Just completed the interview for the new, soon-to-be-launched, Redhouse Radio station. It was taxing at times – a couple of tricky questions – but on the whole less nerve wracking than I had imagined. Natalia Mount, Redhouse curator, posed the questions and a live audience also contributed some interesting observations and queries. Once I have a copy of the recording, I will put it onto my website. Spent some time walking around downtown Syracuse and went to see close up the amazing art deco building that now houses the electricity company. I have posted an image here – note the sculpture at the top of 'Mr Electric'!
Everyone I have met in the States to date has been most welcoming apart from the over officious customs officers. I am comfortably settled into a very spacious apartment called The Loft which is right next door to the Redhouse Arts Centre. I have spent today finding my way around Syracuse on foot – through several inches of snow – and also saw the exhibition. It looks different here – much smaller and more compact. The Inishlacken spirit shines out from the works – one is reminded of the island so vividly at every glance. Tomorrow is a radio interview and then a gallery talk to the public followed on Friday by the lecture at SUNY (State University of New York). I am looking forward to the latter very much – it will be interesting to see how the HE system works over here in comparison to England. The image with this post is the view from the window of the Loft.
Off tomorrow very early to the States. Everything is pretty much ready and I am keen to get going. Wondering what the work will look like in another culture and how the Americans will react to it.
Coincidentally the inauguration of Barrack Obama is the day I arrive in Syracuse so I imagine everyone there will have their mind occupied
Trying to clear up so many things before leaving… its a bit hectic.
Next blog from the USA.
Working today on finalising the arrangements for my forthcoming trip to America for the opening of the show in Redhouse Arts Centre. It will be held in the Joan Lukas Rothenberg Gallery and is titled Inishlacken; the last parish. 23 artists are exhibiting, each selected from the last years' residencies on the island.
The flights are booked – tickets arrived in the post today – and I am about to confirm accommodation bookings. I have almost finished writing the lecture that I will deliver to students at State University of New York (SUNY) and burnt several extra copies of the four films that are included in the show.
I plan to spend the first four days in Syracuse, where Redhouse is situated, and then travel to New York to spend three days exploring somewhere I have not visited before. This part of the trip will be with Rosie and we intend to take in some galleries whilst in the BIG APPLE.
Three images for you to view here – one of dear Inishlacken. one taken near my home in Suffolk, England and the third is of New York. They say comparison is odious, so I am happy to settle for difference!
