ARTISTS TALKING

# 141 [18 March 2010]

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!

# 142 [22 March 2010]

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!

# 143 [24 March 2010]

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.

# 144 [29 March 2010]

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!

# 145 [3 April 2010]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw2xTkyDXaQ

# 146 [6 April 2010]

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.

# 147 [8 April 2010]

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.

# 148 [10 April 2010]

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.

# 149 [14 April 2010]

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.

# 150 [15 April 2010]

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