Academic year 2013-2014

Welcome to the Unit 5 blog.  This has just been updated and will be updated further once more send their blog addresses.

Well done to those who have already managed to create their own blog!

Task 1

Development of Research Blog:

You must develop a research blog that will also be used for Task 2.  The research blog is to be updated on a weekly basis with one (1) significant blog post per week.  Blog entries must give equal importance to both art and design. 

The research blog is to contain:

i)       Research based on the characteristics and influences of movements covered in class.  Research will tap a range of sources that may include:  books; DVDs; CD ROMs; the internet; quality magazines and art journals.

ii)      A short illustrated essay of around 500 words on one (1) contemporary designer/craftsman/artist to show the development of ideas from contextual influences.  The essay is to include

a.     the characteristics of his/her work;

b.    the development of ideas from past and contemporary contextual influences on his/her work;

c.     descriptions (materials, processes, formal elements, visual language) of works  produced by the designer/craftsperson/artist chosen to illustrate (a) and (b) above.

iii)     Relevant visual material

Careful referencing is important in each case and therefore sources and details of any textual and visual material need to be quoted according to the Harvard Referencing System (the following link is useful Harvard Referencing System).
Downloaded material or copied and pasted material will NOT be considered or corrected.

iv)       Notes taken when on visits to at least two (2) museums, galleries and/or studios.

Careful referencing is important in each case and therefore

a.     dates of lectures/visits

b.    names of practitioners

c.     titles of exhibitions and

d.    at least five (5) works for each visit

       are to be recorded in a consistent style.

v)      Your own thoughts and comments to review/analyse information in i) and iv) above and to indicate how these influence your own applied project work.

Unit 5: Contextual Influences in Art and Design

Ideas: their development from contextual influences

Artists, designers and craftspeople have always looked to the past for inspiration and innovation.  In order to learn from the past and build on others’ creativity, it is important for learners to appreciate some of the factors that are essential to a practitioner’s professional development by understanding the importance of historical and cultural influences on art, craft and design.  Practitioners in every field of the sector also recognise the need and value of keeping abreast of contemporary art, craft and design developments, within and beyond their specialist practice.

Guided by your own tutor, you are expected to conduct the following two tasks:

i)      Development and maintenance of a research blog with 10 blog posts inclusive of 1 that will be a short illustrated essay on one (1) contemporary designer/craftsman/artist to show the development of ideas from contextual influences;

ii)     Power Point presentation on design/crafts/art in world cultures based on a further 6 blogs.