What effect do I want my research paper to have on my studio work?
How is this different from what I originally thought I’d be doing?
How have I failed this semester?
What have I learned from that failure?
My research in seminar allowed me to add more inspiration and information to a set of ideas and beliefs that I already considered to be complete. Essentially, I didn’t think I’d find much beyond what I already knew and felt because of the fact that my topic– biracialism– is something that I live with and experience every day. I was wrong about that, and I want it to help me develop the visual themes that began as quite surface-level. I also thought I’d be using much more personal resources such as interviews and anecdotes, but I found the studies on JSTOR so interesting and insightful that I had to use them as evidence. I had never read scientific papers like those that I’d actually been interested in, and I see that as a success. I’ve definitely had failures this semester, like thinking I was getting better at time management when in reality I was probably just running myself dry until it basically broke. Turns out, having zero down time and going to the gym for that endorphin energy instead of taking naps isn’t always a good idea. From this, I’ve learnt to be patient with myself, and remind myself that I’m newly living alone and being an adult. I’ve also learnt that taking a break doesn’t always being I’m slacking off. A balance won’t come easily, and I’m okay with that.
Featured Image: Studio Piece “An Unapologetic Self Portrait”
The mixture of sources in your essay is so impressive, Lisa! I’m glad you are finding the research applicable to your studio practice. And learning to be patient with yourself is huge. This year is such a big change and you are accomplishing so much – keep being kind to yourself through this journey.