http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 2010 Challenge Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:30:11 +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/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Toady had to be the day to start this blog and really begin work on the project. Although at this stage there is still a lot of planning to do. The project however has a definite start and end so here it is. Challenge 2010 is a project which will see people set me challenges through out the year, one a month. At the end of each month I will select a challenge out of the one's people have sent me to be carried out, there is no limit to what the challenges could be as long as they fall with in an artistic discipline, which leaves it quite open to interpretation. In other words I am not fixed by a title of curator / artist / critic etc, or any one medium and it is individual imagination that will make the challenges interesting and diverse. I could of course have set my self challenges each month but they would be subjective and limited to my own thought processes. The reason for starting the project is simple, I believe in challenge and fear that with out challenge practice and indeed life can become stale, challenges help us explore, take risks and fail, but with out challenge we can not excel our potential.   The project has been in development for some time but until today I have not allowed any work to happen in relation to it, in keeping with the time restraints of the project. So presumably January will be the hardest month as I configure the project structure and the methods people will use to interact with the project as well as getting submissions for the January challenge. There are still unanswered questions about the project but they will be answered in time, or else drift and become irrelevant. I aim for this blog to be an honest documentation of the processes the project undertakes and the situations that come from it. 2010 is by no means an empty year, but there is nothing foreseeable which would cause the the project to not be carried out accordingly. So I set out in search of a true challenge........ Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 I have spent some time organising the structure of how people will interact with the project over the past week or so. There are now some guidelines in place, I have a feeling however with the nature of the project they may become adapted. Last night I sent a short mail shot out to begin to raise awareness of the project. I am now blogging with excitement from the out comes of that. So far I have received three challenges and they are very different and very exciting, each one is a completely different style of challenge, two verge on being illegal and one has a very high chance of me looking ridiculous unless I am cleaver enough to make it a success. Until a few days ago I had thought that I would choose the challenges from those I receive, however some one put to me that it should not be me that selects the challenge. I find that a really interesting notion but there are two sides of the coin. If I were to choose however objective I attempt to be, there will always be an element of subjectivity choosing challenges that interest me most over those that are the most challenging. However these challenges are personal and if some one were to choose for me I may not find the selected option challenging. The question of authorship is then raised, if some one else chooses the challenge then my authorship is only in initiation and fulfilment, and not in being an objective selector. I feel in truth to the project structure I have put in place so far would be for me to choose the challenge objectively, perhaps I say that as I have set the structure of the project and am not as open to changing that structure as I would like to be. The challenge however is to remain objective. I need to make the decision about this before the end of the month which is achievable, however what I choose should then become another project rule. I am also actually quite scared about another person selecting my challenge for the month, comes with the territory!   You can now become a part of the project on Facebook.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 The project has hit a minor slump recently as I am having major trouble posting to arts jobs, the free online listings of arts jobs and news. It would appear the website keeps logging me out. I have tried this with three email addresses and on three different computers which run off different IP addresses, short of hacking the website I have no idea how to get any news up there, and apparently nore does the site managers. Its obviously a limited problem because there are other posts on the listings. Strange I have done it in the past (on the old site)This really means that I need to utilise other online information portholes to get information about the project out there. Im not uncomfortable with the amount of challenges for January it will give me something to get my teeth stuck into, and I am hoping the project makes steady progress through out the year. Its a bit of a waiting game now until the end of January, and then full steam ahead.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Its the last day of January which means I have chosen a challenge to be carried out. Despite having a few exciting challenges, the most truly challenging was from Alexander Stevenson and is: January ChallengeInvite local celebrities, national celebrities, local government, local clubs and societies, local press, important people and less so, to come to your studio and have you explain what it is that you do / are doing. It will take all of your cunning and tactical skills to get people to actually come, and you can rate the exercise based on who you manage to get (ie. the mayor = 10 points, head of the local hells angels = 4 points).   I find this both really exciting and really daunting. For a starter I recently gave up my studio and re-located it in my house (it was time to learn to drive and the studio was relocatable) meaning the whole event will have to be in my living room which is tiny. Getting local celebrities etc to my front room is going to be a challenge in its self. although if The Institute (www.twoaddthree.org) can do it then I can give it a damn good go. Task number one is to make a list of appropriate people and go from there. Its also time for the February challenges to begin being submitted.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Just fixed a date for the January challenge to happen, phew. I had thought it would happen in February but that's not the case. This doesn't matter too much but I dont want to get a backlog of challenges to have to quickly fufill in one lump. Im nervously excited about the January challenge and have begun compiling a list of VIP's to attend the presentation, there are some Nottingham favorites on the list including Sven! I think I am going to send the list back to the challenger to score me, seeing as he set the score system. I dont have great expectations it has to be said, perhaps I can get some radio DJ's to come, Svens a long shot! The invitation letter is a bit of an odd one, it needs to be suitably formal and well presented, not too waffley and not too much detail about contemporary art. Its all about writing for the appropriate audience. I can remember when I was a student organising a small scale show, and a lady complained as she had traveled a long distance to deliver her work with no one there, my tutor had said that I was good at making things seem more important than they were, so perhaps Im good at writing things up, although it doesn't feel like it in the letter. I have also started to get February challenges in. One challenge I have received is actually impossible, I reference 'The Game' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Game_(mind_game). Even if I were to accept this challenge I would automatically fail, its not that I am scared of failure its that I dont know if it presents a challenge when I know the out come, on the other hand it is so challenging it is impossible. I think there is an adaptation that could happen here, although what it is I have yet to discover. I think it is inevitable that people will seek to challenge me to the impossible or to the obvious in related manners as above. Whilst remaining true to the challenges, and selecting the most challenging I remain hesitant about what the year has in store, and how the project will change, maybe its time I got in contact with Danny Wallace.