ARTISTS TALKING

# 133 [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.

# 132 [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.

# 131 [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 :)

# 130 [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.

# 129 [8 February 2010]

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 :)

# 128 [21 January 2010]

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.

# 127 [13 January 2010]

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.

# 126 [8 January 2010]

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.

# 125 [6 January 2010]

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.

# 124 [2 January 2010]

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.