A busy week, hard to catch my breath or think beyond the task in hand. There were some visitors in the studio and I was sad that I didn’t have more to show but having to talk more in lieu of show and tell meant that it was actually really helpful. Things shifted a lot in my head during the visit with Louise from S1 and Haroon – unexpected! I am very excited at the moment – lots of ideas just coming together and plans for future work are almost fully formed. I am carving and drawing in the garden today – really wonderful to be getting on with stuff.
On Thursday we were invited to the VIP dinner for collectors et al for the opening of The Economy of the Gift at A Foundation. A delicious dinner that felt akin to a wedding, although we all wimped out and sat next to each other instead of the proverbial drunk uncle! Then there was Ceri Hand and the Bluecoat openings, the latter where my Japanese/Austrian guest was showing. Her work really stood out I think and she seemed to have a good time. I have to go back to see both again though as I couldn’t formulate much opinion during these swift visits.
I was invited to have dinner with POST and their Austrian exchange partners on Wednesday evening. It was a really lovely evening and nice to meet some more artists working in Liverpool.
The cardboard furniture set is finished for the first performance at the Bluecoat next week. Had a lovely time working on it with Elizabeth as we seem to be quite harmonious. Perhaps we will collaborate on some art one day… We had a great conversation on Tuesday about payment and negotiating rates. Numerous times we have been brave enough to ask for what we want to be paid, only to then immediately accept half or two thirds, or whatever the amount offered may be. Working with a theatre group recently, Elizaeth told me this came up and they were discussing other responses:
You only have half my budget? Okay, well I will deliver half a play then. Or a book without a cover, or a duet with only one musician, or I will do the painting and then cut it in half and you can choose one bit. We had to be quite strict about the time we worked on the set for – we are both busy and don’t want to work for peanuts when time is precious. It can be hard keeping track of time worked when it’s not 9 – 5, but it was great to reach our limit and just stop. Must remember that next time.
Now, work begins making sure Taxed no.10 Skillmarket is going to be well attended… event details here:
