I know I haven't been on here long but I just need to vent some bult up tension here


AARGHH!

First time I have had to produce a serious amount of work for a massive deadline, spent over 50 hours in the studio last week and I am now suffering with a bad back and not being able to sleep. It's worth it in the end though... right?!

What does the work involve? I am sure it will be worth it in the end.I got a trapped nerve last year by over exerting myself by standing too long,so try and do it in small bursts keep calm and relax.Warm glass of milk and a relaxing bath before Bed

The piece I am currently working on is largely glitter based, lots of intricate pattern and details on a canvas which is 2.5x2m. As it's glitter i have to work flat on the floor and lean over it! it is very nearly finished though as is the other pieces I am going to be submitting for my degree show.

I'm just glad its a bank holiday, gives me an extra day to recover before I have to start doing it all again!

I will add images onto my site as soon as it's been hung

sounds really interesting Amy - I'd love to see it I love works with glitter and metallic paints. ( actually i like clothes like that too )
I work from a wheelchair so almost everything I paint is flat. I did have a small table easel but since my neck bones have worn I can't lift my arm up to paint..like wendy says take it in small bursts if you can - difficult when there's a deadline but will be worth it in the end
I'd skip the milk ( urgghhh - can't drink it only in tea etc...) have a large brandy, whisky or glass of wine

actually - seriously if youre having trouble sleeping you can get herbal supplements that might work - but best to just make yourself a plan of work that allows you plenty of time to finish and then your mind might ease a bit. I'm a bit like that when I've lots to do - hard to sleep because of worrying - if you're that sort of person you just have to find ways of dealing with it because it'll crop up again and again.

Yes, I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end . Jeannie is right, this sort of thing will come up again, and you need a plan in place to help you cope the best way for you...which could be Wendy's glass of milk and warm bath or could be Jeannie's glass of something stronger. Herbal remedies could help, as could lavender oil in your bath or on your pillow, reading a book and winding down, keeping your bedroom really calm, or a nice massage with essential oils to relax your muscles. The key is finding what suits you and having that plan in place when you need it .

Good luck!!

Hi Amy

Yes it is worth it - I got really stressed towards the end of my degree last year and came close to giving up, but I didn't and the stress lifted after I finished, so much so that I now feel really positive. A massage is an excellent idea - it should help to ease your back as well as relax you and get rid of some of the tension. The college I was at had a health and beauty department where I could get a full body massage for around a tenner - worth looking into!

Take care, Liz.

http://www.lizmurfitt.co.uk

Hi Amy

I remember it well- I couldn't wait for it all to finish- that last year I worked my socks off. (I did my degree at Cov too- some time back mind- 1991 I graduated.) And you'll miss it like mad when you're not there anymore.

Good luck- nearly there!

Jo

Aww thanks for all your replies! Thankyou Wendy, Jeannie and Liz for the relaxation tips! Unfortunately in my small student house we don't have a bath, but I've started burning oils at night which seems to be helping!

And hello Jo, another person who made it through Cov! I wonder how much it has changed since you were here?!

I'm feeling a lot more positive about everything now, I thik I just rushed myself off my feet! I finished all thedrawings I'm exhibiting this weekend. It's coming togther!

Hi Amy

When I was there, John was just starting in the lecturing lark and doing a few hours a week- I believe he is the head of art now? Also, is Karen (Trussell sp?) still there? She did her degree the same year as me- someone told me she was lecturing a few years ago but Im not sure if she still is. Are you still on the 5th floor of M block?

Jo

Yes Jonathan is still there being an amazing asset to the place! Unfortunately I'm sorry to inform you that Karen Trusselle passed away in September. We were told she had been in remission from cancer but ithad returned, we only found out on her passing which came as a complete and utter shock to us all. She was always so busy and strong and it is very strange without her, we always envisiged her casting her eye over our degree show. She is greatly missed by the tutors and students alike. Her husband Graham has been working there since I started in 2005 and he has really engrossed himself in carrying on the great work she did.

We are still up in the 5th floor, baking hot at the moment! If you are in the area you should come to the degree show!

Gosh that is so sad- god bless her. That must have been really tough on everyone. I'll raise my glass to her tonight.

What dates are the show on? If Im passing I'll try to pop in.

Jo

The opening night is Friday the 30th of May then it's runnign saturday -wednesday. 64 students in this years show, the most ever!