I thought I would feel terrible: I have just sent an email to my studio group telling them I am leaving to go to the Royal Standard (another space in Liverpool), however, I am mainly relieved. I will have a space, with a contract, wireless, working woodwork tools, other people working in it (actually, the newest members to Wolstenholme have been incredibly hard working – it is the old-school contingent I am referring to). It is good and I am very content. Did I mention the parking spaces?
I am sad and I will miss that place and a lot of the people, but it had become pretty toxic for my practice and I was turning into an arts administrator.
Moving in on Monday, so until then I shall be mentally arranging my new space.
It is more expensive, but then (I think) also better value. I do want to get paid, but I am also aware that it is not always about the money and that this is an investment for the long term.
In addition to adding admin days into my life, I have been thinking that a plan might be a good idea. This was also something that came out of the AIR event: Susan Jones said that in her mentoring she sometimes asks artists to make a plan of what they want to do and where they want to be in the future. The rule (and difficult part) is then not to do things that are not on the plan. This should prevent finding yourself saying yes to all manner of things.
Hmm, so, the only thing I did plan for myself last year was not to show in Liverpool for a while. Then I found myself putting in a proposal for the new Arena space and this month putting some work into DRAWN IN at the Lost Soul and Stranger Service Station. Whoops. I am very happy about DRAWN IN though, as it came up just when I am starting new drawings and seems serendipitous to say the least.
It is one thing to have a shifting, woolly idea of what might be good in your head, and something else entirely to actually write/draw a plan, akin to a business model I suppose, that you can refer back to and that will prove how far off track you have gone!
David Parrish pops into my head here too, reminding me to say NO!! NO, thank you very much, but I can't. No I'm afraid not, no really, it's not possible. Oh, didn't you hear me? I said NO. Also that I am my product, and to forget the archaic notion that it is acceptable to work for free when doing something because you love it. Why can't you can love it and still get paid?
So, I'm excited today – it is onwards to clear the dining table, get a big sheet of paper and perhaps some felt tips/stickers to make the plan a little more joyous…
Today is the first of my self-timetabled admin days. I cannot believe I haven't made time for this before. I did plan some in last month, but I ignored them and carried on in my usual path of misaligned priorities and bizarre feeling of duty to useless things and unhelpful people. I have always known I should do it, but something has snapped to make me actually act. I have also recognised how useful blogging has been and that, accordingly, it should be timetabled in. Just an hour a week or so, but same goes for updating profiles, emailing and the other things that make me feel guilt.
Bec Garland mentioned making time for your practice a few times at the AIR event on Monday night. I don't do it enough. I have hardly been to the studio in the last few weeks, except to sign cheques, meet people and show people round. I have been working from home, probably on an entirely unsuitable scale. I am beginning to resent this very much and recognise the need for a shift in my working habits. It may not be as simple as saying, monday for this, tuesday for that, as unexpected things do occur, but any kind of structure would improve things. This also points towards problems with my studio, and the fact that I have taken on too much responsibility for the place. I adore the building, but it seems it does not love me back.
So, admin down, studio to go.
