recently signed one. It is interesting seeing how this influences how other galleries interact with her and how it has also hindered her from selling certain work through social media. 

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Business Studies Prescribed Reading: Build a Network — Even When You Don’t Think You Need One

The topic of networking is quite important within the art world, especially if one wants to find new opportunities. Even though my family is quite connected in the art world I struggle to draw from those connections. I do see myself as a bit of a “lone wolf” as I find it challenging to ask others for help. However, this reading shows that networking does not have to entail a “classless transactions” but rather new friendships can be forged in these situations. 

It is true that networking is most beneficial when a trustworthy connection is made between the parties involved. It is important to change one’s mindset around networking and rather see it as a way of creating genuine connections. This definitely makes the act of networking less intimidating as you can approach a person with no underlying intentions. In my own personal experience I have forged small connections with other creatives at art events (or just at parties) through fun and easy conversations. In one instance I met an artist who I admire for the first time and we had a very sweet conversation about tattoos and siblings. After that I had the confidence to contact them about interning and they were very keen. I even find messaging people on instagram, responding to their instagram stories or commenting on their photos also creates a connection which eases the awkwardness when you meet them in person. 

I often find when I have not socialised in a while I feel a lack of motivation or connectivity. Thus, I agree with the text’s section on “how a lack of networking may be holding you back” as you lose out on meaningful interactions. I find by just creating connections with one or two new creative people helps me stay motivated and positive about the community around me.

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Business Studies TASK 4: Job hunting

Stylist at Superbalist

https://sa-job.info/cape%20town/job/5e4bb4938fad1853b87352aa?utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic

This job jumped out at me when I was searching for advertisements as being a fashion stylist is my dream job. Superbalist is a platform I know and trust- there approach to trends is less commercial than other fashion retailers. I think I have a great understanding of fashion trends and I think I could challenge the perimeters of their briefs. I think what intimidates me is the fast pace atmosphere of the fashion world and how to put forward my visions clearly. I think what scares me is the amount of confidence one needs to be decisive and direct in their decisions. However I think with a bit of experience I will successfully be able to “balance meeting targets and creative flair”. I would like to know more about who my assistants would be in order to get an understanding of their approach to fashion. I would like more context behind the brands image and the designers of the in-house Superbalist brand. I would also like to find out more about the pay as I think this is a very hardworking job which involves a lot of energy. This position relates directly to the field in which I envision myself in. I would like to gain experience in the fashion world and although I am not qualified for this job yet I would ideally like to be a stylist’s assistant. I intend to get a fashion diploma of sorts in the next fews years and then commercial jobs such as this one will be grounding moments in my career trajectory.

Gallery Administrator at Smith Studio

https://vansa.co.za/opportunities/gallery-administrator-at-smith-studio/

I think an administrative role in a creative space is quite an interesting approach into the art world. In an ideal world this would be a great job to get after graduating as it simultaneously gives one a break from practical creative work while allowing them to continue to be involved in the art world. Its a perfect place to get a real understanding of the behind the scenes in a gallery, especially the interactions between the artist and the gallery. I think managing the artworks themselves is quite a daunting task, especially managing inventory and invoicing. I worry about how I would handle the fluctuation of responsibilities in this job, especially during installing and deinstalling of exhibitions. I was very interested in the opportunity of assisting the curator and I would like to know what those responsibilities entail. Again, I would like to find out more about the income as this seems to be quite an intense job. I would also like to find out how much contact time I have with the clients and the collectors as to know how much research I must do on the artists themselves. I think this job position is a great way to be deeply involved in the art world without the work being too creatively draining. It is a perfect way into the art world without actually having to become an artist first. 

Assistant at Smac Gallery Stellenbosch 

https://vansa.co.za/opportunities/assistant-at-smac-gallery-stellenbosch/

I think a gallery assistant job is also a perfect position for a recent graduate. There is not too much responsibility put on your shoulders and yet it is a great space for experience. It is a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of how to manage gallery stock and the gallery data base and experiencing how the gallerists interact with clients. I think what intimidates me is how much the gallerists would expect from me. Another thing which makes me anxious is the distance- driving to Stellenbosch everyday is quite a commitment. I also worry about communication as an assistant job relies heavily on understanding clearly what needs to be done. I would like to gain a better understanding of what my job majorly entails and what responsibilities will I get. I also wonder if I am qualified enough to get paid during the internship. I think any intern or assistant position in the creative world is a great starting point for my career, especially at a big gallery like Smac.

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Sentiments of the Home

Sentiments of the Home addresses how the body navigates space within the household. How one situates their identity and performs their gender within the comforts of the home. General household chores and daily habits become spaces in which to perform into. Memories of the home become skewed as one’s identity unfolds with a shift of wants and beliefs. The work Carving Chicken (Be the Boy of your Dreams) challenges where queerness fits into the stereotyped gender roles of domestic rituals. There is a  hyperawareness of the body situated in its surroundings and a need to over perform human behaviour. Sentiments of the Home reflects on the nostalgia of childhood and how one’s perception of these memories are romanticised. Made into Flesh honours the rituality of birthdays while speaking to a shift in the understanding of their meaning. A birthday stands as a marker of what one has achieved and what one is yet to achieve. It forces one to reflect on their own personal happiness of where they are and who they are. Sentiments of the Home explores these domestic rituals and how the queer body navigates them. Furthermore, how new sentiments are created through this exploration. 

