My computer died and repair was not an option as my iMac was ‘vintage’. When my panic died down I realised that my house content insurance would cover it. So I am now up and running after re-learning how to use a very whizzy new iMac.
My painting series of local doors have continued. They will be exhibited as part of ‘Artweeks’, Oxfordshire Visual Art Festival in 2010. Seeing these small canvases en mass in the studio makes them monumental. My feelings about them has changed from the beginning of this project. I am no longer interest in just representation but beginning to be interested in the light. Nor sure where this will go but things are changing.
This one is an illustration of the householders’ public face. Looking from the inside out is to see the shielding or barrier to viewing the front room.
Painting the doors of my home village still continues. Realized that I am intersection between the darkness and the light. Now that did surprise me.
I want to look at the issue of trying to work while on benefits.
My personal experience when an illustration contract was canceled by the client was horrid. I was accused of making myself ‘purposely’ unemployed and this was after making my business and tax records available to them. I was then told that as I had unsold paintings, drawings and further work on my computer I was required to sell ‘my stock’ before benefits could be paid and I must not do anymore painting. I spent a lot of time explaining things but it was three months before I received any benefits. I survived on my termination of contract payment and on loans from friends who only expected repayment when I was able.
I can earn money both from working as an designer and as an artist/illustrator but only on an irregular freelance basis. My own research says that any work means that all benefits will stop if I earn any money. I am frustrated by not being able to try working especially as more and more work is only being offered on a ‘freelance’ basis. I am unable to take an alternative job for reasons I am unwilling to explain here. I do not know how to get myself out of this trap.
I still paint because it is breathing to me.
I have continued with the small paintings but have now added a portrait of a Morris Dancer. Dave has agreed to model for a number of live sessions. At the next session the film camera will be there as a local film maker wants to document the process of the painting. I have enough of an ego to say yes to the filming but have invited a couple of other local artists to join me on the session to take the pressure off me.
