Last year, I enrolled in the Open Foundations (Drawing) course at the OCA.

Unfortunately, however, I have not made much progress.

I struggle with mental illness and currently do not have therapeutic support. One of the significant problems this poses for my studies is avoidant coping.

And although it’s hard to internalize, I do know (intellectually, at least) that my problems are a not symptom of laziness.

Anyway, this is just a brief note to say that I am—in fits and starts—making a late attempt to begin the course.

Students are supposed to make a note of a course’s learning aims when they first receive their course materials, and I guess that late is better than never.

Learning Aims

By the end of this course, I hope to:

• Have rediscovered and developed some of my drawing abilities.
• Have increased my experience with and confidence in experimenting with different materials, tools, and approaches to drawing.
• Have developed my visual memory.
• Have developed my understanding of what drawing has been in the past and what it could be in the future.
• Have learned about the performative and material aspects of drawing and their use within contemporary practice.
• Have gained confidence in making art and engaging in self-directed study and practice.
• Have a good idea about the direction of my future studies.