Around and about in Linz

Blisters and teeth

I have developed a blister on the finger tip of my right hand from applying pressure to plasticene – and feel strangely pleased with it. It’s the physical evidence of hard work.

After final tweaks to a couple of the new pieces this morning, I went back to the flat to see how Cecilia’s toothache was developing. Unfortunately it was going downhill and she was in considerable pain. Wielding her EHIC card (get one now from www.dh.gov.uk/travellers) and a map Holger (Salzamt director) had printed out for us we set off for the nearest dentists. Always a fear-inducing experience but particularly in another language. What followed was one of the more comedy dentist experiences of my life – as between Cecilia, the dentist, the dental nurse, the dental nurses’ friend, and me, we made sense of what was happening. Cecilia is now nursing a swollen jaw, the news she definitely needs the tooth removed and some painkillers and antibiotics – and feeling much better. Remarkably, the whole process was free because of this EHIC health card which any UK citizen can get and it means in member countries you get treated like one of their own. I was really impressed and it reminded me that it is something to think through as artists working internationally. Healthcare in foreign countries can be a very financially painful experience. I speak from rather grim Greek experience.

We returned with time for me to take all the work I had finished to the MAERZ gallery space. I managed to photograph each individually, and get some good close-ups. Beautifully example of austrian efficiency as I enquire as to whether they have a spare tripod on the off-chance and one is plucked from a techie cupboard within seconds. I am planning to compile a book of all the record sleeve pieces to date, in the hope that this may encourage some sales. Beate thinks they may sell well here. Bring it on I say.

I just had time to toy with installation ideas, and draw up a detailed plan. I want the best 12-13 to rest on a small, very slim shelf to add a sculptural element. This will be made out of a wooden baton screwed to the wall, 1.5m from the ground, 5.5m in length. This is higher than normal – and I want it to add to the strangeness of the viewing experience as folks have to look slightly up. Thankfully, MAERZ is a beautifully designed spacious gallery and there is space to play with.

I leave tomorrow afternoon and come back on Sunday for the opening on the 6th of July. It’s late and I’m tired, but satisfied.