I have posted three or four blogs a week for the last two and a half years – since my MA Photography started.  It is called a Critical Research Journal because it covers my photography work in progress, thought pieces about other photographers and their photography and reflections of progress in my academic work.  As I have already indicated I intend to continue with this practice through my PhD studies and make it an integral part of my research work.

This weekend is the start of a new chapter in my life as I prepare to start my studies at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee.  I have a few more weeks before I start but I am moving up to the Isle of Skye to prepare myself for this life change.  I must say I am feeling a little nervous and apprehensive not least because of the uncertainty caused by Covid and how that will affect my studies.  I am reminded of the day, many years ago, when I started my undergraduate studies at the University of Kent.

A few days before leaving for Skye I had visited a local shop in Tetbury called Artique with a friend.  He bought a Ganesh and I was intrigued.  A Ganesh is an elephant-headed god of Hinduism and people display them in their homes around his festival on 22 August.

Hindu tradition states that Ganesha is a god of wisdom, success and good luck and my friend added that he helps you to overcome obstacles.  I was sold fearing I would need all the help I could get as I face the challenges of doctoral work!