http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Setting up 18 studios, Long Eaton, Nottingham Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:37:12 +0000 a-n rss generator a-n The Artists Information Company and contributors edit@a-n.co.uk technical@a-n.co.uk http://www.a-n.co.uk/img/logo.gif http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We finally have the keys  - despite the solicitors inflicting torture for nearly 6 months. And what a buliding! It's actually the first floor of a lace factory with red bricks, turrets and lots of natural light. Furthermore it's in fantastic condition and has the dimensions to set up 18 studios which are approx 200 sq ft. And the pitfalls? Well, there are no artists' studios in Long Eaton. Nottingham and Derby are a good 20 minutes away. On the plus side, the public transport is excellent with trains & buses and the occasional  barges. Only joking -  they don't offer passenger services!We've had a big push this week to get the partitions made. My partner Jem has taken a week off work to crack on. Sheila and Kristian Ravnkilde have also been stars and sacrificed a lot of time to help.We've had to do it ourselves because Mr Peabody quoted £25,000. Funny money!  We did think about going to the Arts Council for funding but it takes 12 weeks for an application to be processed. As everyone knows there are no guarantees. In the meantime you have loans, service charges and other bill racking up -  and an empty building. This way we are able to get artists in as the partitions are erected. We have 8 studios ready, with 6 occupied so 2 are up for grabs. We have other artists signed up later on, including a couple of students who are taking a space over the summer. There is also the strong possibility that will be able to offer a bursary for a  residency for a graduate, with support for exhibitions etc. Watch this space. Been cutting wood all day today to create 3 partitions. That's a lot of timber and a lot of cutting. 78ft x 6ft of studding. Quite boring, but necesary. Have pre-drilled the holes for the studding and they are now ready for assembly. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Been sorting out press-releases to publicise the studios as we have completed more partitons and HMS will be having an open day on Sunday 27th May 12:00 - 3:00. As I am naturally quite shy, I don't find it easy. Even winning a raffle fills me with dread because of the unwelcome spotlight on the winner. But I have to overcome this problem as I have a small marketing budget and the papers are a good way of reaching a big audience. After ringing up the offices for a contact, I've e-mailed a press-release.  Will follow up on Monday.Jem was doing the spreadsheets yesterday. I'm glad he's willing because I find it tedious. He is dealing with that side of things, including the licenses. Our license agreements are based on those of Southwell Artspace. Henrietta Clavering who used to run it (she's on maternity leave) has been fantastic - giving lots of valuable advice relating to public liabiliy insurance and contacts.I have a wonderful volunteer, Kathryn who isn't an artist but wants to get involved in the arts. She is researching funding and the possibility of creating a curatorial space. I feel very priviledged she wants to help. Lori, who also has a space at Sand Assembly is taking a double space at HMS, has been helping with cladding. There are some v good artists at HMS but they are also v nice! ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I was busy til 10 last night on studio business. The morning was spent chasing press-releases.  I think we will have coverage in the Nottingham Evening Post and the Derby Evening Telegraph. I've also emailed NCan (an organisation based in Nottingham for artists and arts organisations) who are passing the details on. Tomorrow, I'm off to a Creative Industries Network event at Wirksworth to spread the word. My business cards arrived this morning so I'll be able to give them out.We are having an open day on Sunday between 12:00 - 3:00pm. 8 studios are ready but only 2 are available as the others are taken. Another artist rang to confirm she is moving in on Friday. I have to be confident we can fill them, I think?I have been updating the website with artists' webpages which can be a delicate issue. I even worry about the thumbnails as you invariably have to crop the images. The artists are generally pleased, though obviously they are able to spot errors much better than me. I once did a post grad course on business in arts practice. Research, business plans, marketing etc - I am putting all that theory into practice. I prefer painting. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I'm having trouble finding the time to write this. When I'm not erecting partitions, doing admin, updating the website etc I'm sleeping. We signed up 3 artists this week - including the Dean of Derby Uni. Nearly all the artists who see the spaces sign up.  We just need to get people round. My press-releases didn't work so I'll just have to find a "story". ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Great news! Erewash Borough council have given formal confirmation of a bursary for a residency at HMS. This will cover the cost of a space for a year.  Laura, the ADO approached Derby Uni with the proposal who immediately threw in a materials grant. This is great but also slightly embarassing because I had already mentioned the project to staff at  Nottingham Trent. Naturally, the extra money from Derby means it will go to a Derby graduate. What has been refreshing has been the marketing. Erewash have produced a leaflet and are sorting out the selection process (which will include me). Laura is sorting out some major marketing too. With the weight of the council behind HMS the chances of exposure must be greater.The partitions are coming on too. A big push has meant we have only 4 spaces to complete. We have made a decision to make 3 smaller ones. It means slightly less rent but it will mean we are able to create a wide walkway with a long partition, 33ft x 9ft. This can be used for meetings, exhibitions, projections etc. As the partitons are demountable, we can change the format if it doesn't work out See the progress ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Sent in the funding application to the arts council. Originally we wanted £35,000 to build partitions, sought out the electrics, plumbing etc. As this exceded £5000 it would have taken at least 12 weeks before we had an answer. We decided to go for something more modest, especially as arts funding has been cut in favour of the Olympic Games. Also, the process is quicker and we should know in 6 weeks. The priority is the electrics. We are woefully low on power points and the lighting is poor. The lowest estimate is £8000+ so we will have to raid our pension pot.  I checked with the visual arts officers if I needed a letter from them to send with the application. They assured me I didn't. I hand delivered the document of 40pages plus last week, relieved it was out of the way. (Anyone who has jumped through the hoops will know what I'm talking about.) Then the bad news. A phonecall on Wednesday to prepare me for a letter from the Arts Council telling me my application was invalid as I had not included the required letter. Apologies from the staff as the had given me the wrong advice. I have to wait for the letter giving me permission to apply. I can't resubmit the original application form, but more trees have to be sacrificed to tick the Arts Council boxes. To add insult to injury the letter arrived yesterday with no mention of the wrong advice - just an invalid application. The people who advise me, judge me and write to me are all being paid. Meanwhile my document which has taken months to prepare is archived, whilst I have to resend another. Madness. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Finished the partitions and created 19 spaces!!. Now we can reclaim weekends. I don't think it's sunk in. We have managed to achieve this on a shoestring. Jem is a surveyor with an eye for buildings and how spaces can be optimised. Not only have we created workspaces, but also an exhibition area with 60ft+ of linear wallspace. This will provide a great area for HMS artists to show  work. It was Jem's idea to reduce the size of 3 studios to create an exhibition area. He understands artists and their requirements because of my involvement in various studios groups. Now all we need are artists to fill the remaining spaces. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I'm expecting THE letter from the Arts Council today giving me the go-ahead for permission to apply. Had a phone call to say it was on the way. It means reprinting the document to resend today. zzzzzzzzHad a visit form John of Creative Launchpad which advises artists on business. It turns out that Long Eaton is a 'strange place:  a Derbyshire town with a Nottingham postcode and telephone number. He reported how the town is often ignored in relation to funding and assistance. Creative Launchpad for instance has offices in Nottingham and Derby but Long Eaton falls outside their remit. However he thought the project was worthy of a visit and will promote it. I know Derbyshire CC are focusing on other areas such as Cromford and Wirksworth.Heard from Banks Mill  Studios in Derby. Filamena, the manager is interested in a visit. They are well established but a totally different set-up to HMS. They focus more on business and the spaces are more private and not open.  But I think we could both benefit from each other. It's great people are getting in touch - it means we are on the radar. I've made loads and loads of phonecalls to various bodies so it's good that people are coming to me. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I've just sent out a newsletter to artists to keep them up-to-date with developments. We are all taking part in the NCAN Octoberfest in October. It's an ideal opportunity to launch the studios with a party and Open studios. Sheila has agreed to make a colour installation to mark the event which is fantastic. There are several options for music on the night and I'm meeting Kat about the curatorial space later today. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Just handed the keys over to Sarah Hemstock. I've known Sarah for a few years now, and I find it really difficult to talk about money with friends. I don't think they find it nearly as awkward. I have contracts etc for all artists to sign so I try to keep it as professional as possible.We've just drawn up some health and safety rules including dealing with rubbish, the use of electrical appliances and issues relating to fire. The building has a sprinkler system, fire alarms and fire exits. We are debating whether to opt for large fire extinguishers or for small ones in each space with an extra a fire blanket in the kitchen area. All boring stuff which was never a consideration when I rented a space at Oldknows!A Derby Graduate rang to arrange a visit to the studios tomorrow. I'm having an open day for artists submitting applications for the residency, but only one has contacted me. Hope more show up tomorrow. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 "Must be exciting", "You're brave", "Bonkers"  and "Great project!" Just a few comments. Mostly, it's tedious though. Take today for instance. I was at the studios for 8 this morning for BT who were booked to install a phoneline (for incoming calls and broadband). Instinct told me mid-morning it wasn't going to happen. A phonecall to BT confirmed my fears - the job had only just been logged and they weren't due til next Monday. The sales department hadn't let the engineers know. Welcome to my "exciting" life. lol ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 A very positive day, yesterday. It's funny how letters and phonecalls come out of the blue. I haven't been able to focus on my arts practice as much as I'd like because HMS has taken most of my time and drained all my creativity. However,  the Anglian Ruskin wrote to let me know I had 'been selected for an invitation to join their prestigious collection' along with Ronald Searle and Bruce Russell. I feel connected with my own practice for one day. Perhaps on Monday I can make some work in my new space.Had an informal meeting on Thursday with artists at HMS to discuss the OctoberFest and painting the communal areas. Arranged for a painting party next Thursday (with cakes) to paint the exhibiton area. All the artists are keen to take part in the NCan Octoberfest. The PV and launch party ('Toast & Jam') will be October 26th followed by the Open Studios on 27th-28th. Amanda and Louise's partners are both musicians and they have volunteered them for a jamming session. The company we have formed to run the studios are providing 10 wine boxes We are working out how to finance the more refreshments and the marketing. Sponsorship, activities and a kitty were all discussed. Louise and I are jointly going to look at Arts Council funding. Not sure how that will go down as we already have an application on the go.Sheila's Colour Installation will be unveiled at the PV. Her work is ideal for this occassion as her work embraces a space. It will be shown until the New Year when artists at HMS will be able to put forward proposals for exhibitions. This can be either collaborations with other artists from HMS, or with others outside the studio. There is over 20 linear meters of wall space so this is a really good opportunity for the artists to exhibit.Kat is also making progress with the curatorial space. She's given it a name - The Standing Room. This relates to the standings which lace manufacturers rented in lace mills. The studios are partitioned next to the posts which divided the standings.Standing Room ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I was an artist today -  in the space which we fashioned at the beginning of April. And I love it. It is slightly bigger than the standard space. It also has the door which leads to a room that housed the belt race which drove the lace machines. It is two storeys high with the potential for a great installation. But not today. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I don't think a day goes by without the need to do admin. I was warned about this when we decided to set up studios. I nodded and agreed, but was totally unprepared for all the stuff I have voluntarily taken on.Been trying to sort out the OctoberFest. This is our chance to put HMS on the map. Went to an NCan meeting on Monday night about the event. Realise we will have to work hard to connect with Nottingham studios as we are the furthest from the city centre.  I would really like to find sponsordhip for the materials for the installation. Spoke to the Arts & Business organisation and they think they may be able to help. Sent me more forms - ouch!Whilst I was on the net I also looked up funding and found a few awards of under £500 which we might be eligible for.  The catch - more tick boxes.  But then no one is going to point at HMS and give us money.Kat is developing the Standing Room and needs extra lights, so I really will need to get my admin hat on and apply to various bodies. Groan. I think I prefer making partitions.BT finally turned up on Monday and installedthe line. Lori is sorting out broadband - so that's one form less!! I keep thinking once HMS is up and running and on the cultural radar, I'll be able to do things like paint and draw and be totally disenchanted with my art. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It's the paint party today and I think we'll have a good turn-out. Jess is bringing her camera to record it. Soon all the physical things which I've been involved in, will be done. Wish I could say the same for the paperwork!We are coming up to the deadline for graduates applying for the bursary. Hopefully there will be a mad rush by tomorrow as we have been disappointed with the response so far. Laura (the ADO) and I have worked hard to get this project off the ground  - but I'm not even sure how many details were handed out. The only thing you can do is learn from it for next year. Only 4 spaces left. Alison Whitmore - a friend who went to Notts Trent at the same time as me, has taken a studio. This wasn't her intention when she came to see why we been socially inactive. But she was impressed. Kat let me know that we were in the Braodway Newsletter. Cool! ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 9 of us completed painting the exhibition space, communal area and The Standing Room. A real sense of achievement! The spaces look less "wet & dirty", more smart and White Cube. This will change.The experience was marred by a phone call from the Harrington Factory Company to let me know about a fire safety inspection next Wednesday. I am all for fire safety, but worried about a tick box excercise with an expensive solution. However, we need to sort out fire extinguishers. Do we service the existing extinguishers or replace them with smaller, hand-held ones? We have a sprinkler system and fire alarms, both maintained by the management company. I visited the Harrington Factory Company (HFCo) this week because we have a problem with signage. Perhaps I should explain about the company. We purchased the 99yr lease for the ground and 1st floor of block 12 of Harrington Mills in March 07. This was for approx 9000 sq ft  (1st floor - 5000 sq ft). We also became a minority shareholder in The Harrington Mills Factory Company.  This means we have a stake in the Company. However, in practical terms we have little say. We pay an annual service charge to HFCo to cover things like servicing the fire alarms, heaters and sprinklers. They also maintain the grounds and signage.Back to my conversation with HFCo. I havn't been receiving post. The factory complex is a community of different industries and organisations. Plumbers merchants, lace manufacturers and Bonzo Band amongst a few. However, the signage is confusing and in the case of HMS, non existant. HFCo will not allow any other signage apart from the 'racing green' lettering produced by themselves. I was asked the name of our organisation when we first moved, but still no signage. I know post has gone missing or returned to sender, so it needs sorting.Apparently, signage for the whole complex is currently being redesigned to make it easier for the postman and visitors. BUT, we are waiting for the board to approve a design. How I hate design by committee. Meanwhile, I have permission to put up a temporary sign fo HMS. Result! ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I accidently turned up at a meeting today - one I had arranged myself.  Taken my brain out and forgotton to wake up. When we got the keys for HMS we also moved house and, up until the weekend, we hadn't had time to relax. There was always a list of urgent things to do. Lesley and Louise were v understanding. Despite turning up without the promised print-out of the funding application, we managed to sort out a number of issues.One of the problems of being on the 1st floor is accessibility. If those with mobility impairments can't come to us then HMS will take the work to them. We have decided to explore different ways of making art inclusive, including workshops, presentations and maybe a webcam. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 When I was setting up the studios, I never thought about the detail. There is so much stuff that is tedious but necessary. Like fire safety and bt and plumbing...etc etc. It doesn't make interesting reading, but this is what it's really like.The fire safety inspectors came yesterday - they visited a number of factories in the complex. Apparently, the responsiblity for risk assessment has shifted from the inspectors to business owners. The purpose of the visits is to look at buildings for future reference in case of fire. They don't issue certificates any more and they don't comment on potential problems  - which would be v helpful. I need advice on risk assessment and the extinguishers, but I've been given the name of someone who might be able to help. Creative Launchpad contacted me to assure me that HMS was covered by their Derbyshire office. Any notion that Long Eaton was outside their patch was a mistake. They are keen to help and we will be mentioned in their newsletter which is great news.Some interesting artists and curators have contacted Kat about the Standing Room. She is also exploring some interesting ideas for the space and looking at various grants to fund them. She is developing so many contacts and working v hard - that things are bound to happen.Broadband was installed yestrday. Lori has been sorting out the wi-fi network, but only half of HMS is receiving a signal. Another router is needed to connect the rest of the studios. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Printed off a mile and a half of grant applications. There is a  a meeting tomorrow and hopefully we will have a good turn-out.  We are hoping to blitz it because we need to raise money for plumbing, a kitchen area and marketing for the OctoberFest. We also want to run some work-shops with physically disabled adults and children who won't be able to physically access HMS during the Open Studios. There is a good mix of experienced work-shop leaders and those who have never done it before, but really want to develop this aspect of their arts practice.This week we are interviewing for the graduate space. I was involved in sorting out the questions with the ADO. This was a new experience for me. I am rubbish at interviews, and so this gave me an insight on how I could improve my techniques. But I had better not give too much away... ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I am expecting the verdict of the arts council application any day now. I'm really nervous about it because I've heard so many organisations have had their funding cut. My meetings with the officers have always been encouraging, but they have been careful to stress the competition for grants and there are no guarantees. BUT I'm sure our cause is the worthiest!!!We have come to the conclusion we need to set up a cooperative or similar within the studios. We need to draw up a constitution and sort out a bank account. It would mean we can spread the load a bit. The meetings to date have been v informal with no real minutes etc. We need a bit of order so I think it makes sense. The only thing that worries me is the politics... I am still having an issue with the post. We aren't getting any, even bills. Emailed the post office - will see if this makes any difference. I will post myself a letter to test it. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Fantastic news! The letter I thought I would never receive, arrived today. The Arts Council have awarded us £5000 towards upgrading the electrics. We can sort out the lighting and power points before the winter. Not a glamourous project but so necessary.I've had 3 enquiries today about spaces. I thought activity might slow down during the holiday period, but I think a lot of teachers and lecturers have broken up and starting to think about their own practice. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Tomorrow I am giving a talk at Angel Row Gallery about setting up HMS. As I am naturally shy this may be a bigger ordeal for me than some. I haven't got the answers to DIY studios - all I can do is share my experiences. The project is still ongoing and by no means established. In some ways it is harder because organisations actually think we are up and running and sorted. We had an enquiry from a school about work-shops to that effect. We are supposed to become experts in DDA, health and safety, fire safety, accountancy and legal issues to name a few. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 After the talk - the tortuous post-mortem. I keep thinking - I forgot to say this... I hope it didn't sound like that... and I really meant something else. I do yhis every time. The trouble is you can't edit it. I remember saying that I wasn't looking to set up studios, which is true. We weren't looking for buildings or to develop this project. It was by chance we saw a beautiful building with potential to create workspaces. So I think it gives hope to artists who are actively searching for buildings.I also touched on the delicate issue of funding which is always a problem - raising the cash to get the project off the ground. We haven't got huge resoures but we achieved this by putting the property into a Sipp or self invested pension plan. This creative solution was my partner's idea, demonstrating you don't have to be an artist to have lateral thought. Met up with the electrician today to sort out the upgrade. The price of copper has gone up since he gave us a quote. It seems the thriving Chinese economy is not only impacting on the ozone layer, but is affecting the price of commoditities, which is filtering down to HMS. A little more complicated than that, but our appetite for 'bargains' at Primark has knock-on effects. In other words our bill for the electrics is higher. Or am I being naive thinking there would be no increase?... