http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Glasgow School Of Art Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:01:33 +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/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084   So, its 4:20am in the morning and of course I can’t sleep. It’s not uncommon for me to be awake until 6am or 7am. Don't get me wrong; I get lots done during these momentary lapses of sleep and I do enjoy it in a somewhat guilty way. But I do also have the huge bags under my eyes and function like a zombie the next day; well either that or I sleep.   Yeah so I decided I would keep track of the goings on inside the world of Gary Bolam during the next few months. Well its actually better put in weeks. Or seconds. That seems to mess with more people’s panic levels. It’s kinda funny I don’t feel it yet.   Note yet.   Guess I should write about my work. After all this is all about self-publicity right? I’m sure I will in time but I don’t even know what I'm doing so it might not be that exciting. Haha I might not even make work that’s worth talking about.   Anyway I guess if I was to describe my work its like a little surprise. A cake with a fly on it perhaps or maybe a fly with a cake on it is actually better at describing it. It has some humor but a serious underside that could be read deeper. I (sometimes badly…) use repetition and quick assemblage. That’s mostly because I have 5 minutes before the deadline to make something. Haha. I'm sure everyone who has seen me work agrees.   www.garybolam.co.uk    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Yeah so I learnt something the other week. Had a rubbish crit with Tanya moments before an exhibition opening in which I changed the work completely. I then found five people to metaphorically crumple into and of course the free bar. Well just so you don’t have any grand visions of this exhibition it was a well-loved (crap) studio table with cheap beer and wine with some scattered crumbs from the food that wasn’t there more than five minutes.     Anyway… I missed the official crit of my work (geez I know what your thinking 4th year misses official crit gotta be headline news!) and had to go back, head lowered, to Tanya and explain all.   Just to put you in the picture I had to move flat just before the show. Which I might add I left way to late, but now know that if needed, I could move in 3days without having a flat to view before hand. It’s my most impressive last minute thing to date.   Knock! Knock! I’m back at Tanya’s door… well I walked up to it at least 3times prior to actually knocking. So she opens it and there are 3 other people there. Suited men not the art school type. “Hey any chance I could talk to you at some point.” I’m thanking the heavens at this point as she says “yeah sure but not now.” That’s not even what she said but it was all that I took from it. I was slightly bricking it (but you didn’t hear that from me right!) So some time passes and I eventually get to talk to Tanya. We go to her office. The door shuts. Shit.   ‘Its not that bad’ I'm repeating this in my mind over and over. Haha. It’s actually making me laugh slightly. It was really bizarre. So we talked and talked in all I think it was an hour and forty minutes. We talked about my recent split from a long-term partner of 4 years (yeah roll on hardcore break up during dissertation woo!) and the moving of flats. My health… (I’ll elaborate later…) we also talked about how I would end up in a coffin if I didn’t change the way I approach things… yeah god knows how we talked about that haha. Oh and she gave me a tangerine. Who could ask for a better tutor! Oh yeah shit I didn’t even mention that we also talked about my work loads. Well seeing where my thought process was at that time.     I actually got so much from that conversation its totally helped focus things believe it or not. I recommend freaking out at a crit it’s a good thing. Really…er… moves the work forward in a round about way. www.garybolam.co.uk'   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 So I'm back on track now. Haha he says so simply. It’s really funny what I'm working on now. I'm projecting fires onto windows and sewing my hand together.  Yeah I know what your thinking… “He’s what… And that’s him on track?” Yeah its all good just now. I may even make the glued thread and eye video. Aww lets take a moment for eBay and their cheap eyelash glue… it’ll be amazing I'm sure.  www.garybolam.co.uk' ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 HAHA.. How silly. I've only just realised that I didn't publish my blog even though I had published the post. woops.. anyway you should be able to read them now... Quick update.  Its 3.16am and I was working in the cinema till 10pm boo... but there was some classic stupid customers asking silly questions like... "What's the difference between sweet and salted popcorn?" Yeah. I kid you not.   So now I am of course not asleep and doing research.. haha I lie. I'm surfing the internet aimlessly.  