Setting up 18 studios, Long Eaton, Nottingham

Hide and seek, jammy computer, Billy Goats Gruff, and bleary eyed – I have just returned my toddler grandaughter to her mum. She has been here for a fun few days after an emergency took her parents over the border to Wales. You have to respect artists with young families,especailly single parents like Helen Dearnley, who manages to squeeze in her arts practice with a multitude of other committments. Helen was one of the speakers at the Air Dialogues meeting this week -along with fellow blogger, Andrew Sugars from Derby. I was the facilitator. I’m not a natural. Any more than 6 pairs of eyes and speaking becomes a bit of an ordeal. However, I managed. Despite my shyness a healthy discussion ensued. Issues included post graduate blues, job searching, maintaining a practice and the value of remaining positive when the chips are down. Oh and Helen’s experience as a 4th plinther…