User:Martina/T6 Assessment - Revision history

Martina: /* Overall 2nd year research thoughts */

2026-06-21T18:10:51Z

Overall 2nd year research thoughts

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:10, 21 June 2026
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	* Given how collective and community-driven my practice was before XPUB, I realised that I had forgotten to ask myself what I wanted from this research and what questions I wanted to answer. By looking at my family stories, their hobbies, and their ways of building knowledge, I began to focus on crafting techniques and electronic tinkering, paying closer attention to the similarities between them. Eventually, I narrowed my research down to DIY radio wave receivers, as they share a similar hands-on approach to making as Maltese crafts such as Ganutell.		* Given how collective and community-driven my practice was before XPUB, I realised that I had forgotten to ask myself what I wanted from this research and what questions I wanted to answer. '''By looking at my family stories, their hobbies, and their ways of building knowledge, I began to focus on crafting techniques and electronic tinkering, paying closer attention to the similarities between them.''' Eventually, I narrowed my research down to DIY radio wave receivers, as they share a similar hands-on approach to making as Maltese crafts such as Ganutell.


	* From there, a fascination with communication devices grew, particularly with their materiality. I also wanted to approach my intimidation around learning electronics by applying understandings that already felt familiar through craft. The research became an opportunity to face that challenge and use it as a way of learning something new.		* From there, a fascination with communication devices grew, particularly with their materiality. '''I also wanted to approach my intimidation around learning electronics by applying understandings that already felt familiar through craft.''' The research became an opportunity to face that challenge and use it as a way of learning something new.
	<br>		<br>
	* '''A small note about the try-out nights:''' both sessions were a great way to test these physical experiments with a public. I noticed that many people were curious about the copper coils and the combination of different materials present in the installation. Beyond this, I was also really pleased by the interest people showed in the family stories I shared in my thesis. Somehow, when I explained how these stories related to the project, people seemed to understand the work more deeply. At the same time, many opened up about their own first encounters with radio, or about learning a craft themselves. I valued these conversations because they showed me that people could still connect with the materials and narratives, even if they had not shared the same experiences. There was a sense of familiarity that emerged through the stories and objects, creating unexpected points of connection.		* '''A small note about the try-out nights:''' both sessions were a great way to test these physical experiments with a public. I noticed that many people were curious about the copper coils and the combination of different materials present in the installation. Beyond this, I was also really pleased by the interest people showed in the family stories I shared in my thesis. Somehow, when I explained how these stories related to the project, people seemed to understand the work more deeply. At the same time, many opened up about their own first encounters with radio, or about learning a craft themselves. I valued these conversations because they showed me that people could still connect with the materials and narratives, even if they had not shared the same experiences. There was a sense of familiarity that emerged through the stories and objects, creating unexpected points of connection.
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	''Growing up alongside my family’s contrasting hobbies of textile work and radio-making, I developed a familiarity with both practices. Through a series of prototype receivers, the project brings these worlds together, with each object intertwining its own narrative through the materials and techniques it draws upon.''</blockquote>		''Growing up alongside my family’s contrasting hobbies of textile work and radio-making, I developed a familiarity with both practices. Through a series of prototype receivers, the project brings these worlds together, with each object intertwining its own narrative through the materials and techniques it draws upon.''</blockquote>
	* I am currently constructing a shelf built entirely from recycled wood and free wooden furniture. One part of it is a shoe rack, one section was donated by Kamo, and the top part was originally an open shelf for my paintbrushes that I used ten years ago. The rest is made from wood that was left in the trash bunker at WDKA. This practice of collecting found materials and scraps goes hand in hand with the second chapter of my thesis, where the accumulation of materials becomes a way of resource-finding for DIY assembly and crafting.		* I am currently constructing a shelf built entirely from recycled wood and free wooden furniture. One part of it is a shoe rack, one section was donated by Kamo, and the top part was originally an open shelf for my paintbrushes that I used ten years ago. The rest is made from wood that was left in the trash bunker at WDKA. '''This practice of collecting found materials and scraps goes hand in hand with the second chapter of my thesis, where the accumulation of materials becomes a way of resource-finding for DIY assembly and crafting.'''


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	* Some aspects of the construction are also inspired by my father's radio-making documentation, parts of which will be exhibited as images printed on fabric. These will resemble a photo album and draw on familiar materials and techniques, such as fabric and embroidery.		* Some aspects of the construction are also inspired by my father's radio-making documentation, parts of which will be exhibited as images printed on fabric. '''These will resemble a photo album and draw on familiar materials and techniques, such as fabric and embroidery.'''