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I had a letter which began, "I am pleased to let you know..." from one of the solicitors. It went on to say the deal had been concluded in relation to the SIPP. I thought good. I failed to notice the significance of the line which went on to say we had elected to pay VAT. Jem read it and went bananas. Apparently he had been at pains throughout the negotiating period to stress that we did not want to pay VAT. It would mean that whilst we could recover VAT on any building works, (which aren't that extensive) - we would have to charge the artists who colud not recover it. It looked like an expensive mistake. We spent a sleepless night until a phonecall first thing revealed it was a typist's error. It was one of those copy and paste letters which got paste-happy.started some small oil paintings this week. Turps never smelt so good. Just when I thought things were getting more creative, I had to deal with STUFF. I arrived at HMS to find a locksmith was fitting a new lock to the turret. Noone had thought to let me know. The locksmith told me he had been instructed to do all the buildings for health and safety reasons, and as we didn't own the stairs there was no obligation for the company to tell me. We may only be a minority shareholder but we do have rights.The immediate problem was to get keys cut for everyone. We have artists from 20 miles radius so deliverng them personally was out of the question. Four of us were at the mills today and between us we have managed to sort it. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Had a fright: my computer died. It wouldn't boot up and all the files relating to HMS were locked inside. I dropped into the store where I bought it. The assistant took the battery out and plugged it into the mains and hey presto - it worked. I could have cried. This happened last week and it served as a wake up call to back-up. The necessary drive arrived yesterday. It was £80 and another one of those 'contingencies' - or unexpected costs that arise - along with extra keys and the rise in the price of copper. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I have just spent a week at the edge of Bodmin Moor. The weather was a bit rubbish but the break has helped me to reboot. No internet and no mobile phone. Lori and Sheila fielded the phonecalls and emails and it was remarkably calm in my absence. Thank you both!I have received a few applications for the 3 remaining spaces. We will be holding a meeting (at the end of August) as a group to make a decision. We are also triyng to work out a constitution, but we are still at the embryonic stage. I think it is important to get the structure right. This was the message I was getting from studio groups I researched before we got the keys.Creative Launchpad have offered their services for free to help HMS artists develop their professional practice. This includes one-to-one meetings as well as training sessions. They are also going to help me develop my business skills in relation to HMS. In particular, forming a cooperative and issues relating to health and safety. Brilliant - I have someone to bounce ideas off. Rang up the electrician today and it seems he may be able to start as early as next week. The Arts Council money will also be on its way - so fingers-crossed. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 "Do you have an anti-bullying policy?" "What about risk-assessment?" - just more questions I was asked this week. And my response:"We haven't even got a proper sink yet." What do we do if it starts raining cats and dogs and we didn't have enough wellies to go round? You see, this whole business is sending me mad! You put up a few partitions and rent out some spaces and all of a sudden you are supposed to have all this paperwork in place. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The electrician has finally made a start. Some other good news: the partner of one of the artists runs a kitchen business and will install kitchen units. What generosity! I can't believe our luck. We are currently using a wash hand basin - not ideal but better than nothing. An aunty is also donating a kitchen table. We just need a fridge and a microwave and we'll be sorted. I've had five meetings this week. Kat organised the first to sort out the residency for the Standing Room. We had some excellent proposals and I'm am delighted with the final choice. There will be a website linked to HMS dedicated to the Standing Room - with a forum to encourage critical debate about curating. A webcam will also capture live discussions between audience and curators. All exciting stuff, only achievable with the technical help of Lori, Simon and Joss.Kat has also created an Allotment Show for Christmas. An ingenius idea where artists are invited to submit work by reserving a space on a grid via the web. On receiving a £10 admin fee, the space will be officially booked. The work (15 inches square) is then delivered, photographed for the web and placed in the selected space. The grid will include floor space for sculptural pieces as well as a wall grid for 2-d work. The intention is to tour it to 2 venues - one in Long Eaton as well as somewhere else in the borough. It makes work at HMS more accessible too!Going back to the meetings, we also had a gathering to discuss the launch. We haven't managed to sort out funding - I have to hold my hands up because I developed admin fatigue before my hols and I haven't fully recovered. We will therefore opt for a simple marketing plan with postcard invites and some press-releases. We have some funding in for workshops thanks to others in the group.Another meeting involved a school. Without being too personal I wasn't impressed.... As for my own work - it's going depressingly bad. I can't blame the environment, the weather or the other artists. The return of artistic angst... ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The fire officer recommended fire exit signs over the doors, the sort which are wired up to the electrics This is necessary if we are to use the studios at night. As the electricians are already here I asked for a price ... the contingency pot is gradually eroding. Anyway, I can't ignore it, so Stuart is sorting it out. No smoking signs, hand-held extinguishers, a fire blanket and instructions are also on the shopping list. Oh and some sort of bell - to raise the alarm. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The electricians have finally finished and handed over the certificate (and the bill). Well, not quite. We've decided the exhibition area needs more light. We can't afford anything sophisticated, just bigger flourescents and doubles instead of single tubes. Sheila has created a stunning installation which will benefit from the upgrade. I also intend to start painting the floor next week, ready for the open studios.Met the curators Jane Hardstaff and Jayne Falconer who were selected for the residency in October. They will be working with artists from HMS as well as others in the region. It's v exciting because the whole thing is quite organic where curators and artists are not sure of the outcome. The whole process is being documented and uploaded onto the website www.standingroom.org. Kat has worked hard to get this off the ground without any budget, just great determination. It's been a steep learning curve for both of us.I feel we're on the last leg of setting up HMS, though it's not a full-stop. The Open Studios, 26th - 28th October provide the deadline for sorting out all physical aspects such as the kitchen area, plumbing and the rest of the lighting. The plumber was supposed to turn up today ....The invites are on the way - snail post takes up to 3 weeks but much cheaper. We have a few problems beacause a couple of artists had nominated their partners to provide live music at the PV. However, they have been offered paid gigs so they had to pull out - a shame but quite understandable. It might be a CD player - we'll see. After all we've achieved it seem quite minor. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 'Beware of the artist' and 'Artists prohibited' - just some signs which I think the men in grey suits would like to pin on our door. Well thats what it felt like until last Wednesday when I took them round. The men, by the way, are board members of the Harrington Factory Company. Apparently they didn't know about our plans to create studios despite a letter to the managing director earlier this year. Politics. Anyway, they were reassured when they came round. We had considered fire risks etc and they had to admit it was better shape than some of the other companies. We gave them an invite to the open studios. We have been working flat out for the Open but it is starting to pay off. We have painted most of the floor and walls. The kitchen units arrived last week. A BIG thank-you Sarah and her husband Joe. See the piccie. One of the units has been engraved - and as they are made of ply, you can see all the different layers of wood. Beautiful. Jess also presented the studio with a fridge, so no more sour milk. Thanks Jess :) This is all icing on the cake. From basic work spaces for messy artists we now have something much more. We received funding from the Coop for a workshop and development of Standing Room. We are giving Justice for Carers a preview of the studios followed by a session with charcoal, clay and watercolours.Kat has been working hard on Standing Room and the Allotment exhibition. Lori has developed the website so individual artists can log on and book spaces on the Standing Room website. This is v clever stuff which is way beyond me.The Open is fast approaching, just hoping we have a good turn-out. I know we have some local newspaper coverage, so fingers-crossed. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I was going to let this blog die a natural death, but it seems HMS has generated a lot of interest. It's not long since I returned from the studio providers conference at Spike Island, Bristol where I realised HMS is quite a unique set-up. It was depressing talking to a number of artists whose studios were at risk from disappearing because developers were moving in. Leases were coming to an end and studio groups are forced into premises with ever shorter leases - some less than it takes to do a body of work. The last studio group in one city is struggling to survive in a damp, leaky building. Desperately looking for funding, they are in the unenviable position of having to prove 'need'. As their building contravenes every health and safety regulation, they dare not advertise. They are not replacing artists who are leaving and so it becomes increasingly difficult to prove 'need'. This is the LAST affordable studios in a major city. When I set-up HMS I was encouraged by the local arts council who were convinced artists would be drawn to affordable studios. Indeed this proved to be the case. But I am left wondering whether had I applied for more significant public funding, would I too, have been required to prove need.Thank goodness the NFASP are on the case!http://www.nfasp.org.uk/Anyway, I will move on to our latest project - Allotments. Kat has done an amazing job. Details can be seen on http://www.standingroom.org/The work for Allotments is by open submission on a first-come-first-served basis. Entirely unselected, I was expecting the entries to be pretty average. But most of the work is great, and it is like Christmas opening the packages. Work was submitted from all over the country including Newcastle, Stockport, Oxford, London as well as local residents.Submission was also online and the artists chose their spaces - so the curation is quite random. However, it's amazing how visual connections are already being made between the pieces. We haven't finished hanging yet, but it promises tobe quite an exciting show. It will be previewed next Friday and I am v excited. I have had a few difficult decisions to make which initially gave sleepless nights. One artist had to leave, but Jem is taking over the administration of the licenses and I think it will be easier being one-step removed.Being on the Nottingham/Derbyshire border means we have feet in both camps. Our launch coincided with the Nottingham Contemporary Arts festival, but a Derbyshire wide festival takes place in May. The studio is split on whether we participate. From a personal perspective, it is too soon after the October one and I really haven't got involved in my work yet . From previous experience, I realise it takes time before a new studio feels like a second skin and I haven't achieved that oneness yet. However, I know this isn't the same for everyone, and I would support those who want to take part. I think it would be good for the stuidos to be in the Derbyshire loop too.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I was talking to an artist on Friday who is collaborating with another professional across the Atlantic. As you can imagine, the costs of meeting are not insignificant. Expecting she had financial support, I enquired who was funding the project. She was. Increasingly I am speaking to artists who can't face the painful process of filling in the forms and the agonising wait. They prefer to do overtime and pay out of their own pocket.I am fortunate that HMS is self-sufficient. Though, I am grateful for the financial contribution from the Arts Council and Tina and Sarah gave sound advice, my partner has threatened divorce if I go through the proceedure again. He says the £5000 sum received, divided by the time it took to complete the form - equals the minimum wage plus a bucket load of stress.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The Allotment show opened last night and despite so many other events, there was a reasonable turn-out. The feedback was good too, with some interesting comments to consider if we repeat the event in 2008. The show moves to Long Eaton town hall in the New Year so making the work accessible to a wider audience.Kat has done an amazing job, but it has been an enormous task for one person. She's had help from a number of people including Lori, Laura, Joss and Stella but it has been Kat who has done the lion's share. I have tried to do as much as possible but there is always a lot of HMS stuff bubbling away, and we have had some major personal issues to deal with too.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 My New Year's resolution to resist filling in forms is already broken... it was only a teeny-weeny form and it didn't take an age. Well Jem hasn't divorced me:) I think it's unrealistic to avoid forms - none of us can survive in a bubble. If Standing Room is to survive beyond the summer we will need to secure funding and as Kat has worked hard to raise the profile, it would be a shame to let it go. Sheila's work came down last week and the space seems v empty. However, it is also v exciting because Tether, a group of Notts Trent graduates arrived yesterday to make their mark in the exhibition area over the next month. It should be quite interesting because we also have Chris Parkes from Airspace responding to Standing Room at the same time.Tether are storing their stuff in the "cupboard" next to my space. It's about 10m tall and 2m wide and the full length of the building. An amazing space! It bridges two buildings and used to house the drive belt for the lace machines. The original exterior brickwork makes it a unique space. It has great potential for amazing installations and I was pleased when Tether expressed an interest in making work for it.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We installed the Allotment show in Long Eaton town hall on Friday. With help from Stella, Phil as well as Isabel from the Council we managed to sort it out relatively quickly (given the constraints of the space which is smaller than Standing Room). Three  boards were only designed to hang lightweight works, but luckily three glass cabinets with an array of invisible props enabled us to display heavier 2-D pieces and sculptures. A fourth board gave us the chance to screw other pieces directly into the wall. It will be interesting to see the response from the locals!I have abstained from most of the paperwork since Christmas... but it's no good it just doesn't go away. However, the volumes are not nearly as great as they were setting up HMS (at the moment) and so it doesn't seem quite so bad. We have Nick Kaplony of Artquest coming to HMS on Feb 4th at 7:00pm to give a presentation about Artelier to the various studio groups in the area. I think most Nottingham studios will be represented - new and established. Also a few Derbyshire ones  which will be interesting as HMS straddles both counties.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We're behind with marketing, so Kat and I were a bit concerned on Saturday that no one would turn up for a talk by Professor David Crouch on 'The Art of Allotments'. However, the first visitors arrived promptly at midday - from London. A car load from Leamington Spa arrived shortly afterwards and so our worries turned quickly to concerns about the logistics and seating arrangements. In the end, the talk attracted 35 people - a mix of allotment holders and artists. We collected 22 chairs (donkey easels and stools included) - so it was 'cosy' with standing room only for late arrivals. The event was therefore v informal but the feed-back was fantastic. Lots of food for thought in relation to common ground shared by artists and allotment holders - creativity, shared spaces and property developers have also dentified both groups as soft targets.The event provided a good rehearsal for the Artquest visit next week. I'm expecting roughly 40 artists so we will use the exhibition space for the presentation instead of the communal area. More seating and a projector have already been organised.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The Allotment show came down from the Town Hall on Wednesday. Most artists collected work but many chose to have it posted. Whilst this is an onorous job, the exhibition attracted artists from up and down the country where distance might have been an issue. Waiting lists are fluid...or so I realised when Mazhah announced he was moving to Banks Mill studios (where he will receive business support after successfully securing a contract as a freelance designer). I contacted artists on the list but they had all moved on... or so I thought. A brief advert on the HMS website immediately attracted 3 artists. I had messed up though, because one of them had already registered her interest in November. I'm afraid I failed to record her details. Anyway, I will hand over the keys to Justine today. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I was excited, but also nervous yesterday about the Artelier presentation by Nick Kaplony at HMS. It’s like hosting a party and wondering if anyone is going to turn up... only worse because Nick was on his way from London and I felt responsible.  Stupid I know, because artists were bound to be drawn to this exciting project facilitating connections all over the world for free  The website http://www.artquest.org.uk/artelier/' will be launched next month detailing how artists can become members. It was described a bit like a dating agency for artists and arts organisations where exchanges of creativity, resources, studios, galleries, accommodation etc can be facilitated ... and on an international scale.Anyway, we laid out the medley of chairs including fold-up, garden chairs, stools and of course the donkey easel. 40 seats in all.  We stocked up with wine and nibbles and I picked up Nick from the train station. The new road works and the rush hour traffic highlighted the distance from Nottingham which took longer than normal. Would the artists travel to Long Eaton?No worries. It was bums on all seats – with standing room for late-comers. Representatives from Southwell Artspace, Banks Mill, some newly formed studios and a few established groups from Nottingham came.  We had MA students from Derby, Bianca from Creative Launchpad and a few curators too. The atmosphere was relaxed and the talk generated loads of questions. HMS artists were as always, helpful, with plenty of offers to pour wine and clear up. A seasoned form-filler who was used to producing figures for funders to crunch, asked me if everyone had signed in. I had intended to be organised this time, but was enjoying the occasion too much to get the visitors' book out. Jess has photographed and videoed the event so we do have a visual record. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I’m on top of most of the dross, but there is still stuff I should have dealt with weeks ago.  Like the telephone.  The easiest access for BT was in my space. My intention was to extend the connection over three other workspaces to a mid-point near the entrance to HMS.  Unfortunately the job is a tad more tedious now because artists have moved more gear into their spaces.  Although the line is for incoming calls only and broadband, it will make life easier for everyone once it’s done. No excuse really.Onto something a little more rewarding - the residency of Christopher Parkes.  There is always a pang when a show comes down, and this was true when Christopher’s residency in Standing Room ended last Friday.  His miniature landscapes in response to the Allotment show had undergone a series of changes, both controlled and organic.  During the last two months I had looked forward to seeing the various stages of reconfiguration and observed both the minutiae and the drama on a regular basis. Christopher’s first landscape in the prescribed Allotment show format of a 15 inch square was contained in a pristine white box. A discarded tape lay inside.  By the launch of the Allotment exhibition in mid December, there was little hint of change, but as if on cue for the Christmas celebrations, a lush green swathe of young shoots appeared -  despite the seasonal cold weather. When much of the show moved to the Town Hall, Christopher chose to use remnants of the exhibition, the hooks, the screws and the various fixings as part of the installation.  The original ‘plot’ was moved due south-west and nearer to the window where the plants continued to thrive. Two unpainted boxes also formed part of the new composition. Nestled amongst the shoots in the middle container were numerous small red metal rods, peering like periscopes in different directions, directing the viewer to the matrix of fixings on the wall.  Drama in mid January occurred when a schism in the earth revealed the base - a natural disaster on a miniscule scale.The third box contained ivy and a figurine of a cat – thus encouraging the viewer to look closer and from a different perspective. Over time, I imagine the climber would extend well beyond the boundaries of Standing Room and into the rest of HMS! There was also a fourth ‘plot’: a burial mound with a childlike toy in the form of a grim reaper lay at the head of the pile. see www.standingroom.org It makes all the dross worthwhile.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I recently extended the phone cable from my space to a more convenient central location. Unfortunately, I didn't test the extension - which proved to be faulty. So a morning which could have been spent painting, was wasted on a futile task. But you learn - I tested the new wire before snaking it round the partitions.On to something more rewarding. Standing Room is turning emerald. Sam, Apexa and Hannah are creating a mock film set and I can't wait to see the next episode. www.standingroom.org Apparently a 'cast'  of artists will be coming to HMS next week. There is a real buzz.Had an email from Christopher Parkes who has just given a talk at Staffs Uni. He mentioned Standing Room and how the residency at HMS has helped his practice. The experience has been so positive for both parties.Kat is managing Standing Room from a distance and is currently sorting out a committee to run it. Though Kat has done the lion's share, we have both suffered from burn-out. Spreading the load will definitely help. Four of us are meeting in a couple of weeks to work out a structure to administer and develop the space. Kat has sorted loads of documentation to sift through. It all looks a bit daunting.Some good news. I have been awarded a place on the NAN research and networking visit to Lille. I still can't believe it as HMS hasn't been going a year yet.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Jessie has left photos of the Artquest visit in my space. Loads of them. It was a great reminder of the sociable and v interesting evening we had at the beginning of Feb.A busy day ahead tomorrow. We are hanging Sarah Key's work in the exhibition area. It will be good to see the space active again. With hindsight Sheila's work came down too soon (the end of December) and there has been nothing in the space since. What a waste! We are starting to get a programme together, but there are still a few gaps... will need to push it a bit more.A workshop is also taking place tomorrow at HMS. All to do with computers and the web. A shame I will miss it, but I have a couple of meetings after hanging the show.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It only took a few hours to hang Sarah's exhibition yesterday but the space has been transformed. The optical illusion of some of the pieces tested our judgement at times - but we were both v happy with the end result. These paintings formed part of Sarah's recent doctorate show at Loughborough University. Apparently the next stop is Transylvania! (My photos don't do the work justice but offer a snapshot of the exhibition). We've just got to organise a PV now.I had a second stab at the web workshop which I missed yesterday. Although I set up the HMS website, I also recognise I have only scratched the surface. Lori showed us how much free stuff is available on the web and how we can park images and videos onto free sites and link them to our own. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Just been discussing next years graduate residency with the ADO from Erewash Council. The pot which funded Polly's space has diminished, but apparently this doesn't mean the money can't come from another purse. Also there are a few hoops to jump through in terms of evaluation and public benefit etc. Fair enough because this is public money.We have a waiting list so support from the council is not quite so critical this year, though I have to say, the partnership helps to raise the profile of HMS... and I'm sure we also tick a few boxes in relation to Arts and Culture in the borough too. The successful applicant works in the community, so the public have the benefit of working with a professional artist. All good!The residency poses a slight problem for the beneficiary. A year comes round very quickly and the artist maybe left homeless at the end of the term. Even if they are prioritised on the waiting list, the timing may be rubbish.Anyway, we are meeting in a few weeks when funding will be clearer, to discuss all these issues. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Andy Beale manufacturers lace on the floor above. He makes miles of narrow gauge lace and knicker elastic. Wall-to-wall machinery. I mention this because we got a good deal on the property as he also creates decibels. The noise varies depending on what machine is being used. It rotates around the studios - from a soft purr in the vacinity of the loos to the bone-shaking heavy metal above my space, Fortunately the latter is infrequent and I've only witnessed it half a dozen times since moving in last year.When Andy is busy he tends to use the monster machines in the early hours because all these decibels require maxi kilawatts of energy which is cheaper before 7am.Generally though, it compares with noise from air con units and sounds almost womb-like. Anyway, the noise was enough to put off most punters when it was on the market... but not artists. Excepting the occasional thrashing machine, the space offers great accomodation.  I do warn artists who look round (especially at the weekend) but it hasn't put anyone off, and no one has left. I've brought this up because I am regularly asked why the space is affordable.We will be covering a yard and a half of agenda tomorrow when four of us will be discussing the framework for Standing Room. Kat has done loads of research into different structures which will be good for funding. We don't think we will be able to cover everything in one session, but it will be a good start. I'm the secretary which I find a bit scary.We have sorted out a date for Sarah Key's PV and she is also giving a talk.See www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk for details... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 One of the benefits we offer at HMS is a web page. I ask artists to send info by email and I format it for the website and upload. But I am human and invariably miss bits and make the wrong links... so I ask artists to to proof read their own work. I've just finished a second attempt at Sheila's this afternoon, so fingers-crossed.http://www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk/artists/sheilap.htmI've been to 4 meetings this week. The first was connected with Standing Room. we've decided to go down the CICs route which is less bureacratic than a charity. Another meeting involved programming in a show for an artist in the exhibition space which is now getting booked up, though we do have to firm up with dates. A meeting in Matlock with various organisations in Derbyshire took up most of Tuesday afternoon - discussing the £25m government funding for 0-19yr olds for arts and culture outside school. Not sure if I made much of an impression ....I'm a bit rubbish at making myself heard when there are 50 people in the room.And lastly, there was a meeting to discuss events in Southwell where I am a member of another group of artists. Now down to some drawing... ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 "A man with a van and a passion for Dracula," was one of the suggestions floated for getting Sarah and David's work to Transylvania. Just one of the conversations we had whilst setting up for Sarah's PV on Friday night. Not a huge turn-out ... but we had timed it with the preview of the student postcard show in Derby. However, there were some unexpected guests which is always a nice surprise. I was really pleased when 3 people wandered into the studios on Saturday for Sarah's talk (about the processes and ideas behind her paintings).  One of them pulled out a press-cutting from the local paper, the result of my press-release... though I hadn't realised it had been printed. More people arrived including an artist from London who was v impressed by the set-up and the informal talks. All v satisfying. Despite a few technical hitches Sarah managed to deliver a really interesting talk. She had competition at one stage because, even though Andy's lace machines were silent, he tuned into radio 2 half-way through the discussion.  We were debating whether it would be good to combine the talk and the PV together. Or maybe spread the events out a bit more?The Standing Room residency is all v exciting and apparently artists are turning up next week to film. There is much interest in my cupboard. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The point of this blog was to talk about setting up studios, but as we have been in Harrington Mills for a year now, I think it is time to close this blog. I have just returned from an amazing networking visit to Lille and it seems a perfect note to end on :) ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162   Anyway, with more come-backs than Beckham I've decided to re-start my blog. I thought if I drew a line under the "setting up" then I could get on with the other side of my arts practice, that is making art. Ha ha. Just when you think everything is up- and-running there is a reminder that there is still plenty to tweak.  A noisy film crew and artists with opinions meant I had a battering by email. We have an abundance of painters and 'object' makers at HMS so I'm always excited to see curators/artists in Standing Room who bring new media into the workspaces. This view is not shared by all and we have arranged a meeting to discuss the issues. This is the first dissension... but I think we need to air things.  Amelia Beavis-Harrison is the latest curator in Standing Room. She has come up with an amazing 6 week programme under the banner of 'Crumb'.  She has arranged for 3 pairs of artists to make work for 3 different exhibitions. Representatives from 4 different organisations will also be making presentations as part of the project from Lincoln (Beacon Arts), Birmingham (AAS), Derby(Quad) and Leicester (Artober). http://www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk/standing_rm/amelia/invite_natter.htmOne of the problems is the late marketing of the events. Really, such a programme deserves some serious promotion, perghaps weeks in advance. i am doing my best but I can barely keep up with the now, never mind the future. Then we have our own resident artist Polly Parker who has a show in the exhibition space next week. She was the 2007 recipient of the Erewash busary. The first elements of the installation went up yesterday and it looks beautiful. .co.uk/exhibiton_space/polly/invite.htm... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Amelia has organised 'Natter over the garden fence' ( a series of talks) which has crept up rather quickly.  I'm impressed by her energy and drive to sort out such an ambitious programmme at short notice. Amelia generously offered lunch which she was going to prepare herself. However, HMS artists are bringing a plate which will ease the pressure :)We are learning all the time and I created an online booking form for the event. A little late in the day, but it is a format we can use again.I am off to a celebration tonight at CAN, one of Nottingham's more established studios. They have been going 20 yrs. It makes me feel v humble.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I am just as busy with studio business as I was a year ago and barely have time to write a blog.  A meeting to sort out studio politics on Sunday seems to have resloved a few issues in relation to Standing Room residencies. It's a bit tricky walking the line between sleepy and dynamic, but we have to compromise a bit without compromsing artistic ambition. It all probably sounds a bit cryptic, but a community of 17 artists is always going to throw up differences. We have confirmation of funding for a Derby graduate for 2008-09. I was supposed to talk to students this week, but it all fell through last minute. I'm booked up til weds and away til the 29th so I expect it will be last minute. Unfortunately confirmation of funding comes close to final shows and it is difficult to coordinate meetings with ADOs, lecturers and students.The hectic programme which Amelia has planned has gone brilliantly. Last Friday's pv of Hobnob coincided with Polly Parker's private view in the Exhibition space. It was a great because the artists had new audiences. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Amelia has handed over the keys for HMS after an ambitious and exhausting programme. The project will carry on after her  involvement at the mill because she has asked participants to write a few words for a publication. This includes me.  I think Amelia is definitely going places. She is very professional, thoughtful, creative and organised. When I looked at her proposal I thought, 'Wow!'... but she pulled it off. It will be good to see it documented.I have been away for a week and I'm still playing catch-up. One show came down and another went up last week so there was a PV and a talk to go to last night. Fortunately the artists are organising marketing and the events themselves which is great. The talk went really well. We had a mix of artists as well as the general public - Louise was great - she managed to strike a good balance by making the work accessible without being patronising.Things have settled down a bit as far as politics are concerned. Communication is good thing... I realise sometimes I can get on with things without necessarily letting everyone know what's going on. We are sorting out a notice board and Kat has organised some volunteers within the studio who will be involved with the 'nut's and bolts' of Standing Room. I was shadowed by Sarah today when I gave the induction to the latest curator, Anna Roebuck. I'm a bit scatty and informal, so Ihope I didn't leave anything out :)  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We are holding an open studio event on the 1st anniversary of the launch of HMS which will take place on the last weekend in October. We have sponsorship for a hosting a hospitality event on the Friday 24th October from a firm of surveyors. However, I can't face more admin to raise more revenue for marketing. My own practice has suffered enormously this year so I want to make sure I have something new to show in 2008.  It will be a case of everyone chipping in rather than relying on individuals submitting applications to various organisations. Unless someone volunteers of course :)The exhibition space is currently free for that month and we have decided either to invite an artist to show work or advertise. I think we need to make a decision.I am meeting the ADO and a lecturer form Derby next week to decide on a short-list for the graduate residency. I am hopeful we will have more applicants this year. I have had a few enquiries - and looking at the web stats it appears there is much activity on the pdf appilcation form. It's all v exciting.  I appreciate Erewash Borough Council's and Derby Uni's support in the project. I know it's not always easy to raise the revenue and I certainly don't take it for granted.Polly, last year's graduate is at the top of the waiting list for a space, but I'm not sure how long it will be before one becomes available. It is one of the issues which the reisdency raises. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The meeting to discuss the shortlist for the graduate residency was held at HMS last week.  As a share-holder of the Harrington Factory Company I have access to the board room, so I booked it. It proved to be such a good meeting place we have decided to hold the interviews there.  We will arrange for candidates to look round the studios first and then interview later. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The HMS website has developed enormously since it was set up last year. I've had lots of positive comments, but there is also the perception we are a bigger organisation than we actually are. In the last few days, visitors have dropped in unnanounced in the belief we are council run - with staff on hand to show people round. Whilst I am happy to help out, I also get a bit annoyed by the number of paid consultants picking my brains for free. I did a fag-packet calculation in 2 mins for one guy which showed that 'affordable' studios one council had in mind. would be out the price range of uncommercial artists. Not sure it was what he wanted to hear. But I am more than happy to help artists - whether it's to look round HMS or for research. Though I think I will have to make it clearer on the web that we aren't a big publicly funded organisation. Also appointments are a good idea as I don't go in every day, and to be honest, I don't always want to be interrupted. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Had a meeting yesterday with Stella to hand over the keys for Standing Room. She is v experienced in administration and the practical side of exhibiting, curating etc - so we are really fortunate to have her on board. We went through the induction process as she has offered to help (as well as being treasurer and hosting our meetings).We also have a number of volunteers who are willing to develop the space. Kat is still leading the project from afar, but it is good to have local support, especially as I don't live on the door step either. It looks like there will be a Nottingham wide open studio event in October, which is great because we can join in for the 1st anniversary of the launch. I'm going to be pretty busy that month because I am also taking part in the Southwell Artists' open studios (I am also creating a studio at home).   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 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. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 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.orghttp://www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk/standing_rm/anna/form.htm... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 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...  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 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.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 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. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 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. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 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 :) ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 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. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 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. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 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. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 WLTM - Brilliant!WOW! What an amazing occasion.  We had peoplefrom London, Wolverhampton and a strong contingent from Stoke as well as locals. Anna gave a convincing performance as the Director in shoulderpads, hair extensions and heels. Not like the Anna we know :)) . The burning questions partners had prepared for their 'ideal match' had us in stitches. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I'm worried about spreading myself too thinly and making a pig's ear of everything. I think this may already be the case. We still have a hole the size of a small car which awaits a staircase to my studio.  As the Southwell Open Studios takes place in a few weeks there is a sense of urgency. A bit anyway.I am also  representing HMS and Southwell Artists at the NCan(Nottingham Contemporary Network) meetings. Both organisations are opening their studios in October as part of a Nottingham wide arts festival. I am having difficulty coordinating both and hope that I'm not confusing all parties at the same time:(Issues relating to the Harrington Factory Company are coming to a head too, which fills serious head-space.  Legal issues relating to leases and service charges are being dealt with by Jem... and solicitors. GROAN. Some fun bits too... I've spoken to Flore about her Exhibition. She is doing a performance on the opening night -"Self-Embriodery" where as a 'living sculpture' she will embroider the clothes she is wearing.I'm having lunch with Laura, the ADO and Polly who will be finishing her residency at HMS. She is going to take part in the Open Studios though by making work for the communal area.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The latest show, 'We are all Tuvalu' was installed with 5 minutes to spare before the PV last night. See http://www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk/index/exhibition_sp.htmI didn't stay long, but apparently the party went on til midnight because...Just when you think you have more than enough on your plate, something unpredictable happens which you have to deal with too. After we walked my dog , Tallulah last Thursday evening we didn't notice straight away she had a third degree wound on her back leg. It looked  like a barbed wire sort of injury which needed an operation. (I have far too much empathy to be useful in these situations and so I wasn't the one to inspect it ). Anyway, it meant I couldn't be around to welcome Paul to the studios today for the first day of his residency. No worries, Sarah Cavani showed him the ropes and everyone was happy.Stella rang today about the Open Studios. She is going to help with the press-releases. I am so grateful. Her experience is valued as she successfully ran the Bonington Gallery at Nottingham Trent. We have plenty to write about... the mayor is opening the event, the French artist, Flore will be showing work and Xymphora, the Leeds graduates will be completing their residency with screenings of their work. Not forgetting the variety of work from HMS artists too.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 A chance conversation with a friend also running studios meant I was able save them over £1000 on the rates bill.  I suggested she check with the local authority to see if the studios qualified for small business rates and thus a 50% reduction.  Result! Not only was the bill halved but also back-dated. I spoke to Laura (the ADO) and she has managed to organise a banner on Long Eaton roundabout advertising the Open Studios. It will be shared with The Art Room who will be holding arts events celebrating Divali during the same weekend. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I am glad I am busy, very busy. I had a biopsy yesterday and I don't have time for dark moments. Jem has offered to look at a lease for another studio which comes up fro renewal in 2009 . This is 'meat and drink' to him and it will only take him a short time to work out what they have signed up to, and what is their bargaining power.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I was a bit nervous that Flore might be disappointed when she saw the Exhibition Space. I picked her up from East Midlands airport this morning. She had travelled from Avignon which is a million miles away from the industrial town of Long Eaton. However, we hit it off immediately and she really liked the space. She was relieved it wasn't as polished as some commercial spaces and the lace factory is a very appropriate setting for her work. She will be returning for her performance on the preview evening of the Open Studios, but I also think it will be the start of a long distance friendship.The staircase is half ready but Mark is waiting for the access to be lengthened before he can complete. There are no lights upstairs either and some walls aren't ready yet... so it's cutting it a bit fine for the Southwell Open Studios in a fortnight's time. Mmmm.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 10 days to go and my house is a building site. I have to be realistic: my home will be 'work in progess' when the Southwell Open Studios take place. At least the stairs are well on the way and provide a much better access than the loft ladder.We are also busy with the other Open Studios at HMS at the end of the month. It's amazing what you can achieve for a tenner. That's how much each artist has contributed towards the event. This will pay for 1100 invites and a 6ft x 2ft banner which we will stick outside the building. The money left over will go in the bank.  Bruton Knowles are sponsors and will be paying for the buffet and drinks at the preview evening on the 24th. Erewash Council are sorting a banner for the island just a few hundred yards away, so I am hopeful of a good turn-out.People have been ringing me for the past 2 days. Apparently, the local news reported that £3,000,000 lottery funding is available to small businesses in Long Eaton, specifically  the Lace Mills. Imagine what we could do with some serious money when we can achieve so much on a shoestring?My appointment for the results is looming next week.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I don't really have the time to write this but I had such an extraordinary day yesterday. Sooky, a Korean artist and writer, who had participated in the WLTM event, recently asked me to pen a few words about an up-and-coming photographer who I admired for an article she was writing. I suggested Maggy Milner, who is doing an MA at Derby University. I wasn't sure she fulfilled the criteria as she is an experienced, well respected artist, but her recent show at Pickfords House has been well received (see http://www.metro.co.uk/metrolife/article.html?Milner_reveals_the_casualness_of_war&in_article_id=315510&in_page_id=246)...and I love her work. Anyway,  Sooky came to see me yesterday with the publication. It is a really glossy beatiful Korean photography  magazine 'Photonet'. Maggy hadn't answered her emails and requests for photgraphs for the article...and the deadline was approaching (15th Oct). I realised I need to contact Maggy asap. I called on my way home and she was delighted for the exposure. Phew! Anyway, Sooky also photographed me by work for the same article.Also, she lives in Long Eaton, after previously living in Sweden for a few years. She was involved wih a studio group there and wondered if HMS might consider some sort of exchange. Wow!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I'm OK, the hospital have sgned me off. The last bits of stair will be fitted tomorrow, just in time for the Southwell Open Studios at the weekend.  Then it will be time to focus on HMS open studios next weekend.David Manley will be showing 'New Paintings' in the Exhibition Space (Nov 6th -29th) so we have to promote that too. HMS is also doing 'Cheese' for Xmas. We are having a themed Christmas  group show, with a party of course. 24 art works will be revealed in the form of an advent calendar on the internet, each day -  on the run up to Christmas. We will have a PV and work will be for sale. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I moved stuff into my home studio last Friday with only 10 minutes to spare before the rest of Southwell artists arrived for drinks and nibbles.  I've been working all hours cleaning, decorating, lugging, moving, staining, typing, drilling etc etc to get the place looking organised and safe. After builders had taken root for several weeks this proved to be a challenge. It went fantastically well. I have learned a lot being part of a well organised and marketed event. SOS (Southwell Open Studios) charge £3 per person for a weekend ticket and I was dubious in the current climate, whether people would pay. All donations went to the sightsavers charity, but I still wondered whether it would affect attendance.I don't know how many came, but there was a constant stream all weekend with some serious bulges. I even managed to sell some work... and there are other opportunities which have arisen too.Now, all is on for our event at HMS this Friday. I managed to dish out loads of invites at SOS so I may see some familiar faces this weekend :) Back to cleaning, drilling, filling............. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Xymphora have been resident curators for 2 months, but intially only David Steans was physically working in Standing Room. Theo was communicating from Japan, Paul was emailing from Berlin and Hardeep was working in Leeds. They all came together on Thursday with work which related to their new cultures and experiences.  The show represented a great energetic and youthful contribution to the event.