http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Diary of a Foundling Artist Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:16:05 +0100 a-n rss generator a-n The Artists Information Company and contributors edit@a-n.co.uk technical@a-n.co.uk http://sites.a-n.co.uk/img/logo.gif http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 This is a bit of an odd one. Usually, like most artists, we choose where we want to work and deal with ideas that we are specifically interested in. Here, as a group, we've all been asked to respond to a particular location. The foundling museum is a wierd little museum housing a collection of Hogarths (and other paintings), a load of memorabilia associated with Coram's Foundling Hospital, a collection of manuscripts relating to Handel and a couple of recreated 18th century rooms. My own work uses ideas associated with chance and play so I've just got to think of something to do now. Should be fun.Shameless self publicity bitwww.rotagavin.blogspot.comwww.protestfilm.comwww.axisweb.org/artist/alexpearl ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 I've just recieved the Artists Brief from Commissions East which is quite useful. it lays out the aims of the commission as giving me the opportunity tocreate new workdevelop my profile out of the regionattract attention from the arts mediaintroduce new audiences to my work the timeline has reminded me that I have to have initial ideas ready by 8th May and the work has to be in situ by 26th SeptemberWe had a very useful and slightly scary tour by the museum's curator Rhian Harris. The place is packed with stuff and sentiment (which I found quite interesting) But my initial ideas mainly revolved around defacing the guide book & perhaps reintroducing some play into the space. We also had a photocall on the stairs at which I singularly failed to hold my stomach in. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Ok I've got three initial ideas to pitch to the steering group, actually i've got lots of ideas but many are terrible and others will probably be chucked because of bad taste. I'm about to start a residency/exhibition in Bury St Edmunds which involves making films from bad thoughts and this is colouring a lot of my thinking at the moment. The show is called Joking Aside and I'm showing several films about death involving. matches, balloons, blutack and alka seltzer tablets. The show opens on 5th May & I'm trying to get ahead of myself & sort everything out.Anyway, the three ideas (so far)1. I was intrigued by a series of sentimental victorian paintings in the committee room which showed key moments in the passage of a foundling through the 'Hospital'. I thought i would quite like to produce an opera of sorts using lolipop sticks and Handel's Foundling Anthem which is held in the museum. I would also quite like to do a live performance/fundraiser in one of the C18 rooms. I imagine myself behind a screen with the lolipops projected behind me accompanied by a string quartet. 2. I am thinking quite generally about bringing play into the museum which is currently inhabited by more senior citizens. I want to make a series of short video pieces throughout the museum using wandering toys, a slinky on the stairs (where, the guidebook tells us, a child died sliding down the banisters) I am also minded of magic tricks from my childhood. The paper bag & invisible ball, the snapping/mending matchstick etc.3. I have many automatic cameras which can be allowed to wander filming at random. I wondered about using these to make a portrait of the current governors which could then be donated to the gallery in the tradition of its Hogarths etc.The curator has apparently been appointed but we are to be kept in the dark until the right moment. When her identity is revealed I should be able to discuss these with her and begin to think about the thorny issue of siting the works. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 The curator has been appointed. Her name is Gill Hedley. She is an independent curator best known as the Director of the Contemporary Art Society from 1993 to 2006. Before that she worked for the British Council organising exhibitions of British artists abroad - from ‘YBAs’ to established names such as Francis Bacon in Moscow and Richard Hamilton at the Venice Biennale. She is currently on the Board of Spike Island in Bristol and is a member of the International Association of Art Critics. We are planning to meet up on 8th May at 'Joking Aside' in Bury st Edmunds Gallery to talk things over. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 I'm just back from the opening of Joking Aside. Had a lovely time. The curator Craig Ashley got a comic in for the opening. I cracked up as his jokes about paedophilia and intimate shaving fell flat on the genteel audience. I'm sure this was exactly as intended as the show was, at least partly, about the breakdown of comedy. