Who do I think I am?

Now I’m getting back into my stride – have been working on a new digital series, extending the residential research I did last year at Brisons Veor.

Still thinking about micro-macro, and self-similarity, about the legacy of the Cornish mining landscape, and leaping from rockpools to planets.

While thinking about Emily Speed’s recent post, and understanding her frustration, I got to to thinking more about funding, and how it shapes the profile of contemporary art in Britain. ACE projects are required to attract new audiences, respond to contemporary influences, ideas, technology, AND be original. With the growth of digital technology, digital audiences can be mustered, but doesn’t it all risk becomingmere ‘entertainment’?

Speaking of entertainment, as I’m enjoying the benefits of my new studio, but, quite naturally, finding it hard to get going, I thought I’d try my hand at something simple and practical, and make some paper, something I’ve never tried before.

It’ll keep me from mithering, ‘until the muse returns’. (as an acquaintance put it, rather quaintly)

Following the instructions I soaked the paper, and dug out my old food processor- it leaks, but should be ok for this, I thought.

It took me as long to clean up the kitchen as it did to pulp the paper, but looking on the bright side, I did tackle that unpleasant housework that I’ve been ignoring, when I finally found the floor mop. And I have a bowlful of grey pulp that I can’t wait to turn into lovely handmade paper- when I can find a bowl big enough to take the frame I made.

A visit to B & Q beckons, and probably the local tip, with the food processor.

I should really change my clothes first, as the paper mush is beginning to dry on me. And the floor mop? Well, it was under the trampoline – where else?

On the bright side, it’s distracted me from reflecting on how hard it is to do what we do in the context of unimaginative and uncreative solutions to supporting artists in Britain.