Questions and inspiration

This is a post from the weareoca.com archive. Information contained within it may now be out of date.
 
Eleven OCA students explored the Edinburgh College of Art Degree Shows last week, led by tutors Jane Mitchell and Olivia Irvine. All were keen to see the work of BA degree students in the flesh. There was a lot to see, covering Drawing and Painting BA Honours and MA Fine Art shows as well as Graphic Design, Textiles, Sculpture and Illustration. We also managed to sneak a glance at Product Design and Performance Costume.
Some works appeared rather impenetrable at first and it was hard to know what the maker was getting at. However, several of the exhibiting students were able to give further insights into their ideas and working processes. This was invaluable. Many of the OCA students were excited by the diversity of themes and approaches. Although there was more painting than in recent years, there were also videos, wall drawings, three dimensional works and installations. Most students agreed that, although the work was often joyful, beautiful and arresting, there was little to blow them away emotionally. This seems to be a trend. Interest, for instance, in archaeology, environment and psychology was in evidence and was the impetus for much of the works.
A couple of OCA students commented:
“I feel encouraged to take my work up different avenues and be more adventurous”
“I’m impressed by how the work on display mixed several media together and crossed the boundaries between different disciplines.”
The work was displayed professionally and looked impressive in the beautiful high ceilinged studios. Some of the exhibitors had made artist books and all had business cards with web addresses which our students gladly took away. There was plenty to question and plenty to inspire.