The timetable on my desk leaves no room for doubt. 10 weeks to go, it says. Anxiety is starting to build, but perhaps there is still plenty of time? At least one tutor seems to think so, citing a solo show for which he made most of the work in less time than we have.
I’ve been buying more new materials: Steel plate, spray paint, Japanese paper. These will be transformed into prints.
I’ve started work on two large doorway paintings. There’s much more physical effort involved. Climbing ladders, crouching down, mixing big quantities of paint. It’s sometimes tiring, sometimes exciting seeing a work take shape. I had to take a few days off after putting down the first layer on one painting: it seemed so much better after a break. I’m used to being able to make a painting in one go; this is an entirely different way of working.
Four tutorials in the last week, and four different opinions. Much of the advice is soundly practical. Some is encouraging, some less so. I listen, consider and carry on.
We’ve begun a series of professional practice seminars. How to make the most of the show? What might lie ahead for us? That’s a question I suspect is on everyone’s mind.
A highlight of last week was a visit to Alan Cristea Gallery to see works by Ian McKeever and Sean Scully, both influences on what I’m doing now.
Back to the studio tomorrow. 10 weeks to go.
