Ideas for the future

After completing Cop this year, I watched a documentary called Cowspiracy (thanks to Em) which has pretty much changed way I think about the world, and everything I covered in my Cop2. 

In some ways I wish id seen it prior to completing my essay, but on the other hand, I'm kind of glad I didn't, because I feel like I've learnt a lot about one subject from various view points now. 

Since watching the programme I've become vegetarian, and I'm trying to make a conscious effort to buy products that haven't been tested on animals. Which apparently nearly all of them have which I really didn't realise! 

Its like a switch has flicked inside me, and for the first time since I can remember I feel passionate about something. Not in the way that I want to preach to people and annoy them, but in the way that I want to learn as much as I can, and do whatever I can to help raise awareness and make a change. Ive always know I like to help others, but if i can channel my illustrations in a way that does this, I think i could have a really fulfilling future career. 

If I'm being perfectly honest, I didn't think I would carry on with illustration after university. But now I feel like I have a direction, and an incentive to carry on. Imagery is so powerful when used correctly, and this is something I want to keep exploring and experimenting with throughout my practice.

I really want to carry on with a similar subject for cop3, but explore a different side of global warming, or something along these lines. Ive just signed up to do some wwoofing this summer in order to get some primary research. Wwoof stands for world wide opportunities on organic farms. A lot of the farms on small holdings involved in this organisation are ethical, sustainable, in some cases, vegan based, and also green. I want to find the perfect one for me, work there, draw there, and gather as much information as possible. I will attempt to visit at least 2 places this summer, but i have the membership for a year, so I will be able to carry out research throughout the year which is great. 

This has by far been the biggest turning point for me.

I really want to look into working for charities, or organisations that strive for a better future. 

I want to help people with what I do, meet people, travel and learn and create the whole while. Pretty excited really.

Secret 7

Getting a piece into secret 7 this year was a huge confidence boost for me. I really lack confidence when it comes to my own work, so it was exactly what I needed. My family who live in London went to see it and they said they were really impressed by it all. My brother obviously had to get an obligatory selfie with my work, standard. Pretty proud moment though.

PPP Session

These were pretty good questions to get you thinking. I don't often have the time to reflect on what I'm doing and where I'm going or what I want to achieve. I find it difficult to juggle so many modules, have a little social life and at the same time reflect on who I am and where I'm going. 

Which meant I found this session really useful. I also think that the summer will be a really good opportunity to carry on these thoughts, and channel my work in the right direction.