Someone commented on Sunday at Hyungji’s opening that I don’t do ‘normal’. Whatever that is? I have to say the last few years have not been dull. Apart from the extraordinary journey setting up the studios and the legal wrangles i’ve had a busy ‘other’ life. The short term looks full-on too. HMS is going to Sutton-on-Sea. 8 of us (plus familes and extended families) are taking part int the Bathing Beauties festival http://www.bathingbeautiesfestival.orgShould be fun. I’ve booked a cheap chalet close to the beach and sharing with Alison. Apparently 10 mins to Sutton-on-Sea, closer when the wind is behind! I’m also involved in Art On the Railings (October 9), a community project involving, music, art, food and stuff – in Forest Fields, Nottingham. It’s something I’ve done befrore. A great atmosphere. Also in October we have HMS Open Studios when we host Lim, Kyun Young’s photographs of Antarctica – which is a huge priviledge as Lim’s last show was the 3rd Photo Festival New York.www.nyphotofestival.com In November I will be preparing for Southwell Open Studios. Quite a different venture from HMS because we all open studios in our homes. We charge £3 with money going to charity. A free bus is also available for visitors.Then there is the ‘other’ life….
Hyungji Park’Fake Tales From Somewhere‘5th – 26th SeptPrivate View 5th: Sept 2- 4pm Hyungji Park fuses references from popular culture, art history and everyday surroundings using a personal visual language. http://www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk/exhibiton_space/HyungiPark/pv.htmThe case still rattles on and it is not recommended for the faint-hearted. The system isn’t helpful to people representing themselves as there is very little guidance. The archaic language is exclusive and serves to scare. The costs even for litigants in person are not insignificant.
One of the most rewarding aspects of exhibiting in the Royal Academy has been the unexpected emails and hand written letters from strangers. I received a lengthy one today and it was good. My painting went better today after a period of fuzzy head and poor concentration.
It was supposed to be a studio day today but I had to hang on for the electrician which proved to be a lucky change of plan. I chased up the local paper about advertising children’s book illustration classes which I’m setting up in September. Phew – the deadline for an ad in the educational supplement is tomorrow and because I was late in the day I got it half price too. It will appear on Friday. I’ve already posted details on my website so fingers-crossed. I can’t believe we are making preparations for our 4th Open Studios event. I’ve been busy with the invites. A few ideas have been emailed to artists for approval and I think the blue one is favourite. I’m just sorting out the text.It’s going to be a busy few months because I have been invited to participate in the Oldknows Studio ‘Reunion’ project during the Sideshow event in November. Old members of Oldknows Studio Group will be sharing spaces with current members – a great idea! I won’t be able to make it to the launch though because it coincides with Southwell Open Studios.
We own the 99yr lease for the ground floor too. The intention has always been to let it on a commercial basis but for various complicated reasons it has remained empty for 2 yrs. We have now been given the go ahead to let it and so we are replacing the front window panes and half of the back ones too. Like many studios in old buildings our windows have cracks and holes which will be replaced at the same time.
