Simulacra And Simulations

I realise I haven’t written in here for a while, I’ve been busy finalising the Synapse review, which is here: http://www.a-n.co.uk/interface/reviews/single/705500

I then intended to continue seeking funding for the LAN, and spend time on my illustration portfolio, which has been neglected lately, however, my landlord is seeking possession of the house that I rent, so I’m having to move. It really isn’t a good time to move, being recently self-employed, nor can I afford to, but in the midst of all the stress, I took time out on Friday / Saturday to go to London. A small visit to the Royal Albert Hall, then on the Saturday I went to see Damien Hirst’s The Souls at Paul Stolper gallery.

A series of multicoloured foil embossed prints of butterflies filled the small gallery space, evoking obvious metaphors of beauty and death, butterfly collecting, anthropology and metamorphosis, their method of production reminded me of how money is printed, and celebrity Warhol prints.

Definitely recommend dropping in if you’re in London.

Next week I’m still off to Oslo for the postmodern conference, then more house moving stress.

I’ve been awarded funding to travel to Oslo to attend a conference entitled

“Living a Boy’s Adventure Tale: musical interactions in the decades of postmodernism.”

It falls neatly in October half term, although the funding doesn’t cover the boys, only myself, so I’m hoping Grandma can babysit for a few days.

Why is it when you say you’re having a few weeks off, someone insists on doing something work-related just to ruin your holidays?

http://www.emincubation.co.uk/main/Enterprise_Inc/…

Good promotion for the LAN.

Now, back to refereeing and trying to stop friends of kid’s friends from staring in the window when I don’t answer the door (how rude!).

On Classic FM a request went: “I’ve just had my young nephews and nieces for a couple of weeks, now I’ve gone back to work for a rest, can I have some Chopin?”

Says it all really!

Earlier this month, I submitted an A-ha themed doodle I had hanging around for this exhibition in St. Louis, U.S. and it was exhibited on Sunday 11th July:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4 … 485&ref=mf

My work is at the bottom between elbows, not a very clear image. They even exhibited my envelope:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4 … 485&ref=mf

In contrast, I also applied for another Open Show at a more local gallery. They were keen to take my £15 submission fee, but apparently my work wasn’t successful.

I’m not sure I agree with that judgement, especially when my work was exhibited, promoted for sale and is due to be published around now.

I feel that if my work wasn’t successful I should be entitled to a refund!! Since when did anyone have to pay for services not supplied? It’s the Natwest bank philosophy

Last Sunday was Lincoln Artist’s Market, for which we enjoyed some very lovely weather, however, we feel the location of the Artist’s Market is not the best place for selling work.

I’m interested how our Market contrasts with this: http://www.a-n.co.uk/interface/reviews/single/647595

I was also interested in encouraging artists to exhibit work whether or not it was for sale. But Lincoln BIG included in their remit that work must be for sale. However most artists taking part in the market are struggling to cover their costs, and this is putting them off.

If I were to apply the Natwest Bank philosophy, everyone that passed by our stall and didn’t buy anything would be subject to a £15 fee to cover our costs!

Other than that, I’ve submitted work for various competitions, exhibitions and opportunities and am now taking time out because it’s the Summer Holidays.

I’ve created myself a brand new studio downstairs – I’m moving out of the Corner Of My Bedroom – which is far too studenty for a graduate of two years, as is my current salary…..

Last week I avoided all football by going to Nottingham to see Beth Heaney’s work at Malt Cross gallery as part of the Synapse review.

I’m finding cafes in Nottingham more accommodating, and potentially a better context for an exhibition I wish to have in Nottingham in November for my own A-ha themed work. The timing and location of this are critical to its context, however, a contingency plan has been suggested – this would involve an additional trip to Norway, other than honouring the invitation to attend the Postmodern Conference in Oslo in October, for which I’m seeking and applying for funding.

I’m hoping I win one of the animation competitions I’ve entered; my animation has now been edited, tweaked and submitted for the Guggenheim Youtube channel, and I’ve submitted work for a variety of exhibitions, but I currently feel that sense of underachievement overwhelming me.

Fingers crossed some fantastic opportunity comes my way and I have some luck with something (for once!).

I feel that everyone is watching the World Cup, or Wimbledon, not interested in art, and this weekend is Waddington Airshow here in Lincoln.

For me, it’s time to escape the city and visit Mum again this weekend.