Day 2 of the great eight week countdown.
Last summer I collected two squashed and sundried fledglings that I found by the side of the road.
It was the first one with its mouth open in a silent scream that hooked me. I did a charcoal and rubber drawing of it and thought I would begin a series on dictators………..
The second bird I found has been sitting wrapped in tissue waiting for my attentions.
Today was the day – I worked on it to make a pair to be framed up together.
Always difficult when you try to re-visit something.
Its not as strong a work as the first, but together they are a stronger work than just the one.
Framing will be expensive – quite a big work. I am begining to be concerned about framing costs now……….
Ok. I am getting the plot back.
Spent the first part of the morning choosing a moth to hang by its feet to draw; as you do. Something that had been brewing for a while.
Really fast work. Pleased with it.
Always amazes me when that happens..almost like being on automatic. Such a great feeling.
Then to new studio to collect more paper. Odd not being in my old one, but the smallness of it feels kinder, as though less is expected of me maybe.
I shall have to watch that.
Had an e-mail conversation today in which the subject of including ones domestic circumstances in our blogs was discussed.
I realise that I am unusual in this, but they seem intertwined to me……….surely if you or your partner are ill, or you are snowed in or the car breaks down and you can’t get to the studio that is all part of the trials and tribulations.
I don’t see my blog as a twirl for a curator but write thinking I am talking to other artists while focussing my thoughts for me. Nor do I care if I reveal my age group or the fact I don’t have work in the Tate.
What does worry me about blogs is that they are of necessity self censored.
No disagreements with collaborators, difficulties with funders or councils, misunderstandings or reporting of drama queen behaviour that leaves everyone else in the group seething…..happens to us all.
But not on these pages?
Studio swopped.
My space was 19.25 sq metres – now 8.75 sq meteres……….pots and pints spring to mind.
I was meant to be sorting today but ended up in Brixton drinking Ethiopian ginger and cardoman tea with my son……..so much better for the soul.
I have pushed the door shut on the chaos. I shall return to it mid June.
From tomorrow it is head down; eight weeks to my solo show and I am really so behind.
Works to finish, works to do, framing and finishing, invites, signage, costings, private view…….my head spins and I can feel more than a mild case of panic descend. How did I get myself so far behind?
My diary is empty. I have promised myself only dog walks, artists meetings and the occasional gym.
Already going belly up. Elderly mother off to hospital tomorrow for intravenous antibiotics. Rubbish timing Mum.
Day two of the big clear out.
Scary moment this morning when the council representative informed me that I would have to start paying business rates as I had changed studios. All sorted.
The studio block is on the side of a park so as I trotted in and out covered in dust and carrying dustbins and boxes and sacks and plinths all around me were browning nicely in the sun.
A young black cat whose owners leave him out all day has been overseeing operations. His charming companionship was very nearly permanent; he shot out of the car boot just as I was about to leave for the final tip run.
I just hope I haven’t maxed out on his black cat luck. Haven’t seen him since; I fear he may have gone off me.
So – I still have no idea if things will fit in. Especially as I have decided that there is no way I can live without my bookcase.
We will find out tomorrow.
10am -7pm.
Spent the day clearing my big studio space to move to another, smaller studio in the same block.
Just can’t justify the extra expense anymore.
So – have spent the day slashing and burning ……..and still no discernible difference, Backache and a car full to the brim of stuff for the tip.
Now not sure if it will ever fit in…
Have thrown all the old life drawings. Thrown the old proposals and price lists, the show cataolgues and the books I no longer need or want. Thrown all the bits of wood and tissue paper, the old paint and aging brushes, the incense I never used and the silly radio I was given.
Have kept; my orange Buddhist scarf, the yellow ‘everyone act normal’ badge, the scary baby shop mannequin, the diamante lobster claw and the lava lamp. Non negotiable.
I will be back again tomorrow to try harder.