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 I had a meeting today with the curator Gill Hedley. She came to Joking Aside and had a look round. Because of her high powered reputation, I had managed to build it up into a very nerve wracking experience but luckily she was very approachable and easy to talk to. We had a chat about my ideas for the project. She seemed keen on all of them but was especially interested in the video portrait of the governers as it seemed to resonate with Coram's & Hogarth's initial purpose in setting up the Foundling museum. We also discussed my aspirations for the project as a whole; sales, further commissions, attracting critical attention, galleries etc. Specifically i am interested in using the commission to attract interest from some London galleries. I am suitably enthused by the project now although I'm sure there will be may problems ahead especially with siting the finished works (I do love being pessimistic)  Anyway my residency for the Bury Festival is about to begin officially so I jumped the gun a bit by going through one of the Bad Thoughts ballots boxes which is sited in the gallery. Here's one of them:"Sometimes I'm pleased that my father died because I know if was still here we'd fall out constantly because I'm nothing like what he would have wanted me to be." ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Just back from three gruelling days doing a filmmaking workshop with 75 12 year olds (25/day). We managed to make 18 films and a comic (pictured) about the bad thoughts they have. These thoughts were, in the main, about their utter hatred of their siblings. To be honest I used to see the workshops associated with council galleries as a sort of penance that artists have to perform when they show. But I really enjoyed it. Throughout there was an exchange of ideas and the inspiration for the photos used in the comic came from one of the kids. I might do some more workshop with school children (but only after a little rest). I must start thinking more about the foundling commission now, I've had approval for my ideas & I might be doing some sort of lenticular portrait of the trustees. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 I'm waiting to place a phone call so I thought I'd do a quick update. The deadline for written up proposals is looming so I am currently trying to sort out costings for the two main works. Firstly for the Foundling Opera I want to use elements of Handel's Foundling Hospital Anthem so I am trying to get copyright permission from Decca records. One of my main problems is that I am phone phobic & try to do everything via email. The call I'm about to make is to 3D images who deal with lenticular cards etc. I'm hoping to make a large video lenticular portrait of the trustees of the Foundling museum & I'm hoping it won't eat my entire budget (£4000ish).On a much smaller and less permanent scale I'm about to have some work in Demolition a show curated by Mercy in Site on Liverpool's Albert Dock (just off-tate). I'm producing some durational sculptures which are likely to be destroyed during the exhibition (see image) ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Had a really interesting chat with David Burder who owns the company which makes the video lenticular images I'm thinking of using. He actually invented the process and understandably is very keen on it being used to its full potential. He raised the "difference between art and science" and urged me to change my ideas, which has made me think. Anyway, this will be another interesting ball to keep in the air.The deadline for the detailed proposal is fast approaching & I think I will concentrate on the Foundling Opera and the Lenticular portrait of the trustees almost to see how many people I can disappoint (in a positive way).I also got an email from Catherine Butcher who is running the Escalator thing reminding me that I had been foolhardy enough to mention the possibility of performing a live version of the 'opera'. She had a couple of really exciting events in mind. One of which was part of King's Cross Create coinciding with the arrival of the Eurostar in November. I can't seem to make my mind up about anything at the moment so I sent the following reply."Hi CatherineI definitely still want to make the piece but I must admit I'm getting cold feet about the idea of a live performance as I only have a very vague idea of how it might happen and I've never done anything like it before. Having said that the 'Arrivals' thing looks very interesting and mid to late Nov is not booked up. There's an infuriatingly uncertain answer for you. And yes, everything is going in the blog. Alex :]" ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 I'm rubbish at writing detailed proposals, the vague stuff is fine. I recently sent a proposal to a gallery for a solo show. They were really interested, pencilled me in for June 2008 and asked me for a more detailed proposal. I sent one in and I haven't heard anything since. I think they got their rubber out.  