I read Jane Ponsford's last blog entry with recognition, as I too am enjoying keeping up with the progress of other projects – especially, as it happens, Jane's! I think our residencies have similar and dissimilar aspects that I'm finding interesting to ponder. At the moment, I have no workshops or open studios built into my agenda, while the education/community involvement element of Papertrails seems a significant part of the project. I suppose Festial is more introspective in structure, but I'm looking forward to sharing the outcome of my reflections with other people as the project unfolds.
Still on the theme of others' blogs, I'm finding the new Airspace one giving food for thought. AndersonMacgee's questioning of the notion of permanence and eshewing ownable objects as the inevitable outcome of 'art' resonates strongly with me.
Going back to Jane Ponsford's post – if she or any other bloggers would like to visit Festial for real, you would be most welcome!
The new equipment that is part of the Arts Council's support for Festial has been ordered and is starting to arrive. Indeed, a delivery man knocked at the door a few minutes ago with the first item. Exciting, but scary as I have to work out how to use unfamiliar technology. The best way will probably be just to get out there and start! Certainly, in the past I've got a lot of the ideas and images that I've felt were the most successful through making so-called mistakes…
Late this aftrenoon I'm due to pick up the medieval mugs and jugs from the North Norfolk potters: not earlier, they said, as their kilns will be firing today. This brings home to me how elemental and primal the process is. Neolithic, medieval and 21st century potters all firing their pots.
