Eight weeks. That's how long we have until portfolio hand in. Our tutors informed us of this today as well as other scary facts all pertaining to the end of our student days at Kingston. That's really not very long, especially considering how long my to-do list is! Better get cracking then.
First though, cakes! These are for the bake sale at uni tomorrow, all money goes to our degree show at the end of the year. I started off by drawing rabbit shapes in melted chocolate to decorate them, going for an Easter theme. Unfortunately my cake decorating skills are somewhat lacking, they looked more like deranged horror film rabbit's rather than happy Easter rabbit's, and with my limited supply of chocolate it wasn't looking good. I saved the rest from becoming discount cakes by going for a more basic two tone pattern. I'll try not to eat them all before the sale...
What seems like ages ago now, back in December, a tweet popped up on my timeline from St. Bride Library offering a fantastic chance to meet Ken Garland and hear him speak. What a chance it was! I snapped up a ticket and last Tuesday got to sit down and be inspired.
The talk was introduced by Adrian Shaughnessy, after which Ken Garland spoke for a while, paying tribute to his associates and friends. I found Garland charismatic and genuinely interesting to listen to. He has a way with words that inspires, captures you and creates laughter, his speech peppered by the odd swear word that gives a sense of familiarity with his audience. As some of the panel members said later on, he has the ability to make everyone feel involved, and how in the classroom he strived to know everyones names, or at least something about them. While this obviously wasn't needed in an evening talk, as an audience member I felt appreciated. I especially loved how Garland ignored the microphone and instead strolled up and down the isle, including everyone in what he had to say. It felt much more relaxed and enjoyable than other talks that have a more prescribed atmosphere.
I'm afraid the panel suffered in comparison coming after Ken Garland, although it was interesting to hear what it had been like to have been taught by him, I only wish I could have had the same privilege. Afterwards there was a chance to get books signed, and Unit Editions were also there to provide many temptations but unfortunately I had to resist. One of the downsides to being a student!