( I bought a pair of Paul Smith's ink drawings). The launch on Friday was a bit slow off the mark and I was feeling anxious. After a promising start when a few people arrived early, there was a lull. The mayor was punctual and Flore was performing 'Self-Embroidery'...but where were the guests? They were stuck on the M1 and Derby Road and the A50.Anyway, the party got going about 6.45pm and we soon ran out of glasses. And the enormous buffet that Sarah had prepared had disappeared too!There were so many positive comment about Flore's work and a gallery has invited her to work with their archive collection of photographs. I am so pleased.From the two open studio events I have also secured a couple of shows, sold work and also had some positive leads for publishing my book. All good. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I try not to bring my 'other life' to the blog - the stuff that bubbles along in the background, both major and minor. But sometimes events in your private life impact on your work.I was involved in a road accident yesterday on the slip road of junction 34 on the M1. I was shunted by white van man into the vehicle in front, and deflected back onto the motorway. Almost perpendicular to the southbound traffic. We were lucky as we weren't shunted again.I am now nursing a sore neck and head... but very fortunate to be home and not broken.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Just snatching a few moments to say this will probably be the last entry for a while. I am pleased that HMS is established enough for me to take time out to deal with all the rubbish that is being thrown at me at the moment.My mum has been admitted to hospital. She is a brave, wonderful person who has had to deal with so much tragedy.  She is now facing tests for a serious condition.A decision to pause Standing Room after the OPen Studios was taken a couple of months ago, so the timing could not have been better. Administrating it has been rewarding but enormously time-consuming.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 HMS has been without a rudder for a few weeks. The Christmas show was cancelled but I have still gone ahead with the web advent calendar, showcasing an artist every day leading up to Christmas.www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Sometimes running  a business is horrid. I'm not just talking about the admin. Jem wrote a Christmas/New Year newsletter in 2007 outlining the success of HMS and thanked everyone for their help etc.  In addition to all the usual good tidings he also prepared the artists for a rent rise in a year's time. Like all businesses and households we have seen the price of services, rates and loans rise at a rate of knots. We can't absorb these costs. The rents need to rise by 5% - the first increase since artists arrived in April 2007. We have just sent out the reminder which I find v difficult, especially in the current climate.  We don't receive any funding from anyone so it is important that we balance the books to make sure we are a viable and not a vulnerable business.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 At 9:00pm I realised I hadn't uploaded todays piccie for the web advent calendar. Now I thought no one would notice - so I decided I would upload two tomorrow instead. Just in case, I checked the web stats to see if there was any change in viewing figures. I was staggered. We are averaging 80 visits a day. This may of course be due to HMS artists checking,  but all of a sudden it feels a responsibility.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I am gutted.  Southwell Artspace is closing. 6 artists will be 'homeless' and Southwell will lose a jewel of a gallery. The usual story - not enough funding. I will miss the exciting exhibitions, the lovely people who run it and the artists tooVarious people have asked me how I intend to develop HMS... as if I have ambitions to become a chain. This is a compliment I suppose, but BIG is soo last decade.  My ambition is to remain sef-sufficient - only relying on funding for icing on the cake. The thought of setting up more spaces does not fill me with joy. Those who encourage me to expand think my motivation for doing so might be financial gain. HA HA HA!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 More bad news... some of the most established studios in Nottingham look like closing. I was a member of  Oldknows Studio Group for many years and I understand the group cannot renew their existing lease. The landlord needs to upgrade the listed building. These improvements are expensive and significant rent increases are the pipeline. I also understand the units will be smaller. As an artist and studio provider (who also needs to balance the books) I can see the issues from both perspectives: the landlord needs to finance an upgrade which the artists can't afford to pay.I will always be indebted to Oldknows which provided a model for HMS. In particular,  I liked the open plan lay-out,  the informal mentoring and the open studio events - good reasons for investing bucket loads of time into HMS.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I'm pleased to be starting a shiny new year. The tail-end of 2008 was pants. It started with the dog incident in September and ended with a series of unfortunate events. My mum is still seriously ill and I spent a chunk of Boxing Day at A&E. (I have just seen the nurse to have the wound dressed). My computer was spectacularly damaged last week so I am blogging with a go-faster machine. Not all bad news - the insurers coughed up and I had backed up most of my stuff a few weeks ago. My lack of input at the studios means HMS has gone beige.  I am not disappointed. I don't think it was humanly possible to continue at that pace.  The good thing is that HMS is full and viable and can tick along without a huge imput. The bad news is I haven't been able to get in much to make work. But despite everything I feel positive... which is always good :)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I'm worried. I have become disconnected from my own practice and I'm bothered that HMS will disappear off the radar. Mum has deteriorated rapidly this week and I need to support her.  We have two industrial heaters at the studio which are maintained by the Factory Company. One of them hasn't been working properly since Dec when I reported the problem. Fortunately the artists have been patient, but we could have done without it. A group of HMS artists are taking part in a Derbyshire wide open studios in May. It means the Erewash will be represented this year. Whilst I'm not taking part it is nice for others to take the initiative.Harrington Mill Studio Group bank account has also been set up and I won't even be a signatory. This is healthy and the first step to forming a charity or a CIC. Perhaps I'm not as worried after all :)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Mum died peacefully at home on Monday. I have to borrow words to say how I feel, but nothing articulates how much it hurts. She was a devoted mum and grandmother and I already miss her.Since she was diagnosed with cancer for the 3rd tiime last November. I have been out of the swim - I literally dropped everything. I've never been a multi-tasker, so I knew I had to concentrate on mum. I'm glad I did. Meanwhile back at the studios the support has been amazing. The artists have quietly got on with managing day-to-day affairs, allowing me time and space for a very private journey.Whilst I have not been around, seeds sown in the early days of HMS have borne fruit. I learned today I have been nominated for memebership on a Art and Design Industrial Liaison Committee. My work has also been selected for a curated show in Bracknell. So all the graft is being recognised when I least expected it.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 There is lots of catching up and I need to get on track. We currently have a photography exhibition by Jess Calke, an HMS artist. She knows the ropes in relation to showing in the exhibition space, which is good as I was unable to get to the preview. I wasn't much help. However, I understand it was well attended and v enjoyable. Jess has really developed her practice since joining HMS and has benefited enormously from being part of an artists' community. Our next exhibition is by an 'outsider',  Bernard Charnley who  was selected from open submission in October. As well as making stunning abstract paintings, he is also mates with Anna Francis who was resident in Standing Room last summer. Both have studios at Airspace in Stoke and I am really looking forward to seeing them and the Stoke contingent at the PV on March 29th 2-4pm.  HMS is also hosting a CAFE meeting on Thursday evening. This is made up of arts groups and organisations in the borough of Erewash and led by the arts development officers. I managed a few hours in my studio today. It was good.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I'm back in the swim. Since last Wednesday I've been to 3 evening meetings (only one was local). I quite like event focused ones, but I'm not a fan of those boring admin meetings where the only achievement is to programme another meeting to discuss redrafted documents - again.  Last night was the first meeting at Derby University to discuss the role of the new committee. Rolls Royce, Quad, The National Trust and various public bodies were represented. And me. I wish I wasn't shy. The new building at Markeaton Street is v impressive and it is apparent some serious money has been spent.  The university has just bought the Playhouse too -  it is clearly becoming a dominant presence in the city. I feel slightly small.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 You can't help but be uplifted when you walk into HMS. Bernard's paintings provide the tonic you need when emerging from a dark period. With the Spring weather and colours that dance before your eyes, yesterday heralded a new, optimistic period for me.The pv was a friendly and relaxed affair with many of the Airspace artists making the trip from Stoke. And Bernard has installed the show perfectly.  As an established artist, his experienced eye guides the viewer round the space ...using the canvases and framed pieces like elements in a painting. He extended the HMS boards to hang a 3m+ work that stands at the bottom of the walkway. I hadn't thought of doing that - but it works. It is a very physical painting. The layers of colours, marks, textures and forms ("Instability of Grids") just ooze the joy of paint. Pixilating work like this for the web reduces the experience to well - pixels! I would like the house to hang this painting, but maybe I will consider the little framed works punctuating the space like jewels. Bernard tells me he splashed out on expensive oil paints (which have a higher density of pigment) for the small paintings.  It is easy to be precious with expensive gear,  but Bernard's small pieces have the freshness and vibrancy which show no evidence of caution.Bernard wanted to leave a couple of bottles of left over wine for the artists at HMS, but I said no - he was already leaving a feast. (He left a bottle anyway). Thank you Bernard!To see the show by appointment -Tel 07891 262 202... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Just returned from a talk by Tom Down at the Wasp Room, Tether 'A Far Sunset'. Excellent company, critical discussion, contemporary art.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 As a result of the AN blog I receive quite a few enquiries from artists interested in the process of setting up HMS and asking for tips.  Here is a reply today..."We are probably a little different to most set-ups because my husband and I have invested money in a 99 yr lease as well as financing the refurbishment.To keep down costs we also spent holidays, bank holidays and weekends in 2007 erecting partitions and sorting the floors. Evenings were spent on the web site, business and marketing.Many studios are set up by groups which has many advantages in terms of time and resources. One of the drawbacks is achieving consensus. We were able to act quickly and we didn't need to seek permission to move things forward – e g buying the property, choosing the name, designing the layout etc, etc, etc. We did apply for Arts Council funding but the process is so slow and risky in terms of successful outcomes that we had to budget on going it alone. In the end we applied for a contribution of £5k towards upgrading the electrics ( the limit for grants taking less than 6 weeks to process).  We were successful and v grateful for the help.As a commercial enterprise,  it wouldn't appeal to someone who isn't a practicing artist.  However, that said, I don't regret investing both time and money in HMS. I am v proud of the achievement and pleased to have set up studios which are both viable and sustainable."Setting up studios requires enormous committment, however it is achieved  - but the rewards are massive. We have a great community at HMS and I've also learnt loads on the way :)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I was handed a form to sign yesterday relating to funding. Harrington Mill Studio Group has been set up - steered by a number of artists in the studio. A grant application is going in for marketing the next open studios. It's great that others are taking control of this  - it means I can step back and let others have a say.Now I may have gone on a bit (in my last entry in the blog) about my imput in HMS but I failed mention the enormous support I gained on the way by HMS artists. Although I never relied on help from others, the artists have really supported me at every level.  Practically they have helped with partitions and provided equipment (including the handcrafted HMS unit and fridge) and of course Kat set up Standing Room, thus establishing HMS on the map. Erewash Council and Derby Uni have also put their weight behind the studios. Thanks! Phew I'm sounding like one of those Oscar speeches but I just wanted to say thanks!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Tmorrow night I am meeting a group who are interested in expanding and possibly setting up studios. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 In a previous life  Jem and I set up painting holidays in France.  We followed a similar process when developing HMS and I often refer to the experience when discussing the studios... which happened on Wednesday. First lots of research ... and yes there was a demand for painting holidays. We looked at the stats which referred to the huge numbers of leisure painters and their interest in painting holidays. We looked at preferred accomodation, which region would appeal and what others had to offer. Shared bathrooms were a no no and we settled for accomodation on the edge of Riberac, a small town in the Dordogne. We marketed the holidays in two magazines targeted at leisure painters. I set up a website with all the details and set the ball rolling 4-5 months before our first week .  Jem created a menu ( my cooking would definitely put people off) and I created an itinery.  Between us we were hosts, teachers, cooks, cleaners, drivers, bookkeepers, graphic designers, gardeners, waiters etc etc.  Hard work but great fun! We had a waiting list by the end of our first year!Developing a successful business in France gave us the confidence to set up the studios.http://www.jackieberridge.co.uk/franceweb/index.html... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Our decision to return to the UK was made for a number of reasons but I really missed the vibrant artists' community in Notts. We couldn't make it in one as we had to follow the jobs However, after a couple of years in Essex we are back.And in times of credit and crunch it's a great place to be. In the last 2 weeks I've been to shows, talks and events in Stoke, Derby Nottingham and Leicester (Sheila Ravnkilde's installation at the Richard Attenborough Centre is a must). All for free! Yesterday I was a bit late for an inspirational talk by Mel Brimfield at The New Art Exchange. This was organised by Nottingham Trent Uni who are putting on a series of seminars for artists - all freebies. Nottingham is a buzz. Next Tuesday I'm hoping to make the debate at Tether as well as the pv of Banalarama at the Surface Gallery. Wednesday will be Broadway and Thurs.... The problem is finding time to make work mmmm.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 50 - 60 visitors turned up to the private view of 'Emissaries From The Past' at HMS so the place was alive. From Felixstowe to Hinkley different generations congregated to view Dee Shiel's first solo show. We had an idea... we tend to attract families and whilst the kids might be drawn to the work for a while, their concentration dims when adults start talking. So we thought we might set up a table for youngters with crayons and paper etc. We could set little projects related to the show. Why didn't we think of that before? ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I wish I could go to all my previews. I currently have drawings in an exhibition in Paju Book, Seoul, Korea. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Crunch! We have just been notified that the HMS Erewash residency funding has been pulled for the 2009 Derby graduates. You always know when there has "been a long discussion" and it was "a hard decision", that the news is not good.Instead money is being diverted to nurture another creative industry -which I think is great. As we have a healthy waiting list and we never budgeted for public funding, HMS will be fine. However, we will miss the energy and freshness of the Derby graduates.  I have already been approached by students this year and so it's a shame this unique opportunity is going.We are talking to ex-Loughborough students about some joint ventures and discussion groups... so there aare other ways of connecting with graduates.Now we are two! Just getting our head round the Open Studios in October. Funnily enough, now we don't receive the bursary from the council we can apply for funding for marketing - what's that saying about a silver lining?... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 After a run of incidents, issues and bad luck Iwas hoping to post some more positive thoughts on the blog. Bad stuff happens but a break would be good. Running the studios has been a virtual process of late, but thank goodness for emails and the web. A pain in my side 2 weeks ago turned out to be a twisted ovary with a dermiod cyst, the size of an orange attached. (Google the horror and see what monsters they are - hair and teeth etc ugh) An emergency operation to remove the alien has left me sore and a bit infected.  I missed Steffie Richard's PV and only managed a peak when I went to the studios for a glimpse of the work last week. Great work and Steffie is working hard to promote it. We really need to look at raising the profiel of the space and funding for marketing.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I am not cut out for this! We had some amazing applications for the HMS Exhibition Space to show during the open studios event in October. We are an unfunded organisation so targeting artists had to be done on a budget. We achieved this through listings on AN, Axis and Artquest. Thank you! Result! What has taken me an age is writing to artists who weren't successful. I feel their pain.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Phew! Busy playing catch-up which has meant a few late evenings and meetings. October looks like being a mega busy month with a Big Draw and the Open Studios. I've never been involved in the Big Draw but this one, a well established event in Southwell Minster takes place on 17th Oct this year - and I'm both nervous and excited about it. I am responsible for connecting with 4 local primary schools and we are aiming to project work made prior to the day onto a screen. Through newsletters we are hoping to encourage parents and grand parents to come on the day. (A creative way of accessing a massive audience). The ADOs at Newark and Sherwood have been fantastic.  James Parkinson has arranged for flyers and posters to be printed and distributed to libraries, library vans and some other public places. (Some spares for us too). Oh... and £50 for materials. Me and Heather are creating a giant Noah's Ark with scope for creatures of land, sea and sky. I have suggested in fancy dress and masks in the newsletter - which will provide inspiration for the drawing as well as creating a colourful spectacle. A tower of Babel, maps and portraits are just some of the projects organised. Brilliant!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Just back from the planet of NY. My first visit. City of  culture, cash, cheese, contradictions - and a place to put my complex life into perspective. I should have left the mobile at home - a phonecall at 6am was an enquiry about a studio space. Only one glimpse at the emails revealing  another query about setting up studios. This time from Glasgow. I didn't open up all the emails - that would have been really sad ( even in the Big Apple).... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Tracey and Hayley, the artists who are showing work in the HMS Exhibition Space during our open studio event, came to stay on saturday night. We talked til 1.30pm.  After a quick tour of Southwell Minster we were at the studios for 11am when the 2 artists installed the show. What a priviledge! Exquisite. It reaches the soul. I can't wait for the open studios. This year, despite the grim economic climate we have managed to find sponsorship from a firm of architects in Nottingham - Rayner Davies who will be bringing their clients.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Big Draw, huge success, great day! Last saturday was exhausting but sooo rewarding.  You never know how many people will come to your party especially when the invitations were different this year. As money was tight we deicided a different approach. We would contact local schools directly and involve them from the start. 4 primary schools were asked to make work to project onto a screen on the big day at Southwell Minster. And what a giant screen! A theme of homes and portraits tied in with projects we had planned for everyone when they arrived. Me and Heather built a giant Noah's Ark - 12ft x 12ft with room for any creature. Butterflies were popular. But so were giraffes, bats and hawks. Dads, grans and babies joined in. Concentration, Apparently the numbers were massively up this year - we lost count but well over a 1000. Today the ark was recycled but the experience will live on forever :)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Open Studios is now closed. A fantastic turnout . The PV on Friday was full and food was wiped out. Well almost.  A giant sponge provided by Jess wasn't cut until 8 o'clock - so it was cake for Saturday lunch :) Thanks to Justine, an HMS artist who also runs the Long Eaton Extra we managed to target the locals.  The sister mags in the neighbouring boroughs also obliged. It worked. Magaret and Stu, Bill and Vi all saw the article and so did plenty more. They didn't 'get' my paintings but there was plenty more to see. Maybe next time... the more challenging work will be less scary!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Feedback from the sponsors re. the open studios :  great night, a real buzz. But Friday PVs are difficult as the roads are jammed, people still in suits and folks are exhausted. Art was great, food was marvellous and wine was good. But Saturday would be even better! Tracey Eastham and Hayley Lock's show drew a great reception too with interesting comments about the richness, humour, context and wit. ... the other good thing about open studio events is catching up with other artists and lecturers.  A couple of painters (who I respect but don't really know )passed on some positive comments about my work - which makes me smile.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Just finished putting the titles on the work for my forthcoming show at Gallery Deda in Derby. I was hoping to make more new paintings... but I can only do what I can do. I've tried to squeeze more time, but with only 24 hours in a day I just ran out. (I think I need to delegate more). However, I am pleased with the result. Sheila and Polly helped install the work and I really value their opinion. The PV is on Saturday and I'm a bit nervous.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Sometimes it feels like we are always walking in treacle. We are in dispute with the landlords over the service charge.  We believe it isn't being administered in accordance with the lease we signed over two years ago. I wouldn't have had a clue but Jem is experienced in property matters and has advised other organisations on such issues. I am learning fast. Dominent interests, occupation and possession of a property, the 1954 Act and security of tenure - things you need to know when you are dealing with lawyers. Yes-  we are taking it to court. They have responded with a counter-claim. You can see why I'm talking treacle. Mention solicitors and a swift solution is definitely not in the legal vocabulary. A straightforward discussion would be quite nice.