Anyway I've written up my detailed proposal for the Foundling Museum and sent it off. I've realised I've said I'll do rather a lot and that there won't be much money left for me at the end. Hey ho this was never meant to be a profit making exercise and I'll end up having to pay 22% tax on anything I do make (the curse of the working artist). In Ireland there is no tax on profits from art, I may move. There are more possible expenses on the horizon. In the interests of openness here's what I sent off: The Foundling OperaSummaryA twenty-five minute colour film using lollypop sticks enacting an operatic fiction that imagines Coram and Hogarth’s setting up of the Foundling Hospital and the admittance of the first foundling. The film will be structured around Handel’s Foundling Anthem and will use elements of the music in the soundtrack (copyright permissions are being sought).Site & InstallationPreferably large-scale projection with good sound possibly within the Handel space. This would involve mounting a projector either from the ceiling or opposite wall and mounting a screen or preparing a suitable projection surface (i.e. clearing & painting a wall white). The film would run throughout the exhibition at 10-minute intervals. There will possibly also be one offsite live performance of the opera in early November (during ‘Arrivals’ part of Kings X Create timed to coincide with Eurostar launch). I have still to ascertain how feasible this is.Equipment Rough costsDvd player £40Projector & mount £800Wall mounted screen (or suitable surface such as flat white wall) £100Speakers with amp £100Video Portrait of the Trustees.SummaryTo create a video portrait of the current trustees using low-level cameras mounted on wandering toys. The filming would be largely uncontrolled and would take place in the Picture gallery with the trustees gathered together but given no instruction. Filming will take no longer than 1 hour and the room would have to be closed to the public for the duration.Site & Installation Video portrait presented on a loop (could be split into three and presented as part of the existing video projection triptych or as a single screen projection). If a separate projection is used installation will be as Foundling Opera. EquipmentToys and radio transmitting cameras provided by artistLenticular Portrait of the Trustees.SummaryA video lenticular image produced from 30 to 50 digital stills of the current trustees combined into one image. The stills will be taken during the shooting of the video portrait (above). The image will be 120x100 mounted on 3mm board (unframed) and will be donated to the Foundling Museum.SiteTo be installed on the stairs or similar site among other portraits. InstallationThis work will be delivered directly to the Foundling Museum by 3-D images Ltd where it will need to be fixed to the wall. (discussion with museum staff required)Cost (including delivery)£1200 (2 weeks processing)Ancillary WorksSummaryA number (2-4) of small-scale video pieces based upon play and magic to be discretely placed around the museum. These will not be filmed in the museum.InstallationEach will be presented on 7” wall mounted integrated dvd player tft monitors. They will need to be screwed to the wall near electrical sockets.Cost4 x £100 eachEstimated Total costs using existing triptych projection £264010% contingency £ 270 £2910 ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Things change. There have been a few difficulties with the siting of my work for the Foundling Museum. I’ve decided to cut back on some of the pieces. The only available place for the Foundling Opera seems to be in the Picture Gallery in front of the fireplace. Luckily the room is only dimly lit & I have found a floor standing screen that is 2m wide, not quite as big as I wanted, but it should be ok. The video portrait of the trustees will be on a small monitor and the video Lenticular will be on the stairs. The Opera is going along ok. I’ve done lots of filming and started work on the soundtrack. I’m having real problems getting copyright clearance to use a recording of Handel’s Foundling Anthem, But Jo Baxandale at Commissions East has given me a link which hopefully will get things moving. I’m also using a melodica, a recorder and some rubber bands.In other news Demolition opened in Liverpool to an orgy of destruction, which I found quite disturbing. There was one woman (who I was told was an arts officer) who was particularly gleeful as she levelled one piece. I know that this was the idea but I think she may have a few unresolved issues. Happily my piece quietly stood apart from the worst of the vandalism. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 I forgot, I wrote a rather prophetic and not very good poem on the way to Liverpool.I am going to LiverpoolSix hours on trainsTo stand awkwardlyNear my work,And come back againBut I did do some drawing. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Work on the Foundling Opera goes on. Mostly on the sound. I have three versions so far. One is basically the Foundling Anthem almost unedited (still no answer from the copyright holders). One is a rather thin and pathetic soundtrack played by me on recorder and melodica (one of those children's instruments parents usually regret buying). And one is a blend of the two with the Anthem dominant. Even though the Foundling Anthem sounds like it was a bit of a hack work for Handel its still a lot to live up to and I'm quite enjoying falling short of its complexity and accomplishment. I want to make a neutral work which neither openly celebrates nor is cynical about Coram's effort. It will be twenty five minutes of painfully unclear narrative. This is an idea which probably reflects my difficulties with contemporary and celebrity charity. Unbeknownst to my handlers (until now) I'm also making a little book of drawings to accompany the film.  