I sometimes worry that my blog is a bit negative with all the legal rubbish that’s kicked off. So it was a relief to read Becky Hunter’s comments … and that my experiences haven’t put her off setting up studios etc in the US. Because really, despite everything we would do it again.
Things are looking up for a number of reasons. The porch which leaks every time we have a downpour is being replaced in a fortnight. I don’t look forward to the work but I won’t miss the polystyrene tiles, the plastic door and the buckets. I’ve also booked train tickets for the Royal Academy Summer Show Varnishing Day. I’d never heard of it before but it sounds like an experience. The selection has really lifted my spirits. .
‘We Are Here’, an exhibition organised by a new generation of curators opened at the Wallner Gallery, Lakeside, Nottingham yesterday. The 14 -22 yr olds selected work from the huge pool of talent found in Nottingham’s many studio groups and came up with a mature response to notions of place, identity and geography. I was impressed. It was also a great chance to catch up with artists I hadn’t seen for a while :) I also managed a few hours at the studio. It’s the Derbyshire Open Studios weekend and although I wasn’t participating, it was good to see such a positive reaction to the studios by visitors. I attempted to paint but it definitely wasn’t the best. Justine has also installed her exhibition of drawings and paintings in the Exhibition Space. It’s been fantastic to see her work develop and her confidence grow since moving to HMS over 2 years ago. Her work is inspired by the local parklands to which she has returned again and again to record the changing seasons. The language has become more sophisticated and the latest charcoal pieces offer a real sense of personal engagement with nature. Two drawings were selected for the ‘We are Here’ exhibition.
Sarah Key (from HMS) and me submitted work for the RA summer show for the first time this year… and today we learned that both pieces were selected.
4 HMS artists were selected from local studios to show at the Wallner Gallery, Lakeside, Nottingham by Young Curators. This is a project run by the Lakeside Arts Centre for 14 -22 yr olds. I wasn’t chosen, but I had a sneak preview today as I popped in to see one of the artists… and it looks an interesting exhibition. I’ll be supporting the artists at the PV on Saturday. 5 HMS artists will also be opening their studios for the Derbyshire Open Studios this weekend. Although Im not taking part I’ll help to prepare. I’ts a good opportunity to spruce up the place.
Painter and studio provider.