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 After a lot of indecisive moments and questioning wether the impossible was challenging I finally settled on the February Challenge:I challenge you not to think about art for a whole year. Challenged by Paul Matosic I questioned this challenge, it was obviously impossible, once you know not to think about some thing, you begin to do just that. I questioned wether this was in fact challenging because it was impossible, or wether it was incredibly challenging because of its impossibility. The decisions came when one of my friends suggested that the impossible is challenging if it is feasible that it could happen, and was less so if it was certain it could not. By the law of psychology it is possible. As I mentioned before I am going to make a work in response to this, referencing the mind game 'the game', at this moment in time I think the wok will be photographic, which is a whole new medium for me. As I have already failed the challenge, it is important to make a piece of work from the situation and not to conclude the challenge empty handed, with out effort. I have also finally pinned down James my incredibly busy photographer, to assist on the January Challenge. It will happen by invitation only. The event will be an OTT commentary on its own existence, pushing and questioning the scenario I have been challenge to create. Red carpet, Lambrini, false eye lashes. Sven isn't coming, probably because Notts County FC have just gone bust and everyone's left!   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 This Monday saw the completion of the January challenge. In essence the challenge was to invite certain people to my studio and talk about what it is that I do. These guests were then rated. I created a guest list based on the categories that were stated in the challenge and then set the list back to the challenger to score, the results were: 18 points out of 5763.125% successful. 1.125/36 Guests in attendance:Steven IngmanNext door neighbours x2James E SmithThe Lady Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Jeanine Packer To some of my guests amazement the event actually went well. I used the presentation as a tongue in cheek commentary about the ridiculousness of the situation, ie: inviting celebrities to my studio, which is now located in my house. The presentation its self was informative, but the character of myself that I portrayed and the cheap OTT additions to the event made it some what more ambiguous. I have now solidified how I am reacting to the February challenge of not thinking about art for a whole year. I am making some 2D work and a video, inspired as I previously mentioned by, The Game. Im using the website for The Game as a starting point. I have been questioning wether people will find my responses to these challenges disappointing. The fact that I am now creating art from them, perhaps not in a way they would like to see. I find this interesting, particularly when I think that a lot of the challenges seem personal to the individual, and some what challenging to them and not necessarily to me. I have less than 24 hours to choose a March challenge! Im currently wavering between bus stops and apologies, once again I think an external mind may help in the decision making process.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 After much deliberation and almost combining challenges I have selected the following challenge for March: "To list and act appropriately towards all the people to whom you owe apologies.I am not challenging you to write letters to every single person you owe apologies to, in some cases this may be inappropriate, and re-approaching someone you have hurt in the past, may be upsetting for them again. I trust you to have a degree of discretion about who you choose to apologise to. I would like you to think of and write down, everyone you may have upset, hurt, wronged, stolen from, angered or done other activity that could warrant an apology, however great or small, and to write these down, along with dates, names, activities etc, that can be remembered, in a fashion as to which you see appropriate. These needn't be exhibited in their entirety, again, discretion would be a necessity. Some form of public statement should be acknowledged for every wrong-doing/occasion; the published details of the wrongdoings are at your discretion. The apologies must not state that they have come from a challenge, or that I have told you to do this. The apologies you do make, if any, must be genuine and honest.This might be quite a horrible thing to have to do. So I will add one additional condition: that you can stop thinking about this if you start to feel uncomfortably anxious or guilty. While it might be interesting to work through times like these, I think it is important that you have the option to stop when you need it. Challenged by Tom Duggan" I am rather hoping that I haven't already gone against the challenge by announcing it. I do think however that this references the apologies them selves as not stating they came from a challenge. This challenge has to be the most moral to date. I also think that my teenage self will have a lot to answer for in, but discretion is imperative. I almost combined this challenge with one from my next door neighbour which would see me performing at bus stops every Monday and Wednesday lunch time. I found this challenge interesting, and thought the two could work well together, however have since realised its not really appropriate to combine challenges, and I found the challenge interesting and not necessarily challenging. Another challenge I pondered was to create a new set of YBA's, for me this challenge had potential but wasn't necessarily in-depth-ly challenging, although it really depends on interpretation. So my logic for choosing this challenge rests on several levels. The first that giving an apology is actually a challenge in its self, and apologies are some what hard to come by because of this, and in depth apologies even more so. The second reason is that to declare these apologies in public shows what kind of a person you are or have been, and that isn't always pretty. My final reason is that in my older age (not that old I may add) I attempt in every way to be honest, and if apologies are to be made they are likely to be trivial. This is not the same for my teenage years where there is probably the majority of apologising to be done.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Im feeling a bit under the weather, which is lucky for the February Challenge as I always promote the fun jobs to the top of the list when Im feeling shitty. So last night I undertook the role of composer and created the sound track to my short film. (I am undecided wether I should call it a film or an animation, primarily because Im not filming any thing, however the word animation doesn't seem to fit.) The film is actually very short indeed, a total of one minuet and three seconds, I was actually aiming for two and a half minuets but these things never work the way you plan. I was aiming for two and a half basing this on the time length that songs often are, as I have done bits of video editing, and sound manipulation for that approximate amount of time before and I enjoy the duration of it. I also didn't want it to be ridiculously short and be over in a flash, but we shall see. I started making a film because as you may know my research for this piece is derived from The Game, and there is plenty of insparation on their website, particularly their animated logo and some amusing You Tube videos. After spending many an afternoon re-visiting the site, it became apparent that I had to embrace the nature of The Game and that really did mean making a video. The March Challenge is also taking up a lot of brain space. Its the element of public announcement that has got me thinking. I have considered various ways to announce something publicly but none of them are quite there yet, here was my thought progress: Town Cryer > Advertisements in newspapers > Ad campaign with a charity > Football / cricket interlude announcement > Creating a song to be released > Sky writing / blimp Although I haven't written my list of all apologies, I have isolated several which I deem as important. Probably because they have been playing on my mind for years. My boyfriend keeps reminding me he is expecting numerous apologies, but I think he will have to go on waiting.