I have to be in the studio at some crazy time tomorrow morning to hand back a projector. I usually select the option to hand it back later in the day but I clearly wasn't thinking at the time. I used it well though and feel like I'm getting somewhere in the studio. Bet you feel warm and fuzzy inside knowing that don't you! haha www.garybolam.co.uk... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 My question to you is  At what point do you tell your parents that you've made a video of yourself sewing your fingers together for the 'sake of your art' and that you plan on gluing your eyes with eyelash glue you got cheap from ebay. haha  humm... I guess the bigger question is Do we subconsciously change our work at degree show time knowing that we have our parents as audience?Either way, it's a tiny bit funny what we all get up to in the studios when left to our own devices. www.garybolam.co.uk... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 So, I've finally got my images selected for the cover opportunity which wasn't as easy as I first thought. I was looking through my iPhoto and I realised that I have over 4,000 images taken since only last year... wow. Anyways.. I've just not long finished work and I can't be bothered going in tomorrow. I still have a public art project to complete and its just a bit of a nuisance. I'll get something amazing done I'm sure but I just dont want to be thinking of it just now. haha.  You know what... some if not all cinema customers are thick. Like seriously. Who goes into a cinema and asks if they sell popcorn? In fact, you have to walk past popcorn to ask get to the tills in order to ask.. and another one... who seriously couldn't work out what the difference between sweet and salted popcorn is.. I got asked both of these within the last week. I wish I was kidding. Anyways... 8 weeks today I'll have everything finished... hopefully. haha I'm sure I'll have some last minute things to do. I'll actually guarantee that I will have things to do.  Anyway I'm off to bed to listen to an amazing podcast... night night.www.garybolam.co.uk'... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 HAHA I forgot to say in the last post that instead of focusing on the all important Public Art Project today, I actually managed to distract myself and make a wee funny book called an 'Idiots Guide To Hand-rearing Lesser Known Long-tooth Beavers.' its all a bit funny. Aww I'll miss being an art student...   www.garybolam.co.uk'... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 I'm so awake. I’ve got this excitement inside and its only 7.12am . Recently I didn’t know this time even existed. It is amazing.  The sun has just begun to hit the walls of my room. Glowing an orangey yellow. Sigur Rós playing in the background. I’ve had a creative morning. I’ve decided on my public art project. I use to stay on Argyle street right next to central station. That flat was amazing. I’m going to make something for there. I kept a bit of an online diary at www.garybolam.co.uk/vice there was a fare few prostitutes there and I ended up seeing the same faces and getting to know their habits. They would generally shout to one another around 4 in the morning. I use to be awake in bed and hear their shouts. I’d see a few ‘…intimate’ moments shared between them and their clients at the most random of times. Cooking dinner for example.   Anyway I plan on making a text work for that area. I’m going to go get a shower now and head for the studio. Woohoo for random moments of inspiration!   www.garybolam.co.uk'' ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 It's official I'm living in this studio. I'm tired and need to go home. I will go home... but I've still not left this studio yet. The problem is that everyone is making amazing work and having openings. Of course I feel the need to compete and check out the competition and all that jazz not to mention going to support them also. I suppose the supporting is more than likely the main reason I'm going to these. but yeah I was at one yesterday and another about half an hour ago. It's draining... but  saying that the work is top class. Everyone seems on top of their ball.  Oh. We have had a massive meeting this morning about deadlines and what's expected at the exam..Exam?! Who even mentioned that word before today? I was like eh...  So we now have those panicked time counters going off in our heads at full speed... a few weeks and counting... i should remember that this is only the first week back after the 'holiday' not that it was one but yeah...  Anyways Blah... I need sleep. www.garybolam.co.uk'... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Wow, I’ve been out every night over 5 days now. I'm pooped. Heh. Its funny I'm saying I'm tired yet I am still awake at 2am. Figure that one out.   So. 3 openings, (two in Glasgow then one in Edinburgh) one night out in Edinburgh, one gig (back in Glasgow) and one comedy show later and I'm still buzzing with ideas. I'm actually having a bit of an opening tomorrow. It will be ‘Form + Content Take Two. Haha how distracted can I get in the run up to 'The Show'?   