I'm still waiting for a date to film and photograph the trustees, I hope they haven't got cold feet. When the large lenticular gets done it will be framed and donated to the museum. An unusual act of personal charity or a sneaky way of getting further publicity? ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Suddenly its all going to pot. Well nearly I've finished the Foundling Opera but haven't heard yet from the music rights people so I might not be able to show it. Also the projector i bought at huge expense casts weird rainbow patterns, which the technical support people say is normal. (You have to imagine my face when I read that email!) Also the trustees still haven't got back to me about a date to film them and if they don't hurry up there won't be enough time to complete the lenticular portrait.So at this rate I might have to show some old work on an old telly.I hope I'm panicking well in advance.Anyway other shows in the offing are:Play, Key Arts Ipswich, 23rd-25th AugustTime Based Media Invitational, Artspace, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, 15th September – 2nd SeptOne Minute Film & Video Festival, Aarau, Switzerland, 17th - 19th AugustDigifestival, 2007, Florence, 15th August - 28th October(They are all sorted, more or less)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 I finally got a call. The Foundling Museum had managed to round up three of their trustees willing to have their portraits taken. They were the Chair, Dr Alan Borg, CBE (Director and Secretary of the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1995 – 2001), Carolyn Steen (former chair) child psychologist, Michael Parker chief exec Saatchi & Saatchi (I think). Had I known all this beforehand I might have been nervous. The whole thing went really well, I just roughly set up the camera in front of Hogarth's portrait of Coram, held down the quick shot button and chatted to them while they took turns standing on my cunningly placed yellow post-it note. The whole thing was fairly arbitary and hopefully not too controlled. Unlike the painted portraits which surrounded us the whole 'sitting' took about 12 minutes. On the train home I manged to edit the photos together to send off to 3d images while frantically trying to tune out the pompous salesman who was holding forth to his female companions. (I may have lost filling grinding my teeth). I just have to wait now and see what comes out the other end. I've kind of realised this whole exercise has turned into a sort of Alex Pearl vs. Hogarth and Handel thing ;P... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Silent Film? I got a quote today for acquiring the licence to use Handel's Foundling Anthem in my film. Actually I've had two quotes the first was for £1875 because I was foolish enough to think I might like to send it off to a few film festivals after the show. The second (just for exhibiting in galleries) is £1000. This is still more than three times what I was expecting and budgeted for. Also it doesn't include master rights from Decca (which I am still pursuing or mechanical rights from MCPS should i wish to produce an edition for sale. This is a daft amount of money so I am considering a silent film and a donation of my original budget (£200) instead. This would perhaps be more in keeping with my ideas of failure and my own personal difficulty with acts of charity. hmmm....... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Displacement I've also been working on some other films inspired by my visits to the Foundling Museum, but probably not going in the show. This is a two screen video of me throwing and catching an invisible ball. I originally imagined them being set up across one of the large rooms. The illusion (based on a trick by Eric Morecambe and my dad) never quite works as the two halves are slightly out of sync and incompetently performed.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 The Foundling Opera I've stripped the film bare, I've even pared down the rather thin soundtrack I had made earlier. Now occasional and distant snatches of tune fade in an out of a largely silent film. I feel like the bloody thing has finally escaped me and my boring intent. It is, however, going to be incredibly difficult for an audience to sit through, not that gallery audiences tend to do that anyway. I had a chat with Catherine Butcher about revealing the failure of my original intentions & she was quite keen on me writing some text to go alongside the film.On the practical side I also had to email a list to Jo of all the stuff I need transporting to the museum, how I intend to hang it and insurance value. To the other Jo, I had to send off a list of ten (and no more than ten) people to be invited to the very select private view. Unfortunately she wants this info on a spreadsheet so I have booked some IT lessons at the local college.