As can be imagined its been especially busy with the opening of the show and being there to invigilate. I was fortunate enough to get away between finishing the work and the opening, time spent on holiday for a bit in Spain and a quick visit to London to see friends and check out the degree show at Central Saint Martins.
At ECA we have two opening nights, a business preview and a friends and family night. This is good as it separates the two as they are quite distinct groups of people and events. The first was the business view – it was certainly with mixed feelings I came along to that – we had not been in the spaces for some time, so greeting the work with fresh eyes was the first thing to think about. Our grades had been released and certain prizes which are awarded had been announced.
Aside from all that, I did find the night a bit awkward, as it can be hard to see who might be a potential buyer and I do not feel I have had enough advice about being approached about sales of work. Perhaps this is something that comes with experience, and I hope I managed to handle these situations well. It is something that is really important to be comfortable with as, unless you have an agent or gallery representation, you are responsible for it.
The friends and family opening was a much more jolly event with proud parents galore and plenty of photos. Aside from the diversion of a fire alarm the night went well – it is important to remember we are here to celebrate something too, not just think about what is next or if we´ll sell something or not.
Since then, as the show is open everyday, it has been a case of being there to meet the public, answer questions and make possible contacts for the future. I have been incredibly lucky to have had my work featured in the press in a number of publications, which helps in terms of recognition. It has also been lovely to get reactions and have conversations on the work. Plenty of friends have come to support me and see the work, not just mine but the college as a whole – there is so much brilliant work to see. However, it is all too easy to become engaged in too much conversation!
There certainly is a buzz about the place and the work though – just today one of the tutors from the architecture/interior design school came to visit and we had a great chat about how seeing work like mine could benefit his students and vice-versa. It is great to have these dialogues and the time to spend on them.
But the real world continues outside and thoughts move to the next thing, finishing up the show and then…