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 I spent many hours editing the video for the February challenge, however it just wasn't working, so I took the decision to stop. I then thought about linking the audio track with a scrolling text panel. I went back and forth with wether this was the right decision and then decided that I would utilise the strength of the audio alongside the 2D rules I have created, acting as an installation, audio and paper signs. I am waiting for Vimeo to upload my audio and then I will put it on my website. The image with this blog is a still from what would have been the film. The paper prints look quite dry, but I think with the audio track playing alongside the prints it should create an atmosphere, when viewed in the right location. For the April Challenge I have been less enthusiastic with it than other challenges, as I didn't find any of them particularly challenging so I selected the most interesting. One challenge which I almost chose would have seen me make an image each day for a year, but I feel this is incredibly achievable, a sketch book with 365 pages and I'd be sorted. So I chose: 'Make a whole load of challenges for other people to complete, and send you their responses as evidence.' Challenged by Jodie Hawkes The interesting thing about this challenge is that it was made as a Facebook comment and I dont think the challenger will be expecting me to select it. The era of Facebook is here and I think its time to utilise it, not just for marketing but also for production of art work. I have several ideas for this challenge but I am working on a minimal budget, this is also affecting the March Challenge, so I will have to bear this in mind whilst producing and creating the work. Have a think, and send me a May challenge, email:mail@ameliabeavisharrison.com... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Its taken a while but Ive got there. The public statement needn't be over the top, it should be appropriate. To attribute a public statement to an apology it has to fit, be sincere. So I began to think sentimentally, perhaps ceremoniously. There are several apology's I want to make and one is to my Nan who is no longer with us. I though how would I apologise to someone who will never hear me. Visiting the grave seemed obvious, delivering flowers to a grave was where the train of thought began. People often look to the sky when talking of the decease, so I began to think perhaps the closest I will get to her will be the sky. What is symbolic and reaches great heights, balloons. Helium balloons are released on all kinds of occasions, usually celebrations, this time however they will be released as an apology. I will release a balloon for every apology I ow, this stands just short of 25. To the bottom of each balloon will be an apology note, letter or card. I haven't decided on that format yet. I feel for certain people I will also need to make a gesture to them, there are four in particular. The only problem being I dont really know where these people are any more. Its appropriate to do this properly though, apologise to those who really do deserve apology's, and symbolically apologise as the challenge suggest through a public statement / gesture for every apology I ow. I ordered the balloons earlier. They are blue which is symbolic of sincerity. The have a single word on them 'sorry'.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 May is a record braking month. I sent an email out to various people in my address book asking for challenges, and have had the biggest response to date. In the course of three days on average I have received a challenge every 12 hours. Now that may not seem much but its a lot comparatively speaking. My only worry now is that later in the year people wont have any challenges to make! Whats even better about receiving so many challenges is that so many of them are good, better than good great. It seems the quality of challenges has improved over night. Challenges range from stalking, appearing on a TV game show, walking in other people's shoes to not using any digital technology for a week. I am spoilt for choice. The trick is to work out which one is the most challenging, wether it is physical, tactical or something more. Of the present challenge (March) I will in theory complete one part of the challenge over the weekend. With two humble apologies to those who deserve them. The more public part of the project is still in the planning stages, I am attempting to find a site for the balloon release. I think this will require a certain amount of environmental concerns such as biodegradable balloons, and having just ordered them I am a little worried they may not be, so I will have to check on that.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 It would appear there is an underlying challenge to this project which evolves around time and capacity. I am ridiculously busy with other freelance work at the moment so am getting slightly behind in the challenges, I think the set back really started in January though! Never the less the March challenge is almost complete, the evidence is here: http://www.ameliabeavisharrison.com/2010challenge.html Nottingham Castle were very kind and let me release 20 apologies attached to balloons with the word sorry printed on them. The act was a part of the public statement that Tom Duggan set as a part of the challenge. I also have apologised to two people in a more direct way with interventions that will hopfully make them smile and feel thought of, even if they dont understand the appology. Many of the apologies are trivial and for those that are less so the relevance of them is far gone. There is one appology I have yet to make as I have discovered the person has moved to Australia which make the challenge a little more complicated. The wonders of indirect Facebook searches have given me a certain amount of information but it still needs more work. I have begun creating the challenges for April .... more will follow ....... For May I accepted the following challenge: 'I challenge you to re-make a piece of work in true Hollywood style. Namely Sophie Calle's Suite Venitienne of 1979 which is now 31. You should follow someone you do not know at all or only vaguely (you can adopt a disguise if you require) for as long as it takes before you are rumbled, you must go everywhere that they go in this time.Along the way you should take images discretely. These should be exhibited somewhere printed in black and white. I accept no ethical responsibility should anything sinister arise from you doing this.'Challenged by Andrew Bracey I chose this challenge out of all the challenges as it made me feel the most physically uncomfortable! For May I had an amazing response and some fantastic challenges, it was hard to not accept more. I can say however one of my good friends has re-submitted her May challenge which is great because it's the first re-submission and also its a fantastic challenge.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 I started getting all my challenges together for other people this week (well they have been in development for some time). I decided that because it was the April Challenge, being the fourth month of the year I should create four challenges. The challenges were influenced by religion, advertising, Danny Wallace and popular culture. I decide to look at things that I thought were challenging to people. The religious fast interested me, its purpose, use, and the effect on the people undertaking it. I then took advertising, the challenge and persuasion in a set of words, a phrase that could make decisions. As general "research" for the 2010 Challenge I have been reading a lot of Danny Wallace, and I took a lot from The Yes Man, it only seemed appropriate to make others try. Finally I looked at popular culture and challenges we are familiar with, this led to the Guinness Book of World Records. So here are the four challenges: 1. Live off a food and drink budget of £1 per day for two weeks. This can be a combined budget of £7 per week. 2. Just do it! 3. Say yes to every opportunity, invitation or question that requires a decision for 31 consecutive days. To be started in June 2010.   