Just over a week to go until I start my course. I’ve been steadily reading books from the suggested reading list although I keep being corrupted by the shop at the Cornerhouse. The latest purchase is Frieze d/e, a new half English/half German dollop of Frieze. I like the idea of it and issue two has an interesting essay about the approaches to the pedestal/plinth in recent sculptural practice but I can’t help but think ‘why?’.
Aside from blowing the last of my wages on art publications, general schemes haven’t been going quite as smooth this past week.
I still don’t have accommodation in Manchester and have had my first exposure to the bizarre world of flat hunting in a large city in the peak time in September. It is apparent that living spaces are traded like playing cards with properties released and let on the same day. Having never been involved in this scenario before, I am fascinated by this chicken shoot. Characterised by poorly taken/uploaded ‘point and shoot’ digital camera pictures, ‘the game’ as my friend termed it (I’m not convinced that this is a suitable term) involves a fast-paced, musical chairs like frenzy with people scrambling to secure ‘their’ space retaining their autonomy as consumers.
Aside from this bemused fascination, it’s bloody frustrating.
The most significant event of my week has been regarding my studio space at The Royal Standard. I have submitted my notice for my space and will have vacated my space by the end of the month.
This is a decision I have not taken lightly but having rotated the metaphorical rubix cube in every combination possible, it has been the one square that hasn’t fitted in the next step for me. Financially, I cannot possibly maintain it, especially when I am limited in terms of hours that I can work and with rent to pay on top of that.
Needing physical space to create sculpture has always been a necessity of my practice since I graduated. Not having this outlet worries me but looking at the other side of the coin, perhaps not having a studio space will force me into positive changes artistically. I’ve often lapsed into casual thought about this idealist scenario, me shedding my need for the studio and embracing new ways of working.
I guess for the foreseeable future I will have to put this into practice but until then I have to document new works and clear my space. It’s not one of my favoured activites, if anyone wishes to help, I make a cracking cup ot tea…