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Envelope Stuffing The proofs for the lenticular portrait arrived yesterday. I stuck them on the stairs and spent most of the day walking past them trying to decide which one was best. This morning has been taken up with organising packs of material to be sent off to various galleries in and around London with a view to getting them interested prior to the opening of RSVP. In my experience cold calling like this hardly ever works, but you never know and I quite like printing and stapling and stuffing envelopes.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 I'm playing that waiting game now. I'm waiting for the Trustees' portrait to arrive in time to get it to the framers so it can be framed in time for collection to be taken to the museum.  I'm waiting for enough trustees to be foregathered so that I can film them. This has become more important as Gill has written about the piece for the catalogue. I'm half thinking about faking the whole thing like the NASA moon landings or going out with a dart gun. I'm also waiting for a book version of this blog to arrive from the printers and realising now that I will have to do another version with this post in it.On top of this I'm beginning to worry about the price of failure. Apparently in the Eighteenth century you could be hung for lots of things including: the concealment of effects by bankrupts and the malicious maiming of cattle.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Still WaitingIts all going down to the wire. Still no news about filming the trustees. The photo should arrive next Friday (a week later than I thought) I rushed out to the framers today to set everything up so that they could get the frame made hopefully the day before the van arrives to pick it up. Meanwhile I got an email from Generator Projects, Dundee asking to see some more recent work with a view (I assume) to possibly having a show with them next year, maybe. What shocked me as I was putting together a dvd & bumph was how my output seems to have dropped in the last year. Strangely this exactly coincides with my involvement with Commissions East and the Arts Council. I'm sure part of my grant application talked about creating more time for my practice. These thoughts have coincided with an invitation to come and talk at the next Air event in Colchester. I will be discussing "the key issues for me and my practice in the future" with fellow Foundling artist David Kefford and Caroline Wright who I'm sure I met in a pub once. I have to admit I really hadn't thought about this before, usually I tend to bob around like a duck with a broken leg. Anyway I started writing a list of ideas to mumble about. I thought that anyone who is thinking about coming could read it, and change their minds. Key IssuesGallery league system (in my mind) and going up to the next division.How to break in (strategic thinking)“Build it and they will come”International (I meant artist)Exhibiting and its disappointments.Getting more out of exhibitionsHow to go on if you don’t like solo exhibitionsOther strategiesTime and Space – not all it’s cracked up to be.Being a professionalSales and how to avoid them.Being confident about the value of my workSaying noMoney (wanting it)CommissionsWorkshopsDiscussions like this oneThis blogging thing... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Lost in Peru The lenticular was meant to turn up Friday, so I waited in all day, but no show. I finally got through to the company who sent it and they said it left Thursday for guaranteed next day delivery. This is a new definition of guaranteed that I haven't come across before. After a brief discussion and a bit of phoning round we worked out that it should arrive Monday (when I won't be able to be around for collection) or it might have gone to Peru by mistake. Either way there is no way I'll be able to get it framed in time for collection by the Commissions East van. So hopefully I will be faced with lugging it across London just in time for the opening, or a trip to Peru. Clearly its going to look awful if I don't have the work to show. My rank of 'emerging artist' will be revoked, my wife will leave me and dogs will cross the street to avoid me.So far I have: an opera with no music a missing portraita non existent film (still waiting for the Trustees)I may be in a somber mood at the AIR talk on Monday.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Drama Queen The portrait turned up today (see picture). I was also at the Air event in Colchester tonight talking about my key issues with David Kefford and Caroline Wright. I overcame my nervousness by transforming into a complete clown but that's ok. I did discover from David that the commissions east 'man with a van' was in fact not turning up on Wednesday so my panic was completely unfounded. All I need to do is learn to pick up the phone and talk to people rather than stewing in my own juices. Anyway all I have to do now is flounce off to the framers on my way to work tomorrow and everything will be lovely again. I also had a message from Alison at the Foundling Museum, she is a step closer to coralling the very shy trustees. I now feel invincible, nothing can possibly go wrong.