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	A few months ago, I had the opportunity to be interviewed by [https://waag.org/en/ Waag], where I spoke about my material experiments with crystal radio. The interview was included in their [https://waag.org/sites/waag/files/2026-05/Meshguide_WaagFuturelab.pdf radio mesh networks guide].		A few months ago, I had the opportunity to be interviewed by [https://waag.org/en/ Waag], where I spoke about my material experiments with crystal radio. The interview was included in their [https://waag.org/sites/waag/files/2026-05/Meshguide_WaagFuturelab.pdf radio mesh networks guide].
	''XPUB has given me new insights into different mediums that I can explore within my practice. Beyond that, it has introduced me to a new community. I will continue to cherish the discussions I have shared over the past two years and hope to keep having with my classmates in the future.		'''''What comes next?!'''''

	Doing the master's has also helped me develop a stronger ability to structure my working process, whether through prototyping, reflecting on the many iterations of an experiment, or setting internal deadlines for myself.
	'''''What comes next?!'''''

	I am happy to say that things look busy after graduation! I have recently been awarded a [https://www.cbkrotterdam.nl/ CBK fund] and a [https://culture.ec.europa.eu/culture-moves-europe/home Culture Moves Europe grant] to develop an upcoming project and exhibition in Malta this September. The project will explore and speculate on the idea of the farmer's toolshed and its tools, responding specifically to the site of Għar il-Kbir, an unprotected cave in Malta.		I am happy to say that things look busy after graduation! I have recently been awarded a [https://www.cbkrotterdam.nl/ CBK fund] and a [https://culture.ec.europa.eu/culture-moves-europe/home Culture Moves Europe grant] to develop an upcoming project and exhibition in Malta this September. The project will explore and speculate on the idea of the farmer's toolshed and its tools, responding specifically to the site of Għar il-Kbir, an unprotected cave in Malta.

	Alongside this, I will be launching a collective publication with [https://thisismama.nl/en/ MaMA] in December, making public our two-year research process on accessibility within museum spaces.		Alongside this, I will be launching a collective publication with [https://thisismama.nl/en/ MaMA] in December, making public our two-year research process on accessibility within museum spaces.

Martina: /* Thesis + publication */

2026-06-21T18:07:22Z

Thesis + publication

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:07, 21 June 2026
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	The printed thesis includes more visual imagery, alongside drawings that I made for each chapter and subchapter. Each drawing foreshadows something that is discussed in that section.		The printed thesis includes more visual imagery, alongside drawings that I made for each chapter and subchapter. Each drawing foreshadows something that is discussed in that section.

	I really enjoyed returning to drawing, not as a form of procrastination, but because I began to treat these drawings as small diagrams. By drawing these scenes, objects, and electronic components, I felt that I could understand them better.		I really enjoyed returning to drawing, not as a form of procrastination, but because I began to treat these drawings as small diagrams. '''By drawing these scenes, objects, and electronic components, I felt that I could understand them better.'''

	The thesis is hand-bound using copper wire, keeping the project's main material present within the written component as well. In doing so, it bends the ~~conventions and limitations~~ of traditional bookbinding. <gallery widths="150" heights="250">		The thesis is hand-bound using copper wire, keeping the project's main material present within the written component as well. In doing so, it bends the motion of traditional bookbinding. <gallery widths="150" heights="250">
	File:Diyradiomaking martina.jpg		File:Diyradiomaking martina.jpg
	File:Radioradoi.jpg		File:Radioradoi.jpg

Martina: /* Thesis + publication */

2026-06-21T18:06:32Z

Thesis + publication

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:06, 21 June 2026
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	<u>It talks about:</u>		<u>It talks about:</u>

	* ~~How the~~ similar roles of radio and craft ~~were~~ very prominent while I was growing up.		* The similar roles of radio and craft being very prominent while I was growing up.

	* Observing how the need for communication emerged in ways that parallel craftsmanship.		* Observing how the need for communication emerged in ways that parallel craftsmanship.

Martina: /* Thesis + publication */

2026-06-21T18:06:02Z

Thesis + publication

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:06, 21 June 2026
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	<u>It talks about:</u>		<u>It talks about:</u>

	* ~~The~~ similar roles of radio and craft were very prominent while I was growing up.		* How the similar roles of radio and craft were very prominent while I was growing up.

	* Observing how the need for communication emerged in ways that parallel craftsmanship.		* Observing how the need for communication emerged in ways that parallel craftsmanship.

