Sometimes the case really gets to me. The trigger can be unexpected. This time it was a recent case Jem had picked up on the web – Haydon v Charlton which went before the High Court of Justice in Dec 2010. Diane Charlton represented herself and the other side were professionally represented. What struck a chord was the behaviour of the legal profession. The unanswered letters, the paperwork handed to us on the day of the hearing by HFC solicitor – not just once but at all three hearings. I don’t expect the solicitor on the other side to ‘mother’ us through the proceedings but it feels like our inexperience is being exploited. Whatever the verdict, the process of justice is painful.
Good news! I have takers for the next 4 sessions of Children’s Book Illustration classes. We will be concentrating on thumbnails and making dummy books.
It is the final week of a 4 week block for my illustration classes. Last week was a real hit. We concentrated on creating a simple sequence of images. For those without a story I used tradtional nursery rhymes as a framework. “I can’t believe this is my work”, was one comment. Quite satisfying. The test will be whether they sign up for the second block. I have been busy fillling in a British Council application form for a travel grant. One of those ‘Unfortunately’ letters hangs like a black cloud when I’m trailing through quotes, printing off CV’s and writing and rewriting statements. I’m not a natural.
The tickets for Chicago are booked. Alison and I will be drawing in the window of ‘Art on Armitage’ together. Alison is currently artist in residence at Thoresby Gallery and spends many hours observing, drawing and painting in the grounds of Thoresby Park… in all weathers and usually on her own. It will be quite a contrast to draw large scale in a window 15ft x 10ft x 27ins with a messy partner. We will be reflecting the cityscape of Armitage and its inhabitants through drawing. I will be introducing animals and birds indigenous to the British Isles . These anthropomorphic creatures will be a playful commentary on people – whilst the citizens of Chicago will be watching Homo Sapiens in the window.
HMS website is growing. I built it myself and sometimes I get it wrong. Today, I learn that I made two errors affecting 2 groups showing next year. I credited the wrong name with the wrong image for one and managed to give the Swedish group a different name and website address. The first of my children’s book illustration classes started yesterday. I was a bit nervous, but I think it went well. The good thing about holding sessions st home is no travelling, no hire costs and no marking. I have work accepted for the OPEM competition which opens 4th Feb at the Collection, Lincoln. I am so pleased because I am a big fan of Richard Wilson who was one of the selectors.