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Andy runs the lace business upstairs, and I popped into to see him today. As he's 9 - 5 pm, Mon -Fri he's been v helpful in taking delivery of things when no one is in the studios. He was a bit harrassed because he'd been told the insurers were inspecting the premises today and was worried about the cardboard he'd accumulated. It was news to me. Sure enough they turned up about 1 o'clock with the facilities manager, Mr Jamieson.  Now I realise I've starrted talking lawyer speak. Mr Jamieson told the insurers we were letting the spaces to artists. I corrected him - we issued licenses. He thought they were the same. Not in the J Berridge v Harrington Factory Company - there is a world of difference. Licenses don't offer the same rights as letting. The former only give artists the right to occupy and not the right of possession. We would need the landlords consent to sublet to the artists.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Battling the Monday morning traffic I was really proud of myself when I arrived at HMS half an hour early to open up the ground floor. Our structural engineer John, was due to meet the HFC expert, Mr Jeffries at 10 to agree/disagree over the ownership and structure of the floor. Panic. The keys didn't work. Tried the even the most unlikely keys but none would open the padlock. Down to the DIY for an axesaw. Back in time to meet John. Joke - the blade just skimmed the surface. Brute force with various hammers. Opposition arrives. Nip down to the locksmiths but no one around to help til pm. They wouldn't give me any tips either. On my return both experts having a bash. Pop to the Harrington Mills plumbing shop across the road and explain. A lump hammer and something I don't know the name of, did the trick. In the meantime another surveyor Mr R Clarke turned up for the factory company.  I gave them all tea whilst they discussed the issues.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Hide and seek, jammy computer, Billy Goats Gruff, and bleary eyed -  I have just returned my toddler grandaughter to her mum. She has been here for a fun few days after an emergency took her parents over the border to Wales. You have to respect artists with young families,especailly single parents like Helen Dearnley, who manages to squeeze in her arts practice with a multitude of other committments. Helen was one of the speakers at the Air Dialogues meeting this week  -along with fellow blogger, Andrew Sugars from Derby. I was the facilitator. I'm not a natural. Any more than 6 pairs of eyes and speaking becomes a bit of an ordeal. However, I managed. Despite my shyness a healthy discussion ensued. Issues included post graduate blues, job searching, maintaining a practice and the value of remaining positive when the chips are down. Oh and Helen's experience as a 4th plinther...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Looks like I'll be asking for thermals for christmas. HMS has been selected to particpate in Supermarket 2010 at Kulturhuset, Stockolm from 19th - 21st Feb.  This is an artist-run international event which will give us the opportunity to meet groups from Sweden as well as the rest of the globe.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 A curator spotted my paintings on Axis and paid me a visit today. The show is in January and a bit soon, but I'm quite excited as my work is going in the right direction. (Most of my paintings are hanging at Deda at the moment so only v current work is available).  If it doesn't go ahead in the New Year she is still keen to show it at a later date. The great thing about studios is that visitors get the chance to see other work. She took the cards of several artists. Five of us have booked tickets for Stockholm. Others might join us later. Seven of us are exhibiting so we will have to distribute the freight between us. We will be wearing several pairs of trousers and jumpers to make room!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I am expanding my vocab with words I would rather not know. Calderbank offers for instance. These are offers made by parties to settle a dispute -which a judge will later examine when awarding costs. If a party refuses a Calderbank which proves to be a better deal than what the court decides - then that party risks picking up the tab. It also involves a dose of 'without prejudice' - lawyers like to use this term a lot too. It's useful to know about these offers, especially if you are unrepresented as it can help to put a back-stop on rising costs. For more info.. http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?storycode=3008584... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We are looking forward to mediation and an independent view of our case. It will be great to have a discussion, something we have been pushing for a long time. You would think the findings from mediation would be presented at court but these are without prejudice discussions and a way of finding a settlement without the expense of court. It will be good to have the views of a third party. We did a lot of homework before setting up HMS and the we are not unique -  therefore issues up for discussion affect many other studios. Despite the case ticking along in the background and the topic of conversation most evenings, I am going through a phase of total absorption in my paintings. Some good days some bad but total involvement with oils.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Received confirmation from the new curator at Thoresby Gallery, Cynthia Harrison that I will be showing with Louisa Harris and Penny Withers from 8 – 31st January 2010. The pressure is on to make new work. Went to a ball last night with green fingers. My daughter agreed I shouldn't attempt to varnish my veridian edged nails. No one would be fooled. Had interest from a gallery down south. Sent some higher res images.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Contacted NFASP about our case. Things are looking a bit more positive with the Harrington Factory Company and it looks like work will begin shorlty on the ground floor :)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 NFASP (National Federation of Artists' Studio Providers)have got back to me.  It feels comforting to belong to something much bigger.  Someone is looking at the lease for us. The internet is great for researching cases  but we look forward to hearing from someone experienced in studio leases.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 SUPERMARKET 2010 at Kulturhuset 19-21 February Exhibitors:http://www.supermarketartfair.com/exhibitors-2010... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Good news! Mediation is set for early January. Apparently, binding contracts can be drawn up on the day if both parties agree. We have been living with this for so long now that the idea of settlement seems like a fantasy. NFASP have been brilliant... I should have contacted them earlier as the problems we face are not unique. They have offered continued support. With clout and experience, it feels good to have them on our side. We have a few deadlines coming up for Stockholm including payment. It's a learning curve... including international money transfers using IBAN numbers - apparently we all have them if we have a bank account. Images for the catalogue need to be uploaded by Sunday. We are deciding whether to compile a few books with work from all HMS artists to take with us. I understand it can be done quite cheaply through Blurb.com. We are flying with BA.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Old concrete machine plynths have been removed from the ground floor this week after work was stopped by the Harrington Factory Company over a year ago. The new floor will require insulation to meet new building regs.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The preliminary round of David v Goliath is on Tues 5th. Rang the mediator yesterday who seems a nice chap and I felt comfortable speaking to him. He explained the format. I asked him if he knew the solicitor on the other side as I was worried about vested interests and old boys etc. I am busy painting for a 3-person show opening next Friday. Oils won't dry in time so I'm using acrylics. Not my favoured medium but it's going well. There is an overlap and most of my work is hanging in Derby. Also, I was notified just before Christmas that 2 recent pieces have been selected for the Nottingham Open. Phew it's all getting hectic. I deliver the work on Weds to Thoresby. I felt really privileged to be asked by Frances Ashton, editor of LeftLion to propose an artist for readers to keep an eye out for in 2010. I nominated Sooky Huh from HMS. http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm/id/2785... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We have gone through the documentation for Tuesday.,, again.  It's a tense time - but the good thing is that Jem and I are of one voice. I have a more simplistic view which Jem underpins with law and technical information. Am I hopeful of settlement? The truth is, I don't know.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 No settlement at mediation yesterday. We soldier on. Took my work to Thorseby Gallery, part of the Thorseby Estate - in the middle of nowhere. As you can imagine the scenery is stunning, expecially with a covering of snow. The roads were passable today but the forecast for Friday's opening is rubbish. Let's hope it's wrong.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Every cell in my body is inclining towards the horizontal. After a week of anticipation - firstly for a settlement and then tonight for a break in the weather, I finally feel I can relax. I managed to make the PV an hour early, but a new skin of powdery snow was already settling on the county road which serves the gallery, A car in a ditch on the A614 was enough to convince me that the responsible thing to do was to ring as many people as poss to to cancel. I managed to catch Maggy as she was getting in the car and she contacted others. I was touched by the number of loyal friends who were determined to come. I was home for 6 after a crawl home.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The exhibition space is looking tired and needs a lick of paint so I posted an invitation to a paint party on the HMS forum. As always, there was a positive response and all we need to do is set a date. I feel fortunate that so many artists at HMS share the responsibility of running the studios. There are those who quietly do stuff... and even I don't know who they are. For instance, the signing-in sheets. Thank you, whoever you are, for typing up new ones. And the person who secretly cleans the loos. Oh, and I'm so relieved  rubbish is recycled and removed regularly. There are the tea stained cups that secretly apear pristine and shiney. I can't believe it either!Then there are others who take on the admin. I have to say it was David who made such a brilliant application for Stockholm and is sorting out the transport. We have Justine majoring on the marketing. Such teamwork :)  Brilliant news. Sarah Key, an HMS artist was one of five shortlisted for the grand prize at the Nottingham Open. Exhibitors (including me and Louise from HMS) will be voting by secret ballot on Friday 22nd Jan for the winner.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We were recently pointed to info which might help our case: http://www.acme.org.uk/downloads/National%20Survey%20Report.pdf It seemed familiar... and I realised I had filed this document when researching studio spaces back in 2006.  HMS is typical of many studio set-ups - with an exhibition space, in an old manufacturing building, self-financed etc. This research gave us confidence that we would fill spaces - I didn't think I would be using it to support our case for the Exhibition Space.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We are drawing up a list of witnesses of fact, also expert witnesses and contacting them to see if a)they are willing to assist and b) what dates they are unable to attend court. So far, so good. One of the counter-claims relates to the prohibition by artists to display works in the Exhibition Space and also in the studio spaces. I kid you not. We need to demonstrate that it is common practice for artists to hang work in their spaces. On a different note we are preparing for Stockholm. A minor set-back with transport means we will be taking all the work between us on the flight. I am busy making new drawings. We already feel welcome with invites to dinner and parties and talks and things by the organisers of Supermarket Art Fair . Roll-on Stockholm :)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 David has created a book of HMS work for Stockholm. http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1161784 My copy has arrived. Brilliant!  I really appreciate the time he's put in - these things always take longer than they appear.My drawings are almost ready. We've heard from witnesses - all positive. They have remembered details which we weren't aware of - all good.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Apparently Southwell Artists have won a prize for our Big Draw event in October. It means a day out in London to collect the prize. The icing on the cake :)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 'The aspiring art fair has become a force to be reckoned with'  Global Art Magazine, Feb 2010  http://www.globalartmagazine.com/magazin.html?id_extern=10751&page=1&language=en Phew! Returned from Supermarket 2010 in the early hours of yesterday after an experience that counts in my top 10. It was brilliantly organised by artists in a fantastic location (think of the Barbican equivalent). We chatted with groups from Chicago, Helsinki, Sweden, Finland and Iceland - discussing potential projects and cultural exchanges for the future. It's great to think HMS has gone from a seed of an idea to exhibiting in a premier venue in a major city - in less than 3 years. We discussed common issues and aspirations with artists from all over the globe - and there was genuine interest in the building and the set-up of HMS Ticket sales must have been huge even though the entrance fee was a tenner. Supermarket attracted people from all walks of life and different generations. We even met a couple from Nottingham who didn't know about HMS.  I can't imagine such a prestigious venues in the UK handing over two floors to artists like this. I think we can learn a lot.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We have employed a Rottweiler to take on the case and so we are no longer litigants in person.  Jem and I have done the donkey work and the solicitor is impressed by our efforts. A relief in one sense, but of course costs become an issue. Unpacked my paintings today and given my studio a much needed sort-out. Jem had made a suitcase from ply to check-in at the airport. I was a bit nervous about BA taking it on board but it wasn't a problem. In fact, on the return journey it was deemed 'special luggage' and was transported on a VIP conveyor belt to our plane.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The dust is starting to settle after Stockholm and will be time to evaluate. Great first effort but there are definitely things we can do better!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Went to an opening at Oldknows yesterday - "I can see your house from here". An interesting show. I especially liked Yelena Povova's small works based on Russian paintings. This morning was spent painting the Exhibition Space with a posse of artists and partners.  There was enough of us to make light work of it and I was home just after lunch. In the meantime Jem was collating nearly 200 pieces of correspondance to hand over to the solicitor. It's taken  a few evenings and most of today. He's grouped the letters etc into 7 different categories relating to the claim and the counter-claim and made a spreadsheet to help John. All I could do was help with filing. I have been sorting out images, short biog and statement for a group show, 'At Plat 2' at South Hill Park, Bracknell.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It's easy to get blown away by Supermarket and and the excitement of showing in Sweden. However, it's important to remember that local events are important too. A few HMS artists and friends will be showing work at the Nottingham Society of Artists in Nottingham (16 -21 Mar). I was wearing my other hat yesterday. I went with Maggy (Southwell Artists) to see Jennie Syson who is organising the British Art Show fringe. Jennie was really enthuiastic - there are suggestions of organising a bus from Nottingham, talks and tea. The studios are a different set-up to many of the communites in Nottingham - Southwell is rural and all the workspaces are all in the artist's homes. We meet regularly to organise the Big draw and other events which regularly draw audiences of 800 upwards.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The first show of 2010 was installed in the Exhibition Space yesterday. Paul Crook's street scenes of toxic pink bring an energy to the space which has been bare for a few weeks now. David is sorting out a discussion about contemporary figurative painting to tie in with the show. The next exhibition will feature abstract paintings and the idea is to follow with a wider discussion too. We may be losing one of the artists soon as he has found a space nearer to home. He's checking the t&cs of the new place before he commits. I'm having problems with the contact number of the artist at the top of the waiting list, but can't really push it til Mark is happy with his new contract.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 HMS is setting up a stall in the leisure centre in Long Eaton on 19th June. Erewash Partnership invites clubs, organisations and businesses to present their pamphlets, cards and wares at an annual event each year. As I ran out of business cards in Stockholm on the 2nd day I will need to re-order.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I have submitted work for a fundraising auction by Backlit, Nottingham's newest studio group of recent Trent graduates. They have taken over the old premises of Stand Assembly and making their mark. I was at the PV of 'Raw' last Thursday. The work was challenging, the place was buzzing and the artists were very welcoming and friendly. Very impressed :) Anyway, I had a phonecall today from Tracy asking if Backlit could use my image for marketing. Heard from Mary Ellen of Art on Armitage, Chicago who is keen to do an exchange next year. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 CURRENT PAINTING – Two Open Discussions Panel chair: Professor David Manley SUNDAY 28th March 2010 2pmFiguration NowViewing of exhibition of new paintings by PAUL CROOKPanel: JACKIE BERRIDGE/PAUL CROOK/MIK GODLEY/SARAH R KEY Life goes on despite the nagging court case.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Lfe can be interesting. I never know what's going to be in my inbox. Just had a request from an artist to be their agent to handle sales. (They currently sell through London galleries)  Now I can only imagine the misunderstanding arose from the HMS website which focusses on Stockholm and the art fair. Maybe he didn't realise the ethos behind the Suprmarket Art fair - that it is artist led and non-commercial. Anyway, needless to say I explained. I would be so rubbish at selling anyway!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I've been on the phone to the district valuers for the past few (working) days as HMS business rates have been reassessed and the rateable value has doubled. http://www.2010.voa.gov.uk/rli/en/basic/find/assessment-history/2010/10559206000 It's a double whammy as it affects small business rates relief. The new assessment of £11,250 is closer to the limit. (Small business rates relief ranges from 50% for properties of less that £5000 reducing in increments to a limit of £15000). Worse still, the council starts collecting payment next week and you can't appeal until April 1st. Stress! However, the valuers have been great. They have prioritised the case as the rise was so significant. He agreed that nothing had changed to warrant the enormous rise. New rateable value £5900. Phew!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I am hoping to sort out dates for Chicago soon - even if we can't sort out detail.  Obviously it won't be a cheap project so I intend to apply for a travel grant from the British Council. As I can't rely success I have decided to set up classes teaching children's book illustration. It will be local to home and involve small groups. Probably starting in September. This will give me time to market and perhaps offer some taster sessions.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 One of the disadvantages of HMS is  we are located outside the city centre and it requires more effort to tavel to events. However, people do ... and yesterday artists from Deryshire, Notts and Leicester came to a talk about contemporary figurative painting. It tied in with the end of Paul Crook's exhibition. 4 of us talked about our work including Sarah R Key, Paul, myself and Mik Godley. Chaired by David Manley.  All gave their time for free. Great discussion. Well attended. Enjoyment!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw2xTkyDXaQ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Delivered work for the "At Play 2" exhibition at Bracknell today. It was so tight in the car that I couldn't use bubble-wrap. An old sheet protected the paintings and i felt a bit embarassed handing them over. I've made a bit of a pig's ear organising the Chicago exhibition next year, succeeding in confusing artists both sides of the Atlantic. Anyway, finally managed to sort dates - April 15 - 29. Already excited.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Sold two pieces and bought a Mik Godley painting at the Backbid auction last night. The novice auctioneer gave a great performance which was both honest and entertaining. Many lots were sold too cheap really -probably because the room was full of artists buying and selling work in aid of a good cause. I'm happy. From experience I know these things require an enormous effort to run so smoothly so I think they did a brilliant job.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 About 18 months ago I was invited to exhibit at the Millgate Museum in Newark. I accepted... and then was told it would cost £70. Mmm. I reluctantly coughed up the money thinking it would be worth it for the publicity. Apart from asking for some info a few months ago, I've had little communication since and it is impossible to get hold of the organiser  As the show goes up at the end of the month I left a message on Thursday and finally recieved an email late yesterday. They will distribute any flyers I produced around Newark. Is this DIY, I ask? The contract promises to deal with publicity so I've left it in their hands. But I am regretting my involvement.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Jem has some seriously big cases on at the moment with two big reports due in by the end of the week. Apart from the usual offices and factories associated with commercial surveying he has valued barges, scrapyards, sub stations and golf courses. He's written reports for councils up and down the country and for Scotland Yard too. So he has considerable experience. However, the case which takes up the most time is a small mill complex in Long Eaton. I am off to a British Arts Show Fringe meeting tonight at the New Art Exchange in Nottingham. Maggy is coming too so I can go there representing HMS only.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Had a nice conversation with Glyn from Millgate museum. The exhibition organiser has had his hours cut to 4hrs a week - just about enough time to boot up a computer and say hello! Anyway, we've managed to sort a few issues. Newark has a rich history and should have a higher profile than it does. With a Norman castle and timber framed bulidings dating back to the Middle ages dotted around the town, it has a major cultural advantage over places like Long Eaton. It seems a lost opportunity in my eyes to give the gallery such a low priority. Went to the Fringe meeting last night - brilliantly organised. HMS have a Korean photographer showing work during the BASF ( and our open studios) - Lim Young Kyun www.limyoungkyun.com   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Just had confirmation that Beth Shapeero from Backlit in Nottingham will be joining the panel at HMS to discuss current abstract painting. Yeh! This will be the second in a series of debates. She will join Marek Tobolewski  (who has a major solo show next month at the Djanogly Gallery) and Dan who is exhibiting at HMS. CURRENT PAINTING Panel chair: Professor David Manley SUNDAY 25th April 2010 2pmAbstraction NowViewing of exhibition of new paintings by DAN ROACHPanel: DAN ROACH ~ MAREK TOBOLEWSKI ~ BETH SHAPEERO http://www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk/  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Planning ahead... Gathering info for the next exhibition by Justine, an HMS resident.Sent reminders for the Dan Roach PV/discussion taking place this sunday @ 2pm. http://www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk/exhibiton_space/roach/invite.htm I am in the middle of reviewing 'At Play II', South Hill Park, Bracknell where I am currently showing in a group exhibition.