My plan was to invite three different curators to my studio for two visits each over a period of months so we could develop a dialogue and I had chance to respond to feedback, suggestions and ideas over time.
I considered what I wanted from this mentoring, who would be relevant, helpful and challenging. As an older female sculptor there were some obvious choices – people I admire and respect. I invited a few big names but they were too busy so then got real and looked at who would be helpful and might be able to fulfil this role.
I invited Caroline Worthington the new Director of the Royal Society of Sculptors, who quickly accepted and came to the studio. She provided insightful comments on my work and pointers as to how she thought I could best develop my ideas in the future, which series of works to take forward and which she found problematic and why. She had some interesting strategic suggestions about putting work and ideas together and approaching showing venues that fitted with the content of the work such as museums in Manchester, Plymouth and Liverpool. All port towns with a history of trade and shipping. Caroline also suggested ways to develop the works longer term and with collaborative, socially inclusive elements, something I was already thinking about. This was very clear and inspiring, giving me clarity and a sense of a positive route forward. I gained confidence and buoyancy from this feedback and visit and we have since discussed progress via email and another meeting.
