Perspective, time and reflection.
That is it.
If I look back and can see why I am so frustrated.
I had a purple patch for a few years, where my clients allowed me to have ideas and they worked with me to help me realise them. I was experimenting with new materials, new ways of working and being an artist so so great.
Now, just by the roll of a dice really I have two very different clients, with different surrounding circumstances.
No; my clients are just as nice, just as well meaning, but the BUT is things are linked to so many other influencing factors that I can’t make things happen and neither can they, I feel powerless.
I am not installing the set of seven mosaics I spent more than seven months making, its …er….. on ice and I have cancelled my accomodation booking. I am sure I will install them, but even the site that has been built for them is now having alternatives considered.
The ‘partnership working’ on this project is a blend of:
Property Developer
Town Council
and County Council (Highways Dept). which is where this last hurdle that has taken all involved on programme by surprise at the 11th Hour. So something like 2.5 years later were still hitting unexpected issues.
My other project is a blend of
The community, through a representative,
The Council,
and the Councils Architect.
All with views, ideas and agendas which opose each, other so when one agrees the other undoes what went before. I have no real clear boss or employer and it is ‘my responcibity’ to gell these organisations together to agree shared goals, and get progress, while addressing all points of view.
I have managed to stay true to my oringinal inspiration or idea, after a lot of input from all partners on content, subject matter, composition, colour descisions, site, size and format. I wondered why was an artist brought on board at all, other design proffesionals and arts administrators were taking on that role, and all that was really required were contractors to tender for the implementation of an already given design.
We have at last appeared to have passed through all that, and my original starting point has now become addopted and I am drawing out my design now. Of course this is on the hurry up now after such as slow start, I was paid to start in Nov. It feels a little like working for free now, though of course that is not true.
So by comparison life as an artist was so great, when I felt I was working with my clients. This however, is the other side of the coin. But only a phase and I will survive in the cooler through the summer. And come out wiser, looking for interesting things to do.