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It's not every day you get a cheque for £450 and you don't know why. As it was from Kesteven District Council I guessed it wouldn't be a mistake. Then it clicked. We had been successful in a bid for funding promotional bumf from the Design Factory http://www.designfactory.org.uk/  A quick phonecall to David confirmed that this was the case. We also have money which needs using up by July from another pot. Combined, we will nearly have enough money for good quality leaflets to promote all artists in the group. Useful for events both here and abroad.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We had a spiky debate at the mill today about non representational painting.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I popped inot the studio today to pick up work and it was a great chance to see Dan's work without people around, especially after he had given a detailed account of his thought process. The show charts his journey from paintings containing figurative elements to work which is stripped of such references. As my work has gone in the opposite direction, it's interesting to see how the bounderies between figurative and non-representational work begin to blur. It's great to have Dan's work at HMS ans I know the artists find it inspirational to have other artists visiting our studios.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It's going to be busy at Harrington Mills in a couple of weeks time. There are a few furniture manufacturers in the complex and they will be show-casing their collections. http://www.longeatonguild.co.uk/Visitor-Information-2  The equivalent of our open studios...... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We are back in the driver's seat again. It's been important to have independant advice and Jon hasn't found any gremlins or holes in our argumentts. But like most ordinary people we just can't afford solicitors. The court system in the UK is an expensive business and only for the rich who can pay the eye-watering sums for legal advice. The files come back today. I spent an hour trying to find a Precedent H schedule of costs form on the Ministry of Justice site. There's a string of definitions and rules but finding the actual form is not easy for Jo public.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Received our invitations to the Big Draw  2010 event on May 24th at the British Museum. Southwell Artists will receive a runners-up award for the 2009 Big Draw in the Southwell Minster - presented by Posy Symmonds. I've booked my train ticket :)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Installed my show on Friday at the Millgate Museum. I have to eat my words as the press turned up - and as I wasn't expecting them I wasn't prepared. However, the young journalist was really patient and hopefully she will piece my words together in something that's a little bit coherant.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Most weeks I have enquiries about spaces but not all callers are suitable for HMS. Take someone who called yesterday. He photographs machines. I explained we were full but that the spaces were for non commercial artists with an emphasis on creativity. "But I will be bringing in friends who will be photographed with the machines”. His ambition was to make money this way. He was “starting at the bottom” and  “everyone had to start somewhere”. I’ve had quite a lot of interest from commercial photographers so I think there is definitely a gap in the market - especially for those who are part-time. But not at HMS! My review on AN Interface of the 'At Play 2' exhibition has been spotted by the curators at South Hill Park. They are v pleased and have even supplied photos to upload onto the page. They have linked it onto Facebook.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It's a minefield dealing with solicitor's letters - some are open and others are privileged. To mention the latter in open correspondence is also a no no. It’s like living in a parallel universe.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We have a case management conference meeting with a circuit judge for an hour in July. Apparently this is unusual as 1/4 an hour with a lower ranking judge is the norm.  People keep asking me if I don't feel like giving up. the answer is always no. It is our belief that the service charge is not being administered according to the terms of the lease. Our claim is about the right of challenge. This isssue has been ongoing since 2007 when we asked for discussions etc. We are defending a counter-claim which questions the very definition and administration of studios. Our licenses are based on one forwarded by the Arts Council. Licenses are not leases but the Factory Company is arguing that we are giving artists the right of possession. Licenses offer only rights of occupation and represent a subtle but important difference to leases which offer more substantial rights of possession. How can we give up?... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The car park is full of fancy cars at the Harrington Mills belonging to visitors of the exhibition by furniture manufacturers. It's a shame there can't be some dialogue between us and the directors because I am sure there is potential for something really special. A handful of artists at HMS are particpating in the Derbyshire Open Studios. I prefer to open my space once a year but I'm happy to encourage others :)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It’s great to see a solo show by a local artist in one of the premier spaces in Nottingham. Last night was the launch of Marek Tobolewski’s show ‘Continuum in Symmetry - New paintings and Drawings’ at the Djanogly Gallery where a  huge contingent of the artist community turned up to support a dedicated and much admired friend. (The arrival of Nottingham Contemporary has raised the profile of the city enormously but local artists have suffered from the loss of Angel Row and Bonington Gallery as the new art gallery is dedicated to showing international artists). I was in awe of these sinuous, fluid and graceful pieces which take the viewer on an unending journey.  Thank you Marek ! see Tom Hackett's review http://www.a-n.co.uk/interface/reviews/single/631740... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Theft of a cable delayed the train home last night. I had been in London, along with most of the Southwell Artists, to collect our runners up certificate for our Big Draw event at the Minster last October. Amongst the images projected on a big screen was the colourful Noah's Ark which Heather and I had created - adorned with creatures and butterflies. We had a nice meal in a Thai restaurant afterwards (which was v reasonably priced). Another enquiry about setting up the studios and I realised an important factor about HMS -  we have made the spaces as cost effective as possible because we haven't spent money on upgrading the property unecessarily. Everything is quite basic. We don't have sinks in every space, the floors aren't perfect and the lighting is only strip lights (though we do have huge windows). However, the chipboard walls allow for drilling, painting, sticking, and screwing. The floors will take a splash of paint. Most Important - the spaces are  affordablle.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 4 HMS artists were selected from local studios to show at the Wallner Gallery, Lakeside, Nottingham by Young Curators. This is a project run by the Lakeside Arts Centre for 14 -22 yr olds.  I wasn't chosen, but I had a sneak preview today as I popped in to see one of the artists... and it looks an interesting exhibition. I'll be supporting the artists at the PV on Saturday. 5 HMS artists will also be opening their studios for the Derbyshire Open Studios this weekend. Although Im not taking part I'll help to prepare. I'ts a good opportunity to spruce up the place.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Sarah Key (from HMS) and me submitted work for the RA summer show for the first time this year... and  today we learned that both pieces were selected.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 'We Are Here', an exhibition organised by a new generation of curators opened at the Wallner Gallery, Lakeside, Nottingham yesterday. The 14 -22 yr olds selected work from the huge pool of talent found in Nottingham's many studio groups and came up with a mature response to notions of place, identity and geography. I was impressed. It was also a great chance to catch up with artists I hadn't seen for a while :) I also managed a few hours at the studio. It's the Derbyshire Open Studios weekend and although I wasn't participating, it was good to see such a positive reaction to the studios by visitors. I attempted to paint but it definitely wasn't the best. Justine has also installed her exhibition of drawings and paintings in the Exhibition Space. It's been fantastic to see her work develop and her confidence grow since moving to HMS over 2 years ago. Her work is inspired by the local parklands to which she has returned again and again to record the changing seasons. The language has become more sophisticated  and the latest charcoal pieces offer a real sense of personal engagement with nature. Two drawings were selected for the 'We are Here' exhibition.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Things are looking up for a number of reasons. The porch which leaks every time we have a downpour is being replaced in a fortnight. I don't look forward to the work but I won't miss the polystyrene tiles, the plastic door and the buckets. I've also booked train tickets for the Royal Academy Summer Show Varnishing Day. I'd never heard of it before but it sounds like an experience. The selection has really lifted my spirits. .... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I sometimes worry that my blog is a bit negative with all the legal rubbish that's kicked off. So it was a relief to read Becky Hunter's comments ... and that my experiences haven't put her off setting up studios etc in the US. Because really, despite everything we would do it again.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Varnishing Day at the Royal Academy was an experience. I was probably in a room of full of important people, but the only one I recognised was Grayson Perry. With over 11,000 entries approx 500 were hung. Another 500 pieces were by invited artists. Mine was pretty central, in the room full of little pictures, just above head height, so not in the heavens :)My only regret was wearing girlie shoes which scoured my heels. I am still suffering. The next show at HMS is approaching. As drawing is an important part of my practice I’m really excited about Robert Luzar’s exhibition (4th - 25th July).   Robert has also agreed to participate in a discussion about drawing on Sunday 4th July from 2:00pm which is brilliant!  See http://www.grammee.org.uk for more info about the artist. I’ve just signed up to be an associate member of Backlit. They are an energetic and proactive group and I’m very excited and proud to be involved with them. I drop off work today for the first project, an exhibition starting on 17th June.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 4 letters are off to the lawyers today and the reason why the case is with us from morn til night. It is the topic of conversation at breakfast and dinner and before we go to bed. Nothing is posted until we are both in agreement. It's good that things are going well at HMS and my own practice is moving in the right direction. I try to keep other activities to a minimum to avoid overload. Otherwise I think I would go mad.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 My last few journeys on the M25 have been OK. Today was bad. After 5 hours  I finally arrived at the South Hill Park Arts Centre where help was at hand to sort out the two paintings which had been on show at the At Play 2 exhibition. My experience at the gallery has been A1. Good communication, friendly and professional - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. HMS artists are up for a beach hut jolly on the East coast in September. http://www.mablethorpe.info/bathingbeauties/index.html... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 My painting 'Not A Stag Party' is currently on show at the Backlit Studios alongside work by studio members and associates. The blurb advertises the show as a members exhibition so you can imagine the confusion when my name was on the list. Artists are wondering if I've abandoned HMS. I fill them in - it's great to be involved in 2 quite different set-ups and v healthy. Re the show - I was impressed by the Tracey's curation - not easy to make a meaningful exhibition from disparate works.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We are looking forward to the 3rd in the series of open discussions on contemporary art at HMS - this time focussing on drawing which ties in with the PV of Robert Luzar's exhibition. Aprroximations To... SUNDAY 4th July 2010 2pmViewing of 'Approximations to..'.by Robert Luzar and open discussion on contemporary drawing. Panel:Panel Robert Luzar/ Martin Lewis/Rob Van Beek Had a phonecall from a local news reporter(Chad, Mansfield) who had seen my work at the Royal Academy and want to do a feature. I mentioned Southwell Artists and they are also cover the open studios in November. Great publicity.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The builder accidently snipped the telephone cable yesterday so we lost the internet. I could cope without the phone but I'd got an ongoing trail of emails to deal with and... aargh! We now have a temporary fix so all is good. One thing I needed to do was email reminders about the talk and pv on Sunday. Robert Luzar ( www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk) will be giving a tour of his work at 2pm 4 July followed by a talk on contemporary drawing. The panel includes Rob Van Beek and Martin Lewis. I have been photocpying for England today. I expect there will be more at the weekend. We are organising our case into 9 different sections and have distilled the claim and the counter-claims to the bone. They tell a story - Jem is brilliant at tellling a story - not in a fictional, make-believe way but a narrative and honest easy to understand way.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I dropped Robert Luzar and his lovely wife  off at the station yesterday afternoon after an amazing weekend of drawing, performance, previews and Pimms... and squirty cream and scones. Robert had arrived on Friday to install his show and Saturday morning was set aside for performance. He also wanted us to participate in a little experiment. Rather than videoing the performance he invited artists to record the event by drawing. He made a series of vertical lines in willow charcoal (about 2 ins apart) from the top of the partitions to the floor, in one corner of the Exhibition space. For about an hour, he ever-so-slowly moved different parts of his body against the charcoal - rubbing and smudging, wiping and gliding. I was one of 3 artists who drew. Robert wore black making his strained and contorted body look very graphic against the straight lines. The resulting smudges softened the background in areas where the body touched. I had an idea of making a series of lines following the right-hand side of the body as it moved (relating to the vertical lines on the wall). One drawing from each of us is now displayed with Robert’s work.  ‘Untitled’ is one of three performance based drawings currently on show at Harrington Mill Studios and well worth a trip to Long Eaton to view (see www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk for details). Saturday evening was spent celebrating the opening of Sarah Key’s show at the Tarpey Gallery at castle Donington. This  chocolate box gallery complete with thatched roof is a fairly new venture specialising in contemporary art.  Sarah’s work looked great.  Robert's preview took place yesterday, together with a discussion on contemporary drawing. It drew a good crowd despite coinciding with the Wimbledon men’s final.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Our holiday was due to start last Saturday but the timing of the CMC on Monday meant we had to delay by a couple of days. We drove directly to a lovely holiday cottage in Cornwall after the meeting.  The outcome is another hour long CMC next month with a full time judge. Also ticking along are lots of exciting studio projects. We are having a studio meeting to discuss the open studios in October which will form part of the British Art Show Sideshow this year. Young Kyun Lim who is also showing in New York and Paris will be exhibiting in the Exhibition Space. We are having a 'Loook East' season because in September Hyungji Park, will be exhibiting paintings and in November Sooky, an HMS artist will also be showing photographs. The project in Chicago is warming up with the possibility of funding. Closer to home 8 of us are preparing for the Bathing Beauties Beach Huts Festival. Meanwhile Helen Stevenson from HMS will be hanging work at the end of the month. Busy busy busy.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Been to the Surface Gallery PV this evening. Really interesting show with a mix of experienced and emerging, local and international artists.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We own the 99yr lease for the ground floor too. The intention has always been to let it on a commercial basis but for various complicated reasons it has remained empty for 2 yrs. We have now been given the go ahead to let it and so we are replacing the front window panes and half of the back ones too. Like many studios in old buildings our windows have cracks and holes which will be replaced at the same time.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It was supposed to be a studio day today but I had to hang on for the electrician which proved to be a lucky change of plan.  I chased up the local paper about advertising children's book illustration classes which I'm setting up in September. Phew - the deadline for an ad in the educational supplement is tomorrow and because I was late in the day I got it half price too. It will appear on Friday. I've already posted details on my website so fingers-crossed. I can't believe we are making preparations for our 4th Open Studios event. I've been busy with the invites. A few ideas have been emailed to artists for approval and I think the blue one is favourite. I'm just sorting out the text.It's going to be a busy few months because I have been invited to participate in the Oldknows Studio 'Reunion' project during the Sideshow event in November. Old members of Oldknows Studio Group will be sharing spaces with current members - a great idea! I won't be able to make it to the launch though because it coincides with Southwell Open Studios.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 One of the most rewarding aspects of exhibiting in the Royal Academy has been the unexpected emails and hand written letters from strangers. I received a lengthy one today and it was good. My painting went better today after a period of fuzzy head and poor concentration.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162   Hyungji Park'Fake Tales From Somewhere'5th - 26th SeptPrivate View 5th: Sept 2- 4pm Hyungji Park fuses references from popular culture, art history and everyday surroundings using a personal visual language. http://www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk/exhibiton_space/HyungiPark/pv.htmThe case still rattles on and it is not recommended for the faint-hearted. The system isn't helpful to people representing themselves as there is very little guidance.  The archaic language is exclusive and serves to scare. The costs even for litigants in person are not insignificant.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Someone commented on Sunday at Hyungji's opening that I don't do 'normal'. Whatever that is? I have to say the last few years have not been dull. Apart from the extraordinary journey setting up the studios and the legal wrangles i've had a busy 'other' life. The short term looks full-on too. HMS is going to Sutton-on-Sea. 8 of us (plus familes and extended families) are taking part int the Bathing Beauties festival http://www.bathingbeautiesfestival.orgShould be fun. I've booked a cheap chalet close to the beach and sharing with Alison. Apparently 10 mins to Sutton-on-Sea, closer when the wind is behind! I'm also involved in Art On the Railings (October 9), a community project involving, music, art, food and stuff - in Forest Fields, Nottingham. It's something I've done befrore. A great atmosphere. Also in October we have HMS Open Studios when we host Lim, Kyun Young's photographs of Antarctica - which is a huge priviledge as Lim's last show was the 3rd Photo Festival New York.www.nyphotofestival.com In November I will be preparing for Southwell Open Studios. Quite a different venture from HMS because  we all open studios in our homes. We charge £3 with money going to charity. A free bus is also available for visitors.Then there is the 'other' life....    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I am the bus conductor tonight collecting  the return fare of £3 from Nottingham to the Fishmarket, Northampton for the pv of 'Scale'. HMS artist Alsion Whitmore is exhibiting in the group show organised by students on the post grad 'Connect' course.  http://www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk/artists/whitmore/Connect%202010%20invite%5B1%5D.pdf Incidently, I was one of the first students to enroll on the course back in 1996 when the unlikely title for the course was 'A Big Hand For'. It's basically a business course for artists  and it's proved to be pretty useful -giving me a framework to work to, both in establishing my own practice and also setting up the studios. Talking about setting up the studios I had an enquiry yesterday from an artist looking at the HMS model. I have pointed them to the NAN bursary for funding visits to studios - not necessarily HMS as he has visited the studios before.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Have just returned from the Bathing Beauties Festival in Mablethorpe/Sutton where 7 HMS artists took over 4 beach huts at the smaller seaside resort of Sutton-on-Sea. A great weekend. There was a constant stream of visitors but... I'm not sure I managed to reach the audience which were mainly elderly with every shade, make and size of dog imaginable. Some funky mobility scooters too. I had geared my work up for children, taking along a couple of littlechairs and a low table. I also provided materials so that young artists could add characters to  ones I had already created on a beach scene. Whilst there were a few under-7s yesterday they were definitely doing other things today. Still it was a great way to spend the day - by the sea and with a great bunch of people. David and Louise's activity managed to attract more attention though. Louise had the bright idea of cutting up the wooden slats of an old wooden blind into 6 inch slices. Visitors were invited to paint seacapes which were repositioned back into the original slots and hung in the beach hut window for the public to see.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 David held a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support at HMS this morning. It was a lovely atmosphere with mugs of coffee and millionaire's shortbread... and £150 for a good cause.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Update HMS websitePhone the court about proceedures - recommend emailing the judge directly. Email the court - follow up with phonecall to see if received. Positive. Phone HFC company secretary re letting. We have someone keen to rent the ground floor and checked to see if all relevant documents have arrived. Positive. Make a list of food for buffet for HMS open studios and list of artists. Circulate on googlegroups - already positive response. Respond to request for rent receipt for tax purposes (for artist). Sort email for HMS Open Studios invite and send. Sort lisitngs on free websites for HMS Open Studios And today was supposed to be a painting day... oh and nearly forgot  - paid business rates installment... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I have been invited to a speed networking event next Friday to pass on my experiences to young graduates in Derby. I usually avoid these networking events like the plague but I've accepted this opportunity because it is focussed. I'ts busy at the moment. It's always busy. Today we receive 215 kgs of artwork from Korea. Now, the delivery people won't move it upstairs so it will need to be unpacked on the groundfloor and taken piece-by-piece to the first floor.... by me and others who happen to be around today. We are preparing for Sideshow. I'm taking part in 2 open studios - in Southwell and HMS. I've also been invited to take part in the Oldknows 'Reunion' show - an exhibiton by ex Olknows artists and current ones too. The group was established by Trent graduates in the 80s. It will be fantastic to catch up with everyone :)    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Lim Young Kyun's large scale photographs of Antarctica are installed... and v impressive. It's hard to believe these alien frozen landscapes exist on earth. The studios aren't exactly tropical at the moment so we may advise visitors to wear woolly hats :)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We are warming up to the open studios launch on friday night. Professor Lim is flying over from Korea for the preview of his show in HMS Exhibition space too. All v exciting. This year there's lots of competition as Sideshow has kicked off with art, music and performance happening all over the city. Derby has a number of excellent shows too as the city is hosting events by Young British Artists. Talking of which I met many of them at the networking event at Derby theatre last Friday.. 