PART FOUR:
Sans Facon: http://www.sansfacon.co.uk/
Firstly it struck me what an incredibly strong combination an artist and architect is, especially in terms of large-scale ambitious public art. But it became clear during their talk that they weren’t just trading on that strength, they actually had a very measured and considered approach to everything they do.
Firstly, they mentioned applying for things like a pair of crazies when they first set out (I think about 10 application a month were mentioned). Their approach is to try and find ways to ensure their practice: looking for opportunities that will serve as ways to fund/realise/initiate work. There were many words used such as squeezing, stretching used in the context of squeezing your practice into all avenues.
I think this is an approach that I (and many other I’m sure) can learn from. Instead of dismissing opportunities and not applying because of the overwhelming restrictions/demands, try to see how the opportunity can be used /altered/improved to fit your approach. I suppose for some things this is similar to taking a brief and re-writing it for an artist. This is shifting the commission to fit your practice rather than trying to fit in with the brief (I personally think this is quite transparent and can be a waste for everyone involved).
They had been fortunate to work on projects in places before regeneration rather than as cake icing. They also stressed their disagreement with this: artists being used as decoration; being brought in at the end of a project to tick a box or add frills.
Another important thing I took from their talk was NEGOTIATION!! Don’t take everything as read, be straightforward about what you would like and try to be involved in projects from the start. They said this made projects more difficult to achieve/carry but ultimately made them richer. In one project Sans Facon actually got to pick their own team to work with – a rare event I’m guessing, but, see, it is possible…
They also mentioned that once they had done one project that involved a professionally printed publication at the end, it was much easier to inspire confidence and secure other projects/commissions in the future.
So in summary, work very hard, persevere, be creative and question your working conditions and find ways to ensure your practice.