Daisy Darling

Made into Flesh 

2020

Sealant (paintable acrylic), cardboard, oil paint 

Daisy Darling

Carving Chicken (Be the Boy of your Dreams)  

2020

Oil paint, acrylic, canvas, wire 

Daisy Darling 

This Flower Does not Fit into This Chair  

2020

Oil paint on board 

Daisy Darling 

Lifting Weights in My Room

2020

Oil paint, silicone, board, glazed cherries, glue

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Business Studies Reading Reflection: How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul

The chapter How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul provides one with the knowledge on how to be a productive creative while still holding on to one’s passions. The first section addresses time management which is something we often have a skewed perception of. I for one struggle to work in smaller increments over a longer period of time but rather I work for large periods of time. According to this reading it is an “illusion that we never have enough time” as we just have a problem managing our time. As artists it can be difficult planning our time when it comes to our creativity which is hard to control. A great hinderer of time management is anxiety. bit of anxiety is good as it drives our passions but too much can poison a project. The reading suggests breaking a big project into smaller achievable goals can help tackle anxiety which is something I would like to implement in my schedule. 

As artists our creativity stems from within, however exploration and research further grows our structure of knowledge. Creativity should go hand in hand with independent research as together they grow our “creative intuition”. I for one feel much more motivated by just looking through an art book as our brain absorbs certain techniques or forms which stay with us. It is important to be thinking strategically when creating as it helps us remain self aware of how our work fits in to the bigger picture. I often tend to get caught up inside my head and so it is important to remember to take a step back every now and then to reflect on my work.  This will help me understand the audience’s perspective, making it easier to speak to others about my work. Furthermore, as artists we have to be able to present our work to others, presentation is key.

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Business Studies TASK 3: Internship Plan

where you intend to intern?

My intention is to intern a wide range of artists who use different mediums and techniques. I want to experience how different artists navigate their studio spaces and work schedules. I intend to reach out to artists who I do not know on a personal level or have little knowledge about their practice. This is not the entire list but these are artists who I have actively reached out to or am in the midst of doing so. I would like to continue to add to this list as more opportunities arise.

Artists: 

Jody Paulson 

Ruby Swinney

Mia Chaplin 

Courtney Krauss 

motivation behind each internship

Jody Paulson 

I have always been fascinated by the process behind Jody Paulson’s work. I am enamored   by his brightly coloured felt pieces, especially his earlier text pieces. I am also curious about him as a person and how he manages his career as an artist, designer and model. I am impressed by Paulson’s ability to overlap his different careers, specifically that of the fashion world and the art world as I find my own career path stuck on the line between the two. I recently received his email from Julia as he is in need of assistants but I am yet to contact him. 

Ruby Swinney

Ruby Swinney is a good family friend but I am interested to interact with her in a work environment. Her relationship with the art world is quite unique to her age group, as her Michaelis grad show was bought by Zeitz Mocaa in 2015. She is currently working towards an installation, which is different to her usual practice of painting, and she has asked for my assistance on it.

Mia Chaplin 

Mia Chaplin’s rich application of paint is very alluring. I am highly interested in her interpretation of the history of painting and how she takes the technique beyond the traditions of painting. At the moment, I am inspired by Chaplin’s use of different surfaces  to paint on, as she takes her figurative and still life studies beyond the canvas. I am very curious about her process and I would love to spend a few days assisting her in her studio.

Courtney Krauss

Courtney is the only artist on the list who I have already started to assist and though she is not a practicing artist, she runs her own jewelry business. Courtney’s use of resin in her jewelry is a self-taught technique and so she is constantly discovering new things with the material. I wanted to intern with Courtney as I have always admired her work and in high school I did quite a lot of my own jewelry making. It is very inspiring working with Courtney as she is very passionate about her business. There is always an element of play in her work and so she is constantly coming up with new ideas. 

when each internship should be scheduled? 

Ideally, I would like the internships to be schedules on the weekends or during school holidays (when the artists need me for more hands on work), however I can also work around my class schedule for those that need me for short periods of time in the week. Ruby Swinney requested my help more in the middle of the year for an installation she is taking to Amsterdam, so hopefully I can help her with this in the upcoming holiday. 

what do you need to actively do in order to prepare for this/these internships? 

In order to prepare for these internships I would like to keep an open mind to what is expected of me. If I do not understand a task I must not be afraid to ask for help. I would like to further my knowledge one some of these artists in order to gain a better understanding of their practices. From the little interning I have done, I find it useful to ask questions about the artists’ experience in the art world that you would not necessarily get the chance to ask again. 

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Business Studies Week 2 Reflection: Overthrowing the Tyranny of the Ideal

In the excerpt Overthrowing the Tyranny of the Ideal from Isaac Lidsky’s book EYES WIDE OPEN: Overcoming Obstacles and Recognizing Opportunities in a World That Can’t See Clearly it speaks about conquering your inner critic. This reading is a good guide to acknowledging one’s own inner saboteur, something that I struggle with. The words “Tyranny of the Ideal” speaks to an unachievable perfectionism which will inevitably set one up for disappointment. I often seem to view something as a failure if it is not the standard of perfection, which often hinders me from trying out new things. I resonate with the notion that “fear lurks behind the critic”  as the fear of failure stunts me from starting anything. I feel my inner critic is strongest before I have yet to begin or right as I am finishing a project. Once I begin a project the self doubt ebbs away however it reappears towards the end of my process. My confidence seems to be strongest when I am in a stage of experimentation and process, thus the notion of the inner strong man comes into play. 

The strong man concept promotes growth and effort, always searching for improvement but never the best. This allows for personal growth rather then an end goal which is unattainable in our ever moving society. Perfectionism is a vacuum as it tends to lead nowhere-something which I need to grasp in order to accept the slow journey to a state of success. In order to keep the momentum of progress one must stay grounded in the moment, not focusing too much energy on the future. I tend to overthink about the future which leaves me anxious and unsure of my current choices. This reading has reinforced my awareness of many problems areas that I struggle with around perfectionism. I must embrace the idea that “failure is a fertile soil for knowledge” for it grows our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. 

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