ARTISTS TALKING

# 249 [1 October 2011]

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.

# 248 [23 September 2011]

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 one
http://inhabitat.com/tag/mary-ellen-croteau/

# 247 [15 September 2011]

# 246 [10 September 2011]

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.

# 245 [7 September 2011]

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.

# 244 [31 August 2011]

http://www.helagotland.se/noje/default.aspx?articleid=7065533

We didn't mention the riots but I expect it sold newspapers ;/

# 243 [29 August 2011]

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!

# 242 [13 August 2011]

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!

# 241 [5 August 2011]

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!

# 240 [30 July 2011]

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.