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This is a sub-blog from HaddersArtDegree-Reflections.blogspot.com  which will map my progress through the Summer of 2014, in my quest for a greater understanding of Contemporary Fine Art & Illustration.

As a I recognise that life is clearly continuing process of learning, it is important for me to continue with self tuition during the periods of University holidays.

My first year at University has been truly enlightening, I've learned a huge amount, not only about Art and Illustration, both in terms of historical practices but also of course, contemporary.  The depth of thought has been extremely stimulating, and I have learned not only a broad understanding of contemporary philosophy, from the renaissance to the present, but also a wealth of personal views and ideas have begun to develop in my knowledge 'of myself'.

Shakespeare's old mantra, or was it Plato...or maybe some greek geezer before him?... Anyway, one that was repeated often to me by a wise form teacher, as a young student at secondary age, was "Know Thyself"...  In fact, I'm also aware that those same words are immortalised on a stone plinth above a lynch gate at our local Church graveyard (The same Church my wife and I were married in too).   This is probably, the best single piece of advice to give anyone...

So, on to my projects for the Summer of 2014.  In knowing myself just a little, I may start with big ideas, but I need to be disciplined in seeing them all through to fruition.   I'm keen to make a note of my desired goals during the time I will get available this year, and whilst this list provides a number of intentional goals, I will need to update this page regularly with progress in order to monitor actual achievements.

In no particular order, I will start with my
Objectives;

1. Gain a more in-depth understanding of the Adobe Suite of tools as follows;
1. Illustrator
2. Photoshop
3. Premier Pro
4. Flash
5. Dreamweaver
6. Bridge
7. After Effects & Workflow
2. ~Gain a better understanding and working knowledge of the Blender.com 3D and modelling software.
3. Visit the Tate Modern in London at least a couple of times during the summer, together with local Galleries including Manchester & Liverpool.
4. Research the work of "The Other Stuckists of Muswell Hill" in order to evaluate and create a short form dissertation / essay for my Contextual Studies
5. Keep the goal of "Never a Day without a line!" - Continuing Drawing Transformations
6. Paint / draw, sculpt / build at least one good quality / presentation piece per fortnight.

 Strategies;

1. I will use the resources on Linda.com - an on line learning and CBT resource that our University has access to, for the Adobe Suite of products.
2. Blender.com has a huge number of self tutorials to use on line aids.
3. Set a timetable for gallery visits, to include some visits to the OSOMH gallaries to research.
4. Keep regular notes and records of my Summer Project, perhaps on a new blog space.