I am going to whine about things quietening down more often. My grant is on its way, I've got a show in Leicester and I got another email today asking me to make a protest film for another show in September. Given that I promised to do a show at our studio at Bentwaters (to kickstart the exhibition space) I am beginning to worry that I might be over committing myself again. At the moment I'm trying to decide what to show in Leicester. I've got at least four options but I think I'd like to show three of the automatic films
http://rotagavin.blogspot.com/2005/12/automatic-fi…
as I've never shown them as a group before, but I've also been thinking about showing my magic trick films as a group and then there are the new Stargazing films though I'm not sure how they will turn out yet and I was saving them for another show in march next year.
Sometime last year I did a talk about career development. I said then that I wanted to start being more selective about what I apply for, but I still just send stuff off to almost every show I think I could get into.
I've applied for some other things and I am now hoping for a few rejections (only joking I crave approval as much as the next artist)
Hurray I am to get more money- this is a huge relief as things were about to get a bit sticky. My solo at the Salt Gallery came down yesterday and I was beginning to wonder how I could afford to go and collect the work. With diesel and accommodation I am looking at a minimum of £180. Stupidly I didn't even think about dismantling costs. I was thinking of suggesting they bin it but three of the tvs were borrowed from Bury St Edmunds Gallery. Anyway it should all be ok now as long as the amateur scaffolders working on the roof don't knock the chimney down and my new bike remains unstolen.
I have also become obsessed with a website called statcounter which I use to track visits to my various websites and blogs. Any downturn in visits causes great despondency and mysterious visitors from New York or even Hull ignite false hopes of opportunity. One such visitor (Eric Rosoman) using Leicester City council's server did contact me last night offering me a solo show in August. Persistence of Vision is a series of shows featuring artists working in film & animation, Rachel Cattle & Steve Richards are on at the moment. Four weeks with three screens and a non-compulsory wall to fill with anything I like. I hate making decisions.
By the way I met Eric at the private view of RSVP last September, he mentioned a show then but I was very drunk.
I've been living on the edge of nervous collapse. Three months ago I sent in a letter and a tour schedule to the Arts Council to get the second installment of my development grant. I was honestly beginning to think that I had become a cutback and that I was about to be named and shamed.
Anyway, this morning I got an email from Jane Bhoyroo saying: where the sodding hell is your tour schedule, it was due in months ago!! Actually she didn't say that, she was very polite. My letter had gone astray. Needless to say, I had hand filled in a pdf last time so I had no copy of the hundreds of galleries clamoring to have my work.
I've just finished re fabricating it and begun to think about the things I said I'd do that have 'gone on the back burner' A limited edition viewmaster, that bloody mentoring, and a trip to the Bahamas. The first I had no idea what images to do (I'm now thinking about some stars); the second I had arranged but run out of cash; and the third is a lie.
Spent the day in the studio fiddling with slide viewers , tracing photographs and filming my celestial machine, actually a bit of wood with some holes drilled in it. I'm supposed to be going to the Whitstable Bienniale tomorrow but I am overcome with lethargy and don't fancy the 5am start. Apart from all the video work I really want to see That's Entertainment at Transition-By-the-Sea mostly because it has work by Cathie Pilkington in it. Many years ago we went to the same college in Northwich, I had a secret crush on her.
Re: Conversational Library loan – Bedwyr Williams, Chydig Bach Yn Too Much
Dear Anna and Lawrence
Many thanks for the loan of the book. I spent the morning reading and smiling, not just at what Bedwyr had to say for himself but also at having received something free. I will gladly give it shelfspace until it is requested by another.
I have been worrying (slightly) about the show at Store for a while. I felt bad for not enjoying it more. I am enjoying the book – lots. In fact I have been savouring it; the colour of each page, the oversized numbers, even the smell. Too much? Anna is right, it is far more balanced than the show and trips lightly along until the essay at the end, which I’ll read later. The storytelling attracts me most, that and the dressing up. I’ve just reread with pleasure the bits about Death and his velour robe and the sculptural revenge of Tyranny of the Meek.
I hope this isn’t making you feel sad
Thanks again
Alex
