ARTISTS TALKING

# 141 [9 March 2010]

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.

David has made the application - he is a real driving force behind HMS now - and so much appreciated.

# 140 [6 March 2010]

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.

# 139 [5 March 2010]

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.

# 138 [2 March 2010]

The papers are with the court. Allocation questionaire is filled in.  http://fds.oup.com/www.oup.co.uk/pdf/n150.pdf

# 137 [28 February 2010]

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.

# 136 [25 February 2010]

We went through the case again last night and John our solicitor is v impressed by Jem's knowledge. However, with a Part 36 to consider it is time to hand over to the expert. Apparently these documents to settle can be quite complicated and subtle. We don't want to be tripped up now. I referred to John as a Rotweiller but he's really v nice. I think litigants in person are viewed as tame so sending in a professional aat this stage sends out different signals.

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!

# 135 [24 February 2010]

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.

# 134 [23 February 2010]

'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.

# 133 [13 February 2010]

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 :)

# 132 [11 February 2010]

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.