sharonwilliams707

[sharonwilliams707]

What Lies Ahead...

Not many people know I am a very shy person who sometimes needs lots of encouragement and nurturing to venture out of my comfort zone -  a bit like trying to coax a hermit crab out of its shell - and it seems the more I try to focus on what I think will happen, the more it won’t happen! 

So, as part of my healing process, earlier this year I enrolled in Cert IV in Community Services at TAFE to learn a little more about myself as an individual, and how past negative events have had an impact on my life. I’m still studying Critical Thinking at Uni, and hope to gain some new skills while adding some depth to my art practice, focusing on topics such identity, belonging and sense of self . 

While I thought I had a pretty good idea of what was important to me, I find myself questioning my place in the world. A lot of those values and beliefs have been based on or influenced by past negative experiences, so instead of remaining compliant to society’s rules and regulations, questions about what I think is morally and ethically ‘right’ or ‘true’ are resonating. It seems the more I learn, the more challenging it becomes.

Although I know I will get there in the end, regardless of what path I take,  I can only explain it like being in a foreign country, unable to speak the language and then trying to find my way to the next destination.

#personalvalues #beliefs #education #healing #self #tafe #study #mentalhealth

[sharonwilliams707]

Critical Thinking - Evidence/Justification Condition

When attempting to validate a proposition and make sound decisions, it  is helpful to perhaps ask questions such as:

What is the claim being made?

What evidence is there to classify the claim as ‘true’?

What further evidence or reasoning can justify the evidence?

Is there anything that is difficult to justify?

Can you stop at this point to view the whole picture?

Constantly referring to the original question  ‘What is the claim being made?’, I find this a focal point that can be used to remain on track with an enquiry, and to find relevant information that will lead to an outcome, conclusion, resolution or solution. It’s a constant to-and-fro of question/answer, deducting and clarifying knowledge with new evidence. This process requires a certain amount of concentration where the enquirer can stop to reflect on current information before continuing the enquiry. The ability to use propositional logic through deductive reasoning and view the proposition from different perspectives is also important. Logical connectors such as conjunctions ‘and/or’ and conditional connectors ‘If... then...’  test the validity of statements, propositions or arguments. 

[sharonwilliams707]

WHO AM I?

This part of my project is called 'Rescue Me'- It’s about finding myself - looking at how so much emphasis has been placed on material possessions and distractions that aren’t a priority - how I’ve guaged my self-worth and sense of belonging by holding onto sentimental and nostalgic objects-  not realising that I’ve been holding onto the past through my memories - ‘retaining excess baggage’ – I didn’t realise how much this has prevented me from moving forward.

Decluttering can alleviate stress and negativity and improve mental health- so as part of this journey, I will be attempting to remove as many distractions as I can, as well as anything that doesn’t hold any sentimental value to me - learning to become less of a ‘prisoner-of-my-own-assets’ (or liabilities) by purging objects which no longer serve a purpose.

This does not reflect the value of what I have spent over the years to accumulate these objects - What it aims to provide is an emotional connection through domestic place-making - expressing sense-of-self through the freedom of simplicity and positive change - and creating order out of chaos within my art practice (if that’s possible) 

 As they say - ‘Out with the old – in with the new!’ (New me that is, not new possessions!)

 Till next time

 -SW

[sharonwilliams707]

I am still trying to comprehend ‘Critical Thinking’.

My understanding is that it’s all about having a premise or claim that requires  evidence-based argument to inform through validity and soundness.  By using deductive reasoning we can find other information to validate an argument, find inconsistencies or information that  is limited. Questioning concepts, consciousness, ethics, morals and values are also helpful with this process. A conclusion is true if a premise of a valid argument is true. Validity is about logic  and not the truth of the claims. 

Examples can be found online, in social media, TV, newspapers, conspiracy theories and everyday life, where claims are sometimes unreliable and fail to provide correct information.  Current facts may provide good reason to believe something is true, although this may only be speculation until more evidence becomes available.

