Feeling a little pissed off with myself for not writing my blog until now. I have been working full time in the shop for the past two weeks, which has left me little time to think/make/do my work. We had a meeting last week at the studio to discuss our open studio exhibition, which I really struggled with. I find it difficult to be around lots of artists, feeling tired and a bit down on my own work. To keep my practice going requires a certain energy that I am lacking with doing extra hours in the shop. For the first time in a long time I am questioning carrying on with my work. Does it really matter if one artist stopped their practice? I am feeling inadequate right now, and I feel bad for not having more to show. Most of the artists in the studios make tangible, art objects unlike myself and I cant help but feel like I’m doing something wrong in my practice, although I don’t know any other way of working. The studio for me has been a clean, focused thinking space not for the public to come and have a gawp at me. After my brief freak out I considered showing in other spaces and decided to use the basement currently occupied by a photographer. In the studio it has a large hanging roll of photographic backing paper and floor lights which looks like a mini film set. I was originally going to show one video although after re-visiting the space I think it needs more. My plan is to show three videos of performance documentation and hang up the performance wardrobe from each piece. I like the juxtaposition of the video documentation and clothes hanging in the damp, dark, dead space.
Open Studio, Mirabel Studios
Saturday 9th July 3-8pm & Sunday 10th July 12-5pm
14-20 Mirabel Street, Manchester M3 1PJ
www.mirabelstudios.co.uk
