I feel a lot has happened since my previous post, besides Xmas/New Year that is! I was last here back in November, half way through my solo exhibition ‘peck o’ trouble’ …what a month that was to be. My three guest speaker events with writer Sally O’Reilly, Dir. Museum of Witchcraft and Magic Simon Costin and writer/broadcaster David Bramwell exceeded all my and others expectations – truly inspiring evenings with an amazing lightning storm breaking out directly overhead during Sally’s, an unexpected bonus. I invigilated during the show as I wanted to open up the space to engage with others and from doing so have made many invaluable connections with an array of curious and similar thinking minds.
Once the show had been de-installed I realised I was actually fairly exhausted so visited family in Ireland for a breather. I was soon reenergised enough to decide that I needed to completely rejig my studio to fit in a much desired sofa, as my days were mainly spent hunched over workbenches or my desk. I have yet to spend more than 5 minutes on my eBay bargain, but just looking at it makes me most satisfied. The studio is at long last back in order and finally this week (after sorting tax return etc…why oh why do I always leave it until the January deadline?!) I got to properly focus on new work again. I always find getting back into work after a delay of even a few weeks most disorientating. Oh, and my big news! Part of my mentoring proposal included the need to get myself on a suitable residency, with the dream being IMMA’s (Irish Museum of Modern Art). In December I was blown away to receive the news that I was one of four awarded a place on their 2019 International Residency Programme – I still can’t quite believe it. I’m beyond excited but also slightly nervous if I’m honest. Dates are yet to be confirmed but the hope is to spend 4 months there researching new larger-scale work.
Having the added support of a-n’s Mentoring Bursary while on this residency seems perfectly timed. Today I had my second mentoring session with Rosalind Davis, who was yet again most patient and full of great advice, this time in response to how I can best prepare for this next venture. Watch this space.
