This is an open letter – for you, for us.
With the introduction of social distancing measures everything turned upside down since mid-March in a blink of an eye. It is undeniable that this radical transformation has been profound – especially for us final year students.
Adjusting to working alone in our houses what we associate with other meanings than studio related activities is difficult and not always feasible. Unfortunately, a lot comes down to physical and financial capabilities and geographical locations. So, what can we do?
Online art school is not art school.
The concept of online art school is something new we all need to adapt to and invest our energies in creative creation rather than overthinking the circumstances we clearly cannot change.
The issue we are all facing –
It is having to leave the country in such a hurry you could not even pack up your projects, so you get home and have nothing to show and nothing to work on. And you do not necessarily have the resources or finances to make more.
Not all students have these resources in their own homes. The fees are paid to enable the access to these things and many others.
Enabling a sense of normality
As banal as it sounds – the most important thing is to remain positive in times like this. If you do not have access to all the resources you usually use – do something different, sketch more, use unusual materials to model ideas and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel lost.
Our resourcefulness, creativity and compassion are incredibly valued right now. Tutors, employers and every single person who will look at 2020 graduate student portfolios will know, we all deserve special consideration and look at it from a different perspective.
During isolation, mental health for students and staff alike remains an ongoing concern. The only way to get through the never-ending assignments is by embracing uncertainty. It is important for us all to stay true to ourselves. So many divergent discourses are being heard all around the media and social networks. In the midst of all of this, make sure the loudest voice is the one that comes from within.
‘Staying positive, maintaining healthy routines and taking care of ourselves will hopefully prepare us for some of the big changes that will inevitably come our way in the future.’
The university and our tutors are trying their hardest to ensure we are not academically disadvantaged and get all the support we need. Their quick adaptation and creative methods are major motivational factors and invaluable support for us all.
Future? Future!
These testing times will ultimately stand us, students in good stead in a profession that has to endure the cyclical booms and busts of the property market.
I am thinking about us final year students entering a job market that will be among the worst ever for a graduating class. We are lucky if we get our postponed graduation ceremonies to celebrate our achievements and spend a special day with our loved ones. Now and in the future, I hope that employers will take special note when they receive a job applicant’s resume with a 2020 degree date on it. Our class deserves a special consideration for the quick and creative adaptation during these uncertain times while we are facing with extraordinary circumstances. Entering the workforce for us seems just as terrifying as jumping off a cliff (Curtis, 2020).
Remember, we will hug again. We will see each other again. We will throw those hats in the air, let all those emotions out and be extremely proud of ourselves for completing such an intense journey despite all the extreme obstacles we had to face with. Keep going and know that we are all in this together. Know that you are not alone.
References:
Castle, H (2020) How Covid-19 Is Affecting the Class of 2020. The Riba Journal [online]. Available from: https://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/coronavirus-2020-impact-part-1-third-year-undergraduate-students?fbclid=IwAR2amnzfF1KsiTVIQNsZ23c1xe2TGXOaMHbFuGxACVaiykLRqKME9BxLBCQ [Accessed 01 April 2020].
Inspired by Diane Curtis’ words (2020) shared on Linkedin