Martina: /* Prototyping */

2026-06-21T18:04:35Z

Prototyping

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:04, 21 June 2026
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	[[File:8989.jpg\|thumb\|Before this, we took a walk in the village to record a few sounds, then we uploaded everything to this HTML soundboard! ]]		[[File:8989.jpg\|thumb\|Before this, we took a walk in the village to record a few sounds, then we uploaded everything to this HTML soundboard! ]]

	The first year allowed me to explore many different techniques and mediums. The ones that stayed with me most were basic coding practices and sound-making devices. I continued to develop these interests by applying this new knowledge through a public [[User:Martina/Trimester II Assessment#★ Past projects / works since starting XPUB\|collective coding and sonic fieldwork session]] (February 2025). Alongside this, I further explored the notion of fieldwork during the residency [[User:Martina/Beyond What Drifts Us Apart (residency research)\|Beyond What Drifts Us Apart]] (September 2025), where I made DIY microphones, stamps for texture mapping, and sieves for speculative archaeological exploration. Both the workshop and the residency functioned as spaces for practice, without the pressure of producing a final outcome. In that sense, they became valuable forms of prototyping with different publics and testing ideas in new contexts.		The first year allowed me to explore many different techniques and mediums. The ones that stayed with me most were basic coding practices and sound-making devices. I continued to develop these interests by applying this new knowledge through a public [[User:Martina/Trimester II Assessment#★ Past projects / works since starting XPUB\|collective coding and sonic fieldwork session]] (February 2025). Alongside this, I further explored the notion of fieldwork during the residency [[User:Martina/Beyond What Drifts Us Apart (residency research)\|Beyond What Drifts Us Apart]] (September 2025), where I made DIY microphones, stamps for texture mapping, and sieves for speculative archaeological exploration. '''Both the workshop and the residency functioned as spaces for practice, without the pressure of producing a final outcome.''' In that sense, they became valuable forms of prototyping with different publics and testing ideas in new contexts.
	<br>		<br>

	[[File:Fake arch.jpg\|thumb]]Throughout these two years, I remained open to a multidisciplinary way of working. I have always connected with the idea of being "a jack of all trades, master of none". I am always curious, and I allow this curiosity to linger across different practices rather than committing to a single discipline.<br>		[[File:Fake arch.jpg\|thumb]]Throughout these two years, I remained '''open to a multidisciplinary way of working.''' I have always connected with the idea of being '''"a jack of all trades, master of none"'''. I am always curious, and I allow this curiosity to linger across different practices rather than committing to a single discipline.<br>
	Prototyping has made me appreciate the value of time, particularly the importance of taking time with my work rather than rushing the process. Having multiple iterations, sketches, and experiments often makes me feel more confident about the outcome. The final outputs become clearer, and I gain a better understanding of both the work itself and the process that led to it.		Prototyping has made me appreciate the value of time, particularly the importance of taking time with my work rather than rushing the process. Having multiple iterations, sketches, and experiments often makes me feel more confident about the outcome. The final outputs become clearer, and I gain a better understanding of both the work itself and the process that led to it.
	<br>		<br>

Martina: /* Reading + writing practice */

2026-06-21T18:03:11Z

Reading + writing practice

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:03, 21 June 2026
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	*radio		*radio
	I think these interests intertwine and often merge around themes of preservation, archival studies, material investigation, and speculation.		I think these interests intertwine and often merge around themes of preservation, archival studies, material investigation, and speculation.
	The process of writing the thesis led me to discover a new appreciation for writing. It also made me feel more comfortable speaking introspectively about my work. I was quite doubtful of my writing during my Bachelor's, as my tutors had expressed multiple times that it was not academic enough. I remember feeling this fear at the beginning of the second year. However, by the time I submitted my thesis, I felt much more confident in expressing ~~my work~~ through writing.		The process of writing the thesis led me to discover a new appreciation for writing. It also made me feel more comfortable speaking introspectively about my work. I was quite doubtful of my writing during my Bachelor's, as my tutors had expressed multiple times that it was not academic enough. I remember feeling this fear at the beginning of the second year. However, by the time I submitted my thesis, I felt much more confident in expressing myself through writing.

	The thesis and its development made me appreciate writing as a new medium I want to explore further. I now have multiple copies of chapter drafts, all scribbled with corrections and handwritten additions. Somehow, I see these many iterations similar to those many experiments made in prototyping. Rather than viewing writing as a way of documenting a project, I began to see it as a form of making and inquiry.		The thesis and its development made me '''appreciate writing as a new medium I want to explore further'''. I now have multiple copies of chapter drafts, all scribbled with corrections and handwritten additions. Somehow, I see '''these many iterations similar to those many experiments made in prototyping.''' Rather than viewing writing as a way of documenting a project, I began to see it as a form of making and inquiry.

