Just back from the Swedish exchange in Gotland. Amazing. We were treated like celebrities with full page coverage in 2 Gotland papers. http://www.helagotland.se/noje/default.aspx?articleid=7065635 The turnout for the preview was great and people were really interested in the work and the studios. A celebratory meal in the local bar capped a fine day. Every day was a fine day – Watching the sunset over the Baltic from a third floor terrace of our hosts in Visby was truly beautiful. We crossed the water to Bergman country which is only a skip from Gotland. The meal at SeaView was a memorable evening where we cooked our own steak on hot slabs. … and the 7 minute Visby Pils is definitely worth waiting for… A magical time!
I am flagging a bit. This blog has been going for over 4 years now and although lots of exciting things are happening at HMS I’m also aware that the story of setting up the studios has been told – that is apart from resolving the service charge dispute. However, I will continue dip in and out until we have sorted the service charge, one way or another. We are preparing for 2 international exchanges at the moment. 3 boxes have been sorted for transport to Gotland. My 2 works on paper are approx 120cm x 90 cm rolled in a tube, nicely supporting one side of the biggest box. I’ve also made a series of 6 small paintings on board (based on old family photographs) to pack in my suitcase. Only recently have I been able to go through the box of memories from mum’s belongings, but sadly most of the photos aren’t labelled and I haven’t a clue who the personalities are. The photos range from Victorian sepia, b/w seaside piccies to young men in uniform. I presume family must feature in most. I can see a hint of resemblance in some. But the picture isn’t clear. I’ve been spending time with these photos exploring body language and expression. The result is a playful interpretation of different personalities having a day out at the seaside. It looks a bit like Scarborough. We are also preparing for the 2nd leg of the Chicago exchange in October to coincide with our open studios. I can’t believe this will be our 5th Open Studios. Blimey!
Just a quickie as I’m off to a printmaking course this morning. I haven’t done dry point/ screen printing and lino for years so looking forward to a refresh. I’m hoping I can make something more physical than digital prints for the USA collaboration. Lots of deadlines looming before I depart for Gotland in 2 weeks. The crate/ boxes will be packed on Weds so I’m hoping the 1 x 1.2 m oil/paper paitning will be dry. I’ve already rolled up a drawing of a similar size. Also on the go are two works for the India/Uk exchange – to be finished and delivered before I go away. Good to get away from that legal business!
We are exhausted. Although case management conferences are designed to sort out the management of the case, you never know what to expect. We always request a transcript so that we can go through the jargon at our leisure. This costs, but it is well worth it. The trial is programmed for Jan/Feb and there is a timetable for disclosure of documents. As transparency is a key objective we are looking forward to examining the records and accounts.
We have enough files to prop up a small table. Tonight we sift through for details we may need tomorrow. Sweeper clauses, a Part 36 and CPR are terms I would rather not learn. I’m picking up lawyer speak and becoming more familar with the language.
