Snows and obligatory shifts in the daily routine meant a disjointed start to the year and planned experiments at the Engineerium postponed. The shift in the main focus of the work was unsettling me too. Like being a vegetarian and then suddenly eating meat, and having to tell everyone (or vice versa!) I am giving my practice a new ‘label’ and its taking some getting used to. But that’s why I’m doing this.
Time now is divided between warm home and chilly studio, studying ‘The Mechanical Engineer, a Magazine for the Mechanically Minded’ and The Engineer at home, interrupted by bursts of Googling. The photocopying at the studio is interrupted by doodling. I have finally found my strand in the old paperwork and I have a clear concealed subheading now. Obvious now, I wonder why it wasn’t before.
Suspecting that the building work may take longer than anticipated I’m gathering ideas into baskets. An initial idea is heading towards a basket, a by-product now. It’s stronger out on its own and it gives me other exhibiting opportunities away from the Engineerium. I’m getting better at paring ideas down.
Last week (after they had tested the pressure in Boiler No 2) I saw the dark smoke escaping out of the huge chimney and floating towards Hove Park. A reminder, we don’t see this much anymore. Giddy with nostalgia (all that mighty heart had a beat) I filled my camera phone with (inadequate) photos.
