Well, it turns out the sewing machine was bust. But lots of other things have been working out. My creativity has been showing itself in far too much cake-baking, but on my quest to find the best gluten free treats i’ve decided to bake something new each week for the near future. Its going rather well so far, and seems to be a popular decision.
I’ve also opened my sketchbook. And put pencil to page. Finally. And it felt good. Didnt look great but was highly satisfying. And inspiration is coming back to me.
I visited Yorkshire Sculpture Park with a guy from the RCA on sunday and iit was great, not only to be out in the countryside, looking at “art”, but also to have a chat about work and life after the college with someone a few years ahead of me. He gave me some much needed encouragement and a generally positive outlook. It gave me a push and i had decided that monday would be a productive day in the studio. WIth the morning sun shining through the window into my bedroom as i woke up, however, it was easy enought to blow the whole day off and head to Almscliff in the van. Spent the morning bouldering and being challenged to climb up the narrowest cracks up the rocks we could possibly find. Let off some steam and felt so free up on the cragg with the stunning views. After a picnic and flask of green tea, i pulled out my sketchbook and the magic happened. Hooray!
And i’ve been thinking about the potential a certain empty school building has for an exhibition… alongside a community theatre project i’m designing for… my head is getting busy again and it feels so good. I just need to start getting it all down on paper and refined. I knew it would happen – i just had to let it come naturally!
More news tomorrow…..
Well, i still havent started any work. Not really. I’m getting really quite restless now that ive started to settle in up here in York. However, this may be because i’ve had flu for a week…
I found an ancient sewing machine in the cupboard under the stairs and have dragged it out into the dining room, so think i will just have to start anything in order to get me moving again. While i was bed bound, i tried to find my knitting needles but they must be in that bag that went missing in the move… grrr. Also in the bag is the paper i need for the book i’ve been making, for which i now have the beautiful stamps.
I visited the local college yesterday and i was stunned by the facilities. A huge metal workshop, studios, jewellery benches, sonecarving, sandblasters, forges, hammers and so much more. I think whats happened is that i’ve realised im most copmfortable within a workshop environment. The studio at the school is great but i’m going to have to get into the DT department. Or maybe i’m just making excuses for my laziness.
Either way, time is ticking…
Well, things are going really well up here in York. I’m still yet to start making some actual physical work but i feel that having a break is just as important. Some ideas are beginning to creep up on me so i’m not panicing too much. My studio space is filling up and looks a little bit more like home. A few students have moved in and established their own little spaces so theres more of a vibe about the place. I’m still a little scared of them all, but i’m sure in time i will get used to being surrounded by so many children! Its the noise that really hits you – its rather draining!
Today i took advantage of the great weather and after a leisurely school brunch headed into town to buy a few bits and pieces for my activities next week – i ended up in the minster park dozing with a book. Spent the afternoon on a wonderful 6 mile (at least) walk into the yorkshire countryside, following the river out of town. It was heavenly. Picked blackberries and went hunting for the perfect conker, we returned to school just in time for tea and an offering of fresh warm apple crumble. Couldnt have been a better day. Add to the mix my horse riding on friday and several explorations of the town, late night basketball and another fruitful carboot, things are going pretty well up here. I have to admit i was a little nervous about leaving london, cutting myself off from it all and becoming less submerged in a professional environment. However, what i’ve found so far is a totally different kind of inspiration – some breathing space and i’ve got real admiration for the talent and dedication of the students here doing their a-levels and gcse’s.
Tomorrow i think i will be covering for one of the teachers, taking 2 a-level classes and a group of year 8s. I should be just what i need to get stuck in – being thrown in at the deep end is sometimes for the best!
Today i’m planning my life drawing classes – i’m starting with a taster session for the a-level students on wednesday and continuing with a 9 week course after that. I’m quite terrified but excited nonetheless. I’m combining techniques from various classes i attended at the RCA, and hope to shake it up a bit…
Well, i still havent started any work. I’ve finally gone through the boxes of stuff i brought from my last studio, and unpacked what i feel it is safe to…. i’m liking my corner now and its starting to feel more like home. However, i still dont feel settled enough to get cracking on a project. I still have bits and pieces to sort and little routine in which to get going. I must be careful not to leave it too long….
Well, yesterday i attended my second ever Quaker meeting. The community in which i am now resident is Quaker and i feel that attending their meetings will help me to understand their beliefs and ethos. I have to admit to a certain amount of claustrophobia, especially within busy rooms. Its more to do with a huge amount of self awareness and my presence within a group of people. In the meetings, we must remain silent for half an hour, and i swear my heart is beating madly the whole time. I’m sure that as time goes on and i get more used to the environment and become comfortable with the other people present, i will start to relax and get more from what should be a meditative experience.
Considering most of my recent work has been addressing the subject of silence and a need for more quiet in our lives, i feel quite strange that i am now reacting in this way. The difference between quiet aloneness and a public silence is quite exteme and the feelings each induces are so contrasting, for me anyway.
I also attended my first ever street party – our little street was filled with tables adorned with a huge banquet contributed to by many residents, and it was lovely to find such a friendly and sociable street – during my 5 years in London, i talked to maybe 2 neighbours. Is it a northern thing or just coincidence? I got talking to one guy who workshops digital storytelling – its sounds perfect for an activity with the kids, and he’s definatley up for it. Great networking, and good cake.
