ARTISTS TALKING

# 12 [15 September 2008]

I spent my last week traveling in Jordan and Israel, enjoying the delights of the region. All the travelling I did during the last week meant I had to put my artwork on hold until i got back to London where i would pick it up again.

I am now back in London! Tis a strange feeling being back in the East End from the Middle East. I guess that is to be expected.

On reflection, my decision to relocate my practice and be creative within a new context was a good one, though it has brought own complications namely, adjusting to a different culture whilst attempting to create something substantial within a limited time frame.

The fact that the adjustment period was short-lived means that I am going to pick up where i left off in Jerusalem within the London context (though i now that Jerusalem is a better place for inspiration and creativity for this particular artwork). 

On a brighter note, I definitely intend to return to Jerusalem in the near future... and this time i will spend a substantial period exploring my "relocated practice".

# 11 [3 September 2008]

The last two days have been the epitome of my practice in London. I spent my time filling in application forms and writing proposals. I don’t particularly enjoy this part of what I do because it side-tracks me from what I really love to do. Yet, I am aware that without it I would not be the artist that I am today. On a different note, I am off to Jordan for a few days from tonight. Thought is should take a break from the and be a tourist for a bit, athough I am aware that my time here is rapidly running away from me.

# 10 [1 September 2008]

Having been away travelling and collecting materials for my sculpturs over the weekend, it was a pleasure getting back to my sculptures. Unfortunately for me, i felt an overwhelming sense of disapointment when i got back to work. I just didn't like what i had created so I spent the day re-working the figures. Infact it is fair to say that i have completely re-done one of the sculptures. It feels like a set back but i know that in reality it is not. I have a clearer vision of what the end result should be so i should stick with it and trust that it will come together at some point. I am just aware that my" relocated practice" time is running out and i have to bear that in mind.

# 9 [31 August 2008]

My need to update my blog in the last 7 days was superceded by my desire to create work. This particular moment feels like the appropriate time to reflect upon my week's acheivements. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were spent working on the final sketch for the commission. It took all the energy out of me but I recieved good preliminary feedback.  I then started working on new "everyman figures" on Wednesday and Thursday. I managed to create 3 figures (though still in their rough stages) whilst working from my room. The decision to work from home was an easy one. I guess it is familiar territory and the thought of having a studio for a couple of weeks seems ridiculous. Besides, it has made me realise that I can entertain the possibility of constantly relocating my practice and work under any conditions, anywhere in the world! 

# 8 [24 August 2008]

This is my first week of art making. I spent this morning shopping for art materials in Jerusalem. My plan is to start making miniature sculptures and do some writing. We'll see  how it goes!

# 7 [21 August 2008]

Today, I made my first trip to south Tel Aviv for the purpose of helping out at a summer school that predominantly hosts Sudanese and Ethiopian kids.  

It was the second last day of the of the summer camp and needless to say my role as an art workshop facilitator was not in very high demand. I did find the entire day and experience very rewarding and educational none the less.  

The afternoon was also really interesting. The Kids got the chance to buy items from "the jumble sale" and I was lucky enough to receive a present from the President of the United states AKA George from Sudan.  He bought me the  kid's  version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" also written in Hebrew. I'll leave it a that.    

# 6 [21 August 2008]

I spent the last couple of days learning Hebrew and Arabic (and still don't have a clue), going to meetings and working on a commission for Gascoigne Primary School in East London. 

It feels weird working on a project specifically for London whilst in the city of Jerusalem but I feel that I made the right choice with regards to relocating my practice - temporarily. It has definitely increased my motivation and inspiration and can't wait to finalise the details for the commission.

# 5 [17 August 2008]

We spent the last couple of days doing the finishing touches on the mural and preparing for the big parade on Friday. The parade was an amazing experience! Most of the children dressed up, painted their faces, wore masks or crowns and carried one helium balloon containing a wish. We then marched all around Silwan, past the settlements and released the "wish balloons" into the blue sky. 

On our return, the children performed for their parents. It was pretty special and amazing! I'm really going to miss the kids....

# 4 [17 August 2008]

The Mural.

# 3 [13 August 2008]

I have spent the last two days running workshops in Silwan. It’s a very different experience compared to running workshops in London. The kids are great and the mural is going smoothly.  We hope to have it done by tomorrow.

I also realised just how easy it is to take the "little things" for granted when it comes to running workshops in London such as access to space and materials (in terms variety) in London. I have had to make due with limited materials and space to some extent but conversely, it has opened up new possibilities with regards lateral thinking and working.