I felt it was time to start a new blog to chart how I am getting on in my new adventure up north. I am particularly interested in considering how an art practice can benefit from being pursued outside of the art saturated market in London, as well as the high costs of living that we are all to familiar with in the Capital.
After nearly two years of humming and hawwing, my partner and I decided to make the move to Manchester after a residency in China during June and July 2011. I was attracted to the city for its positive and welcoming art scene, it is nearer to my family in Scotland, as well as his family in Cheshire, the architecture and local histories and lower cost of studios and property.
So far I have been to-ing and fro-ing a little from London, due to a solo show, and some freelance work. As of next week, I will be based in Manchester on a weekly basis, and I am really looking forward to it. I will be back down to London for a talk, and installing a 2 person show at Hatch Space in Deptford in October. Otherwise, I am hoping to soak up the benefits of localism.
