Student Conversation - Diane Meyler
"I’ve learned more about process, concept and research in First Year than I’d ever known before. With each module came a different brief, a different set of tools and equipment to use, and a new way of seeing and making art."
On process:
In reality, the process of research could be endless. I’ve learned that there is rarely one incredible idea that stands out alone because, given enough thought, any idea can become a great piece of work.
On mistakes:
When it comes to producing any final piece that might be required of the brief, I have accumulated a mass of research that backs up my entire thought process, and the origin of my ideas is evident. One thing that helps the realisation of an idea more that anything else is discovering things that won’t work. This leads to new ways of thinking and it’s where some of my best ideas come from. I’d say making mistakes is not only enjoyable, but it’s imperative in any good, well researched work I carry out. All mistakes should be recorded and presented as equal parts in a project to final pieces.
On first year:
I’ve learned more about process, concept and research in First Year than I’d ever known before. With each module came a different brief, a different set of tools and equipment to use, and a new way of seeing and making art. My idea of art and design evolved as I gained a deeper understanding of concept and how important it is to any project. When realising an idea, the thought process itself involves breaking down conventions and exceeding the norms. I’ve learned new skills and experimented in areas that I’d never experienced before like print and metals. It was a quick moving year because every week brought something new, which is exciting, and NCAD is always an interesting place to be in.
On collaboration:
Conversation about your ideas is one of the most important parts of inquiry. Through bouncing ideas off each other and sharing insights, knowledge and experiences, you’re led to more defined and relevant outcomes. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses so it seems obvious that only by collaborating can you achieve the best results, lending your own skills and thoughts to the process. What you get is a pool of ideas, the strongest of which float to the top and become apparent throughout your work. No great idea comes from one person’s mind without their experience or influence from another source.
On her final project:
My final project is centred on revitalising the past, transforming book-making, and manipulation. My research involved craft work using a scalpel to create textures and shapes on different materials, manipulating typical structures of books, and inventing new ways of using them. I explored such concepts as conventions in family history, rumours and altered traditions of the past. I used my craft knife as much as my pencil, making paper models and learning from mistakes. I consider the content of the research in my notebooks and worksheets as equally important as the finished pieces at the forefront of the final show.
