During my stay I have found it really difficult to see other performances, do my own work and balance spending time with the family. Even though I have this amazing studio it doesn’t stop me from hearing my baby cry and a natural want to comfort him to sleep. My partner has been amazing looking after baby and sometimes it’s hard to let go, step back, focus on the full day ahead. As an artist mum sometimes I feel guilty for concentrating on my work, then I have to remind myself that we are here because of it. Baby is having a wonderful time and we are all really experiencing a bit of the Finnish lifestyle in Tampere. My work plan has changed and I have taken the opportunities to make contacts in the moment. Markus introduced me to the director of the Workers Museum that is similar to Peoples History Museum in Manchester. We took the bus to Pispala where the Moose House is although there was nothing on that night but round the corner we were invited to an open party at the Pumpkin House. I met artists and locals mixing together over food and soft drinks. At the house they grow there own food, use the space for exhibitions, performances, cooking and discussions although no one lives in it. I didn’t stay long as I had to get back to the residency house, tired after a long day.
On Saturday I located my banner in the city square next to the small circus tent. I was surprised that I was allowed to be so close to the tent, however there were no performances happening in it during the day. Again, I was taken aback at how quiet the city was for a Saturday. On reflection I think Friday would have been a better day. This made it difficult to get a constant buzz of people around the banner. People attract people, but when there’s no one around this made it difficult to engage with them. I did consider moving, although it was quiet everywhere. Popular themes that kept coming up was food, drink, music and football. For some people the question was just too challenging to come up with a quick answer. I am interested to see what the artists will come up with when I do my talk on Monday. This evening I have been setting up the studio space for the talk. I’m not sure how many people will come as it is the last week of the summer holidays here. I dropped in personalised cards to everyone’s studios and I am looking forward to meeting some of the artists this week.