As well as Justified False Belief (JFB), Fallibalism and Scepticism have become part of the critical thinking process. Fallibalism relates to reasoning and observations that are currently available, changing with any new knowledge that arises, while Scepticism refers to impossible or non-existent knowledge. Applying evidence and trying to rationalise or reason with further evidence helps with justification – considering, through reflection, other perspectives and the overall picture provides better understanding.

 Hmmmm... maybe I should have stuck to 'simple’? But there’s nothing like jumping in the deep end!

[sharonwilliams707]

Bullying and Harassment

Everyone deserves to be treated with respect in a non-judgemental and safe environment, so it is important to build good relationships with friends, colleagues and other individuals within our community. Empathy can also help  create better relationships and we can improve our communication skills by listening to others and learning to hear what they actually have to say. 

[sharonwilliams707]

Week 2 - Epistemology and the Foundations of Knowledge

This week in class, we are learning about ‘epistemology’ and the foundations of knowledge.

Epistemology is the study of knowledge, and knowledge can be a ‘belief’ or a ‘true belief, although there is a difference between ‘knowledge’ and ‘belief’. A ‘belief’ is usually an opinion, faith, trust or acceptance. There is an assumption that a belief can be true or false, while knowledge can only be seen as true, as well as infallible. Reliability of sources of knowledge is also important when trying to divide fact from fiction. To be able to distinguish ‘belief’ and ‘knowledge, Justified True Belief  can be made through reason, observation but it needs something else to validate it, otherwise it may not be just a belief that may be true but not classed as knowledge. TRUTH ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH. 

Philosopher Edmund Gettier challenged Justified True Belief, showing in thought experiments that this could fail if justification, belief and truth were not present. This idea was first documented by Plato, and reminds me of his ‘Allegory of a Cave’.

References - 

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=5lB-XJjmvoE

Image - https://penlighten.com/platos-allegory-of-cave-meaning-interpretation

[sharonwilliams707]

‘The Overseer’

‘The Overseer’ 2019 - Installation - Queen Anne style nightstand, Kenji paper shredder, cardboard packing carton, shredded paper.

The above installation is part of a series about consumerism and consumption. The 18th century reproduction nightstand with cabriole legs was a random choice as I needed something to place the shredder on, although perhaps a reference to cultural mass production in a historical context, even colonialism and the connection to furniture as a sign of wealth or status? 

The eye-shaped print on the carton reminded me of George Orwell’s book ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’ and the term ‘Big Brother is Watching’, extremely appropriate considering that we are constantly under surveillance everywhere we go, being monitored through social media, personal records with government and company bodies etc. 

The text on the carton  seems a little ironic as the contents are shredded bills, documents and a children’s Bible - we constantly try to keep our items and documents ‘safe n  sound’ and out of harms way, although the question is ‘Are we really safe?’ 

Only by chance was a photo on the wall of NAS Head Painting Teacher- Stephen Little from a previous  project- he has been a positive role model and mentor for the past couple of years, hence the title ‘The Overseer’ - I guess it’s nice to know someone is watching over you even when they’re not actually there.

-SW 

[sharonwilliams707]

CRITICAL THINKING - WEEK 1

YAHOO - I’m back at Uni!

And this course sounds so cool - Critical Thinking!

Just to summarise some of the notes I made earlier today:

Critical thinking involves the application of logic in order to find reasoning for arguments that support conclusions. It involves asking a lot of questions, finding what resonates, problem solving, assessing, evaluating, adaptive thinking, interpretation, identifying key points, analysis of relevant information, weighing up of ideas, filtering, creativity, clear thinking and stepping back to see from all perspectives - all of this without being ‘critical’!

Critical theories and reasoning often include subjects that are political, social or religious, so it is a good practice to remain respectful, polite and civil during times where other people are involved in this thinking process, especially when applying and cultivating this to daily life. You may even question your own personal beliefs and values along the way.