2 mins per person isn't enough but I have since filled in some of the blanks via google and the future looks exciting :)... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Last night was the launch of HMS Open Studios 2010 and proved to be the best ever. There were lots of interesting high profile Sideshow events in Nottingham so the competition was really hot. However, people from 8wks to 80yrs turned out to see the photography of Lim Kyun Young and the work of 18 HMS artists. I was a bit nervous about Lim's reaction to HMS Exhibition Space. How can you compare our modest event with the New York Photo Festival and our venue with the British Museum? However, he was delighted with the space and charmed by the families and artists who filled 5000 sq ft of HMS. We have also been invited back to Korea :)  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We can only guess at the number of visitors who came to the Open Studios. Some signed in, but many didn't. We estimated about 500 people... which isn't bad on a tiny marketing budget. A great weekend! After little movement in the studios for over a year, two will be vacated by January. As we have a waiting list I have already contacted artists. I always explain to those wanting a space that the list can be quite fluid and wasn't surprised to discover the next one in the queue had moved to Norwich. Two artists are pleased to hear the news!      ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Someone expressed an interest in setting up studios on the ground floor at Harrington Mills. He had seen my blog. However, I went through the sums and showed him that it would be too expensive and quite risky. It's a shame because it would make a fantastic gallery/workshop/studios space.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I am whacked! The builders were still working on Friday afternoon  - changing the hinges on the windows before Southwell Open Studios this weekend.  I managed to roller 12.5 litres onto the walls and hang work in 3 rooms. (My studio now has a bed in it and there is less wall space for pictures so we decided to spread out a bit). It's traditional for artists to go on a tour of the studios the night before, with wine and nibbles at each stop. As there were 8 or 9 venues to visit, it meant plenty of booze and a late night. (Though we had plenty of coffe and tea to avoid a headache the next day)All good fun. I don't know what the numbers were this year, but it felt busier than 2008. I'll find out tomorrow because it's a ticketed event. I had a few sales, interest in my books and some people signing up to my children's book illustration classes.Today was spent packing Lim's work in a crate to be collected and delivered back to Seoul on Wednesday. Luckily Sarah was around to help, though it still took all morning. Tonight has been catching up on admin and promoting Sooky's show 'Core' at HMS. Her new work is beautifully executed and v original. See www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The crate has been collected. Phew! Mick on the groundfloor allowed us to pack the work en situ. Given that it weighed 215 kg we were v grateful. But Mick also helped the courier on Wednesday as I couldn't be there. I thanked him personally today. On the way to the studios I popped into Oldknows to see the Reunion exhibition -  an overview of work by current and previous tenants of the studios, (including me). I missed the opening because I was tied up with SOS at the weekend. The show is a reminder of the great contemporary work being made by established artists in Nottingham. In particular I liked Stephen Craighill's gruesome textiles constructed using found decorative fabrics and hand sewn tapestries. More Hitchcock than Home Sweet Home!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Fi Burke has been artist in residence at HMS since 29th November. Her white floury landscapes in big custom built trays, mirror the snow scenes outside. We couldn't have forseen a white November when the show was programmed in. Fi is having 2 openings, one tomorrow from 1pm and the other on Monday after 3pm.  Weather permitting, I am planning to be there tomorrow. Me and Alison have just delivered work to the Tarpey Gallery in Castle Donington for their annual Open. The gallery is very chocolate boxy with thatched roofs and timber frame... but the shows are definitely more cutting edge and contemporary. This week I have been marooned and missed a lot of Sideshow happenings :( I have concentrated on drawing ... and we have been entertained by skiers on our road and sledging on the fields.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The Supermarket event in Sweden earlier this year has resulted in some exciting exchanges for 2011. We are off to Chicago in the Spring and look forward to  welcoming artists from 'Art on the Armitage' during Oct 2011 for a 2 week residency. A group from Visby, Gotland will be over in June whilst we will be off to see them on their home territory in August. It is supposed to be very beautful. It's going to be a full on year!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Southwell Artists were able to donate £1000 to SightSavers www.sightsavers.org/, whilst a local charity  Southwell Care Project www.southwellcare.org/ also benefitted from the open studios event as their volunteers provided tea and cakes, raising another £1000. What a warm feeling inside. As I couldn't get to the studios last week I posted keys to a new licensee (who is local). I had gone through h & s and various proceedures so I thought this would be the sensible option. The problem is the post has been badly affected too and the keys only arrived yesterday. Anyway, John Cooke has been v patient and will move in at the weekend. I showed an artist from Long Eaton around the studios this week who had never heard of HMS. He is now on the waiting list. When we set up HMS I didn't realise how many practioners would be within spitting distance of the studios.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Tom Duggan's thought provoking review in the Interface section of AN  http://www.an.co.uk/interface/reviews/single/909223 articulates beautifully many of my own views about the busy and noisy forums, blogs and social networking sites on the internet. I am also guilty of adding to the din, but like Tom I have also benefitted from airing my views. One of the  reasons I keep the blog going is because we still have a case ticking in the background. Once this is resolved, I feel it will no longer be approriate to talk about setting up the studios and I will put this blog to bed.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It's good to check in with something positive. I submitted an image for a seasonal email greeting competiton. Not only have I won prize money, but my work will be seen by a big audience. Wow!  I can't believe it. This is a first for me. Also, the paperwork is finally completed for the groundfloor which has been a bit of a headache. As associate members of Backlit Alison and I were invited to the studio party last night. We had such a great time. Beth's cheesecake and another artist's ricotta cheese and spinach pie were just two of the delicous dishes on offer. And the chillie bacon thingys really tickled the tastebuds. It was fat bellies all round by home time. We have our HMS studio meal today... so more festive jollies. It looks like the tail of 2010 might be ending on a goodly note :) Yo ho ho!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The extreme weather has caused the external wastepipe to freeze. I won't go into too many details as you might be having your tea. However, to deal with such problems in future I have  advised artists to pour boiling water down the wash hand basin and to add salt. Apparently all similar pipes in the complex have been affected. Apart from that we had a great christmas.  Oops nearly forgot. The lovely Fi Burke presented the artists with a microwave as a thank-you present. It was such a pleasure to host her show too! Thank you Fi!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Uploaded the 2011 Exhibition programme onto the HMS website today :) http://www.harringtonmillstudios.co.uk/exhibiton_space/2011/programme11.htm... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 HMS have been invited to exhibit in Seoul, S Korea in April 2012 by Professor Lim who showed work in the Exhibition Space last year. I'm hoping make it to the PV. better start saving.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 HMS website is growing. I built it myself  and sometimes I get it wrong. Today, I learn that I made two errors affecting 2 groups showing next year. I credited the wrong name with the wrong image for one and managed to give the Swedish group a different name and website address. The first of my children's book illustration classes started yesterday. I was a bit nervous, but I think it went well. The good thing about holding sessions st home is no travelling, no hire costs and no marking. I have work accepted for the OPEM competition which opens 4th Feb at the Collection, Lincoln. I am so pleased because I am a big fan of Richard Wilson who was one of the selectors.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The tickets for Chicago are booked. Alison and I will be drawing in the window of 'Art on Armitage' together.  Alison is currently artist in residence at Thoresby Gallery and spends many hours observing, drawing and painting in the grounds of Thoresby Park... in all weathers and usually on her own. It will be quite a contrast to draw large scale in a window 15ft x 10ft x 27ins with a messy partner. We will be reflecting the cityscape of Armitage and its inhabitants through drawing. I will be introducing animals and birds indigenous to the British Isles . These anthropomorphic creatures will be a playful commentary on people – whilst the citizens of Chicago will be watching Homo Sapiens in the window. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It is the final week of a 4 week block for my illustration classes. Last week was a real hit. We concentrated on creating a simple sequence of images. For those without a story I used tradtional nursery rhymes as a framework. "I can't believe this is my work", was one comment. Quite satisfying. The test will be whether they sign up for the second block. I have been busy fillling in a British Council application form for a travel grant. One of those 'Unfortunately' letters hangs like a black cloud when I'm trailing through quotes, printing off CV's and writing and rewriting statements. I'm not a natural. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Sometimes the case really gets to me. The trigger can be unexpected. This time it was a recent case Jem had picked up on the web – Haydon v Charlton which went before the High Court of Justice in Dec 2010. Diane Charlton represented herself and the other side were professionally represented. What struck a chord was the behaviour of the legal profession.  The unanswered letters, the paperwork handed to us on the day of the hearing by HFC solicitor – not just once but at all three hearings.  I don’t expect the solicitor on the other side to ‘mother’ us through the proceedings but it feels like our inexperience is being exploited.   Whatever the verdict, the process of justice is painful.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 There has been little movement over the past year in relation to artists leaving the studios. Then... 3 artists have handed  their notice in quick sucession. It's always sad to see people leave but on the other hand it is also exciting to see new artists transform their workspaces into unique environments. The waiting list is shrinking - i have been forwarding enquiries to other studios but maybe I ought to check the health of the current list first.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I am naturally an untidy person. However, one consequence of my Wednesday book illustration classes is that the house is more organised. The sessions are going well. Penny has written numerous stories for the grandchildren, but always without pictures. As she hasn't drawn and painted since her school days I thought it might be a challenge to teach her skills which have laid dormant for over 50 years. Her imaginative tales need pictures to tempt children into her warm and wonderful world. And after 6 session I think she has surprised both of us on how well she has progressed.  She has a  curiousity and openess which makes Wednesdays a pleasure. I look forward to seeing the book in print.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It was the second anniversary of mum's death yesterday and I still feel like I could pop round for a cup of Yorkshire tea and a bakewell tart. Even though I read the words on her grave stone and took her favourite spring flowers. I still feel that she will be at home ready for a 'brew'. I received the 'unfortunately' email from the British Council yesterday. Lots of competition etc. More worrying is the scheme has been suspended from1 April 2011-31 March 2012). Apparently, they are currently in discussion with Arts Council England for an expanded scheme jointly managed by both organisations. Alison and I will still be going though. We are drawing in the window of Art on Armitage for the first week and then installing David's and sooky's photographs for the second. We are trying to sort out visits to the various colleges too The power jack to my computer is broken and currently being repaired. It means certain tasks have to wait as I haven't backed up since Christmas... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 HMS is going to Gotland in August. This will be the second leg of an exchange with artist led space, Gocart Gallery in Visby www.gocartgallery.se. Gocart will be coming to Long Eaton in June. Accomodation in Visby is fully booked .... well there are rooms, but way beyond my budget. We have finally found a place 20 minutes away. Apparently, Gotland is very beautiful. I'm looking forward to to seeing a place which I probably wouldn't have considered had it not been for this exchange.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 My computer is still broken. I picked it up from the repairers a week ago, it worked briefly ... and died again on the same day. Apparently the power jack isn't the problem. I have managed to rescue the data but I don't yet have my own computer which is v limiting. Especially as I can't update websites. I have been drawing lots and painting badly. But today I have been framing the better canvases. It's a tedious job as there is a 6mm gap which would be fine if the stretchers were absolutely square. Jem is patiently going through all details of the case. Again. He will be cross examining the other side and apparently it is quite a skill. He is unpicking the case and teasing out the questions.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Phew! My computer is back. Whilst I've been logging on to other computers I haven't been able to use the software I need to update my websites. So there is some catching up. The upside is I have been drawing more. The computer can also be distracting.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The first show of 2011 will open this weekend in the Exhibition Space. New work by ARTOPEN (LITE) previews on Sunday 13th March from 2.00 - 4.00pm and continues until April 3rd.  I'm looking forward to seeing the space transformed after a winter rest. Although Jem sifts through the case most nights, I am not a bystander. We discuss various elements as he progesses through the complex arguments. I often have a different take on things, but this is healthy and we never send correspondance which we don,t agree on.'... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I've just found an old power point presentation I can use for a talk I'm giving at South Notts College on the business side of arts practice. It needs updating and quite a lot of work doing on it, but it does have some relevant images and pointers. The session, next Weds will last more than a couple of hours so I'm going to sort out a few activities to make it more interesting - based on the painting holidays and setting up the studios. I've been thinking about it and I'll probably talk about the questions you need to ask yourself before embarking on such projects. Eg Is there a demand? Location? Accomodation?... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 One of my paintings is to be auctioned tomorrow in aid of the Pakistani Floods Appeal at Deda in Derby . My modest contribution, Run Rabbit Run will be auctioned alongside artwork by celebrated artists such as Julian Opie and Jeremy Deller. As well as lots of pieces from local artists there are signed books, tickets and t-shirts up for grabs - all in aid of a worthy cause. For those who can't make the event there is a facility to make a bid online. See http://artsauction.co.uk... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The art auction raised over £2500 for the Pakistani Flood appeal. Everything was sold. I don't know who bought mine and what it went for. I think the organisers will have enough on sorting out payment and admin etc. so I won't bother them to find out. I gave my talk about being an artist, setting up painting holidays, developing the studios and exhibiting and fitting in life etc at South Notts College today. I remembered ...  when I graduated in 1995 I made an effort to apply for 3 things in AN a month. Amongst the successes was selection to show in the Mostyn Open, and also the opportunity to exhibit in a 3-person show at the Byard Gallery (as part of Strata, an artist-led event). I expect there were a few rejections too.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Mik Godley has asked me to circulate news that 10 of his paintings have been stolen, along with 25 works by artist Kane Cunningham. see: -http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2011/mar/23/scarborough-kane-cunningham-mik-godley-rspb-hague-gayle-manchester-bradford-textilesorhttp://www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk/news/local/100_000_art_theft_a_creative_expression_1_3213083 Any info please contact Mik mikgodley@yahoo.co.uk  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I ordered a roll of paper online today- to be delivered to Art On Armitage directly. I've also checked the 5-day forecast in Chicago and the warmest day is Friday. Max 8 degrees. I'll need more jumpers. My sketchbook has been selected for the Sketch Drawing Prize 2011. I am sorting out info, statement and CV for a catalogue. My sketchbooks are often a bit random and reflect different strands of my practice so it's not like writing a statement about one body of work. Still some work to do. No news on Mik's paintings :( ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I have contacted a dozen artists on the waiting list (going back to 2008) to see if they are still interested in a space. As you might expect lives have changed, people have moved on - one to London another to the south caost. One is just back from honeymoon and another has just had a baby. As I have been passing on recent enquiries to other studios the waiting list is definitely going through a 'thin' period. We have 3 who want to remain on it but for varoius reasons now isn't the right time. We have one artist-in-waiting but for the first time since setting up the studios we are going to make a call-out.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The battery operated eraser pens arrived in the post today. Marvellous. They alllow you to draw into charcoal with clean lines and sharp edges.  Just one of the tools we'll be using on Art on Armitage. My Moo cards arrived too. I've moved house since my last business cards were printed so getting some sorted was long overdue. Mary Ellen has asked for specific times when we will be drawing so the press will know when to visit.  The PV is organised for Friday 22nd.  She's also arranging for school parties to come on the second week.  Paul Hirst's show 'Traces' will go up in the Exhibition Space when I'm in Chicago but as an ex HMS studio holder he knows the ropes. He is having a closing party on May 8th so I will be able to make the event.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Sometimes I'm just a bit rubbish. The Chicago Reader wants to cover our performance drawing in the window of Art on Armitage. The images we sent were too low res and I've been a bit slow off the mark realising the importance of the listing. Apparently it is THE major event paper in the city and they only print 3 images a week. I hope we've managed to send the images in time. As I'm writing this I've been emailed to say the images have been received. Phew! The Sketch prize pv was last night. I couldn't make it. The catalogue is on blurb. what a good idea. http://www.blurb.com/books/2078696... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Well the windy city is also wet and at times snowy in April. Whilst the UK is basking in sunshine, Chicago has been hovering just above freezing. Despite the cold  we are having a brilliant time. As I write this Alison and I are taking time out before the reception tonight. The drawing is complete and like most previews  don't know how many people will be coming.  Our photos for the Chicago Reader arrived too late which is a shame. However, we were in the listings which is quite an achievement as there is so much is going on in the city. It has been challenging working in a space which is only 27 inches deep on a drawing of 15ft x 8ft. and with another artist  Our styles are quite different but we have used visual devices to bring the composition together. The bonus is we have learned from each other.  Our hosts have been generous and kind and we are very much looking forward to reciprocating in October. We have visited a few galleries already but more things are planned next week including a Blues evening, a PV to a Chicago Arts Fair, a guided tour round Columbia University and easter Sunday with the host's family.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It's always a bit tricky posting a blog retrospectively but I was without the internet for the last week and I was also being blown away by my experiences in Chicago. The real world was far more exciting than the virtual one. The 15ft x 8ft drawing inspired by the  neighbourhood was finished on time. Alison and I didn't plan the work but we did make decisions about the process. For instance we didn't want a drawing of 2 halves so we decided to swap places every 30 minutes. We masked sections so they remained clean and sharp. Making the first marks was also less daunting. The process became more and more organic as the drawing developed. We used steps to get to the top and lay on the floor to work at the bottom. As we only had 27 inches between paper and window our friendship could have been compromised. However, there was no tension and we just got on with it - laughing, discussing and getting very mucky! A failed project might be difficult but losing a friend would have been tragic. The public responded positively with taps on the window and thumbs up. Three teenagers demanded to be drawn and Alison duly obliged. Pressure! Fortunately they were pleased with the result. I used plastic animals as reference to create anthropomorphic beings which also caused amusement. Mary Ellen is keen to involved the neighbourhood so this interaction was very welcome. The preview was great. We met artists, locals and Eduardo. Eduardo was so inspired by the drawing he decided to come to the PV - his first. He came on his own and stayed most of the evening. The next day we had to take down the work and install David and Sooky's photos. A quite different exhibition but one which HMS could be proud of. Their exhibition was also listed in Chicago Reader :)  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Places we saw and things we did in Chicago: The Garfield Park Conservatory - built 100yrs before the Eden Project and an unexpected oasis just 10 mins on the green line from Down Town Chicago. (Me and Alison got our sketchbooks out)http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/ Arcade Fire In The Suburbs at the UIC Pavillion. Wow! Visually compelling and the music was quite good too.http://www.uicpavilion.com/ The Cultural Centre with its magnificent Tiffany Glass dome and amazing mozaics. Awesome. We visited a couple of times including on Monday during a recital. Millenium Park2 works of public art stole the show in Millenium Park  - Anish Kapoor's 'bean' and Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa. Cloud Gate (the bean) is a huge masterpiece reflecting a moving salad of people and skyscape. It is pure genious reminding me of those crazy fairground mirrors bringing out the child in everyone from 1 - 100.  