Xymphora have been resident curators for 2 months, but intially only David Steans was physically working in Standing Room. Theo was communicating from Japan, Paul was emailing from Berlin and Hardeep was working in Leeds. They all came together on Thursday with work which related to their new cultures and experiences. The show represented a great energetic and youthful contribution to the event.( I bought a pair of Paul Smith's ink drawings).
The launch on Friday was a bit slow off the mark and I was feeling anxious. After a promising start when a few people arrived early, there was a lull. The mayor was punctual and Flore was performing 'Self-Embroidery'…but where were the guests?
They were stuck on the M1 and Derby Road and the A50.
Anyway, the party got going about 6.45pm and we soon ran out of glasses. And the enormous buffet that Sarah had prepared had disappeared too!
There were so many positive comment about Flore's work and a gallery has invited her to work with their archive collection of photographs. I am so pleased.
From the two open studio events I have also secured a couple of shows, sold work and also had some positive leads for publishing my book. All good.