Epistemology is the study of knowledge, asking questions to find what is seen as ‘true’ or perhaps what we think is ‘true’ - taking into account different logic, reason, senses, observations of others and opinions. ‘Knowing’ and ‘believing’ are two different things, and there are many different ways of ‘knowing’. We don’t always need to know what is right or wrong to find solutions to an argument, although aspects of incorrect theories can sometimes be helpful to finding direction.

Sometimes we need more than just our senses to provide knowledge or answers. So the big question is ‘Why bother?’ I guess, from the metaphysical view, the qualities in  our world consist of independent things that stand in relation to one another? And in a more logical way, atoms are the level of ‘reality’ in which everything reduces into.

By  dividing these all-encompassing problems into parts, it becomes more manageable to deal with one problem at a time. Applying logic also helps to improve clarity and provides analysis to contrast a new language of interpretation.

I’ll leave it there for now... my head hurts from all the thinking!

To be continued...

-SW

[sharonwilliams707]

A RICH LIFE!

A while ago, I watched a video about ‘minimalism’ and decluttering your environment to simplify and enrich your life. I find it relevant to this project so just wanted to share - It is so difficult to remove personal possessions or items that are distracting, although once discarded, you have to wonder why you owned them in the first place - The positive is a feeling of relief and I think a decluttered space is a decluttered mind!

‘Minimalism’ trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Co1Iptd4p4

Ted Talk - ‘A rich life with less stuff’ - The Minimalists - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgBpyNsS-jU

The Minimalists blog - https://www.theminimalists.com/

[sharonwilliams707]

Art Inspiration

Above - Bansky - ‘Balloon Girl’ aka ‘Love is in the Bin’ 

Middle - Lottie Consalvo - ‘Compartmentalise’

Below - Katthy Cavaliere - installation from ‘LOVED’ exhibition

This current project has been inspired by a few artists because of their conceptual ideas relating to consumerism and capitalism. One of the artists is Banksy, an arty political acitvist based in England. His recent artwork ‘Balloon Girl’ (aka ‘Love is in the Bin’) was shredded in a prank shortly after it sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 2018. Banksy used the Picasso quote  "The urge to destroy is also a creative urge" (attributed to revolutionary anarchist Mikhail Buchanin). Critics have debated whether Banksy actually destroyed art or created it - discussing the conceptual nature of the stunt associated with capitalism and the value or worth of an artwork within the market.

In 2014, Australian artist Lottie Consalvo collected all her belongings together in garbage bags and kept the bare essentials for a year-long performance called ‘Compartmentalise’- these items were grouped into containers in an ordered system and later sold. Even though Lottie’s project wasn’t anything to do with shredding paper, it was more about her personal possessions and clothing, and it’s control over her daily life. I found similarities relating to my project and how the over-accumulation of possessions have taken over my own life. And after reading some of the posts on her blog, I could feel the strain of Lottie’s daily process of actually having limited choices, her personal challenge with identity and belonging, as well as the relief of not having as many possessions to choose from! All part of the healing process! And very inspiring.

Another Australian artist that has resonated is Katthy Cavaliere(dec) who used shredded paper, piles of clothing and confetti for installations in the ‘LOVED’ exhibition at Carriageworks in 2016, curated by Daniel Mudie Cunningham. Explained in her book are her thoughts of possessions as symbolic forms of ‘the dead amongst us’ and a vulnerability of ‘secrets reavealed’. My personal interpretation of Katthy’s use of objects such as chairs, clothes, boxes and momentos showed the struggle and burden felt in the accumulation of these possessions, perhaps something similar to that of Lottie’s experience of an over-abundance of objects that become part of an art narrative. (I will comment more about Katthy Cavaliere later as I find her work inspirational)

I can’t speak for anyone else -only through my own personal interpretation. although as a collective, perhaps we are holding onto those familiar thought patterns that sometimes keep us in negative cycles. By taking part in some sort of creative art practice, maybe we can somehow explore those raw emotions in a safe and productive environment, to find a resolution? 

Links to the artists:

Lottie Consalvo - https://compartmentalise.wordpress.com/

Katthy Cavaliere - https://katthycavaliere.com.au/

Banksy - http://www.banksy.co.uk/in.asp

[sharonwilliams707]

EPHEMERA!

