Performance-Storytelling.

Matt Rourke’s Storytelling Flyer.

I have always loved the idea of storytelling, and indeed, I enjoy regaling a crowd with a tall tale or personal anecdote. But what about actual storytelling… have I got that in me?

From the very first group critique, Jo, Leo and Paul identified the ‘performance’ aspect of my presentations. However, I had never really considered it as part of this degree. Am I even qualified to do this? That would surely be best left to all those drama students.

This is new. This whole idea of my art practice encompassing and embodying my narrated words has got me thinking. So, yes, I will participate and see what comes out of it. Scary, really, considering I’m also getting ready for the summer show. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. It may give me something outside of the intense studio work.

Matt has always been supportive of my work and has stood and listened with interest to the history behind my making. I could explore narrating the story of where my Shaman comes from. How interesting, this is a step back in time, too, back to the beginning of my printmaking journey.

NB: Matt also wants the story to be written! That is the worst thing someone can ask me to do. Talk? Yes…. write? Well, that's a whole new stress for me. With a history of exam nerves and possible dyslexia, this is not where I am most comfortable. However, I will write the story to the best of my ability, and it will be helpful to revisit the memory ahead of the storytelling.