I've completed my first week of doing a proper job and to be honest I am in a better frame of mind than I was last week.
I've managed to get into the studio just as much as I have previously been able to when I was not employed. Once my working hours have settled I should be able to get in even more. Good News!
I graduated this weekend which was a very strange day. It all seemed to go rather quickly and to be honest it didn't really seem like it was happening to me. I got my certificate and had some photos but I was a little dissapointed that I didn't get the chance to catch up with my fellow ex-students.
The graduation ball was dreadful. I think I am too old for nightclubs now. I would have much preferred a quieter, civilized affair.
I had a good painting session yesterday and managed to resolve a few problems with several paintings. I am still waiting for my money for materials, it seems that nothing has been done about it and it's going to be a while. At least I am getting paid now and should be able to buy some paint out of my own pocket.
It's been a slow start to the New Year, I have been into the studio a few times and I am managing to work on a few canvases at the moment. I am currrently having to be inventive with my colour mixing as I have run out of certain colours and don't have the money to replace them yet. (still waiting for my materials budget – I've chased again but no luck yet.
I've been looking at a proposal for a local initiative called re:place that will be a major project over the next 2 years in Derbyshire. The project will involve many artists in the region and promises to be an interesting one. I am putting forward a proposal for an exhibition out in the landscape. It's the first proposal of this kind that I have done so fingers crossed.
Thank you very much to Helen and Rob for your comments on my blog. It's great to know that people are actually reading what I write.
I've had to get a job to pay bills and also enable me to continue as an artist. It's a really difficult time for everyone at the moment, financially the World is in a mess and times are really difficult. The job is a full time position. It will be difficult but manageable.
The intention is to still get into the studio as much as I was (2-3 times a week) I was going into the studios early and late anyway which I will continue to do and also at weekends. I'm sure It will be extremely tiring to work and then go into the studio but I expect not too much different to looking after my son for the day and then going in. It isn't an ideal situation but I have responsibilities. Hopefully things will change in time.
An important thing for me is to continue going into the studio and continue in the residency. I need to keep making art, it's what I do.
