Simulacra And Simulations

Last week I went to see the University of Lincoln Animation Degree Show, as I have been working with Animation during my AA2A scheme residency. I was very impressed with some of the work, most notably a very well made animation entitled Bread And Dripping, set at RAF Coningsby it plays on the role of Lincolnshire airmen during WW2 – an excellent piece of work.

I’m planning to edit the timing for the animation for Alice In Disneyland to submit for the Guggenheim Youtube channel.

I’m not going to reapply to the ACE for funding for the LAN, I wish instead to carry on my own practice in the area of animation for the next few months, in order to continue working over the summer holidays, and am in the process of making a new application for this.

I’m also taking time out to make a new Business Plan for the LAN and need to apply for more funding now that the Enterprise @ Lincoln scheme has finished. I met with a Business Link advisor earlier this week, and regained some confidence that I’m doing this the best way I can, but the fact is that I have a few issues with how to manage self employment with being a lone parent. The fact is that I need more commissions, and I need people to actually buy my work when I do the artist’s markets, otherwise it’s a complete waste of my time.

I received an invitation to Beth Heaney’s private view as part of Synapse quite late, so now I’m wrestling over the fact that I will have to book my youngest son for Kids’ Club, then he can go to his friend’s after that, all so that I can catch the 5.30p.m. train to Nottingham for this, or whether to just go during the day and avoid all unnecessary headaches and potential extra cost.

I wish to highlight why evening private views can be a nightmare for single parents.

Lincoln Artist’s Network are running the Artist’s Markets on The Strait, Lincoln (bottom of Steep Hill) Sunday 27th June, Sunday 25th July, and Sunday 26th September, and although I’m not doing this month’s market, I still have all the stock from last month’s for sale, and I need to make some money!!

We are open to anyone wishing to have a stall – there are still some available, contact [email protected] for more information.

The LAN decided not to exhibit work at the castle after all, due to lack of time – our curator is engaged with her degree show, and after I was awarded the Synapse bursary, I realised I was trying to do too much at once!

I’ve been to both Derby and Nottingham to see work for Synapse, and am still seeking a gallery in Nottingham for a potential exhibition I want to have in November.

I have since attended the Private View for a Graphic Novel exhibition curated by Darren Diss, which was very good, comes recommended – Darren taught me all I know about comics and Frans Masareel etc, some stuff I’ve seen before, original artwork, obviously not though.

On Sunday, Lincoln Artist’s Network held the Artist’s Market once again, and I spent several days preparing some extra prints to sell, some from One And Other, however, not only did I not make a single penny, the weather was first windy, then sudden downpours.

I became very frustrated and went home early, then went to Meleaguer’s Garland at Joseph Banks Conservatory, which was a very well – curated selection of work, including Alex Pearl again. Most people there I knew, but did meet some lovely people as well! It was very enjoyable, although being in greenhouses reminds me of Dad – in a nice way. One of the most intriguing comments was from Ruth Pigott, who said that in larger places such as Manchester, there is so much art work out there it’s difficult to do anything really shocking (or I’d say different), but over here in Lincolnshire is a good place to exhibit innovative work.

The only thing I will definitely do this week will be to attend the Private View for the UL degree show – it’ll be fine art this year, as Gail is exhibiting work, as are some very clever friends, but I will of course have to go over to Illustration at some point while that’s on!

In other news, Apparatjik are becoming more apparent in their weirdness with a series of new Podcasts