OUIL404 Visual Language | End of Module Self-Evaluation

1. Which practical skills and methodologies have you developed within this module and how effectively do you think you are employing them within your own practice?

The varied nature of this module has meant that I could approach a task in a number of different ways, and tasks that were geared towards a certain approach (e.g. 3D & lens) meant that I could consciously explore that process or media. This has enabled me to not only become more aware of the separate elements of image making and drawing (e.g. line, shape, colour), but begin to implement them within pieces of work. In turn, this has made its way into my thinking processes for work in other modules too.

Visual language has been a valuable part of my learning to date because it has acted as a space in which I could freely explore essential components of drawing and making pictures, and it has stressed the importance of keeping a sketchbook, as well as playing through drawing. This has been helpful for me personally, because I tend to worry too much about the finished product. By removing this pressure and focusing on processes and enjoyment driving a piece of work, the end result is often more considered and new ways of doing things can be found.

2. Which principles / theories of image making have you found most valuable during this module and how effectively do you think you are employing these within your own practice?

I have found worth in many of the principles taught within Visual Language, it has been useful to think about them as stand-alone elements, as well as integrating them into work alongside other visual components. I particularly enjoyed the collage tasks, because it was a method that I hadn’t considered too much before. From examples of practitioners within sessions, to actually producing the collages myself I was able to see the potential that the process had and how it could be used in different ways. Additionally with this task and others like it, they were experimental and allowed us to let loose and create images freely.

As mentioned prior, something I have taken away from the module has been the way I utilise my sketchbook. Although I already use it as a way of recording thoughts and ideas, I have began to use my book as a space that I can document media tests and experiments and see how they have been successful. I definitely want to continue bringing in the idea of visual investigation to my sketchbook.

3. What strengths can you identify within your Visual Language submission and how can you capitalise on these?

I believe that one strength of my work for this module has been my methodical approach to the more practical tasks (this applies more to the latter half of the module). This can be evidenced in the various composition exercises where creating roughs and multiples of something was required, and through this I explored idea of arrangement and layout and was able to test out what was most effective. Similarly with the lens task where generating ideas helped us to reach our final photo outcome.

4. What areas for development can you identify within your Visual Language submission and how will you address these in future?

An area for development that immediately stands out to me upon reflection is that I should have been more experimental and bold when making pictures. In some ways, I wish I had pushed myself even further and tried processes that weren’t obvious or something I would choose right away. Having identified this, it is something I hope I can achieve in future projects. I’d like to harness that exploratory, playful attitude that Visual Language seemed to encourage, as I think being able to make freely can help to keep creativity and ideas flowing.

5. In what way has this module informed how you deconstruct and analyse artwork (whether your own or that of contemporary practitioners)?

The Visual Language sessions have definitely helped me to consciously think about the ways in which the work of others is made and the effect it can have. I’m able to break down the qualities of an image, identify what makes them successful or not and if necessary, take these qualities into my own practice to help me construct more visually effective pictures. It goes beyond just showing what makes an aesthetically pleasing image, as this is a rather surface-level quality. It makes you realise how specific visual attributes can make a viewer think or feel something.