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 The Curse of Coram  The Portrait is framed, wrapped in a blanket and awaiting collection whenever that will be. I'm going up to London on Monday to make a film with or without trustees and to top off a week of stunning successes my beautifully bound Diary of a Foundling Artist, which is based on this blog arrived this morning. Unfortunately the gold tooled lettering on the spine read Diary of a Founding Artist. This was the only part of the book I didn't have to specify, the printers do it for you from your title. I had a lovely chat with Jennifer about this and the printers are going to "do their best" to have a corrected copy with me the day before the show opens. I have reached a Zen-like state of complete peace now.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Separation AnxietyMost of the stuff has gone off in a van today. Hopefully it will all be waiting for me at the museum to install on Friday. The trustees have defeated me. So instead I will be filming an empty room (also on Friday). The resulting video will still be titled Untitled (Portrait of the Trustees) and will be screened on a tiny tft screen in a corner. I've gone off the little books of drawings so I might not exhibit them, but I still want to show the mis-spelt diary. Meanwhile missives have been flying through the ether about galleries to visit and gallerists to schmooze. I've sent some of them work in the past with little luck, but maybe my new connections will help them reassess its value. Ive been in this situation before and I'm never sure whether to bring it up or not ;) Anyway I'm looking forward to the show opening. This diary is making me incredibly self-obsessed so I thought I'd bung up some pictures of work by some of the other exhibitors. These are just the ones I have copies of.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 The Thin Red LineCatherine gave a briefing for the volunteers last night. These people will be the last line of defence between the visitors and our work. They all seemed really enthusiastic and asked lots of questions. This made it hard to retain suitably ironic artistic detachment. Some questions were directed at us artists and luckily Emily Russell immediately bounced into action putting the rest of us to shame. I wanted to explain that I had become really interested in the relationship between self publicity and charity in eighteenth century philanthropy and why I was pleased with the way that my works had fallen short of those of Coram, Hogarth and Handel. Instead I made a joke about giving my picture to the Museum whether they wanted it or not.Talking to everyone else over a beer it seems that there really might be a curse of Coram. Everybody seems to be working to the wire. Faulty work has had to be sent back, printers have cocked up colours and one artist is due to be delivered of twins during the installation week (this just seems bad planning to me). These various tales of woe made me feel great and I tripped lightly home.One thing troubles me, Catherine seems convinced that children will like my opera, I think they will be bored stupid by it.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 It's up! I've spent the last two days at the Foundling putting up the show. Nearly the whole week has been set aside for hanging and while some of the artists are playing it cool and not coming in until near the end I couldn't hold myself back. There have been a few revisions. I tried setting the Foundling Opera up with a big screen and projector. Unfortunately as well as obscuring the fireplace it also partially hid the portrait above it. The Foundling Museum representatives looked a tad worried. I'm afraid I buckled instantly and went dashing out to the Tottenham Court road in search of a bargain tv. Its now a lot more discreet than I originally imagined but the colour is better and the whole thing looks much more slick. Untitled (Portrait of the Trustees) was filmed and edited on Friday and set up on a tiny screen under a table in the picture gallery. I made it without any trustees and tried to edit it so that it resembled its description in the catalogue. Its the only way to do things.The books cannot rest on the furniture so they are going to be handed out by the volunteers (I like the idea of enthusiastic helpers forcing them on unsuspecting members of the public)Portrait went up really easily, mainly because I had nothing to do with the process, and looks great.On the way home I saw a magical show at ROKEBY by Graham Hudson.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 "It could be alcohol poisoning or post exhibition malaise" I'm feeling a little tired. I woke up this morning in the King's Cross Travelodge and stared at the space on the opposite wall where a painting had once hung.There follows a none hierarchical list of remembered incidents and learned lessons.I did my usual private view thing of: drinking, moving around a lot to avoid talking to too many people, and then telling everyone that: 'I don't like private views'and'I've drunk too much' I need some better conversational gambits. Lots of people liked the photograph (not so much mention of the films)A woman with very cold hands (or at least hand, the other one may have been very hot, I didn't ask)Speeches briefly interrupted by the honking of my Opera.Coolly entering a rococo room and tripping over the carpet.Lawrence talking very cogently about my practice while wearing a suit and a pen. Unfortunately like waking from a dream I've forgotten what he said.Overhearing that David Kefford is "the man of the moment"Sitting in the cafe watching Rob Smith's live feed of the private view explaining that I wasn't Matt Cook.Being entertained by Cedric and laughing too much at Arthur AshStumbling last out of the pub with a crack unit of Arts Council drinkersReading Townley and Bradbury's leaflet and going for a walk.