VISAS
After graduation, as an international student from China, I plan to stay in the UK as a graduate. I will apply for the Graduate Visa to be eligible for two years stay. By building up my portfolio during this time, I hope to target the next place I can settle or hopefully apply for the T1 Global Talent Visa.
◆ ◆ ◆
NETWORKS
I will enhance the body of work to build an attractive portfolio; in doing so I can set a personal tone and thus identify promising galleries to work with. Taking part in exhibition openings, offline talks, seminars, etc. to let galleries and other artists see my works.
◆ ◆ ◆
EXHIBITIONS
Exhibitions are the most direct way of presenting work to audiences.
The two exhibitions in June and November 2022 gave me different experiences. I cannot say which one I prefer as they each gave me different feelings, joy, and reflections. In the future I will also adopt both ways of joining exhibitions——with artist friends and applying for the open call, to increase the exposure of my work.
◆ ◆ ◆
STUDIOS
All career plans as an artist are based on a steady production of works. After graduation, I plan to rent a studio with a few of my current classmates.
The difference between using the studio this year and my previous experience is that I am sharing the studio with my peers on the Camberwell campus. Before this, I had found it embarrassing and uncomfortable to show the art-making process. I only painted in private spaces - I was a sneaky kind of artist. However, after changing my results-oriented painting attitude, I began to enjoy the company of others during my work. In a shared studio, the support of peers and mutual critique is always available.
But also, as a result, the location of the studio needs to accommodate everyone's convenience. Currently, Limehouse Studios (East London) and Lombard Studios (South London) are on my list.
◆ ◆ ◆
RESIDENCIES
Taking part in a residency programme is a perfect option to enrich my experience as both an artist and a resident of the planet. Given the visa issues, I would choose to apply to countries where I can get a long-term tourist visa, such as the USA and Canada. Both artist.callforentry and art connect have ongoing updates on residencies application.
◆ ◆ ◆
LIVING SUPPORTS
Fortunately, my family is willing to support me by covering most of the expenses such as rent and studio expenses. In the meantime, I will look for a part-time job such as a waitress or a driver; I believe that a fair amount of physical work helps to develop the spiritual world - and that living on the ground leads to genuine artwork. A seemingly non-artistic physical job can become my MINDFUL time, without straining my spirit.