Well the windy city is also wet and at times snowy in April. Whilst the UK is basking in sunshine, Chicago has been hovering just above freezing. Despite the cold we are having a brilliant time. As I write this Alison and I are taking time out before the reception tonight. The drawing is complete and like most previews don’t know how many people will be coming. Our photos for the Chicago Reader arrived too late which is a shame. However, we were in the listings which is quite an achievement as there is so much is going on in the city. It has been challenging working in a space which is only 27 inches deep on a drawing of 15ft x 8ft. and with another artist Our styles are quite different but we have used visual devices to bring the composition together. The bonus is we have learned from each other. Our hosts have been generous and kind and we are very much looking forward to reciprocating in October. We have visited a few galleries already but more things are planned next week including a Blues evening, a PV to a Chicago Arts Fair, a guided tour round Columbia University and easter Sunday with the host’s family.
Sometimes I’m just a bit rubbish. The Chicago Reader wants to cover our performance drawing in the window of Art on Armitage. The images we sent were too low res and I’ve been a bit slow off the mark realising the importance of the listing. Apparently it is THE major event paper in the city and they only print 3 images a week. I hope we’ve managed to send the images in time. As I’m writing this I’ve been emailed to say the images have been received. Phew! The Sketch prize pv was last night. I couldn’t make it. The catalogue is on blurb. what a good idea. http://www.blurb.com/books/2078696
The battery operated eraser pens arrived in the post today. Marvellous. They alllow you to draw into charcoal with clean lines and sharp edges. Just one of the tools we’ll be using on Art on Armitage. My Moo cards arrived too. I’ve moved house since my last business cards were printed so getting some sorted was long overdue. Mary Ellen has asked for specific times when we will be drawing so the press will know when to visit. The PV is organised for Friday 22nd. She’s also arranging for school parties to come on the second week. Paul Hirst’s show ‘Traces’ will go up in the Exhibition Space when I’m in Chicago but as an ex HMS studio holder he knows the ropes. He is having a closing party on May 8th so I will be able to make the event.
I have contacted a dozen artists on the waiting list (going back to 2008) to see if they are still interested in a space. As you might expect lives have changed, people have moved on – one to London another to the south caost. One is just back from honeymoon and another has just had a baby. As I have been passing on recent enquiries to other studios the waiting list is definitely going through a ‘thin’ period. We have 3 who want to remain on it but for varoius reasons now isn’t the right time. We have one artist-in-waiting but for the first time since setting up the studios we are going to make a call-out.