So I need to make some work for tomorrow. I have some in mind but nothing too fixed. (I only knew about the exhibition yesterday at 7pm well actually it was today Sunday but its now past midnight so I’ll go with yesterday) I’ll get in the space and see what I can rustle up. I wanted to get some images made. I might make a frame too. But then I’d need a load of time. Blah. Maybe not. ohhh… I have my public art project live tomorrow too. Check it out down on Argyle Street from night time…10pm assuming I get it all sorted, which of course I will. Hehe :)   If anyone wants to come along then feel free. I needs some sleep. It’s a busy day to come.             www.garybolam.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 I hate Mondays. That is all. www.garybolam.co.uk'... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 We are all destine. Nothing else just destine.   I hate the smell of Mondays. They have an urgency of something yet to be fulfilled. A bitter stench of lateness and the need to catch up holds hand with this stench. It is like the weekend was a different year. A new hope that just as suddenly vanished.   We are all destine.   Destine to what I hear the cries. ‘Nothing!’ I answer sharply. I want this stench to fill my lungs. It’s good for you apparently… ‘That’s what they all say’ I think to myself. Oh for fuck sake. That neurosis ebbing into the physical yet again. Humm… I might go for a walk. www.garybolam.co.uk' ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 ********WANTED********the last week of my life... where the hell did it go? It's been a crazy one.  I've not stopped been mega stressed and had to deal with millions of bits of paper that need sorted and ordered into some kind of research...I'm loving the stress in a kind of random way though. It's making me think loads about me and what I do.  How profound. haha. So this upcoming week will see me get a proposal in for my wee exhibition... what's it called again? ... oh yeah that's right the degree show.   www.garybolam.co.uk'... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Woohooo... Just got an email from Stephen Palmer with an attached image of the Degree Show cover... it also has my amazing image on it... hehe woo :DI suddenly thought of the scene when you came home from school with a 'painting' that got put on the fridge to the words... Me: "Look Mum look..." said whilst bouncing off the wall.Mum: "... Yes.. it er... it's great son.. but what is it?" unsure to its orientation as she puts it onto the fridge with blue-tack.Fantastic. www.garybolam.co.uk   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 *** Notice-boards *** What a fantastic idea. Lets make somewhere central that we can give you information on paper and then we'll email you to tell you we have put something new up so that you get into a routine.Email... Notice-board... Email... Notice-board... Then... oh oh great idea we'll put up things with out telling you and you'll miss them because "... It WAS on the notice-board, didn't you see?" hahaThey also become a beacon for the daydreamer. You go. You stop. You stare. your mind suddenly empty and all intent forgotten or at least distracted.You stare in the hope that something pops into your head that somehow makes the degree show date magically seem 20 weeks away instead of just 5.  Then there is the note-taker. They know the board inside out. They have the measurements and proximity mapped out in their mind of how best to get there from any... ANY location in the studio not to mention the natural instinct to tell when there is some new addition. They need no email.    Ohh and then there is the novice or extreme expert (I've not decided if the actions are calculated or mere 'accident')  who puts up  the poster for their show above the tutorial sign up list. These guys would be killed if they were ever caught in the act.Notice-boards... they make me laugh. www.garybolam.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Me, myself and I for a moment...The last wee while has been a crazy one. Full of many ups and unfortunately a few downs. I am now single.. It's funny how stress attracts stress isn't it.So moving swiftly on...  I have a sheet of glass (75 cm squared) and an appointment to get a photograph made. I think I might use it for the big show but I have a crit next week and I was planning on using for then.  I'm a bit more focused on the big show but I don't want to change the way I work for it. I am an intuitive maker and I like to be in the space to make something. (Oi, stop reading between the lines... I am in no way lazy nor do I leave everything to the last minute. hehe.)It's kind of an exciting time don't you think? I love the feeling of uncertainty and excitement about the future after art school. ohhh... we had a pricing seminar today. Woohoo... or perhaps not. It started off as a bit of a history lesson and judging by the people who turned up I wasn't the only one to question where it was all going. Having said that there was the odd bit of helpful information thrown in.The question now is... Will anything sell?