博士論文口試VIVA 22 June 2007

My VIVA (Oral examination with British Sign Interpreter) was scheduled for 11:30am on 22nd June 2007, so I arose early to reread my thesis. Then set off for the college; arriving there at 10am. To help calm my nerves I had a drink of oolong tea as I was waiting for the designated starting time. I did notice two external examiners in my exhibition space and on the door a notice saying “Assessment in progress. Please do not enter”. With Karen, my British sign interpreter, we practiced the possible questions and responses during the thirty minutes preceding the examination. My tutors, Geoff (Doctorate director) and Peter (AVA director – Architecture & the Visual Arts) are not allowed into my exhibition space but wished me good luck.

At 11:45am the examiners, Tim and Pete, invited me into the exhibition space. There were four seats, Karen, Pete, Tim and myself. I sat down, took a deep breath and smiled at the examiners. We were ready to commence the oral examination.

The examination lasted 90 minutes; the first question they asked was very difficult to answer. From therein I was bombarded with questions. For example, they asked why I leave the top and bottom parts of the canvas unpainted - white. My answer was that for me white means silence; I apply colour to 40-60% of each canvas in a series so as to create intervals in which the image can breathe and resonate.

I was upset when Tim asked a question and whilst answering Pete said that is enough but I tried to keep a smile on my face. All the questioning made me feel tired but I persevered. On one occasion I noticed Pete shaking his head, it made me think that I had not answered that question correctly but I tried to remain confident. I realised that I had to focus carefully on the questions and construct my replies without being too hasty. I told the two examiners they may need to rephrase some of the questions as English and British Sign Language are not my first languages. It was a long day and very draining. I was longing for the questions to stop. On the positive side both examiners said that they liked my work and found it very interesting.

I was then told to come back at 2:30pm and they would inform me whether I had passed of failed. Karen and I went to the restaurant for a lunch break but the two examiners were there and asked if we would leave as they wanted to discuss my oral examination. As I sat outside watching the planes take off I was both happy and nervous. It was tough just sitting in the campus waiting for the appointment time to arrive. Eventually Karen took me to the art office.

Once there Peter ( AVA director) asked me to wait outside until Geoff arrives. I was so nervous waiting to hear the outcome. Karen said hello to Geoff but I think Geoff did not speak to me. This made me think that bad news would follow. We all entered Peter’s office with the two examiners. I spoke to Geoff and from his facial expression I assumed that he did not know the outcome too. The examiners passed a note to Peter, which he read out. “ Sheng-Kai Chou we gave you an Unconditional Pass no further work required”. I did not understand what had been said. Had I got my Doctorate Degree? Karen said yes. A broad smile covered my face and Geoff too. I thanked Geoff, Peter and UEL for everything.

On leaving Peter’s office I was jumping and hugging Karen as I thanked her for translating for me. I then asked Karen to help me call my family, in Taiwan, as I needed to tell them the good news. I had tears in my eyes; I have worked hard for the last three years trying to achieve this moment. My parents have supported me. There was one occasion when I returned to Taiwan and did not want to complete the course as one critical teacher said that my theory was not Doctorate level work. Also I was struggling writing thesis in English. Once I had to re-write the same piece 20 times until my teacher was satisfied with the final version. My family supported me and said whether I pass or fail I will still have learnt how to develop my art work and that is more important than a Doctorate degree diploma. In the first year I made a video, in the second year paint long paper and in the final year produce cinematic paintings on canvas. A long, hard but pleasurable journey.