Some selected text for MA project...

Below are some selected extracts from my diaries which I will be using as source material for my practice based research module. I have selected these few quotes from hundreds of entries because I think they present an accurate account who I was at that time. They are simple, funny, dull - and genuine. At age 14 - 16 I was both a child and an adult. I was someone whose creative energies couldn't be summed up under subject headings and for whom creative processes appear to have existed in a more authentic way outside of formal education.
At this time my 'authentic creative practice' appears to include things like finger knitting and weaving friendship bracelets, customising clothes and bags, making drawings directly on to bedroom walls, writing letters, lyrics and poetry and keeping the diaries themselves.
It's interesting to see that the only place where I voice doubts about the credibility of my creative practice is when I'm talking about my school art work. I was shocked to see how often I simply decided not to go to school in favour of sleep. I have no recollection of this.
I wonder whether I can reconnect with myself as an authentic practitioner after so many years spent learning - and then teaching - in formal art education contexts. This raises issues around confidence, doubt, taste, credibility, fashion. I'm not short of material here.

Ok, so here are the selected diary extracts - exactly as they appeared.

Sunday 26th May '91: Did up old jacket with buttons and ribbon.

Monday 17th February '92: Our gerbil has gone suicidal

Wednesday 19th February '92: I'm quite excited because I'm going to do this picture and I've got it all worked out in my mind. I've just had another idea. I'll draw it here.

Wednesday 4th March '92: Art. Got some paper stretched at last. This painting will be good (I hope...)

Wednesday 11th March '92: I am doing that picture I was going on about a few weeks ago... should be good (should... I will probably cock it up)

Thursday 19th March '92: Didn't go to school today. Got a bit stressed and stayed in bed.

Tuesday 24th March '92: Got up, went to school, came home.

Thursday 27th March '92: My hair has got silver bits in it.

Wednesday 21st May '92: Didn't go to school. Slept instead.

Friday 17th July '92: Made smart laces for my DMs today.

France (holiday)

• Tuesday 21st July '92: A day free to do what we want so I drew a bit.
• Wednesday 29th July '29: We drove around Paris and I made loads of mental notes so I can sketch when I get back. It's beautiful. Amazingly beautiful.
• Thursday 30th July '92: Alcohol poisoning.

Wednesday 5th August '92: Went to Donegal and bought thread.

Monday 14th September '92: School is already becoming dull.

Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it isn't good. (only dated '93)

I reason with myself after years of fixed ideas (only dated '93)