YEHA!

I found the word for all my accumulated printed matter - It is called ‘ephemera’, meaning ‘lasting only one day, short-lived’. It’s totally amazing what I’ve retained over the years, everything from taxation receipts, bank statements, utility bills, artwork, Government documents, solicitor and real estate documents, shopping dockets, plane tickets, art catalogues, magazines, pamphlets,,, the list goes on. Luckily now though, much of this is received via emails which is great for the environment.

So shredding is definitely the go!

 I’ve been sifting through the papers - a very time-consuming process - sorting - tearing - feeding into the shredder for 2 minutes at a time, then waiting 40 minutes for the machine to cool down, then start all over again... le sigh! Not such a bad thing though as it gives me time to think. You would be surprised how many memories I have been reminded of - the houses we’ve lived in, the money we’ve spent, places we’ve been. You never quite remember those things without reminders sometimes, so it’s been a bit like travelling back in time to a previous life. And many of those great memories are often forgotten because of the negative chatter that plays on constant replay in my mind - one of the downfalls of having depression I guess?

The shredding thing has also become a therapeutic part of my art process for the time being. Even the memory of making paper mache piggy banks in primary school brings back those lost skills and basic knowledge from long ago. Maybe that’s where I first became obsessed with the creative art process - Yes I can blame my primary school teachers! 

It’s not just about the process though. Much of my practice is in response to my environment and the need to create a narrative in some way that perhaps relates to my personal journey as well as world issues such as climate change and other social issues. I love metaphor and symbolism, and being able to express myself without all the art jargon to complicate things is sometimes a relief. My mantra is ‘Keep it Simple’. Art teachers have been telling me for years ‘Less is More’ - so I guess I’m at that point in time where I’m starting all over again...

Hi, my name is Sharon... I hope to ‘keep it simple’!

-SW

[sharonwilliams707]

New Beginnings

Hi everyone, 

Welcome back from the Summer break. Uni is about to begin again in a couple of weeks so I’ve been trying to get back into study mode, and art mode - procrastination is a b$#% sometimes! And for awhile I lost focus and enthusiasm for making any art at all.

Anyhoo, after a few discussions with some switched-on academics and like-minded souls, and a bit of experimentation and reflection, I think I’ve found a direction within my art practice that touches on consumerism and how it has influenced my life experience so far. 

Without going into a lot of detail, I would also like to mention that I have depression and at times find this whole art process challenging when it comes to expression of self. Since I began the journey into art, I have become somewhat overwhelmed with the over-consumption of paper and other materials used to create art, as well as the accumulation of items congesting my home at the moment.  

With current and historical ideologies in mind, over the next 12 weeks or so, I hope to explore some of those areas relating to consumerism and how it has influenced my worldview. Recently, I found some information about decluttering and how many people become attached to personal possessions, and often find it difficult to dispose or ‘let go’ of objects they have become attached to as an extension of self and identity.

Here is a video link on decluttering and a list of some books I will be referencing over the next few weeks:  

Marie Kondo  - ‘Tidying Up’  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1-HMMX_NR8

Books - 

A Nietzsche Reader / Consumption - Robert Bocock/ Excess - Anti Consumerism in the West/ The Culting of Brands - Douglas Atkin/ Moral Markets - Nico Stehr/ Consuming Life - Bauman/ Invention of Art/ The Artist Outsider

I’ll leave it there for the time being.... 

Thanx SW

[sharonwilliams707]

A conversation yesterday triggered a series of memories from my childhood- I hadn't realised how much those events have influenced my sense of self-worth- thankfully and hopefully, even though they are negative memories, they have also made me the empathic and resilient person I am today- By learning to move thru those waves of emotion, I understand that not everything is my fault or doing and I have the power to be myself regardless of how anyone chooses to judge me. -SW

[sharonwilliams707]

Reflection

Over the past 12 weeks or so, I have been studying  ‘Unravelling Complexities’ online.