	== Prototyping ==		== Prototyping ==

Martina: /* Reading + writing practice */

2026-06-19T21:55:29Z

Reading + writing practice

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:55, 19 June 2026
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	*repurposing old technologies for new purposes		*repurposing old technologies for new purposes
	*radio		*radio
	~~<br />~~
	I think these interests intertwine and often merge around themes of preservation, archival studies, material investigation, and speculation.		I think these interests intertwine and often merge around themes of preservation, archival studies, material investigation, and speculation.
	* the process of writing the thesis~~, realising~~ a new~~-found love~~ for writing~~, feeling~~ more comfortable ~~talking~~ introspectively about my work '~~''''(include image~~ of ~~all~~ the ~~handwritten~~ thesis ~~corrections?)~~.~~'''~~ The thesis and its ~~process has~~ made me appreciate writing as a new 'medium', I want to ~~incorporate it more into my practice''~~		The process of writing the thesis led me to discover a new appreciation for writing. It also made me feel more comfortable speaking introspectively about my work. I was quite doubtful of my writing during my Bachelor's, as my tutors had expressed multiple times that it was not academic enough. I remember feeling this fear at the beginning of the second year. However, by the time I submitted my thesis, I felt much more confident in expressing my work through writing.
	* From the beginning of ~~this year~~, I made ~~a promise with myself to read more, be it fiction or non-fiction~~. ~~I would catagorise myself~~ as a ~~slow reader~~, ~~but~~ I ~~have been practicing~~ a ~~steady pace, here are some books I have read: (Include the list~~ of ~~fiction books read this year!~~ and ~~the note taking part)~~
			The thesis and its development made me appreciate writing as a new medium I want to explore further. I now have multiple copies of chapter drafts, all scribbled with corrections and handwritten additions. Somehow, I see these many iterations similar to those many experiments made in prototyping. Rather than viewing writing as a way of documenting a project, I began to see it as a form of making and inquiry.

	== Prototyping ==		== Prototyping ==

Martina: /* Reading + writing practice */

2026-06-19T21:46:46Z

Reading + writing practice

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:46, 19 June 2026
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	*repurposing old technologies for new purposes		*repurposing old technologies for new purposes
	*radio		*radio
			<br />
			I think these interests intertwine and often merge around themes of preservation, archival studies, material investigation, and speculation.
	I think these interests intertwine and often merge around themes of preservation, archival studies, material investigation, and speculation.
	* the process of writing the thesis, realising a new-found love for writing, feeling more comfortable talking introspectively about my work '''''(include image of all the handwritten thesis corrections?).''' The thesis and its process has made me appreciate writing as a new 'medium', I want to incorporate it more into my practice''		* the process of writing the thesis, realising a new-found love for writing, feeling more comfortable talking introspectively about my work '''''(include image of all the handwritten thesis corrections?).''' The thesis and its process has made me appreciate writing as a new 'medium', I want to incorporate it more into my practice''
	* From the beginning of this year, I made a promise with myself to read more, be it fiction or non-fiction. I would catagorise myself as a slow reader, but I have been practicing a steady pace, here are some books I have read: (Include the list of fiction books read this year! and the note taking part)		* From the beginning of this year, I made a promise with myself to read more, be it fiction or non-fiction. I would catagorise myself as a slow reader, but I have been practicing a steady pace, here are some books I have read: (Include the list of fiction books read this year! and the note taking part)

Martina at 21:46, 19 June 2026

2026-06-19T21:46:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:46, 19 June 2026
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	~~EVERYTHING IS STILL IN PROGRESS and has to be re-written! please be patient <3~~
	= <big>Special issues + their relevance to the graduation project</big> =		= <big>Special issues + their relevance to the graduation project</big> =
	<gallery widths="180" heights="180" perrow="4">		<gallery widths="180" heights="180" perrow="4">

Martina: /* ☆The future☆ */

2026-06-19T21:45:04Z

☆The future☆

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:45, 19 June 2026
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	'''''What comes next?!'''''		'''''What comes next?!'''''

	I am happy to say that things look busy after graduation! I have recently been awarded a CBK fund and a Culture Moves Europe grant to develop an upcoming project and exhibition in Malta this September. The project will explore and speculate on the idea of the farmer's toolshed and its tools, responding specifically to the site of Għar il-Kbir, an unprotected cave in Malta.		I am happy to say that things look busy after graduation! I have recently been awarded a [https://www.cbkrotterdam.nl/ CBK fund] and a [https://culture.ec.europa.eu/culture-moves-europe/home Culture Moves Europe grant] to develop an upcoming project and exhibition in Malta this September. The project will explore and speculate on the idea of the farmer's toolshed and its tools, responding specifically to the site of Għar il-Kbir, an unprotected cave in Malta.

	Alongside this, I will be launching a collective publication with [https://thisismama.nl/en/ MaMA] in December, making public our two-year research process on accessibility within museum spaces.		Alongside this, I will be launching a collective publication with [https://thisismama.nl/en/ MaMA] in December, making public our two-year research process on accessibility within museum spaces.