4. Beat a world record.   I thought it was probably appropriate to challenge some of the people who had previously challenged me, and alongside them I would give them a counterpart, another person to complete the challenge with (this person hadn't previously challenged me). Their counterpart is kept a secret, neither person know each other, but they attempt the challenge. To this end I have created four teams one for each challenge which is as follows:   Challenge 1: Orange Team   Challenge 2: Salmon Pink Team   Challenge 3: Blue Team   Challenge 4: Yellow Team   I decided not to ask the participants whether they would want to be involved or not, so its a bit of a gamble, to see whether they accept the challenges or not!   Never the less they hit the post this week, all I can do now is wait and see.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 If you are re-making someones work then it seems important to know that work inside out. However knowing Sophie Calle's Suite Venitienne in not such a deep way seems sufficient. Why? Perhaps it is that by re-creating this piece for the May challenge I only need the basics. Perhaps it is because the voyeur role requires minimal information. Perhaps it is because too much information would over complicate my own actions. What ever the reason my research has not been as extensive as I would usually attempt, and for some reason for this piece that seems acceptable. Sophie Calle's Suite Venitienne conjures romanticism and lust perhaps the settings of Paris and Venice go some way towards this. I am increasingly feeling that the notion of following some one, or perhaps stalking as it would be known today has a romantic edge. Although the prospect of following someone until I am sussed is a terrifying prospect to me I realise I can approach this from another angle, a rose tinted one. My initial thoughts were to follow the post man / woman, however this new perspective makes the postman seem more comical than is necessary, but taking a romantic stance on the situation makes it some what more sinister instantly. Unlike Calle I would never have the budget to go to Venice just like that, so I think there needs to be some ground rules defined by budget and time, although by setting these rules I dont want to under state the challenge. I am also thinking that perhaps my residing city is not the place to begin this challenge ... so where. So many questions, and as of yet not many answers.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 For June I accepted the following challenge: June Challenge 'Test your physical and mental agility to the limit by appearing on a television quiz show or game show.' Challenged by Anneka French Now that's a challenge that Im quite excited about! So far I have applied to Master Mind and The Apprentice. I believe you apply then go to at least one audition (normally more) before being selected, so this is going to be tough!! I have taken the decision to not over think the May Challenge which in a nut shell is to follow some one until I am sussed. When making work I usually like to attribute meaning to every aspect of it but for the May Challenge I feel the very nature of it is suggesting other wise. I am going to select a day to fulfill the challenge and let the moment develop the project, rather than over plan it. I know that several of the participants from the April Challenge have received their challenge packs, hopfully the others have too. I think it will be interesting to see who actually undertakes the challenge, especially as the people vary in how well I know them. They have until the end of the month to send back their results, Im quite excited and looking forward to seeing what they have / haven't done!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Just returned from an audition for the June challenge. I have applied for several TV shows some more long shots than others and today was the first day of experiencing an audition, it was also the first show so far to offer me one, not only that it was the 'Apprentice'. I had to be in the venue in Birmingham for 11.00am, upon entering the building I took the lift to the third floor and signed in, giving the two ladies on the desk a full application form (further to the online on I had completed that got me to the audition), a contributor release form (stating they could film what they liked, and portray it in anyway), a CV and photograph. After this I had to sit with other hopeful candidates in a room that had lines of chairs facing the front where signs read 'Silence must be observed at all times.' At five minuet intervals groups of ten candidates were directed into another room. Upon entering the room we were told to line up behind numbers on the floor (I was number one) and wait until our number was called before saying why we were the next 'Apprentice' in 30 seconds. I had a well honed speech prepared, I got half way through and forgot everything I was saying, out of context I said 'splendid' ... of all things why splendid, I dont even say that in conversation! Never the less I knew my 'Apprentice' audition had finished then. Five of the numbers were read out, those people got through to the second round, five of us remained, we got sent home. It was an interesting experience, and in truth I am too honest, I didn't do enough pretending to be a business person. For some reason I lost sight of the challenge and ended up taking the audition some what seriously, but in the wrong way. Ah well whats next to apply for? I have had a couple of telephone interviews but I seem to be the wrong kind of person they are looking for. Im aiming for Come Dine With Me! The May challenge is still incomplete, I seem to be putting it off, so the next free day I have I intend to complete the work. That free day is this weekend!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 I completed the May Challenge today. Which in a nut shell was to re-make Sophie Calle's, Suite Venitienne. The piece saw the artist follow someone she met at an opening, undercover. I decided like Calle to use a gallery as a starting point and began at Nottingham Contemporary. I waited outside until an appropriate person left the gallery. As it happened a person walked up the side of the gallery who I decide to follow. He was clearly a tourist, and certainly lost. I thought he would be interesting to follow as he may be sight seeing. As I followed the tourist it became clear that perhaps he was a bad choice, he kept pausing, looking at the map and turning around. It was going to be hard for me to be discreet. At one point he stopped near a church where I pretended to take photographs before following him up the street. The man continued to pause and check the map. He then headed onto a busier street and walked parallel to where he had previously been. He then turned into an alleyway which I followed him down. Part way he turned around and clearly saw me, as he walked passed I avoided eye contact. I walked on, paused and then turned back to follow him. We walked a little further and he stopped to check the map whilst looking at me, I walked passed as a diversion. When I turned around he had disappeared. He was clearly on to me. I check around the streets but couldn't see him. I then decided to follow an old lady on a zimmer frame believing that with her speed she should be easy to follow. I had intended to follow one person but after not spending as long as intended with the first person I followed a second. I ended up following the old lady into Marks and Spenser. From there she spent over an hour looking at the same four isles. I followed at a distance as she kept returning to the same pair of orange trousers. At one point I made a diversion to look at a product and ended up loosing her. I looked around all the isles and couldn't find her. Its clear I'm not cut out to be a stalker nor am I cut out to be a secrete agent. This was the challenge I thought was the most intense and deeply challenging. The thought of doing this scared me but I managed get over my reservations and undertake the challenge. The experience now exists as a text and photographs, they are on my website: http://www.ameliabeavisharrison.com/2010challenge.html  I am still applying to TV shows for the June Challenge, however no more auditions, just a few phone interviews.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 The April and June Challenges are still in progress. I am still applying to numerous TV shows although I have set up a few rules. 