friday afternoon, Plymouth University’s Marine Institute and a meeting with Paula Orrell who is currently involved with Tamar Project; Artangel; Efford Take A Part; Alias Arts; Karst Projects; Curatorial and Visual Arts South West.
The Marine Institute is a fabulous place to visit. Paula has a desk in the large, open plan office – she has booked a slot for us in one of the closed-off conference rooms in about 30 mins from our meeting start and so takes me to sit in a relaxed space where we can chat at the far end of the open floor.
Again, really bowled over by the help I am being offered through this bursary. Paula is so focused on making this session as efficient and useful as possible. This meeting is for critical support for my own artistic practice – and Paula immediately says that we should keep the discussion tightly about my practice and for Smooth Space I should submit a request to Alias Arts which can offer support with a mentor to develop us as an initiative/organisation.
Then in the small, private meeting room I nervously begin to show Paula films and documentation from past projects. This is a deeply difficult process – Paula is very professional, a curator whose practice I admire and respect enormously, and my past work has spluttered into being in fits and starts, whenever I have managed to win a commission, and usually to fit in with a heavily preconstructed commissioner’s agenda. Or, has come to life with little or no budget – creative ambition pared down to a bare, achievable minimum. This does not make for a solid and developing body of work. Have not had any kind of critical feedback – from any commissioners/galleries/projects.
Paula’s comments are rigorous and push hard. She asks if I have thought about applying for an MA – a critically engaged programme with exciting tutors.
She also understands the struggle of trying to maintain a creative practice with no related means of financial support and asks what work I have to do to earn a living – these questions have never been put to me by any organisation, commissioner, gallery.
Paula’s advises small steps – achievable shifts – to make steady progress, with a couple of really solid suggestions. Plus, 5-year timelines – one for Smooth Space and one for my own practice – where do I want to be in 5 years’ time?
We had initially spoken of a session which would last a couple of hours, but have spent most of the day together. Paula’s stamina far outstrips mine – she is still fresh and focused, I stumble out feeling shattered.
But amazed. Fantastically difficult encounter which has stretched and pushed me. Have not experienced anything as rigorous since graduating.
When I get home I find an email from Claire Doherty with a link to Guardian discussion on residencies.
