1. Reading group (We Move Amongst Ghosts)

The reading group discussion of "We Move Amongst Ghosts" presents a compelling lens to connect individual memories to the broader landscape of collective memories (Ford, 2019). As articulated by Anna, there is a" parallel between individual and collective memory." (Camberwell Reading Group, 2023) This resonates with me:
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Understanding how Ford employs the urban environment to evoke memories provides new perspectives on how environmental factors influence memory formation (Ford, 2019). The main point is how emotions are intertwined with memories, and spaces/objects with emotional significance help individuals trace back memories. Even though I do not use the environment as a memory prompt in my current practice, I use other prompts, such as diary entries, conversations, or smells.
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Ford also uses narrative layering to uncover the stories hidden in urban spaces (Laura Oldfield Ford, 2019). I use layering of lines in my work to narrate memories, too. Layering in my work is not just applied visually and conceptually, allowing different elements to coexist and play their respective roles in storytelling. In future works, I hope to explore the possibility of silk layering.
Lastly, Ford's method of creating conceptual depth by investigating the socio-political and cultural possibilities of urban environments is something I struggle with. I am focused on individual memories, so I wonder if exploring socio-political and cultural dimensions is related to my practice. Sometimes, I feel I should leave it to artists dealing with collective memory. However, at other times, I feel that individual memories are also shaped by external factors such as socio-political and cultural issues. My practice is still in its budding stages, but I am sure that as I progress throughout the year, I will be able to find an answer to this question.
2. Lihong Liu's lecture

I was drawn to the lecture by Lihong Liu. Our creative methods coincide, from using silk as a painting canvas, to our interest in memories (albeit from different angles) (Camberwell lecture, 2024). Lihong's explanation of how she uses 'deja vu' as a research method gave me room to reflect on my practice. I use prompts such as diary entries to trace memories. I agree with Lihong that memories possibly embody an inherent sense of déjà vu. At its core, déjà vu is a false sense of familiarity, as if a moment has been lived through when, in truth, it should be a novel encounter. I have realized that the clash between the new and the familiar creates a paradox. This made me wonder about the possibility of memories being the source of déjà vu. Through mapping memories in my research, I have come to understand that memories are not photographs but are portals through which the past and present converge. This means that memories can influence our perception of the 'now'. Thinking of memories as dynamic portals highlight the possibility that déjà vu is an inherent aspect of the relationship between our past experiences and our present experiences. This lecture made me question the malleability of memory and whether the memories I form with the help of prompts are genuinely accurate. I hope to get some insight into this in the next few months.
Example of Liong Liu's work (Liu, n.d.)
3.Hannah Maybank's lecture

Hannah Maybank's lecture resonates with me even though we have vastly different research subjects. What captivates me most about her practice is her daring and inventive approach to material research (Camberwell lecture, 2023). In her words, "Material presence is of great importance within the paintings." (Maybank, n.d.). Hannah is technically adventurous and has explored materials such as latex, 'synthetic gold,' 'Japanese glass pigment', and 'parasol' (Maybank, n.d.).The depth of her inquiry into materials reflects a common respect for materials' transformative power to the artistic process.
Photograph of Hannah with her painting (NHS, 2023)
As I listen to her introduce her practice, I am amazed by how she pushes the boundaries of materials. For example, she is not afraid to mix latex and wax or use unconventional mediums such as honey.

For example, she used honey glycerin and gum arabic in this painting (Camberwell lecture, 2023)

In this piece she experimented with acrylic and latex (Camberwell lecture, 2023)
Even though I have always been open to material experimentation, this is the first time I have heard someone introduce their experimentation in person. It profoundly impacted me, especially since I was struggling to handle silk at that time. At that point, I had gone through 30 silk canvases without a single one succeeding, which was discouraging. Seeing Hannah being so adept at her material research gave me hope and encouragement to continue with my research into silk.
My greatest takeaway from this lecture is the transformative potential of resilience. Hannah's success in mastering various materials proves that failures are not equivalent to defeat but are invitations to innovate and persevere. This lecture inspired me and pushed me forward in my research.
Ford, L.G. (2019). We move amongst ghosts. [online] Verso. Available at: https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/blogs/news/4334-we-move-amongst-ghosts [Accessed 24 Jan. 2024].
Ingham, C. (2019). Drawing and Photography. [online] mysite. Available at: https://cingham8.wixsite.com/mysite/drawing-and-photography [Accessed 24 Jan. 2024].
Laura Oldfield Ford (2019). Savage messiah. London: Verso.
Liu, L. (n.d.). paintings. [online] LIHONG LIU. Available at: http://www.lihongliu.com/paintings.html [Accessed 25 Jan. 2024].
Maybank, H. (n.d.). Hannah Maybank. [online] hannahmaybank.com. Available at: http://hannahmaybank.com/work/ [Accessed 24 Jan. 2024].
NHS (2023). Hannah Maybank. [online] University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Available at: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/about/trust/improvement-projects/lmb/connect-art-programme/commissions/artists/hannah-maybank/ [Accessed 25 Jan. 2024].