Alors. (My new favourite word because I am trying to replace the word ummmm).
Firstly I would like to say the mornings of making tiny joinery are gone as I have finished the pencil machine. After a discussion with Emilien (a painter who has a studio space opposite), I have decided its time has come to stop. Its aesthetic hovers somewhere between a grossly complex building site and a child's mechano set. It works, but not to the slick level of engineering that I originally wanted, but the question and importance of its function now seem to highlight part of its concept and I am happy where it rests.
For most of the week I have been playing with the fishing equipment and the briefcase. It's been very satisfying to adjust these brightly coloured objects into other forms. I am enjoying their simplicity and beginning to see how I can link my drawing to my sculptures. The photographs attached to this entry are moments that I have had in the studio that have made me smile.
This week has also been quite socially busy, with the private view of Guillaume Millet's work in the gallery space (26 April to 14 June). Two meals at Philippe and Sylvie's house, and a meal at a restaurant. All were very nice. I spoke little or bad French but I learn something each day and Adeline managed to teach me a few things at the private view. Grammatically some things are beginning to make sense but the past and future tense might take some time, until then I think I will survive on body language.
The studio spaces and house here is everything I need and the satisfaction I get from making happily keeps me here. But every now and then I know I should escape to get perspective. Sometimes I feel restricted because of my linguistic abilities but Sunday was a very sunny day and I felt it was time to go on an adventure. Early this week I had had a chat with Adeline about forests in the area, so after some internet research and the reassurance of a compass. I caught the train to a place called Saint Amand le Eaux. Upon my arrival I was greeted by little excitement. I followed the road signs into the centre which lead me to the church and many closed shops. I knew from the map I had seen on the internet to head south. After walking for about an hour I could see that the next bit of road had trees on the other side and within 5 minutes I had got to the edge of a large national park. I saw hundreds and hundreds of ants and it made me think how similar our habits can be to the creatures that surround us. It was a very English Sunday stroll and has put me in good stead for this week.
