Setting up 18 studios, Long Eaton, Nottingham

I wish I could go to all my previews. I currently have drawings in an exhibition in Paju Book, Seoul, Korea.

50 – 60 visitors turned up to the private view of 'Emissaries From The Past' at HMS so the place was alive. From Felixstowe to Hinkley different generations congregated to view Dee Shiel's first solo show.

We had an idea… we tend to attract families and whilst the kids might be drawn to the work for a while, their concentration dims when adults start talking. So we thought we might set up a table for youngters with crayons and paper etc. We could set little projects related to the show. Why didn't we think of that before?

Our decision to return to the UK was made for a number of reasons but I really missed the vibrant artists' community in Notts. We couldn't make it in one as we had to follow the jobs However, after a couple of years in Essex we are back.

And in times of credit and crunch it's a great place to be. In the last 2 weeks I've been to shows, talks and events in Stoke, Derby Nottingham and Leicester (Sheila Ravnkilde's installation at the Richard Attenborough Centre is a must). All for free! Yesterday I was a bit late for an inspirational talk by Mel Brimfield at The New Art Exchange. This was organised by Nottingham Trent Uni who are putting on a series of seminars for artists – all freebies.

Nottingham is a buzz. Next Tuesday I'm hoping to make the debate at Tether as well as the pv of Banalarama at the Surface Gallery. Wednesday will be Broadway and Thurs…. The problem is finding time to make work mmmm.