During the first few weeks, we learned about complex or ‘wicked’ systems and how they differ to ‘complicated’ problems (Yes, there is a difference and I didn’t realise until I began this class!) Each week we responded to the varied course readings through open discussions concerning complex issues - our interpretation of how different systems work and/or interact, and how we could use these thinking processes to look at complexities within a broader context.

As part of the course, I was allocated to a group project with 3 other students - The Mental Health in Ghana. At first, I was skeptical as to how much information might be attainable on the internet with regard to this subject. Many questions arose such as:

‘Why Ghana?’

‘Why not another more established country?’

Would there be enough information to facilitate this project?’

‘What is the point of studying a country when no one even knows where it is?’

‘WHERE IS GHANA!’  

To be honest, I was ready to give up there and then! BUT… after considering that my particular subject for Masters is relevant to the subject of Mental Health, I decided to use this as a challenge to explore my own thoughts and reactions, and use this time for observation of the information that may become useful to my personal growth. Sometimes it can be just as much about the journey as the destination?

Over the twelve or so weeks I took many notes about the readings and information - Anything that resonated was written into my journal and then simplified and transferred into blog entries on Tumblr, researching many things such as the terminology, through thesaurus  and other information found on websites, in library books, videos, documentaries and via friends’ suggestions of links relating to content that I would not have usually thought to research. This helped to accelerate the  research process by going to trusted academic resources and prior knowledge rather than relying completely on my own means.

Being able to clarify content through group participation was a great way to remain focused. Weekly readings, followed by questions was a fantastic course structure - providing opportunity for discussion. Academic and non-academic articles, journals and videos non-related to the specific subject were varied, providing much-needed perspective from diverse backgrounds - learning to appreciate others perspectives and their disciplines, brainstorming ideas, looking at ideas that may be relevant to the problem, as well as researching systems to understand complexity, learning to appreciate others comments, views and their contributions.

Humour played an important part of the process, creating a flow of conversation through our posts and making it more manageable and less overwhelming - sharing thoughts openly - ‘thinking out loud’ - We became more of a working group - more ‘human’ even though we were doing an online class. Bonnie’s phone calls helped as I find personal interaction is important  - social contact or conversation may be a mindfulness thing? Some things get lost in translation with written words so actual speaking on a phone can help clear up misunderstandings. No judgement - learning to reduce thoughts of bias etc -

Acknowledging other areas than the original content were invaluable eg Maslow’s Heirarchy -  taking old information and blending  with new facts to create new directions in the creative thinking processes -  Critique and self-analysis through the weekly journaling helped with deep thinking, core ideas and evaluation. I learned how to do APA referencing  - and  by using dot points to create less confusion - simplifying ideas - and learning to see gaps between academic thought and being able to share that with less informed members of the general public. 

Although I found it difficult to begin the weekly readings and answer questions at home on the computer, it became a positive challenge.  Once  I  started it became  ‘obsessive’ -  and learning  some of the terminology and how the systems work and can be intertwined - it created a broader range of possibilities re: information resources, stepping outside my comfort zone - exploring new thought  processes   and    exploring  different   areas    that  I wouldn’t   usually   think applicable,  eg  how one area can affect another -  looking  from different perspectives to use systems  ie  not  just  ‘complicated’  systems  but  appreciation for  ‘complex’   and   wicked systems and how difficult this can be with  regard  to  finding solutions resolutions or positive outcomes.

I also realised how  stigma can  influence  perspectives  relating  to  mental health  and  that something that may seem   simple  to  repair can in  fact  be very cumbersome,  therefore creating  other   ongoing  issues.  Asking questions -  or  learning  to  ask  ‘better’  questions through   listening,   researching,  understanding,   becoming   more   informed,   resilient and assertive - Having a sense of purpose -  Sharing what  we’ve  learnt  through  discussion with others.

Some of the things I learned during this course included: trying to be  less judgemental, critical  or negative, looking at triggers where I  see an issue,  not to  be so  hard on  myself as an individual,  listening and being respectful  of others perspectives,  understanding  their  ‘history’,  trusting my  decisions and to believe that my opinion matters.

