Lucky Blog 7? Hmmm… disputable…
Hello blog, I am glad you’re here. Yesterday was not great; it was in fact the first day I almost disappeared into a big lumpy grump of unproductiveness- blurch.
Tuesday evening I came across a technical difficulty concerning the sponsored plasma screen sourced from a generous local small business. I intended to display Fruit Loops; four animated shorts, positioned so that the plasma lay on the floor on its back, screen facing upwards. Having initially been given the go ahead, I especially built a wooden platform, but was informed early Tuesday that positioning the plasma in such a manner may lead to an uninvited firework display (gas fuelled apparently)… something I’d rather avoid cost wise. Plus, I am not for melting people on the opening evening; takes synaesthesia a bit far.
Ultimately the plasma’s tray display is now defunct and I don’t want to use it just because it’s there; though it is all so shiny and spangly, and I am sure it purred at me… Nor do I want to stand it up in the corner just because it’s a bit woooo, a bit waaaa; it is important for me to retain the initial aesthetic- for the viewer to look down into the moving visuals. The thematic context of the work and its relationship to the overall installation demands so.
So, having carefully considered the options; moving it’s location, employing a horizontal tv etc… I’ve decided to opt for a projection from the ceiling directly onto to the platform postioned below. This of course has thrown up a multitude of new challenges involving sound and general logistical conundrums that could drive any final year student 5 days away from assessment into a knotted art ball. But, I would be more worried if everything went according to plan; hitches to be expected after working with video and technology for so long now. Plus, installation is gymnastics; you have to be bendy.
So, what made me frown more than smile today then? Well, having to deal with unhelpful people is not great, especially when you need it most. This, plus a skiving third year assistant (actually said he forgot to bring his dentist note, bless), PLUS tiredness signals; flashing danger lights. At this point, artist genius is easily irritated and slippage of tolerance levels means incoherent babbling and scribbles far from A Beautiful Mind. It does not bode a well executed suspended projector shelf. Forget artist’s block, by five o clock, I had a whole forest going on (ho ho). The urge to snort large measures of absinthe via the left eye had overwhelmed me.
Luckily, my tutor and a superhero woodwork technician came to my rescue and made me see the wood from the trees. (Sorry.) Because of the physical nature of this crucial installation stage and aforementioned plasma spanner; seeking external help from the clear thinking is very necessary.
Seeking help. Yes. About time. Remedy also arrived at nine pm, when I got together with others feeling the pressure and needing a good chin wag. Good old Droothy’s.
7 ain’t so bad.
I know I’ve done all I can today and I am still on track in the big scale of 5-day deadline. Hello tomorrow, ya gonna be sunny coz I saw a glimpse of one of my videos projected alongside Wabbit! I thought, hey, I did that.