*coughbuymyworkcough* www.garybolam.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 hahaha... You hear some totally hilarious drunk banter on Byres Road at night. It makes me laugh. Some drunken guy was putting on a funny but bad Skouser accent trying to sing and have a conversation with what I assume to be a friend but could have equally been his foot.  Glasgow you've got to love it! www.garybolam.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 woohoo.... I'm still.... note still in the studio I have eaten both lunch and dinner here. The good news though is that I have updated loads of things online... note the new blog section on my website... www.garybolam.co.uk/blog  I am also a lot more engaged with the work that I'm making. It is taking shape. I think... haha I should really be a bit more confident in my thinking but oh well.. Anyway...  I'm going to head home now. haha and as if by magic the janitor walked in telling me to pack up. www.garybolam.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Long day in the studio again...my print has been printed and collected. my glass ... is still glass.wood for frame has been cut.the frame itself looks cheap ikea-esqmy crit is still on tues. ohhh on another (crappy) note I'm skint. I'm totally so so poor. I have £5 to do me till next friday. woohoo... beans on toast for a while. And of course when you have no money you always need to buy something. My underground pass has just ran out of rides, woohoo for walking. 40 minutes to the studio now. yass.... having said that I walked home last night and its actually really nice.Righty well I am going to give my cheap handmade frame an overhaul. fingers crossed it looks better than a cheap ikea rip-off, and if it does... well I shall simply apply for a job in ikea. Sorted! www.garybolam.co.uk   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 ARGHHH>>>..........  Some second year (you know who you are!) has, over the weekend, made a big installation in the space I am, sorry, I was going to use for my crit tomorrow. What a w**ker! Not only that but a fourth year has still not moved his work from last week.  I'm raging. I'm trying to resist the temptation to sabotage their chairs or something equally unethical. Ohhh... I could cut a centimetre off one of the legs on their desk. That would be annoying. haha! Gerr... Having said all that, I'm actually in a good mood. Summer or at least a day of it has hit Glasgow. It's actually sunny and their could even be talk of a BBQ. Yummy.  www.garybolam.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Tears before dawn. So the other day. What a day that was. Firstly the space I plan on using it full with crap... haha yes crap. :P So i go on the hunt for any other space not used in the building. It wasn't easy and i ended up looking and finding a corridor. Now, usually you would walk past this corridor and think... well think nothing because it's just a rubbish wee corridor. Unfortunately in the state of mind i was in i thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. haha. so yeah i then also have this 'inspired' moment when i think it would be a great idea to paint it red. oh yes. But not just any red, floor paint tile red. and it was just that.... floor paint. haha woops. i did however managed to paint about three 8 foot boards before realising what i was doing whilst talking to Jac haha it is kinda funny now looking back. Then i decided i should go make use of a bit of unclaimed space in the garage so I'm working away trying to get my work sorted for then exhibition when Tanya turns up.  all she does is ask how i'm doing or something and i burst into tears. eh?!  In my defence i have had hardly any sleep and i'm still not over the 'break up' yet. I ended up talking with Tanya for about an hour but it could have been 4 hours or 5 minutes it simply felt like an hour. haha. This talk helped... now. At the time i just couldn't take it in or think about the words that flowed from her mouth. i simply heard 'You're crap and you need to get your finger out and stop making shit work.'  i was needless to say in tears after that talk too. It was too much to think about and it was mega hot too. Hot + Tired + Crit + Break-Up = Pants.I freaked out for about 3 hours after that. Not continuously. oh no.. just at random moments when i least expected it. I messed about making things after i composed myself again. i actually had great fun. it was nice to experiment again. Without really realising it, three of us were working away until 3.15am. wow... that is officially the latest i have been working in the studio. it shuts at 9pm. haha!  The tears must have been in the air because there was another 3 or 4 people who also were complete wrecks by the time the crit came. there was only 7 of us in totally. That's a high percentage. haha   www.garybolam.co.uk   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Blah blah blah....Art school holds the plague. Today I have been avoiding it at all costs. gerr...  