As we began with their review of my draft thesis, I was a little apprehensive as version 2 was a significant rewrite, and while they had already seen a prior version of Chapter 2, the theoretical Chapter 3 was new to them. I was soon reassured that Chapter 3 was very good and their main focus in terms of feedback was the Abstract and Chapter 1 – the Introduction. I have to admit that in my heart of hearts, I knew this was the weakest part of the thesis, but I did not feel able to make further progress before receiving their feedback on the current draft. Indeed, almost all of their comments focused on those sections of the chapter that I had already identified as weak. In fact, the Abstract is a rewrite of 300 words, and Chapter 1 is a significant rewrite of one section and some improvements to another. My supervisors also gave me some really helpful feedback on ways I can improve other parts of the thesis. As far as Chapter 4 is concerned, there is one section that needs improvement.
I was pleased with the feedback and my efforts to get to the Second Draft. I feel that I have climbed the mountain and can now begin my climb down the other side. That is not to say I don’t have a lot to do to get to the Third Draft and beyond, but I now feel that the narrative is right, but maybe needs enhancing still further, but the structure of the thesis, the chapters and the sections are largely done.
On the basis of my supervisors’ feedback, we have agreed on a schedule for submission as follows:
- Submit the “Intention to Submit” form by the end of March.
- Target the end of June for the submission of my thesis, although I will not compromise on quality so if it is not ready then I will give myself more time.
- Submit redrafted Abstract and Introduction by the end of March.
- Submit complete Draft 3 by the end of April.
- Spend the majority of May producing the prints for the Handmade Artist’s Book. This will not need to be submitted with the thesis but will be available on the viva day.
- Finalise thesis for submission through June.
- Target September 2023 for viva.
In the afternoon I presented a selection of my images printed on various photographic surfaces. My favoured paper is the Hahnemuehle German Etching followed by the William Turner textured matt paper. They were printed as A2 square images. My supervisors were very impressed with the quality and production of my work. I talked them through my plans in terms of Rationale, Structure, Size/Scale, Timescales, Surfaces and Binding/Cover considerations. The details were previously posted in the following blog:
https://www.wildreflections.photography/uncategorised/meeting-with-my-bookbinder-10-february-2023
My second supervisor asked when a photograph becomes an “art object” which I thought was very interesting and will be the subject of a future post.
