Artefacts

artefact
/ˈɑːtɪfakt/
noun
  1. 1.
    an object made by a human being, typically one of cultural or historical interest.
    "gold and silver artefacts"
  2. 2.
    something observed in a scientific investigation or experiment that is not naturally present but occurs as a result of the preparative or investigative procedure.
    "the curvature of the surface is an artefact of the wide-angle view"



At the start of my BAPP journey, an artefact was something completely alien to me. I had never heard of it before, let alone understood it. My first artefact I created was actually incorrect, it was words written down on a page. I found it difficult to escape words because to me, that is the way I normally communicate. How on earth do I communicate an experience, a journey and feeling through an object that has no words?! I had to step outside my comfort zone and into the unknown. Trust myself that I could do it and take those first steps forward. Since then, it has been a fascinating and wonderful learning experience for me, which I have thoroughly enjoyed.

My first (correct) artefact, was actually a costume. Amalgamating historical items, uniforms, photographs, masks and so forth, all of which is unique to me. My second artefact was a puzzle. Drawing together all the Shakespearian views, pictures and experiences as I explored what my professional inquiry could potentially be. My final artefact, well… I have an idea. That is a good start I suppose…

Linking back to the TedxTalks Youtube video that Dr Adesola Akinleye had shared on her blog, there are a few points that resonated with me greatly.

It was the journey of Penny Oki’s artefact that inspired me. Her story started with an experience. It then developed into an idea. The idea grew, moved forward and evolved. Then it evolved again. By the end of the process (dare I say there is an ending!) she had involved the wider community and travelled the word. It is utterly stunning!

An experience. A painting. Multiple paintings. One origami whale. Multiple origami whales. A tank. A curtain. Multiple curtains with multiple origami whales. But they aren’t just pieces of paper, they represent an individual message and a story to build the bigger picture. Each whale representing one that has been killed in the past year.

Her artefact contained individuality and personality, which each whale containing an individual message or picture on it by the person who made it. It involved the entire community and shared a message too. Penny Oki’s story is very inspiring indeed. She manages to turn her passion into action.

Her purpose was clear and received with an overwhelming impact. She mentions empowerment too. Giving each individual the opportunity to really be a part of this. This goes back to previous points of connectivity and networking. She did not achieve this on her own.

She finishes with some lovely profound words:
“Follows your heart with vision and actions, create your own folds and you will connect with your purpose in life” Oki, P. (2019) Online.
  
Can my artefact make a difference to the world?



TEDx Talks. Oki, P. (2016) Allow things to unfold and you will find your purpose in life [Youtube video] Onine. Accessed via:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=981&v=ycB29FkoylE&feature=emb_logo
[Viewed on: 26/11/2019]

Comments

  1. Charlie Steggles27 November 2019 at 12:43

    A great blog. I have been realising the same thing. I don't think I can make my artefact on my own. I want to create a series of dances to capture my inquiry process, but I've been thinking that the way its filmed will add another dimension. To capture the movements I will need the camera to move with me. I've been thinking about Go Pros, using mirrors to capture different angles and having another dancer dance beside me. Whatever I do, I hope it encapsulates my passion. x

    ReplyDelete
  2. CathLimerick28 November 2019 at 00:57

    Hey Jess! Great post. After chatting in the Skype call last night and reading your blog, I realise that my artefact in Module 1 was also incorrect. I also struggle to communicate a journey without using words. The video Adesola shared really helped clarify how something so simple as a piece of art or an origami whale can evolve into something much bigger. I hope that you find your inspiration for you module 3 artefact!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Power of Collaboration

Image
The Power of Collaboration Thank you to Adesola for sharing the YouTube video of Dr. Shelle VanEtten de Sánchez’s talk on the Power of Collaboration:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmQVNE-MbKI “What each of us can accomplish on our own will fit in the palm of our hand, but that is insignificant compared to what we can accomplish together.” Some incredibly wise words from Dr Shelle VanEtten de Sánchez and something I have actually been thinking about a lot recently as I have been working on a new creative project.  For the past 6 months I have had an idea. Essentially to write a collection of short plays for children to teach them about Shakespeare and his stories, indirectly and without boring them to death. Over the summer I researched, I wrote, I brainstormed. Come Autumn I presented the idea to the group and it fell flat. It did not work.  Ego bruised and feeling disheartened I knew I was approaching the work completely wrong. So, I to...
Read more

Making Links

Image
Ten years ago, in a movement class at the Drama Centre London we were exploring circles, specifically circles of movement. What circles can we create with our bodies? With parts of our bodies, our minds and so forth. The signification came when we realised that life, plays, characters, history, thoughts, are their own circles. Everything in connected and interconnect, they overlap and create wonderful patters that contribute to the creativity and validity of our own circle of life. Circles are constant, donate a sense of movement and express that our life is a constant state of fluidity; as is our thinking. Wednesday's Skype call (which included students from all modules) was a reminder to me that I must keep remembering to link back what I am doing throughout module 3. One student mentioned "Reflection on action" and "Reflection in action" which we learnt about in module 1. This lightbulb moment reminded me of the importance of linking back and bei...
Read more

Inspiration Station

Image
Module 3 is nearly over. The artefact, feedback and professional inquiry have been submitted. I am now turning my attention towards my presentation.  Dr Adesola Akinleye has asked us to blog about what has been inspiring us over the festive break. I came across this video entitled: "Why the School System is Outdated" by Gary Vaynerchuk.  I hope that you are able to view this video on the link below: https://www.facebook.com/gary/videos/613787749153202/UzpfSTUwNTE2MTMzMzoxMDE1NjgwMDE0ODYwNjMzNA/ In the video, Gary Vaynerchuk states that " information is a commodity ", so easily available at the palm of our hands, that the global school system is now outdated. We no longer need to memorise information for tests, as we can access it via the internet within seconds. He points out that the fundamental flaw in education actually comes down to parenting, not teaching. He argues that we need an education system focused on promoting happiness for our chi...
Read more