1. The shows must only require one person, 2. The shows must not be for a long period of time. The reason I decided this was because I ended up getting quite far in the process for a show which required my partner to be a part of it, although I didn't realise at the time, and I thought it was a little unfair to bring someone else into the equation. I also realised I cant commit to anything too long term as I have quite a lot to do generally any way. I am getting to a stage with the applications that I may have to tick the box to say I have applied to other TV shows, Im not sure that's a good thing. With the April Challenge, I received my first form of evidence from the Salmon Pink team, on time (31.07.10). So all the other 'challengee's' will be overdue, I have granted a few extensions though. I am intrigued to see what will be returning in the post. For July I have chosen the following challenge: ‘I challenge you to make or do something that isn’t challenging.’ Challenged by Michael Bowdidge  I thought this would be challenging in its nature and the contradictory elements it has. I have some thoughts on this already, perhaps about taking unchallenging activities to challenging heights!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Im trying to develop the content for the July Challenge. The outline of what I am planning is to take un-challenging activities and by increasing their quantity, time, pleasure etc to turn them full circle into challenging activities. One example would be the idea of food competitions, where people have a plate of hot dogs in front of them to eat in 3 minuets. Although I dont plan to use this particular example in such a way I do plan to use over consumption or enjoyment as a platform. Throughout my work there is always a trace of numerical systems. It is a natural by product of order that I like to have in my work. I feel the need to have an explanation or control over the actions I undertake and numbers often create this structure. I plan to undertake a working week of activities (5 days), with one action a day. The paradox in this challenge is making me struggle to determine what activities I find un-challenging, when I brake it down there are very few. I am also still working on the June Challenge, and continuously applying to TV shows. In theory I will get to a stage where it is possible to answer applications simply and to know how to audition. That time has yet to arrive.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Perhaps its only after being sick in the bathroom you can only really begin to judge the work you make. Today I began the first of four actions for the July Challenge. In a nut shell the challenge was to do something un-challenging, and I have taken four actions I perceive to be just this and escalated them to become so. Today I took the action of eating ice cream and amplified it by attempting to eat four tubs. I bought sorbet as it contained less calories and fat than ice cream. Once I had got the tubs home the sorbet had melted. This piece is intended to be a film, and I recorded the process of me eating the sorbet. The initial tub had separated I discovered half way through, half foam half liquid, it was a pungent lemon which I struggled through. The next a raspberry flavour was a relief from the zest of the lemon but quickly became too sweet. As I started the second tub my stomach muscles were already churning and at least twice I almost through up. I didn't quite finish the second tub. After leaving my self feeling severely ill and in need of the toilet and some water I resigned. After a couple of hours feeling terrible I forced my self to through up and remove the liquid from my body. Completing this action although challenging and not normal behaviour for myself has led me to question what it is that I am doing. Although this is an aim for the whole project I feel that this piece in particular was perhaps 'art for arts sake' and perhaps not in a good way. I feel although the piece has obvious references but I am not sure the structural thinking has been solid enough to justify the work. I have potentially made a piece of work that I my self would look unfavorably upon questioning why this person has made such a piece. I my self find it hard to draw the border line between art and life, I feel that perhaps on this occasion I have created a work that falls short and is lacking, perhaps others will disagree, or not. Perhaps its the queasiness talking.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Dilemmas An inevitable part of this project is dilemmas, hand in hand with decisions. I am finding it challenging to determine which of my current selection of challenges for August is in fact the most challenging. I have so far received three challenges all from people I know, two of whom I am very close to. I feel a personal dept to these two people for challenging me which is a distraction from the decision. In a nut shell the challenges are as follows; The first looks at collectively standing in concrete until it drys, the second is to produce an oil painting for the Marmite Prize and the last (which I think was off the cuff) was to make a shirt with no seams. I am drawn to the shirt challenge, another of those almost impossible situations and I think it could be interesting. The other two I am finding a little too prescriptive. A lot of the challenges that have been submitted seem to be a way for people to make art work without them actually doing it. Perhaps at times they are unrealised projects or ideas. (Reference Unrealised Potential). Perhaps it is because I like the shirt challenge I am projecting a challenging feeling onto it and not looking properly at the others which potentially involve endurance. Although I feel comfortable about creating a painting! The panic is also starting to set in that I may not have enough people challenging me until the end of the year. Perhaps another tactic will have to be employed! I think now is my worried period. I also feel that my quality of work is getting weaker, perhaps this is because of the nature of production being quite instantaneous! Divine intervention wanted!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Low Points The inevitable has happened, I am having a project slump, a low point, a depression. The work I am producing I feel un-happy with, the challenges I am set feel un-inspiring, the durational aspect of the work is taking its tole. I have received three returns from the challenge that was to challenge other people. The decision to contact these people who have yet to return is still lingering, should I? Shouldn’t I? Does the project loose integrity if I contact them, and pester them to complete the challenge? The three I have received back have however been very interesting, and perhaps obviously they have been returns from people who have already challenged me. I went to yet another audition today, for the challenge to appear on TV. The audition was for a show called The Chase. It's a little like the ultimate knowledge based pub quiz only with a little more competition and more at stake. The audition was very interesting. We entered in a group of 8 and had two sets of general knowledge questions to answerer secretly, as well as introducing ourselves and playing a version of a game called Taboo. It was actually really good fun, and I had conversations with several of the ‘auditionees’. I have become really interested in the people who apply to go on TV shows, what’s their motive, what do their peers think, what are they like, how far have they travelled, how did they hear about it. I find it fascinating, especially as perhaps it is not something I would normally do. Many of the people from today’s audition had appeared on the Weakest Link, and one of them had won. I didnt get shortlisted.   