Finally. Finally! Back into the studio, producing work. It feels great to have re-established a studio routine this past week after an exceptionally busy summer with other commitments.
This evening sees the launch of the Deptford X festival; Bob & Roberta Smith is the lead artist and this year’s theme is the Value of Art. My thoughts are again focused on my 10×10 project and the whole issue of value and worth – value in relation to humanity and all the amazing possibilities that can bring – it’s been there in a lot of the stories people have so generously shared. This is the part of my work that excites me and makes it feel worthwhile; it also reminds me how keen I am to resurrect 10×10.
As the government continues to threaten and impose yet further cutbacks on public funding and the gap between the rich and poor in this country grows ever wider, the whole theme of value and worth continues to be a pertinent issue.
In sweet serendipity, this article appeared in this morning’s Guardian. An American friend of mine has been talking about The Burning Man festival ever since I launched 10×10 in 2008. I can but dream of taking 10×10 there one day. For now, it’s back to the studio to work on a personal response to this year’s Deptford X theme of the Value of Art.
