ARTISTS TALKING

# 67 [29 August 2008]

When I posted the call-out to artists inviting proposals to exhibit at HMS during October and the Open Studio event, I did it with a light heart and probably not too much thought. After a slow start there was a rush as the deadline approached.

The responsiblity to deal with the applications fairly and properly dawned on me as I read the considered and thoughtful applications. I certainly didn't expect proposals from overseas, especially as the only financial contribution we could offer was £50 towards transport.

David Manley has loads of experience and was happy to be part of the panel. Two others - Sarah Key and Mark also participated. It was such a dificult decision and a close call. In the end we selected Flore Gardner from Avignon, France. She is setting up at the beginning of October, returning to France the next day, but will be back in Long Eaton for the Open Studio event.

# 66 [26 August 2008]

I sometimes forget I'm an artist because studio business takes priority. HMS is often the last thing I think about before going to bed.

So I was surprised  to get an email this morning, inviting me to participate in the Florence Biennale. The catch - 2700 euros. Serious money, so I'll have to research funding.

# 65 [23 August 2008]

After a a stressful couple of weeks I am back on course. The problems have had nothing to do with HMS and fortunately there have been no serious issues at the studios to deal with too.

The deadline for the one-person show in the Exhibition Space in October expired yesterday and despite my poor marketing we've had some excellent proposals from a range of artists - from local students to international practioners. Selection will take place next week with a decision by Friday.

Things are warming up for the WLTM Event on Saturday. I think there is going to be an excellent turn-out. Anna has managed to get some press-coverage and I've had quite a few positive responses to e-mails. 

# 64 [9 August 2008]

The Mayor of Erewash Barbara Harrison came to Nick's preview last night. She is one cool lady! She was really interested in the show and the set-up of HMS. I didn't expect to bond with her (I'm not into pomp etc) but we must have chatted for nearly an hour. Nick brought his DJ friend and it was just a brilliant evening.
If you give an artist a space they give so much in return - a visual feast, new audiences, new experiences and new friends :)

# 63 [7 August 2008]

Nick arrived at 4:30pm yesterday with his paintings. The hanging took place today. I couldn't be around - so I'm really looking forward to seeing the show tomorrow.

# 62 [5 August 2008]

We had a meeting about the open studios. Despite being peak holiday time we had enough artists to make it worthwhile. It went really well and there were lots of studio members volunteering to do admin and marketing. I've been rubbish at delegating, partly because I haven't had the time to organise stuff to hand over. Anyway, Dee is experienced at committees and is opening a bank account  - I'm not even going to be a signatory :) 

Sarah is organising the food which she did brilliantly last year. Someone is sorting the media mailing list and I'm going to create a design for the invite. 

WLTM is really gripping. Anna is posting the stats on her blog http://www.wltm-hms.blogspot.com/  I am looking forward to seing the invites which I think should be ready tomorrow.

Progress at home - the window has arrived and will be fitted by Friday. The pipes still leak though, and access upstairs is still by ladder. 

# 61 [3 August 2008]

I am envious of people who have houses with windows and staircases and showers which spew out more water from the shower-head than the copper pipes.  It’s difficult to ignore the mess at home when my 'office' is my home. This may partly explain some of the illegible stuff I have uploaded onto the web recently.  In particular, the call-out to artists about an opportunity for a one-person show at HMS during October 2008. (This will coincide with our open studio event) . All very unprofessional, all very human.

We have our first ‘outsider’ exhibiting in the Exhibition Space this month. Nick Wright emailed about the space a few months ago. We had a slot and he has been busy making new work since.  The big surprise is that Nick has managed to secure the opening of his show by the mayor of Erewash. Well done Nick! (I have to say, council are v supportive and positive about the Mills).  

I met David Steans of Xymphora  www.xymphora.co.uk  on Wednesday. His group is following Anna in Standing Room. Their work, ‘Tropical Bodies’ will be screened/performed during the open studios.

# 60 [14 July 2008]

Sometimes meetings can take an age and meander, but this wasn't the case yesterday when we discussed Standing Room. This was partly due to a tight agenda drawn up by Kat who unfortunately couldn't make the meeting. Tasks and deadlines were set for business plans, programming, marketing and setting up a bank account etc. We have a dedicated team and I feel very fortunate to be working with such a lovely bunch of people - who also have a wealth of experience and skills too! 

Standing Room brings a cutting edge to HMS. As well as witnessing the development of exciting work, we have met some amazing people. I am always sorry to see curators go, but then a new one arrives who brings fresh ideas and new perspectives. I am sooo excited by Anna Francis' 'dating agency' and her developing role as a director...

# 59 [11 July 2008]

The studios are in much better shape than my house. This week Roger and Gary peeled back our roof to reveal the problems with a dormer which has caused leaks since we moved a year ago. At the same time the plumber came to sort out the bathroom. The leak upstairs is cured, but we have water sprouting in the bathroom. Aahhhh....

What has this got to do with HMS? The admin is always done at home, so any domestic disruptions directly affect my ability to sortt it. Consequently, the website has been neglected and emails have been a bit slow. Instead. I have learned about purlins and the laws of triangulation and gravity feeds. Meanwhile the activity at HMS has been as busy as ever...

We had interviews for the graduate space on the same day as the opening of Sarah Cavani's exhibition. Paul Hirst, a fellow blogger was the successful applicant. His landscapes look even better in the flesh.

Anna Francis, who I met on the research trip to Lille is currently resident curator in Standing Room. She has set up a dating agency 'WLTM' which will pair artists together according to data provided from a questionaire.  6 pairs of artists with the closest matches will exhibit at HMS at the end of August - when they will meet for the first time. The challenge for Anna will be to present the work in a cohesive way. See http://www.standingroom.org

http://www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk/standing_rm/anna/form.htm

# 58 [5 July 2008]

Had one of the best days, yesterday. We interviewed graduates for the residency... and I have to say I was impressed by the quality of the candidates.  Laura, the ADO had done a brilliant job of organising. I think the 3 of us worked well as a team, and Polly (last year's applicant) showed candidates round prior to interview.