Another audition on Sunday, figures crossed its a big one! Also waiting to hear back from another. This month after much deliberation I have chosen the following challenge: 'Sew me a cambric shirt, without any seam or needlework.' Challenged by Rob Van-Beek This month I could not decide between the challenges I had received because of the people who had submitted them meaning my opinion was not objectively just. I also found all of the challenges to be prescriptive, not having much levy for interpretation. So I had my friend chose a coin out of my hand, depending on what he chose meant I would fulfil the relevant challenge, and the above is the result. I recognise the challenge is form the classic Simon and Garfunkel hit, maybe there is something in that. I am still looking for challenges so email me one over to mail@ameliabeavisharrison.com  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 The August challenge is in development. I have done some background research into the song lyrics the challenge comes from, and the material, cambric. The research has led me into the 1500's with the French monarchy. I am currently planning to make a shirt for one of the Kings during this period. I have a particular interest in Henry the 3rd of France, who had a brief reign in Poland. One quote really sparked my interest; 'The young king and his followers were astonished by several Polish practices and disappointed by the rural poverty and harsh climate of the country. The Polish, on the other hand, wondered if all Frenchmen were as concerned with their appearance as their new King appeared to be.' I have also selected the September challenge. I chose it on the basis that I really felt I could get my teeth into it, and could produce an interesting and hopefully sophisticated work on the basis of this. There is both a freedom to it and a structure which I find compelling, opposed to other challenges that have been more sophisticated. 'Please could you celebrate Hélène Dutrieu's achievements as an aviator.Her appearances at air shows earned her the nickname the "Girl Hawk". There was a minor scandal early in her aviation career when it was revealed to the press that she did not wear a corset while flying. In September 1910 Dutrieu flew non-stop from... Ostend to Bruges, Belgium. From 26 September to 1 October she flew, frequently carrying passengers, at the aviation week in Burton-upon-Trent, England. She was the first woman pilot to stay airborne for more than an hour and on 21 December 1910 she became the first winner of the Coupe Femina (Femina Cup) for a non-stop flight of 167km in 2 hours 35 minutes.' Challenged by Julian Hughes If you want to look at any of the other challenges visit; http://ameliabeavisharrison.com/2010challenge.html  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Its almost crunch time, by midnight I need to have a decision on the October challenge. I have one in particular that I think could be really exciting. The challenge is to learn how to become a professional wrestler. The only problem with this challenge is that Tether (an artist led group based in Nottingham) have already commissioned a very similar work. http://tether.org.uk/tv/archives/61 Although female wrestling is somewhat different to male wrestling I feel the challenge is a little too similar. Although every new piece of work is made under new context's despite the outcome, I am lacking conviction that it would be the right decision to choose this one. My other options are to brake a bad law to make room for a better world, to show myself at my most venerable through my art and finally to say hello to the oldest person I know. Initially I had thought that the vulnerability challenge was clearly the most challenging, however I have slightly shifted the emphasis of the project. I changed the emphasis to be aware of what challenge may make a sophisticated piece of work, because part way through the process my art work began to lack conviction. I have also slowed down the pace of the work I am creating, to allow time to develop the work rather than rush into creating a new piece. This means that currently any challenge could be a contender.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 I made a decision on the challenge for October it is: 'Break a bad law that creates space for a better world.' Challenged by James aka The Vacuum Cleaner Although I have many views and opinions on politics and morals, I in truth am not familiar with law. Other than the obvious 'don’t murder', 'don’t steal' etc, which are there for a reason, I’m not that hot on what our governments have decided to legalise or legitimise, or not as the case may be. It is evident there are many useless laws, there are often stories in newspapers commenting on such. There are often stories on historical laws that should have been irradiated. One of my favourites is that it is high treason to put a stamp on a letter with the monarch being upside down. The amount of times I am guilty of treason is unreal, being anti-monarchy I should do this more often. It’s all very well knowing about laws that seem silly or trivial, but when it comes to laws that are enforced and create negativity in some way then I have much to learn. I also wander what law I could possibly brake to make the world a better place. I believe in the actions of one person being significant, but I need to find something relevant. Luckily I have ordered a book on bad laws to give me some inspiration. I began looking on the governments website about existing laws but it is such a minefield I don’t know where to begin. Interestingly some of the most occurring types of laws they are introducing are to do with road works, that doesn’t seem law worthy! I have also just released a confirmation letter that says I will be appearing in a TV show! Part one of the June Challenge is complete! Now all I need to do is win the thing! It can take a year to appear on the programme though, so no exciting news yet. On a final note, I am really lacking in time and wish I could borrow a little, this challenge project could go on for years, not just the one! Here is some info on time related sharing http://www.e-flux.com/timebank/ More information on my project http://www.ameliabeavisharrison.com/2010challenge.html... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 The research into bad laws is not going quite to plan. The book I ordered arrived in the post but instead of outlining several bad laws, it seems to be a Tory manifesto. There is lots of Labour bashing with a few nuggets about peculiar laws which is disappointing, and contrary to my own opinions. I have however learnt that it is illegal to own a horse, donkey or shetland pony in the UK without having an ID card for it! I’m not sure how important that is Whilst realising this book may be of little help I realised there was one issue that I have wanted explore for some time. A few years ago I saw a documentary on the illegal hair trade that effects the UK and I’m am sure a lot of the Western world. A certain portion of the hair that goes into making hair extensions and wigs is obtained unethically and illegally. The documentary showed how girls in Russian were sometimes persuaded to or forced to give their hair to purchasers, if they were paid it was minimal. I plan to find the documentary and begin a new investigation into this illegal trade which will hopefully inform the latest challenge. Perhaps I will have to brake the law to highlight a bad situation, rather than braking a bad law it’s self. I have had news this month that one of the people I challenged for the April Challenge will be undertaking his challenge very shortly. I have delayed releasing any of this information to participants involved in the challenge, until I was sure what the overall outcome would be. Despite my better judgment I intend to follow up those people who I have yet to hear from to conclude the challenge. Only two changes left to challenge me, November and December, so send an email to mail@ameliabeavisharrison.com www.ameliabeavisharrison.com... