Evaluation 'Memory Layers'-FMP

Final Major Project Evaluation- 'Memory Layers'

For my Final Major Project called 'Memory Layers', I created a mixed media piece that focuses on memory, place, and personal history. The main photograph in the work shows Gipsy Hill, the road I used to walk up and down every day on my way to the train station. This view means a lot to me. It holds so many memories from my childhood and early adult life. When I was younger, the skyline in the distance only had a few tall buildings. Canary Wharf was one of them. Now, the skyline is full of towers, and the city feels like it has changed so much. Even though Gipsy Hill has stayed quite the same, the city beyond it keeps growing and changing, just like life has for me.

To add more meaning to the piece, I created five perspex layers that sit in front of the photo. Each one represents a part of my journey growing up in South London. One shows Tower Bridge, which I used to cross nearly every day on my way to work. Another is a pillar from my old high school, a place filled with early memories. I included a lamp post from outside my childhood bedroom window, because even small details like that hold meaning when they’re part of your daily life. I also added the street art from the one-way system in Crystal Palace, something that always caught my eye. The last layer shows the zebra crossing outside my primary school, where I got my children to cross while I took the photo. This moment felt like I was bringing the past and present together.

Each element in the work has been carefully chosen to link back to my own memories and feelings. I’ve noticed that this is a pattern in my practice, I’m drawn to making art about emotions, nostalgia, and the personal stories tied to places. I often use familiar locations to express change, growth, and the passing of time. I think it's important to keep exploring these themes, because they help me understand myself and where I come from.

Alongside this piece, I also began making another work using cyanotype, but sadly I couldn’t complete it because I ran out of the cyanotype mix. It was frustrating not to finish it, but I still learned a lot from the process and it’s something I plan to go back to in the future.

I also worked really hard on the previous ‘Castle Project’ where I made the piece Walk With Me. I’m really proud that I’m able to show this work alongside my FMP, because the two are closely linked. Walk With Me also looks at memory, the journeys I went on with my children, and looking through layers. Showing both pieces together makes the project feel more complete and gives a clearer picture of what my work is about.

Working on this project was exciting, but also quite stressful. I was managing two projects at the same time, and there wasn’t a lot of time given to work on the Final Major Project. This meant I had to stay focused and make quick decisions. I had to problem-solve along the way, for example, figuring out how to laser cut around the Perspex pieces once they were already printed and the outline had changed due to the double screen print. attach the perspex layers in a way that didn’t take away from the photo underneath, or deciding the right order to layer them so they made visual and emotional sense.

Despite the pressure, I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved. I stayed true to my idea and created something that feels personal and thoughtful. This project reminded me of why I love making art, it allows me to tell stories that matter to me and hold onto important memories.

Overall, I feel this project shows how much I’ve grown. I’ve learned more about my own style and voice. I’m excited to keep exploring memory, emotion and personal history in my future work.