What is the importance of history ?

A full on making experience.

A duel with sods law

and an army of construction workers watching to see what art is and what was all the fuss about that needed protection from the rain.

As for the arena, it was not ready, it arrived a day late and the builders could not release enough man power to errect it. Combat took place in the open air. It did not rain. The whole site complex is cordened off from the public and it was a hi viz, hard hat, steel toe at all times set up.

Sods law bowled me a few googlies, like the mosaic did’nt fit the hole made for it, and the screed was rather sandy. The whole working area was actually like working on a sandy beach. But generally speaking it went very well.

In fact I have really enjoyed the builders, they were very keen to see what art is? I am really pleased I was’nt tying ribbons in trees or something cos they would have had very strong views on that. But they were all very complimentary and I can honestly say I did not recieve one negative comment. Jaws dropped when I explained the time and process required. They totally got the whole craft thing and wanted to know how it was done. They wanted explanations as to what they were seeing or what the narrative was. They went on to make a protective cover for the mosaic, so I figured they were as proud of it as I was. They were fun and I enjoyed their company.

I think construction workers are probably good indicators for the views of the general public on matters ‘art’.

History you see, it is the mortar which glues people and communities together!

This will be a full on making experience.

Finally the installation of this mosaic arrives, my car is a mobile tool box and packed to the gunnels.

The contractors have built me a scafolded canopy 6x6m to work under if it rains?

This I did not have to pay for, they did it for me after a half remark about weather effecting work etc. They do have more resources than me, they are building a town after all. But it makes me feel good they are prepared to do it, I dont know if they will bill the local authority or if it is a gesture?

Its a big task and I feel a little like joseph bouys when sharing the room with a wolf. The unexpected is gonna come my way and I have to be up for it. Gladitorial combat with sods law. Perhaps I’ll catch him when he’s asleep.

What is the importance of history?

I still can’t tell you. But it is very important though.

Is art about documenting and recording?

Is it about anything else?

How do you make art?

Does it go like this:

collect

edit

balance

and make.

None of that’s particularly historical. So the answers remain alusive still.

I am waiting to start another mosaic. It is Historical. But what is really occupying mind in those emptier periods is I have got to install this Witney mosaic. It has to fit in the site made for it. I have got to make it fit.

It probably will fit. But if it dose’nt…… WOW…… I’ll be using my ingenuity.

I had a friend once, who said, ‘ The measure of a good craftsman is how they solve problems when things go wrong!

shut up, your making me nervous.