Oval House prize

Now that I have nearly finished the grant application for ‘jography’ I realise that it has helped me to feel that it will happen even if I don’t get funding due to the momentum of the planning that is necessary just to fill the form. Also the form prompts you to think about other possible sources of money, local authorities, sports organisations and venues themselves. And even in difficult times support in kind can make a big difference to whether or not a project goes ahead. I have today made some images for the application with Steve, as I have learnt that having a strong image early on helps with being able to describe the piece and to sense the possible needs and shortcomings in your plans.

Today I have been trying to integrate running and art on a daily basis, so I have been on a run along the Thames from V22. I picked a great time as the dusk came on as I rounded the bend in the river at Rotherhithe, the full moon rose and hung above Canary Wharf for the remainder of my progress to Greenland dock and back to Southwark park and the studio. Two foxes like silent sleuths parted as I entered the park staying close to the food they had discovered while keeping an eye on me. I count that a good day.

It seems that my performance went down well with both the audience and staff at the Ovalhouse. I was praised on how I adapted my performance and preparation to the multi- user environment of the cafe area. It was good to have been able to be self motivated and not to need much support, other than in the press and publicity area. This somewhere I need to be more confident and proactive. I know I have a tendency to have doubts near to the realisation of work and shy away from seeking publicity, this is not good timing. With a look to the future Michael and I hatched out a plan and a name for my next performance ‘Jography’ examining the opposition of running and drawing. Hopefully in 2012 as the Olympic organisers try to combine art and sport it will be topical. It is a new and exacting experience to be filling in a grant application to the Arts Council, but it has helped me to make my plans more concrete.