After quite a lot of thinking following some not particularly kind feedback, I decided it was the best idea to separate out my 'art' (drawing, gallery viewing and more 'academic' work), and my craft (crochet, toys and decorations) into 2 separate instagram accounts. I've been thinking about doing it for a while but was initially hesitant. Whilst I was at university I was really interested in the historic maligning of crafted works, and the marriage of craft and 'fine art' within a contemporary context. I felt if I separated out my accounts, I might be doing a disservice to the study and consideration I did during my time at Ruskin! However, I realised that there's a big difference between the security of studying, and the reality of earning money and living as a working artist. If you have a trust fund, or you get *exceptionally* lucky, then it might be possible to be led only by your interests in contemporary art aesthetics, and not make in a financially savvy way. But the reality is, if you're lucky enough to be able to support yourself with your art practice, you'll need to think carefully about where your money is coming from, and how to create popular work. My crochet pigeons are definitely my 'hero' product, and they keep things ticking over financially month to month. Many people who like these crafted birds, won't be interested in my dead animal drawings, and visa versa. Rather than it being a disservice to my university studies, I actually decided it would be a shrewd business move. 

So, if you're more interested in my crochet work, or if you would like to follow both accounts, my new one is www.instagram.com/jessicaheywoodcraft

After many months of discussion, meetings, researching and drawing, my part of the Thomas Nashe project was wrapped up in February. We ran a show over 2 weeks, with the drawings on display, along with a large whiteboard slideshow. For the run I created prints, bookmarks and badges which were left on the tables with an honesty box. The opening was small but very successful, with a host of academics from the English and History departments, and a few artists. It was wonderful to have a chance to hear feedback and have discussions about the images. 

The space in which the exhibition took place is not normally an arts space, but a large reception area of an engineering and science building. It was great to be able to use an unusual space, and have discussion with people not used to seeing art projects as they enter their place of work or study. It was more like an academic conference, than an art exhibition, which was a new venture for me and one I really enjoyed. It was great to take the work out of a gallery setting and play with its potential in different arenas.