Yesterday was the first day of working on our own stuff, there was a really productive atmosphere in the studio with everyone settling in and getting going. My usual difficulty with getting settled at the begining of a project was there, but I got some drawings done that I am pleased with and clarified whihc ideas I would like to pursue. We have quite a short space of time so it is important to have a clear idea to be moving forward with.
In the evening we went out to some private views, I made contact with a owner of an artist books shop and several local artists. We ended up at the Grayson Perry opening at Victoria Miro, which was my first big name PV. I learnt a lot just watching the interactions of people around us, becoming familiar with some important faces in the crowd.
Yesterday we had lectures in the morning and presentations in the afternoon again.
In the morning we talked about international galleries and opportunities, which has inspired me to possible pursue more opportunites in Finland or maybe start forging links with Germany
My presentation was first in the afternoon, and I recieved some really useful feedback. People suggested I should investigate the Kinsey Institute Gallery space who take open submissions and also the Centre for Recent Drawing in London. I recieved lots of generally positive comments and hope that during the next few weeks we will all engage in some really constructive critique now that we are getting to see everyones work.
After me Kirsty Harris, Hana Melly and Suisie Mendelsson
Kirsty’s work was exsquite, beautiful miniture paintings of people, but she also has a real sense of humour other works which I enjoyed.
I was inspired by Hana’s drive to create, even with little time avalible to her, she seems to forge on through ideas always striving for the next developement
Susies work I found very interesting, she challengers herself creatively, never letting herself get comfortable, this gives all her work the excitement of discovery.
http://susiemendelsson.co.uk/
http://kirstyharris.com/
Monday
We had an interesting lecture that gave an overview of the art world from Matt. It was really useful to have all the information compiled and laid out methodically, felt I gained a better understanding of how things connect together and what roles people have.
Tuesday
I the morning we had a lecture about British galleries and East/North London galleries. Really interesting stuff that has got me questioning were my work might fit in the gallery system. I have realised that I need to do some extended research and make a solid plan about what routes and galleries I wish to focus on.
In the afternoon we heard from three fellow participants, Catrine Bodum, David Chalkley and Laurie Nouchka
I was really impressed by Catrine’s clear understanding of her creative process and identity
David’s work I found very interesting, beautiful visual and conceptual twists that are very satisfying and beautiful
The work Laurie has in mind is a large scale site responsive piece which is very ambious, but she has the drive and collaborative skills to get stuff done.
I have already gained valuable lessons and reflections from finding out about other people’s practice, so I am really looking forward to finding out more about everybody.
http://www.catrinebodum.com/
http://www.davidchalkley.co.uk/David_Chalkley_Selected_Portfolio/home.html
http://www.laurienouchka.com/
For all those who are planning to come to the private view on 5th July here is a link to the “First Thursday” event that sees loads of galleries openings happening on one night:
http://www.firstthursdays.co.uk/
Great place to plan a “gallery crawl”;)
Well, all settled in at a great value place, anyone in need of a place to stay for a residency would do well to check out the Wimdu site!
Had time to go to the British Museum yesterday, checked out all the exhibitions but for me the highlights were the Enlightenment room and the Asia collections.
Particularly captured by a drawing of a flower arrangement in the Japan gallery, perfectly balance shapes and textures radiating from a central point…
Went into the local later on, a proper British pub! (see picture, and please excuse the blur, my camera phone is scratched so I have permanent 70s soft focus mode)