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 November seems to be a slow month, I have been pushing the challenges, but submissions have been minimal, so please do email one. I knew that the project would have peeks and troughs, and am really hoping that December will be climatic, being the final opportunity for people to submit challenges. In terms of the most recent challenge, it is turning into an instigator rather than a literal interpretation. I am struggling to determine what is law, what is an act of parliament, when things appear to be worthy of a law they are not, and agendas that seem pointless are law. It does however highlight the issues of a transparent government. Although information is available about present laws and acts of parliament there is so much information and so much waffle to go with the statements that it all becomes jargon and a mess. I have taken the decision to follow my instinct and create a piece of work around what I determine to be an illegal hair trade. I do however feel that the trade is ethically wrong opposed to illegal. My rational for then taking the challenge in this direction would be to highlight a situation and potentially extend legislation to this. I have investigated fur trade, import and export, human rights which are all issues surrounding the forced hair trade for western hair extensions, but there seems to be nothing that applies. It is illegal to import or export cat and dog fur but that as far as I can see is the only ruling on fur, which seems very minimal. Here is a taster of the issues I am attempting to address; http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2006/jun/25/india.theobserver If you do have any legal facts or more information please let me know. Please also email challenges to the following email mail@ameliabeavisharrison.com    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 I feel a bit giddy, since almost completing the June challenge to appear on a TV show, I seem to have a new bubble of energy. On Monday I went to Glasgow to film a new episode of The Weakest Link. I can’t tell you how well I have done; you will have to watch the show when it airs. It was a fantastic experience but I have signed a contract to not really talk about it until after its on TV. Never the less there are photos on Facebook. Speaking of which a small gang of contestants have now become friends on Facebook, which I think is amazing. From one small challenge a whole other area of activity has opened up, and one of the contestants, Rich, has even set me a challenge! I can see this particular challenge extending into a larger project, I have something up my sleeve. (There seems to be a taboo about talking about using Facebook as if its 'not proffesional', well it’s just added a whole new dimension to my practice!) For the November challenge I have choose the following: 'Go to a crowded but unfamiliar street (ideally in a town away from where you live) Gather a crowd of twenty or more people around you, any way you can. Challenge by Martin Reed' By the end of November I seemed to have a reasonable selection of challenges, which really I could have chosen any of. The choice was split between the above, sneaking an art work into the British Art Show, lighting candles and making people pray, and constructing a weaving out of peoples shoe laces. Incidentally all of which made me laugh in some way. I have finally begun to order the materials for some of the challenges that are still pending. This coincided with being paid which always helps. The weather at the moment is perfect for the September challenge to celebrate the aviator Helen Dutrieu, so I need to get a move on before all the snow disappears. I have a feeling I am probably the only person thinking that now. With it being December this is the final opportunity to challenge me, so do email a challenge to mail@ameliabeavisharrison.com incidentally I already have my first December challenge already.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 18 days and counting until I will no longer be choosing challenges for the 2010 Challenge. On December 31st at midnight the submissions will come to an end. I do and will still however have five challenges to complete. I had hoped to have got back on track by having some free time but the snow has meant that the Royal Mail haven’t managed to get my deliveries to me quickly. I have three collection calling cards to take to the post office when I have a free moment, to collect my parcels. Despite Christmas I may actually be able to get some work done this weekend, and that’s a good feeling. It feels a little bit naughty still having challenges going back as far as August to make, but at least they are well thought out. I have almost all the materials except some starch spray and potentially a fabric hole punch gizmo. I have been writing down the challenges I receive in a small book, and am pleased to say I only have three pages left. Ideally I will receive exactly three challenges before 31st December, but that’s wishful thinking. It will be over or under. If you do have a challenge email one to mail@ameliabeavisharrison.com From all the work I make I intend to exhibit the documentation and products at some point next year. I would also like to make a publication. In the New Year I need to begin trying to find a gallery to take the show on, which currently I haven’t begun, although I realise I should have done this before the project began. Bring on the challenges!!   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 I have had a set back with the September challenge. After being happy that all my deliveries of various materials all finally arrived and that I had some free time, things were starting to go well. That was until I crystallised my feathers. For the September challenge I am creating a kite that will be part made of red feathers. The challenge was to celebrate the achievements of Helene Dutrieu as an aviator. Early in her career she got the nick name 'Girl Hawk' which became my starting point for the work. It was by chance when researching hawks that I discovered a kite called the Hawk and from there my idea grew. I am working on top of the original Hawk kite to create a new interpretation of Helene's work, a new Girl Hawk. The kite will be covered in red feathers (a symbol of courage). It was at this point things started to go wrong. I set about dying my feathers and had done research into how this may be achieved, and what to not do such as use boiling water. Despite my best efforts the feathers have crystallised and really can’t be used on the kite. I had no idea feathers could crystallise until it happened, although with the right chemical reaction I am sure most things can. In other news the August challenge, of constructing a shirt without needle work is going well. I have currently got the body work and two lengths for the sleeves pinned out. I am now at the stage of starching the sleeves into the shape that I need and then attaching the whole thing together, and this is the tricky bit, so there is time for it to go wrong still. I do hope it doesn’t. I now only have two pages in my challenge book to fill, and in twelve days there will be no time left to submit challenges!      ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 My blog and project is a year old to the day. This time last year I was about to start the 2010 Challenge project. I had assumed that it would be almost over at this point in 2011. In reality I am just over half way. I still have all the art works from August to December to complete. I am hoping to complete the August Challenge in the next few days which will mean there will be less works to make. It would appear that my practice can not sustain making one art work a month at this point in time. Although that is down to the types of art work I make, and how much time I choose to spend on each piece, its a self imposed limitation. I am surprised that very few of the challenges I have received have been time limited in any way, especially as that is a huge part of the project. I have now received the final challenge for the project which seems like a fitting challenge to finish with: December Challenge'Celebrate new year's eve as if it would be already Friday, December 31st of the year 9999. Invite people living already in the future.'Challenged by Julian Klein The challenge is also some what reminiscent of the January Challenge, which had a guest list and feels event based in a similar way. The two remaining challenges for the project are to finish the production of all work and find a venue to show the concluded exhibition of work and documentation. Happy New Year!    