I'm fed up of the elevated stress levels and the required commitment to be seen to be doing work every minute of every day. I'm fed up of the uneasy feeling around people as well. Everyone is on egg-shells around one another for fear of tipping the balance.  I need a rest from it all.  Having said that, all I have been doing for the last week is 'resting' from it. I went to two openings last Thursday. A solo fourth year show and the group third year show. Both of which were impressive, almost scarily so.   So I go along to both and its a sunny day in Glasgow and I feel in good spirits, maybe more so because of all the free alcohol haha but also because its a chance to chill out a bit with friends. i ended up getting slightly drunk with everyone else and going home to crash.  I was having crazy dreams. I swear I was actually working in my sleep. It was weird. www.garybolam.co.uk'... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Ok so it is 1:30pm and I'm working tonight at 6.00pm. My washing machine has just broke with my uniform still in it. I'll take that as a sign to phone in sick. www.garybolam.co.uk'... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 woohooo! I successfully fixed my  washing machine (check www.garybolam.blogspot.com for video and pictures!) ... its now 2:30pm only an hour of my degree prep time  wasted poking and prodding the insides of it. haha. ohh i also have a sneaky peak image to upload... i say sneaky peak but it may all change. i have an interesting space it has two large windows and a narrow walk way area. i think i may have set myself a bit of a challenge in choosing it but  oh well... we'll see how it turns out in the next few weeks. its only 2 weeks and 6 days until i have to have it all finished. eak!  www.garybolam.co.uk'  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Part two... I was up for work the next day at 8am for an hour which I was surprisingly awake for. I was only there for an hour and then I went home and met a friend. I then had to go back into work for a 6pm till 10pm shift. This was last night. I got a txt asking what I was up to as a few friends from back home were off out the the big G. I was already walking home by this point. But I am such a pushover and I decide “yeah... Maybe it is a good idea.” so I get dressed out of my uniform and head out. We drank and we danced and had the most random of times. My two friends ended up having a falling out and walked the streets of Glasgow until the first train at 5.55am. I ended up talking away with a jeweller from up north. The next morning after a few hours sleep we have a quick vodka and coke and then head to the pub. That was this morning. I have now had a few moments of stolen sleep since then and am writing this. This is where my dilemma exists. This is all ok when defined as a student. These things happen, but when it comes to being a final year student and only having two weeks today to get everything finished it becomes a dilemma. Haha. Its all a tad funny though, and I'm off to work again in an hour. I'm working 6pm till 12.30am plently of time to muse over these thoughts. www.garybolam.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084  The pub. Now there is a social space of intrigue if ever there was one. Now getting more to the point, the  pub at lunch time. This is nothing bad. Nope. Having a little drink whilst enjoying a hearty pub lunch is acceptable. On the other hand, the pub at lunch time with no food is slightly edging on wrong, and if it isn’t edging on it, then it’s certainly toying with it. Haha. So where am I going with this thought? Well it was decided that we should have a night in with some home cooked food and a glass or two of wine. This was Saturday night. I was working in the cinema from 11am till 7pm then I headed over to Alice’s for dinner and a chance not to think about our degree show. It was good. We sat, we drank and we ate. Slowly the people were filtered down to only 4, some of those were less present than others hehe there is an excuse though. Gin, whisky and wine. All amazing drinks when sampled alone. Not when drunk one after the other in copious amounts with the novelty of slushy ice. I ended up rather drunk and headed home for about 4am. I saw a fox, a mouse and a drunk pigeon along the way. HeheTo be continued....www.garybolam.co.uk'... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Lucky Sockswww.luckysocks.co.ukThis is my online experiment just now. I need to show it for assessment but they have decided it'll cost £50 if we want to borrow stuff from EMA for the show. gerrr... I might just not borrow a computer. Anyways my printer has been running nonstop for the last few hours... woo for research printing time. I'm loving the run up to the end. I have decided what I'm making for the show. I will have several elements, an ox kidney, sewn ham and a video of me and a fly propped up with wood. It's all a bit exciting. I had the most interesting conversation with Health and Safety the other day in light of these elements. I was expecting 'no no no no...' but actually he was really positive and more concerned about my safety. He did mention biological hazard kits and risk assessment forms but basically he was all positive. Yeah I know. strange right?so here is a few images of the plinth and the kidney for you to Ermm... Drool over, Ponder, hate? I'll leave you to contemplate it.    www.garybolam.co.uk'  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 Dear First Year tape user, It is with much haste that I take my thoughts to paper as I sit here scraping the adhesive off the floor. My haste comes from the need to stop scrapping at the floor but also in anger as my fingers hurt and I am tired, very tired.  