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…
