Unit 6, Personal Statement V.2

I applied to the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design with an interest in the Model Making degree out with an open mind to anything that might catch my imagination. This course, however, only solidified my interest in exploring Model Making because of the chance to use and experiment with new materials. As well as the possible careers this course could lead to.

The work I do is mostly in 3D, and I really enjoyed life sculpting as it gave me a chance to work with clay again. I am also very fascinated with plasticine and SuperSculpey as I found it nicer to use compared to clay as the former doesn't dry out. Through the foundation degree, I have been inducted into different types of machinery and techniques in the workshops, like the bandsaw, cuttlefish casting, and spot welding. These were intimidating at first because I had never used these techniques before, but it has opened up some new possibilities to explore ideas through experimentation.

One of the practitioners that really excite me is Leigh Took as his work has such atmosphere to it, whether it’s his 2D paintings or his 3D props. So far, this year, the context for my work has been the Steampunk culture and trying to understand it on another level, through different materials. This foundation year has allowed me to explore and discover lateral thinking which has become a part of my process.

This choice was further solidified by my work helping the theatre department at my previous school, as it was really satisfying to help and see the snowball and paintings I had made as props shown in context in the play. I enjoy baking and creating works from that, like a piñata cake in the shape of Mario's Item Cube. I am interested in all things that happen behind the scenes, and how props can really help the audience believe what's happening in the scene.I have also visited the Modern Art Museum of America as well as been to some of the exhibitions hosted at the Arts University.

My passion for Model Making and my enthusiasm to learn more about it would mean that I would gain a lot from the Model Making course. Furthermore, I would be a student that will thrive in a collaborative environment and take advantage of all feedback and opportunity given by both tutors and students.

I am always open to learning and exploring new techniques and will often do so in my spare time, if possible. I consider working collaboratively as one of my strong points, and feel that this is key to working in the industry.