Feedback on my year's work

I've had my feedback on my year's work.  I've just completed second year part time, and have specialised in textile print.  I was very pleased to get a good mark.  I think it is very easy to get too hung up about getting one of the top grades, because what is important is how much learning you have done, and this is affected by where you started.  For me it is the feedback that is important.  And you only get 10 minutes for your feedback session.  And I got stuck in Oh!  Wow!  How fantastic!  and I start listening to the conversation in my head, rather than the conversation with the tutor! When really I should be asking, probing and listening (and remembering!) why I've got the grade, and what it is that conveys it.  I did manage to asked why I'd achieved the grade and all I can remember is "it's about the humanity in what you do" and "It's the quality of the drawing that supports the work".  Humanity in how I behave with the other students, about the wider aspects of what I talk about, the observations I make on life, or the subjects that I choose to draw?  Which qualities - the accuracy (I doubt it!), the media of drawing, the media of applied art, ... Or all of it.  I focussed on the moments of delight in the grade, rather than listening and analysing!

I know I like drawing small objects, often old, well used, well handled, with emotional attachment for me.  The things that are familiar and valued because of their use, their function, the memories associated with them.  This might be why people like my rough-and-ready, sketchy drawing style.  Nothing I do is really well finished or polished unless I try really hard and even then my broad brush approach is quite apparent.    The way things are valued and used is very important to me and the patination of use and recognition of the value of small domestic objects is something I think I need to explore.  I think the above statement applies to people as well - how people are valued and used, and how we recognise and value the people who do the undervalued/menial roles in society as well.  I think recognition of the skills and talents of the little people is very important, and unfortunately overlooked. 

I may reflect on this further in my blog.