Initial meeting following submission was really fast and took place on the 18th May. I took some notes but it’s difficult to do that and take in all that the tutor is saying so we had gotten into the routine of me sending my thoughts of what we had discussed and the ideas I should investigate and a written report would be returned within a week. The feedback at the meeting was not good, he thought that I needed to do more editing which I was a little shocked and frustrated by since all the feedback I had been given so far was that the narrative was coming across. In future I will ensure that I record the sessions so I can make more detailed notes.
So, whilst I was waiting for a more detailed description of his thoughts, I pulled all the images from the mock book and tried to re-edit. This in itself was difficult as I kept trying to organise in a similar way. Mixing everything on the wall was a start but it took several days looking at the mixed up to break the pattern from the edit for Assignment submission.
Trying to keep focused on what I’m trying to say was key. Reviewing the books that were suggested helped, although one was not available here in New Zealand and I couldn’t afford over $200 for a copy so I reviewed the work by Berger and Sekula. At this stage I was more interested in the layout and how they had edited as the Sekula book and also the ones by Berger contained a large amount of text. Working with a local writer is something I would be interested in investigating for SYP and I have already started talking with a local author but not for this part of my course. I want the images to tell the story.
The theme of my project is to really provide a voice for the women who live in this isolated community. This links with my Contextual Studies that addresses who has the voice and how this has changed over the decades since the invention of photography. The project isn’t political and although my initial thoughts at the start of this course was around mental health, I have found that this small community is held together by these women. They are the backbone and the strength.
The written report was received on the 24th June. I think I have addressed all the points raised whilst I was waiting for the report in my Work in Progress section of the blog. This details my editing and re-editing process, reviews of the books and the additional feedback I have canvased from fellow students, social media groups and even an independent professional photographer. I think the use of a separate website for standalone images and the video works well now that it only holds selected images that add to the narrative and not a mixture of those that made it and those that didn’t. It looks cleaner and more professional. This was not my original aim as I think prints would work best but in these times of electronic only submissions it’s the best way forward. SYP will concentrate on an exhibition either outside in Ngawi or in the local Arts centre in Masterton and a book (limited edition) for each of the women that took part.
Michele Usher 