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 I have completed the August Challenge, which was from the famous Simon and Garfunkel song Scarborough Fair; to sow a cambric shirt with out seams on needlework. Despite taking me the best part of five months to realise I have thoroughly enjoyed it. The research process took me on an exciting journey to Elizabethan France at the time cambric was inaugurated, through to the then present French monarchy and Elizabethan fashion. The end result is a shirt for King Henry the III of France and Poland, who was chosen due to his turbulent relationship to the Poles who believed him to be vain. The shirt is in a traditional Elizabethan style and uses ribbon as the bind between fabric sections instead of sowing. More information on this can be found on my site www.ameliabeavisharrison.com The research process is something I plan to take further into my current practice, and has also fed into how I began to research the September challenge, of celebrating one of the early female aviators. The next mountain to climb is completing this work. After getting over the initial feather fiasco (dying feathers and them crystallising, they are to be attached to a kite) I ordered 100 more, which were actually red. The only down side is they are about 10 cm tall and will probably only cover the tips of the kite. This is becoming quite a drawn out process with the feathers, which is surprisingly costing a lot. I have a deadline for the challenge now, as the challenger has suggested it could be a part of a digital festival he is involved with in March. The time frame should be fine, but as I have learnt from this whole process it is quite hard to make 12 art works in a year, at least it is for me anyway. Only four more challenges to complete, and a venue to find to take the show, and some funding to find to make a publication...  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Progress! I have begun work on the Red Kite work for the September Challenge. Eventually the piece will be a video, however I initially need to make the components to the work. The red kite is made from an existing kite called the Hawk, it is then modified with red feathers. I bought 240 red duck feathers and have been attaching them to the frame work over the weekend. I am please with how it is beginning to look, however 240 feathers only cover a sixth of the kites surface at most. I have ordered a further 240. The website I am buying them off must be supplying to me alone, as every time I need feathers I buy all they have in stock, and I can’t find them cheaper anywhere else. I am also beginning to wander if this compromises my morals, as I question how the feathers were obtained.   I think I may have missed the ideal weather for filming in so will have to rely heavily on the editing process. I am going to need some help with this as my computer is not sophisticated enough to cope with the software I need. I plan to employ my friend to help with this, but have yet to ask him. I also want to edit the footage in a very particular way which I am unsure even exists as a function. Similar to the techniques employed by Photoshop I would like to use colour effects with selected areas throughout the piece, which I plan to be 2.5 hours long.   If you know of any good film editors do let me know. Email mail@ameliabeavisharrison.com  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Tomorrow at 5.15pm on BBC1 you are invited to watch the June Challenge live. I will be appearing on the Weakest Link to complete the challenge set by Anneka French; to appear on a TV quiz show or game show to test my knowledge. If you miss it you can catch up on BBC I Player. I filmed the episode back in November so am looking forward to see how it appears once edited. On the day of filming they filmed three episodes, each one requires rehearsal, re-takes, make-up, hair, wardrobe and a whole host of other adventures you would never know went into half an hour of TV! The red kite I am making now has 480 feathers on it, and the stockist has run out! This means I have to upgrade to 12packs of larger red feathers. My partner pointed out that there have been so many things that have gone wrong with this particular piece it seems a bit of a mess. Hopefully when I come to shoot the film it will all fit into place. Here is to hoping any how.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Blink and you’ve missed it. My fifteen minuets on prime time TV came and went quickly. I reached the third round of the Weakest Link before being voted off. I will post the video made from the appearance once I have finished the edit. Another quick flying project was Red Kite, as suspected with this project it didn’t quite go to plan. I eventually managed to finish the kite with several feather variations adorning it. It would appear that I have bought most of the online feather market, they will have to re-stock now. I am making the film of Red Kite with a Nottingham based film maker called Sam Mercer, who also runs Tether. I am paying him via a skill swap. We went to film on Friday, but at 13.00 the wind dropped to one knot, as you can imagine one knot isn’t enough to even rustle leaves, let alone fly a kite. The second attempt was this morning, and Sam and I decided to instead of making the film 2.5 hours we would create a 25 min film. The reason for this was that none of the project has particularly gone to plan, and the ending of the project was no different. The kite was too heavy to fly, and continually nose dived. It is possible that a better kite flyer would have succeeded. The wind seemed sufficient however I am incapable of truly launching the kite, even when following instructions. I think the failure was to be expected to some extent, but success would of course have been better. I have yet to see the footage but am looking forward to seeing it from Sam. Now onto the next challenge ...  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 I haven’t posted in over a month, I think it’s because my momentum has slowed some what. I have completed the September challenge, not desperately successful, but completed none the less. I attempted to fly a kite for 2.5 hours to celebrate the achievements of one of the first female aviators. I could barley get the kite flying let alone for 2.5 hours. The resulting film is 25mins long, and is going to be shown as a part of the Format Festival, in a location in Burton Upon Trent. For the subsequent challenges I have changed my approach to making. October, November and December have still to be completed. I have decided to focus on attempting to get them into festivals etc as proposals for new work. The rational really is that my concept for the October challenge is going to be out of my budget and I really could use some assistance. In a nut shell I want to raise awareness of the use of unethically and at times illegally obtained hair for hair extensions and in doing so I want to open my own unethical salon. By doing this I hope to catch people off guard and give them a moment to ponder the reality of a fashion we are being encouraged to follow as consumers of celebrity culture. So from here on out my challenges are attempting to work their way into programmes. It’s not something I am necessarily that good at achieving so I will have to up my game if I am to complete this project and the challenges. Incidentally I have had one 'no' so far, but you have to have a few no’s before you get a yes. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876 Unbelievable we are over half way through 2011 and I am still finishing a project with the end date being the last day in 2010. Never the less I have completed the first stage of the November Challenge, which was to amass a crowd. I took part in the STOFF Festival in the Kulturhuset in Stockholm, the idea being I would form a flashmob, by canvassing for participants and then indicating the action was to being. I the number I had been set to gather was 20, and 3 participated. That is despite giving the seated audience instructions prior to going on stage. The challenge has inevitably failed, although it did produce a performance I am happy with that relied heavily on instruction and the way people choose to interact with instructions, or not as the case may be. I think I will re-try the performance in the UK, but take away the instruction, and change the tact of the piece to become a visual spectacle. The piece changes dramatically, simply leaving a performer waving a flag at an audience, however it changes to something that is worth questioning, and that is the publics engagement with simplistic movements in a public environment and their viewing of them as entertainment or not. This would be more of an experiment than a street performance, as being a dancing monkey doesn’t interest me and would detract from any artistic merit the piece may or may not have.I am still in the process of attempting to get the ethical hair piece programmed, the performance is there, it just needs to take place, almost there!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/591876