Another project we worked on whilst being exiled from the studio was A World of Ego Close to the Gods.
Given the opportunity to use the Embassy Gallery in Edinburgh for 4 weeks, we had to come up with a project which would satisfy everyone involved – both MA and MFA students.
We settled on a table based exhibition which ensured all participants had a level playing field – the same amount of 30x3o cm table to work with. The idea of a kind of anthropological display with a note to representing oneself as an artist in either an object or intervention on this compact space. The idea of breaking down hierarchies in a simple way yet left up to the individual to contribute in that way they felt appropriate.
The tables were beautifully made – two fellow students having excellent woodworking skills – but perhaps some of the work almost seemed an afterthought. Which I expect is quite often the case in a project such as this.
I ended up managing the project, something I have experience in and I particularly enjoy. Perhaps a desire for control or just a joy in organising and seeing/making things happen. A few hitches along the way providing challenges and learning points which were welcomed. Learning the new skill of van driving will stand me in good stead, I know it.
Gaining drinks sponsorship, arranging a successful opening night with live music, sorting out invigilation and organising everything in between is all part and parcel of an event such as this. It was really time consuming but ultimately worthwhile as we pulled off a very successful event.
Looking back it was a good distraction, with no working space to be had, but with the weeks flying by I now am struggling to concentrate on preparing for the final show in August.
I find myself too often distracted by outside concerns and I wonder how the artists/students who seem completely engaged all the time do it. Maybe I am too in touch with my own reality, or perhaps I see that completely as part of my practice.