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 My edition of 5 of Diary of a Foundling Artist with correct spelling arrived today. I think I was more excited than I have been for a long time. I took the opportunity of the delay to expand its contents to a whopping 30 + pages leading up to, but not including, the opening of the show. I now have to sign them with my less than inspiring signature and hope that some collector will be wildly excited by my story. I remember more about the opening of RSVP now. In her speech Gill said that her work was only just starting and indeed we have had many emails about curators who have visited the show and opportunities we should look into etc. I couldn't attend the first organised networking event at which I imagine Danielle Arnaud overcame her disappointment at my absence by handing out shows to everyone else (I imagine). Anyway I'm going to go charging around Frieze and Zoo on Friday leavng a scatter of cards in my wake. I'm also starting to look ahead again. I have a residency coming up with BCA in Bedford in January and something with 'young' curators in Milton Keynes (their inverted commas not mine). So I've ordered Scott's Antarctic Diary from amazon.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Frieze + Zoo 'Did' the above yesterday with my fellow foundling artists. I have to admit I was sickened by Frieze;not by the blandiose displays, the scary gallerists and rich people, nor by the obligatory neon writing that every gallery seemed to sport. It was motion sickness that afflicted me. The pavilion is built on jenga like piles of wood and it swayed and bounced as we lurched from one stand to the next. As we left I suppressed an urge to ease one of the blocks from its pile.Zoo was completely different. Like a crazy overstuffed degree show it was full of joy and interesting things. I managed to talk to a few people although I totally failed to hand out any of my cards. I think that each gallery should have a little box for artists' cards on their stand (possibly attached to a shredder) it would save a lot of awkwardness all round.I was also asked, rather pointedly I thought, when I would stop writing this blog. I still can't get over the idea that its not really all in my head.20th November.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Tilting at windmills?I'm off to London again on Friday to have a look at some of the galleries I spotted at Zoo, I've also had a list of places/people to contact from Gill. Not happy unless I'm anxious, I've started to worry about disappointing her. I've also started a new blog which I will continue on this site when this one finishes on the 20th November. The plan (at the moment) is to use it to flesh out ideas for my residency at BCA Bedford in the new year and to form the basis of a new book. I thought it was about time I showed my face in Bedford so I decided to drive over to see the opening of their latest show. I took a wrong turning on the way and ended up on the A11 to London. When I eventually managed to pull off I stopped to look at the road atlas. Unfortunately the vital page was missing and it was beginning to get too late so I turned around and headed home. After 150 miles of driving I stopped to buy a paper. Sitting in a coffee shop I read a review of the show and wondered if I could claim my petrol as tax deductable. (I think Katie Walton has some compromising photos of the Guardian art critic, they never fail to cover a BCA show)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Gallery design, a few notesDon't have a sign so small that a visitor has to peer suspiciously into doorways and repeatedly walk in and out of porches to find your gallery. This is especially bad in a residential/neighbourhood watch area.Don't hide your gallery behind steel gates, across junk yards, up fire escapes, or around dark corners. Just one of these is discouraging, all four are frankly a bit silly.If your gallery needs this level of security because it is sited next door to a crack den make sure you, or your neighbours, have clear signage. Also make some attempt to repair bullet holes. Don't have two identical doors, one of which doesn't open, causing your visitor to become so embarrassed at their botched attempts at entry that they hurriedly move on.