ARTISTS TALKING

# 239 [28 July 2011]

We have enough files to prop up a small table. Tonight we sift through for details we may need tomorrow.

Sweeper clauses, a Part 36 and CPR are terms I would rather not learn. I'm picking up lawyer speak and becoming more familar with the language.

# 238 [21 July 2011]

Line by line, we are examining the lease ready for next Friday. Although we are representing ourselves we have sought Counsel's opinon to ensure we are on the right track. As well as focussing on the detail, we also recognise the importance of looking at the document as a whole. Jem has purchased a book on legal cases relating to service charge and we discuss, disect and dream about the service charge every day.

The Swedish show is down and Richard Boyle, an ex HMS artist will be artist in residence during the next few weeks. We have missed his quirky original juxtaposed images in his space and looking forward to seeing the Exhibition Space transformed a la Boyle. I hope he brings Mrs Doubtfire!

# 237 [18 July 2011]

Litigation is definitely not one of the 'top 10 things to do before I die'.

The case mangement conference is a week on Friday. We live in a bubble and sometimes it is difficult to feel the temperature outside. I know there are much worse things going on in the world, but this is case is all consuming.

We will be facing 2 judges because the solicitor for the other side is Stepehen Wrigley, a part-time judge. His partner David Smith is the company solicitor and as well as the company secretary for the Harrington Factory Company. A bit complicated.

# 236 [15 July 2011]

This is very important! All studio providers should check whether or not they qualify for small business rates relief. At the moment small businesses in premises with a rateable value less than £6000 per annum qualify for 100% reduction. Yes it is free rates for 2011-12. Normally, there would be a 50% reduction but the government has temporarily increased the relief until Oct 2012. This means a reduction in next year's rates too. More details can be found on the Business Link website which explains it much better than me.

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1086075891&type=RESOURCES

My friend is the new studio manager of a studio group and I mentioned this to her. The studios operates as a business (rather than a charity) and she was unaware that the group qualified for a reduction. As the relief is backdated April 2010 they also stand to get a refund.

# 235 [5 July 2011]

Barton House in Chilwell is onyl 10 minutes from the studio. 5 of us from HMS went to look round today as we are considering putting forward a proposal for the Carnival of Monsters - a festival of contemporary arts to be held in Oct. I have to admit the title didn't inspire but having visited the site I'm absolutely won over. http://www.carnivalofmonsters.co.uk/

From domestic spaces to massive industrial huts, the buildings will provide fantastic environments for large-scale installations in airy Barton Hall and Docking Shop 2 whilst more intimate work will suit Trent Villas.

The biggest problem is the short time frame. I am currently involved in 3 different projects on 3 different continents - all to be finished by Nov. Oh and a court case.

# 234 [28 June 2011]

The Swedish show looks amazing and we were really hoping for a good turnout on Sunday. Sunshine, happy people and a great exhibition meant we all had a party.

Torbjorn and Eva stayed over for a few days and it has been great rediscovering local attractions. We drove over to Sherwood Forest and the Major Oak at the end of a busy day. We weren't disappointed in the old oaks that have been around for 800yrs.

I bought a booklet on Southwell Minster as my knowledge is sketchy and it is always a good place to take visitors,

# 233 [24 June 2011]

I've just left David, Sarah and the Gotland artists mid flow - installing the show opening this Sunday. The Exhibition Space has seen a variety of hangs but this one is v different. 30 artists, members of the Gocart Gallery have made work inspired by the sea. An island of work suspnded at various heights from the ceiling, hover and float above eye level.

Only a few pieces were installed, inlcuding a pair of buckets welded together and covered in teats alongside a beautifully crafted black leather fish. Can't wait to see th rest!

# 232 [21 June 2011]

Blimey, the crate from Gotland arrived today. I wasn't around to receive it but it has been carefully unpacked and dismantled. 30 artists are showing work and apparently the contents are v interesting.

www,harringtonmllstudios.co.uk

# 231 [16 June 2011]

We tested the Old Theatre Deli tapas last night for the'Drink and Draw' event to be held in September by Southwell Artists. The food was delicious and the service excellent. We needed somewhere to seat 100 people so the Deli ticks all the boxes.

The event will take place in September and we hope to sell tickets at about £10 - £12/head to include one tapas and a glass of wine. The idea is to move round the table and draw our neighbours. I missed the previous D & D as it took place before I joined the group. By all accounts everyone had a great time.

# 230 [11 June 2011]

CRazy week. 3 pvs and 2 birthdays has meant 5 evenings out.

The first pv was last Saturday to see Sheila Ravnkilde's work in a 2-person show at the Tarpey.

48 boxes in an array of colours/surfaces are arranged in a grid... this piece hums and the colours sing. Whilst I have seen the work in the context of the studio, this piece is site specific. The scale perfectly suits the intimate gallery space. There are subtle surprises including shadows cast by the boxes. The place was packed so I'm going back for another look.

The other pvs were both degree shows in Nottingham.

Nottingham University runs a part time degree course and this years Fine Art show is at the Djanogly Gallery. Briefly ... Paula Mcann's pin drawing and her cascading wall piece are highlights. Though generally I think the work is mature, well considered and thoughtful. Good show. One obesrvation though - it is quite monochromatic.

The final show at Notts Trent on the other hand is youthful, edgy and on the verge...

Alex Pain's sculpture's are beautifully executed - taming his materials in an unexpected and seductive way.

Painting or rather the material qualities of paint are deconstructed by several students. Manipulating, sculpting, animating, dripping and dropping - this traditional medium is being abused in a healthy manner.

I only managed a breif snapshot of the show because I was late-ish and met a lot of friends at the event. But I thoroughly enjoyed the energy, variety and intelligent offerings.

I have to say I am slightly disappointed at the lack of painting. Maybe there will be a serious rebellion and watercolours will make a comeback ;)