Everything seems to be fine at the moment, nothing new to report really. I've been into the studio a few times working on paintings in progress and these are coming close to being finished. I will soon need to start some new work so I have to order some new materials. It looks like I will have to pay this out of my own pocket as my materials budget has still failed to materialise (pardon the pun)
I've applied for a quite a few things in the last week which is a real chore for me at the moment. I am having problems burning discs to send out. I own 2 cd burners (laptop and main computer) but they both have stopped working so I am having to pester friends to do my disks for me.
I have had confirmation of the work that is to be in Derby Museum and Art Gallery in April and had confirmation of a the amount of space allocated for a group show at Deda in Derby in May so I am now aware of what work I need to fulfull all my exhibitions in April/May. I will need to make some more work to allow me to be selective.
I am now staring to research for making some different work. I am really looking forward to creating something different and I think it will be really healthy to do this.
I've completed my first week of doing a proper job and to be honest I am in a better frame of mind than I was last week.
I've managed to get into the studio just as much as I have previously been able to when I was not employed. Once my working hours have settled I should be able to get in even more. Good News!
I graduated this weekend which was a very strange day. It all seemed to go rather quickly and to be honest it didn't really seem like it was happening to me. I got my certificate and had some photos but I was a little dissapointed that I didn't get the chance to catch up with my fellow ex-students.
The graduation ball was dreadful. I think I am too old for nightclubs now. I would have much preferred a quieter, civilized affair.
I had a good painting session yesterday and managed to resolve a few problems with several paintings. I am still waiting for my money for materials, it seems that nothing has been done about it and it's going to be a while. At least I am getting paid now and should be able to buy some paint out of my own pocket.
It's been a slow start to the New Year, I have been into the studio a few times and I am managing to work on a few canvases at the moment. I am currrently having to be inventive with my colour mixing as I have run out of certain colours and don't have the money to replace them yet. (still waiting for my materials budget – I've chased again but no luck yet.
I've been looking at a proposal for a local initiative called re:place that will be a major project over the next 2 years in Derbyshire. The project will involve many artists in the region and promises to be an interesting one. I am putting forward a proposal for an exhibition out in the landscape. It's the first proposal of this kind that I have done so fingers crossed.
Thank you very much to Helen and Rob for your comments on my blog. It's great to know that people are actually reading what I write.
I've had to get a job to pay bills and also enable me to continue as an artist. It's a really difficult time for everyone at the moment, financially the World is in a mess and times are really difficult. The job is a full time position. It will be difficult but manageable.
The intention is to still get into the studio as much as I was (2-3 times a week) I was going into the studios early and late anyway which I will continue to do and also at weekends. I'm sure It will be extremely tiring to work and then go into the studio but I expect not too much different to looking after my son for the day and then going in. It isn't an ideal situation but I have responsibilities. Hopefully things will change in time.
An important thing for me is to continue going into the studio and continue in the residency. I need to keep making art, it's what I do.
Christmas went by very quickly indeed and now it's time to celebrate the New Year. I wonder what the forthcoming year has to offer, lets hope that the economic climate improves and peoples confidence in investing in art returns.
I have 2 exhibitions planned in April and one in May at the moment but I am hoping to have more throughout the year. I am working on some new paintings and trying hard to get my name out there
I have just had confirmation of a solo show in 2010. It still amazes me that a lot of art galleries plan 2 years ahead of themselves.
Buxton have asked me to have a solo show at the Art gallery from October 2010 through to Decber 2010. I have the freedom to take my work in whatever direction I want. They have ot chosen a body of work as they would prefer to see new work.
Happy New Year to anyone that reads my blog. I hope the year to come is very good to you
This week has been full of my son's christmas parties and concert's and Christmas.
We had some bad news at our studios this week. It seems that someone had the nerve to sneak into the studios whilst artists were working and steal a wallet and electrical goods. I can't believe it, really I can't.
I'm in the studio tomorrow with the prospect of lots of brush cleaning and getting ready for starting some new paintings (that's if I ever get my materials budget)
I have a meeting with an art consultant tomorrow which I am looking forward to. I am also looking forward to hopefully meeting up with a friend that I went to university with.
