Redirection and Network Timeout

And last but not least, I added the three dimensional pieces and drawing to the installation. I have got some cleaning up of it do, but I think it is nearly there, but I will sleep on it.

I also visited the Chongqing Town Planning Exhibition which showcases a very wide range of positive and optimistic maps and models of the ever developing city. It has given me a lot of ideas for materials and work for after I leave.

This morning I visited the Huguang Guild Hall was originally built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, and holds many historical temples, spaces and palaces. It was a lovely morning to visit the now museum with Laura (translator) to view the architecture, museum of plaques and immigrant movement museum, with a light rain shower falling through the passageways.

Day 3 of the installation, I have added the base map colour, and made the 3-d parts. I have working on it on my own which has been less stressful for me.

I have been thinking a lot about my mentalities of the group in China, and also the work ethic of the young graduates that I have met here. Many young people do not work after they graduate, and survive from their parents help. I think this approach is worrying for the long term prosperity of the country. I read a few articles on the internet regarding the expansion of universities in recent years, the push for students and universal belief that a HE degree will ascertain a good career. Different reports suggest that 30 – 45% of these graduates are unemployed since 2009. Although the country is growing there is not the business and market for such students. Many of the graduates just pass the time, with friends etc. I would go crazy! From my experience graduating is hard, but work experience is so important, and unfortunately alongside low paid jobs, this is the only way to go until you build up your portfolio and experience. I always believe if it is easy it is not worth it.

Also with some of the artists that I have met, I am surprised at the slow attitude to work, however there are others I have met that work very hard (and to me the success and credibility, unsurprisingly, of their work reflects that). I am not generalising, but I have had quite a strong reaction to people that I see wasting time. Time for me is like chocolate – I always want more! In my life with trying to make money to make art, I always have so much to do, that every decision is made around trying to free up more time for work – from house moves to career decisions to social plans. For me having time here in China, funded by the Arts Council, is like gold dust!

Much more progress was also made today on the installation, there were also many hands to help me. We did encounter some difficulties when trying to attach the panels to the wall, as one of the walls in concrete, and we needed a masonry drill bit. Jane, one of the assistants speaks fantastic English, so she accompanied me to the hardware shop, but unfortunately the screwdriver would not take it. Difficult to try and sort it in another country when I speak very little of the language.

The structure is finished now, thanks to the help of everyone who works and is friends with YanYan. I am going to work on the colour tomorrow, and I have a few more materials to buy in the morning. I have made some plans for external sprays and a drawing in the centre of the studio walkway. I know what I need to do – I just need to get on with it!

Today was so hot, and around dinner time, there a was a large thunderstorm with much lightning. The night market traders had to clear their goods. I went to YanYan’s apartment for the first time. It is very spacious and comfortable, and he also had a seated toilet!

It is early to bed for me tonight as there much more to do tommorow.