Slightly warily I’m going to start blogging again, after quite a long time off for me. I’m not wary because I doubt the value of it but more because I doubt where I’m actually going with it and fear that this rather energetic start might tail off to a rather disappointing, slightly pathetic ending.
The thing is I’m feeling quite optimistic at the moment. I’ve finished my MA, had a great time doing it and although it was a lot of twists and turns, regrets and doubts, I feel my work has real direction and focus.
Also – I have a plan! A clear objective about what I want to do and where I want to take my research (for the next few years at least anyway). I’m just trying to make it grow and blogging as I’ve found in the past is a good way to start nurturing those seedlings of ideas into first shoots.
Another thing is… I’m pregnant. Expecting baby’s arrival about the end of April. I am giddy with excitement about being a mum and having this new addition to our family but also slightly terrified at the responsibility and how I will make artist and mum compatible.
So with quite a bit of nervous energy I’m making my plans and hoping they work out.
And I’ve got a lot to work out before April. Studio, planning, funding, …nursery! Yiks.
Hopefully the studio is almost sorted, although there maybe a wait to move in and planning is pretty much underway in the sense that I’m able to write an outline and have a few meetings in the diary, funding is terrifying me though. I’m going for Arts Council funding, I have never done it before and was initially completely spooked by the forms and my statistical chances of getting it but after speaking to an encouraging man on the phone from their help desk I felt what the hell. If I don’t try, I don’t get! I like to think I’m realistic about it though and won’t be pinning all my hopes and dreams on their decision. So as well as a plan, there is also a contingency plan to work on (that’s a lot of planning!).
Lets hope it pays off.