My original assumptions and expectations have totally changed over this course, and I feel I have grown. There is just as much to be learned by studying areas/topics that seem insignificant,  and although this course has brought up some personal negative thought toward my own perceptions surrounding mental health,  I view this as part of an ongoing transformational process - I now realise some of my own thoughts have been influenced by others interpretations and beliefs.

Even though the terminology has been a little difficult at times, the use of metaphors, similes, visuals and diagrams explained much of the content in our posts - the sharing of videos and articles between group members - clarifying and re-evaluating provided changes in learned thought patterns. I was able to rethink some of the options we originally had - to improve or add to that as we progressed. I guess our group project became a ‘bonding’ between like-minded participants -  creating CONNECTIONS by learning to unravel the complexities!!!

Hopefully I can continue this creative thinking process in the future and when doing further research into my Masters project.

[sharonwilliams707]

Uncertainty?

Uncertainty?  A lack of knowledge may cause ‘paralysis’ or indecision. It can be created from human choice, cultural differences, problems with the system, unknown thresholds and confounding influences.

Some outcomes can’t be predicted, although they can sometimes be tested eg through experiments. They can be continually visited and revisited to reiterate, and adjusting expectations to reach desired results - this might be similar to setting achievable goals. 

We also need to be flexible and sometimes perhaps willing to contest perspectives and challenge ideas. ‘Learning by doing’ or a ‘hands-on’ approach to learning is also useful to testing and identifying alternatives, as well as modifying to build resilience. 

Developing a shared or ‘collective’ understanding can help identify components through analysis and investigation. Alternative explanations can be implemented, or to test uncertainties through experimentation and research etc. Variety of choice is like a menu in a restaurant ie each individual has a different perspective or preference, especially when it comes to policies. 

Accountability and participation are important to the decision-making process, and building resilience can work like an immunisation shot, helping one cope with such things as unforeseen circumstances.

Consideration of other alternative explanations(hypotheses) could also include ‘coincidences’, ‘chance’ and ‘serendipity’.

Don’t understand all the above? Lol me either - but it sounds good! :)

-SW

[sharonwilliams707]

Finding that ‘Ah-ha’ Moment!

I’ve just finished reading an online article by Andrea Kihlstedt, a fundraising consultant from America, who talks about pushing through complexity to discover simplicity. She explains what she found to be 4 key steps to finding clarity within her process.  Included below are these 4 steps, along with own my interpretation of how her process might be helpful to the personal art project I am currently working on:

1 - Simplifying ideas and concentrating on one thing at a time, perhaps by creating a list  or using ‘dot points’

2 - Sort and rearrange ideas - perhaps with the aid of a mentor? 

3 - Listen to feedback and advice - constructive criticism can be a good thing! 

4 - Reflect, review and ‘tweek’ -  until u are happy with the result

These steps help if you allow yourself plenty of time and by not leaving everything to the last minute to get things done. I find procrastination one of my huge weaknesses, so breaking down a large task into smaller, manageable pieces seems to be helpful when avoiding stress sometimes.

I think it’s also useful to ask for help when things get a little daunting, even if it’s only just asking someone if they would mind making you a coffee. And by asking yourself ‘r u there?’  helps you remain in the present moment so you can focus better on the task at hand.

And STICK WITH IT! If everything feels a bit overwhelming, take a break, go for a walk, go do the shopping, pat the dog! Hopefully you can then move through the tsunami wave of mindless chatter. I’ve even found sometimes, by doing the washing up or decluttering the house, or even rearranging the furniture can be times when you are problem-solving those other ideas that seem too difficult to resolve.

Everything seems to go from Simple-to-complex-to-simple again. It’s a neverending cycle of learning and relearning - making sense of the world around us.   I guess in short, it’s a bit like listening to my personal mantra - KEEP IT SIMPLE! Then, maybeeee,  the problems will eventually work out for themselves!

 -SW

Link to Andrea’s blog - https://andreakihlstedt.com/pushing-past-complexity-to-discover-elegant-simplicity/