I am most tired of discovering new additions to the tape and other bumf that is stuck to the floor in my degree show space formerly your studio. My letter comes with the need to remind you, and in some ways curse you, to having the chain carry on. I am sure I have unwittingly added my fair share of bumf to the floor in my studio but I am also sure that my studio isn't ever going to be a degree show space...(aww thank god for the crappy but amazing Barnes building.) This tradition will carry on. So it is with both joy and a slight disheartenment that I tell you of the tedium this tradition causes. Yours,  The tired 4th year. www.garybolam.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 woohoo... not long to go! Monday is the hand-in deadline for assessment. Now, how late can I leave documentation before I really need it done? I might start tomorrow. So, having got over the crap on the floor, my space has been painted (by myself mostly I might add...) Everyone seems to have got their helpers to do this task. Anyway, I've been living in that space recently and developing my work on site. Here is a wee sculptural drawing currently on the wall... I've realised I'm working with literary theory and  formal art presentation and display through use of the plinth and other gallery protocol. I'm using the familiar object to help aid and provoke internal narrative. It's all a bit interesting I thinks. On another random side note. I managed to cut my foot open last night with a can that I knocked out of the paper bin in my room. How totally inconvenient, it really hurt and all day I was having to hobble around. Not good. So anyways... it's time for sleeps me thinks. www.garybolam.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 So the degree show aye... Well its up. I'm happy. I have my grade. I had the most amazing time at the friends and family opening. It was a blast. Ohh and I hear there maybe a few photographs of me kicking about...oh dear haha!  I have had a wee mention (kinda a fantastic one) in The Herald with loads of really funny remarks on their web comments form. I urge you to add your own.  yeah... I've been sitting watching the gallery all day today 10am till 9pm... wooohooo mind killer! but it is funny still seeing people react to the kidney on a plinth. And yes it is 'really real'. haha!i will write more when i dont want to jump out the window.  Over and out...for now.  www.garybolam.co.uk ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084 I suppose that firstly I should mention that I have received a kidney transplant and this has influenced the way I work and approach things significantly. There was a point where doctors told me that I would have two weeks to live if they didn’t intervene. This intervention saved my life in no uncertain terms.   In my work that I have on show for the degree show, I play with this intervention and suspension of the inevitable. The public reaction to discovering a kidney on a plinth in a gallery space is often interesting. They suddenly become aware of the reality of what's before them and question the kidneys authenticity. I can assure you it is real. They still want to investigate it though and numerous people take a sneaky poke to affirm their suspicions.    In Yellow Makes Me Smile (Poke) Smile a momentary glimpse of a wasp on a greasy lump of I Cant Believe Its Not Butter has been caught. Silently still. It rests on a thin length of wire delicately balanced almost just out of reach to the eye.  When you spend time looking at it, you become aware of the sadness that exists within the work. It suddenly dawns on you that it poses no threat other than reflections of your own mortality. It’s kind of moving in that way. The title lightens the work. Suggesting that on a surface level there maybe a humour to it. The use of ‘(Poke)’ suggesting the brutal investigation of ones curiosity.   The works that can be seen in the degree show are as follows (the numbers referring to the attached map)   1 Suggested Intimate Action Metal pole, clamp, plinth, castor wheels, plughole, cardboard, sewn ham 2008   2 Epilogue Plinth, kidney, stainless steel 2008   3 Pin TV, plinth, wood, fly video 2008   4 Yellow Makes Me Smile (Poke) Smile Wire, tinfoil, I Cant Believe Its Not Butter spread, wasp (dead) 2008 ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 http://sites.a-n.co.uk/degrees_unedited/projects/single/422084