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 FeedbackThere haven't been any reviews of RSVP so I did a very uncool thing. I flicked through AN reviews unedited, picked a reviewer almost, but not quite, at random (sorry Jack) and emailed him suggesting he review the show. I'm not quite sure why I did it, maybe I am very needy. Or it might be a reaction to blogging which buries you in your own brain. I often read the other blogs and everyone is just writing away in their own little world. Amazingly my email was answered and Jack Hutchinson dashed off to the Foundling pen in hand (I imagine). The review is now online here. Of course I now feel guilt for being mentioned first; for criticisms and omissions. But it is a relief to get an independent view. Its a bit like squeezing a spot.I also got an email from Gill the other day mentioning that Jordan Baseman had been to the show and liked the Foundlng Opera. In another fit of uncharacteristic rashness I emailed him asking if he would be interested in having a chat and/or doing a spot of mentoring. I don't think I've mentioned it before but I am also part way through an Arts Council career development grant. Arranging some sort of mentoring was a "highly recommended" part of the application. It's the Art Council's way of spreading the love (or attaching more well known names to their evaluations) Anyway he seems nice and although he shares my reservations about mentoring he said yes.Finally, on You Tube Little Deaths 4 is rapidly approaching 1 million views and I am now planning to publish a book of all the comments received.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Big Boulders & DykesI've been trying to write letters to people I should contact - its not going well... I think I have some sort of blockage...My preparations for Bedford are sporadic and as yet unformed. I have spent the last week staring at lists of ideas and current strands in order to somehow pull them together into a coherent whole. This may be a Sisyphean task Here is a current itinerary.Books -Diaries, some printed some onlineSome adventure based books which follow a sort of cinematic sequence involving a clock work antarctic explorer (There is a film to go with this too)Others which are much more static/mundane views of passers by taken through cafe windows.Films - An inexplicable series of films of bits of polystyrene floating in water.Some partly made films of foreign landscapes found in an old video camera.A few films of bobbing boats (automata).More films of balloons being blown about.Ongoing Protest filmsOngoing automatic film makingMagic tricksDrawings -14 pencil drawings of a piece of elastic that came out of my pants.A single unbound book of weird little drawingsSculptures - Tiny adventure sculptures (some moving - physically not emotionally).Little models of made up murder scenes.Photos -Some photos my wife is (hopefully) taking as she crosses the Atlantic.Things I am thinking about -AmbivalenceAdventureincontinence Titles for shows - PantechniconMy Daughter is a Beauty Queen... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 First IceI think I'm getting a little low ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 I missed a seminar yesterday because I had to teach. It was about pricing and selling my work which is something I have always had difficulty with. When someone asks to buy something I've made I have to fight down an urge to give it to them and then run away. If asked to come up with a price I always think I'm asking too much or too little. I'm not philosophically averse to selling, if selling meant I could escape the increasingly awful experience that teaching in an FE college has become I'd sell everything: my dogs, a kidney... Shame I missed it. Today I was tidying up my studio. We have an open day coming up and I want to show some of my latest stuff to see if its any good. I'm just beginning a longish film which might be based around a fictive proposal not to go to the Antarctic (as I imagine its quite cold and probably full of artists). Its a bit dark at the moment and is mostly filmed in a washing up bowl. Anyway, I was mainly throwing stuff out and breaking up sculptures that don't look as interesting as they used to when I had a little moment of joy. I noticed a sheet of tracing paper pinned over the heater had risen in the convection current. I set an image of a boat on it and watched as it rose and fell in the swell.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843 Last Post As promised this will be the final instalment in the Diary of a Foundling Artist. The show came down yesterday. I was working so couldn’t go down to help out so I just have to wait and see what turns up (Sandra’s mugs would be quite useful although my daughter is most looking forward to getting her hands on the tv). I’ve had the last official email from Gill (actually there were two) and now I have to look forward to the post mortem (evaluation) with Commission East’s appointed person (Erica). I like to be grudging in these situations but on the whole I think I’m quite happy with the way it’s gone. I’ve got some good contacts to follow up and I’ve extended my practice (and use of artspeak). I’ve also realised that maybe I should be pushier in certain situations (I’ll leave that one hanging). Bizarrely I’ve heard that I am on the radar of certain gallerists. This conjures disturbing images of strike submarines or air traffic controllers and near misses. Exciting things in the future: a three week screening in Sydney, a solo in Hayle, a 3 month residency in Bedford and an intriguing little one day show with Vane in Newcastle. I wasn’t sure how to end this blog until today. At 4.00pm, after 16 rather savage years, I finally had to have my dog put down.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/377843