Visual Narratives research day

Today we began our research into our new project through getting into groups of 5 and exploring Leeds with a list of activities to complete which will create interesting stimuli to work with.

Some of these tasks, among others, were:
Place a bet at a bookies
Try on a wig
Buy something from a charity shop
Try on some fabulous shoes
Buy someone else a cup of tea
Have half a pint of the weakest ale in a pub
Play with some toys in a toy shop
Ask a local if they know any legends or myths about Leeds

In order to collect a broad range of sources, we collected photographs, videos, voice recordings, items and words which we then will start to work from tomorrow in the development of our screen prints tomorrow.

I found this experience incredibly valuable, as I thought it was a very entertaining way to collect new and interesting information, and I definitely have several new anecdotes about what happened to us throughout the day, meaning we have a strong starting point for ideas development later on this week.

In our first activity we purchased a barbie and ken doll from a charity shop, so we decided to document our activities throughout the day by photographing them in new environments.

One activity we undertook was placing a bet in a bookies, as none of use had done this before, and it was a very unusual experience, as we had to get help from some strangers in the betting shop, meaning we collected a lot of interesting audio information as well. In addition another interesting event which happened to us was when we chose a pub at random to have our half an ale in, and we inadvertently chose 'the roughest pub in Leeds' which led to a few awkward moments and unusual conversations!

Overall I thought this technique of collecting information was very interesting and beneficial to our practice, as I know we will really be able to work well with our first hand experiences in a visual manner.