ART 493 SMP 1/ ART 333 Adv. Research and Writing for SMP

Studio Journal/ Research Notebook

DUE: On going, have this with you always!

Every activity, every conversation harbors potential relevancy for you and your art making, in effect you are on a perpetual search. A journal is a great way to gather it all together. You can keep your journal in the manner that works best for you, the only requirement is that you have it with you and write in it at all times. I will ask to look at it occasionally when I visit your studios. Here are some ways it can serve you:

A way to retain information and ideas

So you think you will remember it all when it comes time to write a reflection, report on a lecture, or summarize the relevant content of an essay you’ve read? You won’t.

An active learning strategy

Note taking can be a way of thinking as you listen or read. Don’t just use notes to describe and record content, formulating questions and or adding your point of view can be equally as important.

Recording in-the-moment revelations you have in your studio

Making art isn’t just about making. If you wait to write about your art making ideas until you are sitting in a computer lab, don’t be surprised if nothing comes to you. Writing about art begins when you are there with it.

Creating continuity for your studio sessions

Consider writing a journal entry at the end of each studio session. What do you see? How do you feel about it? What might want to done differently? What is the next step? If you write an entry like this, you can reread it when, two days later, you finally get back into the studio for your next work session. It will help you connect back to where you left off and make it easier to start back in with direction.

A place to begin formulating ideas/ responses for writing assignments and your studio blog

If various writing assignments ask you to articulate your intentions, reflect on your art making experiences, and respond to feedback you will need preliminary thoughts from which to compose coherent statements. The sooner you put ideas into words, no matter how fragmentary, the easier it will be later when trying to verbally or in writing discuss your intentions.

Artist Events, Research, Studio Visits Notes

You have a variety of assignments that require you to write summaries and reflections on studio visits, lectures, critiques, research etc. This journal is the place for your in-the-moment note taking that will later become the basis for writing out these formal assignments. Don’t leave home without it J