It's also refreshing to see digital public art on a 50ft scale in 'Crown Fountain' See  http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium/art.html MCA on Tuesday is free and we spent a good part of the day there. Saw a major show by Jim Nutt, a Chicago based artist and someone I wasn't familiar with. His work is totally bonkers and v engaging. The colours are delicious. I didn't get to see the Turner prize 2010 so it was good to see Susan Phillipsz 'We Shall Be All' commissioned by the MCA. Haunting and thought provoking. http://www.mcachicago.org/index.php... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Chicago cont... We purchased a  CTA pass giving unlimited travel by rail and bus for $20/week. Bargainous. Bus stops are on every corner of the block so navigating is easy. (2 airports are also served by the trains too). http://www.transitchicago.com/ We also walked. One day the pedometer said 18000 steps. After meandering around the city we walked along the lakeside path from Millennium Park to Navy Pier in the cold and rain. We were pleased to reach our destination which warmed our bodies but offered little comfort to the soul. Navy Pier was full of uninspiring souvenirs and a food court serving the usual. The Art Institute Chicago is free from 5-8pm on Thursdays. We joined the queue 20 minutes early. Memorable pieces included a drawing by Cy Twombly, Bad Times by Philip Guston and one of Lee Bontecou's complex canvas constructions.  Completed the day soaking up the light from Chagall's stained glass window. Highly recommended. http://www.artic.edu/aic/ Beer in Chicago was a big surprise. Local breweries are crafting  beers with personality and names like Krankshaft, Fat Tire and Green Line. I would have tried more but at 5%+ I'm a bit of a light weight. The last day was spent at Art Chicago, the international fair of contemporary art.  The range was enormous as Art Chicago shared the same floor as NEXT which represented emerging artists. The scale and range of work left us pleasantly exhausted.http://www.artchicago.com/... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The studios don't run themselves and it has taken time to catch up on admin and meetings etc. The website is looking pretty though, with colourful jpegs from Sheila and Sarah who have forthcoming shows at the Tarpey and Mostyn Open. www.harringtonmillstudios.co.ukWe are also preparing for Chicago to come to us in October, the Go/c/Art Gallery show in June and our exhibition to Gotland, Sweden in August. A few of us will be going to Visby to install the show and attend the pv. Apologies for late entries about Chicago... Alison and I were given a guided tour of the paper and books department at Columbia College. It houses world class faciliities where traditional methods of book binding and letter press are used creatively with new tecnologies and offset printing. V impressivehttp://www.colum.edu/Academics/Interarts/book-and-paper/index.phpUniversities are big business in Chicago with over 20 institutions and  occupying some serious real estate. It is worth mentioning Lincoln Park zoo which is free to the public. We went on a cold, grey day during school hours when visitors were easily outnumbered by animals. In the summer I expect it is a different story. http://www.lpzoo.org/  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 No news is good news! Steady is welcome and 'normal' is king. Potting plants, sewing buttons, taking bad photos,  burning sausages and even the odd rejection letter ...  all gloriously mundane. The case ticks on but atm we enjoy a lull, before the storm in July. HMS is part of the NotLost festival in Nottingham when music, poetry, performance and the visual arts will shine in the city during the month of July. Although our Swedish friends from Go/c/Art Gallery will be over in June I'm hoping we can highlight their show, 'Halfway to Russia and other Eastbound Horizons' in the promo. One of the outcomes from Chicago is an invitation to participate in the collaboration,  'Messages Lost In Time'. 55 invited artists will generate 55 prints each. An exchange of work will result in participating artists  receiving a limited edition of 55 pieces of art.  We hope to be showing the collection at HMS during 2012 whilst other venues are being sought for a show in the US.  We are already looking ahead to Seoul next year. Not sure whether it will be May or October. We are waiting to hear. A few of us from HMS are saving up to go to the pv.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 CRazy week. 3 pvs and 2 birthdays has meant 5 evenings out. The first pv was last Saturday to see Sheila Ravnkilde's work in a 2-person show at the Tarpey. 48 boxes in an array of colours/surfaces are arranged in a grid... this piece hums and the colours sing. Whilst I have seen the work in the context of the studio, this piece is site specific. The scale perfectly suits the intimate gallery space. There are subtle surprises including shadows cast by the boxes. The place was packed so I'm going back for another look. The other pvs were both degree shows in Nottingham. Nottingham University runs a part time degree course and this years Fine Art show is at the Djanogly Gallery. Briefly ... Paula Mcann's pin drawing and her cascading wall piece are highlights. Though generally I think the work is mature, well considered and thoughtful. Good show. One obesrvation though - it is quite monochromatic. The final show at Notts Trent on the other hand is youthful, edgy and on the verge... Alex Pain's sculpture's are beautifully executed - taming his materials in an unexpected and seductive way. Painting or rather the material qualities of paint are deconstructed by several students. Manipulating, sculpting, animating, dripping and dropping - this traditional medium is being abused in a healthy manner. I only managed a breif snapshot of the show because I was late-ish and met a lot of friends at the event. But I thoroughly enjoyed the energy, variety and intelligent offerings. I have to say I am slightly disappointed at the lack of painting. Maybe there will be a serious rebellion and watercolours will make a comeback ;)    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We tested the Old Theatre Deli tapas last night for the'Drink and Draw' event to be held in September by Southwell Artists. The food was delicious and the service excellent. We needed somewhere to seat 100 people so the Deli ticks all the boxes. The event will take place in September and we hope to sell tickets at about £10 - £12/head to include one tapas and a glass of wine. The idea is to move round the table and draw our neighbours. I missed the previous D & D as it took place before I joined the group. By all accounts everyone had a great time.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Blimey, the crate from Gotland arrived today. I wasn't around to receive it but it has been carefully unpacked and dismantled. 30 artists are showing work and apparently the contents are v interesting. www,harringtonmllstudios.co.uk... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I've just left David, Sarah and the Gotland artists mid flow - installing the show opening this Sunday. The Exhibition Space has seen a variety of hangs but this one is v different. 30 artists, members of the Gocart Gallery have made work inspired by the sea. An island of work suspnded at various heights from the ceiling, hover and float above eye level. Only a few pieces were installed, inlcuding a pair of buckets welded together and covered in teats alongside a beautifully crafted black leather fish. Can't wait to see th rest!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The Swedish show looks amazing and we were really hoping for a good turnout on Sunday. Sunshine, happy people and a great exhibition meant we all had a party. Torbjorn and Eva stayed over for a few days and it has been great rediscovering local attractions. We drove over to Sherwood Forest and the Major Oak at the end of a busy day. We weren't disappointed in the old oaks that have been around for 800yrs. I bought a booklet on Southwell Minster as my knowledge is sketchy and it is always a good place to take visitors,... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Barton House in Chilwell is onyl 10 minutes from the studio. 5 of us from HMS went to look round today as we are considering putting forward a proposal for the Carnival of Monsters - a festival of contemporary arts to be held in Oct. I have to admit the title didn't inspire but having visited the site I'm absolutely won over. http://www.carnivalofmonsters.co.uk/ From domestic spaces to massive industrial huts, the buildings will provide fantastic environments for large-scale installations in airy Barton Hall and Docking Shop 2 whilst more intimate work will suit Trent Villas. The biggest problem is the short time frame. I am currently involved in 3 different projects on 3 different continents - all to be finished by Nov. Oh and a court case.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 This is very important! All studio providers should check whether or not they qualify for small business rates relief. At the moment small businesses in premises with a rateable value less than £6000 per annum qualify for 100% reduction. Yes it is free rates for 2011-12. Normally, there would be a 50% reduction but the government has temporarily increased the relief until Oct 2012. This means a reduction in next year's rates too. More details can be found on the Business Link website which explains it much better than me. http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1086075891&type=RESOURCES My friend is the new studio manager of a studio group and I mentioned this to her. The studios operates as a business (rather than a charity) and she was unaware that the group qualified for a reduction. As the relief is backdated April 2010 they also stand to get a refund.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Litigation is definitely not one of the 'top 10 things to do before I die'. The case mangement conference is a week on Friday. We live in a bubble and sometimes it is difficult to feel the temperature outside. I know there are much worse things going on in the world, but this is case is all consuming. We will be facing 2 judges because the solicitor for the other side is Stepehen Wrigley, a part-time judge. His partner David Smith is the company solicitor and as well as the company secretary for the Harrington Factory Company. A bit complicated.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Line by line, we are examining the lease ready for next Friday. Although we are representing ourselves we have sought Counsel's opinon to ensure we are on the right track. As well as focussing on the detail, we also recognise the importance of looking at the document as a whole. Jem has purchased a book on legal cases relating to service charge and we discuss, disect and dream about the service charge every day. The Swedish show is down and Richard Boyle, an ex HMS artist will be artist in residence during the next few weeks. We have missed his quirky original juxtaposed images in his space and looking forward to seeing the Exhibition Space transformed a la Boyle. I hope he brings Mrs Doubtfire!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We have enough files to prop up a small table. Tonight we sift through for details we may need tomorrow. Sweeper clauses, a Part 36 and CPR are terms I would rather not learn. I'm picking up lawyer speak and becoming more familar with the language.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We are exhausted. Although case management conferences are designed to sort out the management of the case, you never know what to expect. We always request a transcript so that we can go through the jargon at our leisure. This costs, but it is well worth it. The trial is programmed for Jan/Feb and there is a timetable for disclosure of documents. As transparency is a key objective we are looking forward to examining the records and accounts.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Just a quickie as I'm off to a printmaking course this morning. I haven't done dry point/ screen printing and lino for years so looking forward to a refresh. I'm hoping I can make something more physical than digital prints for the USA collaboration. Lots of deadlines looming before I depart for Gotland in 2 weeks. The crate/ boxes will be packed on Weds so I'm hoping the 1 x 1.2 m oil/paper paitning will be dry. I've already rolled up a drawing of a similar size. Also on the go are two works for the India/Uk exchange - to be finished and delivered before I go away. Good to get away from that legal business!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162   I am flagging a bit. This blog has been going for over 4 years now and although lots of exciting things are happening at HMS I'm also aware that the story of setting up the studios has been told - that is apart from resolving the service charge dispute. However, I will continue dip in and out until we have sorted the service charge, one way or another.   We are preparing for 2 international exchanges at the moment. 3 boxes have been sorted for transport to Gotland. My 2 works on paper are approx 120cm x 90 cm rolled in a tube, nicely supporting one side of the biggest box.   I've also made a series of 6 small paintings on board (based on old family photographs) to pack in my suitcase. Only recently have I been able to go through the box of memories from mum's belongings, but sadly most of the photos aren't labelled and I haven't a clue who the personalities are. The photos range from Victorian sepia, b/w seaside piccies to young men in uniform. I presume family must feature in most. I can see a hint of resemblance in some. But the picture isn't clear.   I've been spending time with these photos exploring body language and expression. The result is a playful interpretation of different personalities having a day out at the seaside. It looks a bit like Scarborough.   We are also preparing for the 2nd leg of the Chicago exchange in October to coincide with our open studios. I can't believe this will be our 5th Open Studios. Blimey!        ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Just back from the Swedish exchange in Gotland. Amazing. We were treated like celebrities with full page coverage in 2 Gotland papers. http://www.helagotland.se/noje/default.aspx?articleid=7065635   The turnout for the preview was great and people were really interested in the work and the studios. A celebratory meal in the local bar capped a fine day. Every day was a fine day - Watching the sunset over the Baltic from a third floor terrace of our hosts in Visby was truly beautiful. We crossed the water to Bergman country which is only a skip from Gotland. The meal at SeaView was a memorable evening where we cooked our own steak on hot slabs. ... and the 7 minute Visby Pils is definitely worth waiting for... A magical time!        ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.helagotland.se/noje/default.aspx?articleid=7065533 We didn't mention the riots but I expect it sold newspapers ;/... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 It's great to chalk up some good news. Firstly, Sarah Key has been shortlisted for The Threadneedle Prize http://www.threadneedleprize.com/ Secondly, I have been shortlisted for the Nottingham Open 2011 with four paintings. Also, My large drawing was bought on the last day of the show in Sweden.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Most of the work by the Swedish artists went by car via David and Sarah. However, the remaining few pieces have still to be transported back. Tomorrow, I will pack and weigh and contact the delivery company to arrange a pick-up. We received mail from the defendant's solicitors today. It seems it is routine for lawyers to post on a Friday. I'm not sure whether a job-lot is signed at the end of the week or whether the content is designed to unsettle the weekend of the recipient. I suspect it is both.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 My head is full. the case is in overdrive and we have an open studios to organise. Fortunately we have a new volunteer called Kayleigh who is keen to market the studios using Facebook and Twitter - something I've never got the hang of. The Swedish parcels have arrived safely in Gotland and we have news that ours is currently in transit. The responsibility of so many artists work is quite weighty. When the kilos of canvas, paper and board arrives back at the Mill I will be very relieved. Mary Ellen and Jy Hyun will be arriving in 3 weeks. I will be picking Mary Ellen up from Heathrow at 11pm - hopefully the M25 won't be static at that time of night. The Carnival of Monsters kicks off the following day and quite a few HMS artists are taking part. Depending on how Mary Ellen feels it will be a good way to introduce her to the local art scene.http://www.carnivalofmonsters.co.uk/ Her work has caught the imagination of a lot of organisations and she has sent me a huge list of links mentioning her piece.Here is onehttp://inhabitat.com/tag/mary-ellen-croteau/... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We are into new territory with the case - and facing an intense period of disclosure, witness statements of fact and expert's opinion from now until the trial in February. I have deliberately held back from participating in projects, including some fun events in order to concentrate on the job. We are expecting a rough ride. This doesn't feel like an artist's blog and if my work wasn't going so well at the moment, I probably wouldn't feel like an artist.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Started the day sortng out the house ready for the arrival of Mary Ellen, Midday spent at the Caunton Beck making the final arrangements for Jem's parent's diamond wedding celebration. An afternoon updating the website and emailing the open studio/Plastic World invites to the PV. Also answering other emails including sorting out work for a gallery in Lewes. I am now going to cut up a painting in the belief that some of the parts are better than the whole. I think.And always the case is ticking.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 My blog is slowly fading into the ether. I'm not sure thisis the best way to go. But the work of establishing the studios remains unfinished until the case is resolved. To date we are waiting for disclosure from the other side. Both parties have to disclose documents in relation to the case which the other side does not possess. For example, we have provided our correspondance to the council re planning.  The Harrington Factory Company  were supposed to give us a list of the documents over a month ago. They have missed two deadlines.  By this stage they are also supposed to supply copies of documents too. We wait. On a lighter note we are looking forward to open studios. In particular we are proud to host a show by  Chun Chun Hee and Mary Ellen Croteau from Art on Armitage, chicago. It's been great catching up with the artists and they are enjoying the rolling countryside of Notts. We are holding a TAG sale this year sellling off old work at reduced prices. Hopefully we will make a happy chrsitmas for artists and buyers alike.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 Just finished the 5th Open Studios weekend at Harrington Mills. The atmosphere was different this year. In a good way. We were more relaxed. The opening was as busy and energetic as in previous years and we had a steady trickle of people over the weekend. There was a lot of interest in the studio spaces and the waiting list is growing again. As many of my paintings are in different exhibitons at the moment I concentrated on showing drawings. I am currently making a large drawing (120 x 120cm) with inks on stretched, primed paper which attracted a lot of attention. I loving making it. The process is quite organic - creating my own Boboli Garden with anthropomorhic beings populating the landscape. The concentration has to be Zen as I want the work to remain fresh and lively. Thats the plan.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 One thing leads to another... the Art on Armitage exhibition "Plastic World" at HMS looks set to travel to Durham and another exchange. And... a conversation with Mary Ellen has ignited another potential collaboration. The seeds are sown for more globetrotting. Networking.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I am still playing catch-up from our overseas visitors staying. (I have only just stripped the beds, not a good day for washing and drying though). When time is precious I hang back from spending time on the computer as I am easily distracted by google, photoshop and stuff. Consequently there is always a backlog of emails to sort out when I do log on. Today, I find I have been nominated by Mary Ellen to showcase my work in the Spring edition of MISC http://www.miscology.com/ As it is distributed to 28 countires I'm a bit excited. I need some good quality photos of my paintings now. Yesterday I picked up my paintings from Nottingham Castle. (Only 3 as I managed to sell one) I met up with Alisonn and Maggy in the evening to sort out sending our prints to Illinois for the UK/US collaboration, Messages Lost In Time. Sorting out the courier was easy on the internet. The project has proved to be more of a challenge than any of us realised. We were invited to produce 55 prints and as I haven't done much printmaking making so many of reasonable quality has been a bit of a headache.The number has since reduced to 35 as some artists have dropped out so I have weeded out some of the weaker lino prints.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I've had some work professionally photographed for MISC. My own efforts are just not good enough. One painting will dominate a whole page so it needs to be sharp and accurate. Fortunately the grey weather has provided even light, so Stuart photographed the 4 paintings outside - plus the required mug shot. Images and info have been emailed to the glossy publication for the Jan- Mar 2013 issue. I am also in the middle of writing a witness statement of truth which I've broken up into different headings. Jem is also on his laptop doing the same. December is the month when my work will feature on the Southwell Artists website so I have been writing the text for that too. http://www.southwellartists.co.uk/ I also managed studio time today and the large ink drawing is almost complete. I'm thinking of making a few for Seoul.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I couldn't decide whether I was looking at breakfast or an early grave this morning but the abundance of fungi is amazing. My day always starts with a dog walk and some of the flora and fauna appear in my paintings. No toadstools yet though.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 The other side have missed 2 deadlines. We notified the court and a hearing was due at the end of the month to deal with the issues. We had a feeling the hearing might be delayed because of the forthcoming strikes on 30th Novemebr and a letter today from the judge confirmed it. Boo!We feel disadvantaged because the other side who are represented are not fulfilling their obligations in relation to disclosure. We will have less time to deal with the info when it does arrive. I'm not sure how the courts can deal with this - no slap on the wrist or penalties. I think the legal system is quite broken ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 We have a raft of professionals who have written witness statements of truth for our case. They include people qualified in buildings and planning as well as experienced professionals involved in the arts. Our ducks have been lined up since the deadline at the end of November, but once again the other side are not in a position to exchange documents. Another missed deadlne. Meanwhile we still party! I went to the EMVAN celebration last Wednesday iat the new Primary Studios based in Nottingham. It was formerly the Douglas Primary school. I bumped into the last head teacher at the school (who happens to be an old school friend) today at the supermarket. Jane-Belinda was really delighted it was being used for something creative. Seventeen of us will be meeting for the HMS Chrsitmas lunch tomorrow. In between my dog being groomed and meeting up with my sister to exchange pressies. Wednesday is the Backlit party and we are also preparing for the SOS party which is timed just after Christmas.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162 I have been in a bit of a bubble. I've been ill on and off since Christmas with bronchitis and I'm on my 3rd dose of antibiotics. The case is also consuming a lot of headspace. There is some good news as the other side have discontinued several items of the counterclaim including the issue of user. They are no longer taking action against us using the space as studios. We are still left with 3 items including the counterclaim relating to licenses. Also, there is agreement on some elements of our claim against the Factory Company.Documents and invoices have been disclosed by both parties. An estimate of costs for the other side to take it to court is £80,000. That is just thier costs. We are allowed to charge £9 per hour, but I'm not sure it includes those times when you wake up in the night thinking about it. On a lighter note my work will be appearing in M/I/S/C in March 2012. See http://jackieberridge.co.uk/other/Berridge%20&%20Nilausen.pdf... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/372162