Balancing Act

I applied to join the MFA at Grays School of Art for a number of reasons:

• to kick start my studio practice
• enhance my research skills
• forge new connections (professional and personal)
• invest in my emotional and physical well being

From the outset I had no doubts that the Masters programme would be a valuable experience. However I was not prepared for how much it would inform, inspire, enhance or change me. It has also made me question the juncture I find myself in my life and career.
The most difficult transition for me will be when my course ends and I return to my full-time post at Dundee and Angus College.

This Friday and Saturday saw me spending two full productive happy days in my studio making supports and photographing my found objects. The past year and a half has flown by with a little over four months left to complete works for my final show and submit my research paper. The list of works I wish to make is too ambitious but this does not trouble me for it means I will have projects to continue with when I graduate in September.

The most important question I find myself asking as the MFA draws to an end is 'what do I need in my life to make me happy?'. Without a doubt I need to continue my studio practice. I will not let slip away what I have rediscovered. I think for too long in my life I have put the needs of others before my own. Not that I intend to be unconditionally selfish. I have now learned how to manage my time and save some of it for myself. To make sure I continue to produce works I will begin to apply for exhibition opportunities and competitions.

I suppose the overall conclusion I have come to is this, that to be happy one must achieve balance in their life and I have been off-balance for too long a time. To redress the balance I have identified that I need to:

• make time for myself
• recognise toxic relationships and replace them with loving ones
• know when to say yes and when to say no
• ​make art