Swansea Metropolitan University

Well, i left it an extremely long time again before i posted a blog. Old habits dont die fast.

So, the assesment was last wednesday, the external assesment on thursday (and i was chosen to be spoken to) and the opening night was Friday!

I arrived at university at 6:30pm to switch on my video installations and get ready for the opening at 7. My room had all the lights switched on, none of the projections on and the door was unlocked – i was not impressed at all. Especially since i left the room locked, if they had the thought process to unlock the door noted "Do not unlock" they could have at least switch the work on! Excuse the french but "For Fucks Sake!" was going through my mind. It wouldn't have been such a problem but people were already wondering around the exhibition, a fair few people – since 6pm!!!! Thats when the photography degree show opened upstairs and no-one decided to man our doors or even say something to the people wondering around (or even think to get hold of me or switch on my work) … instead they merrily sat at the bar drinking.

I had wanted to the night to be a celebration together, but i couldn't help feeling that people were being very self-involved. Looking back at all the work and considering if it was worth it – i'm not sure what i would say but I don't think i ever want to be in an exhibition with so many different artists again… unless it is organised by an external body. It is so much work to do, and i take my hat off to curators.

But on the positive side of things, i was really happy with my work. There was a nice buzz was the exhibition was in full swing – i spoke to a lot of people about my work and i had time to catch up with my family and friends. I spoke to a few people that were draw in by "Reflections", the technical side of "Reflections" had really intrigued them. Which was a great compliment to me, as i want to develop my work with the intention of pushing video installation to be executed in interesting ways. On top of all that a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders, and what a weight!!!

I feel so rested this weekend, and ready to get into the paper work – admin side of art while i invigilate my area of the show. Got a couple of proposals i've been asked to write up from some galleries near by and a portfolio to put together. Be nice to let my body heal from all the bumps and bruises i received during the exhibition build too.

I hope everyone enjoys their opening nights, its a great end to the mayhem.

The catalogue hasn't arrived yet, but the invites have, and i'm now waiting on my business cards to be delivered.

My exhibition pieces look as if they are coming together, or at least that they will in time for my assessments.

Even though i have little spare time, i've volunteered to help out with this years Art Across the City in Swansea. Locws have been really good, Grace is absolutely marvelous, ive enjoyed helping Megan Broadmeadow install Ship-Shape – shes really nice, and it's been really great talking to the public while invigilating. So even though im squeezing it in, its been great fun and well worth it.

I want to continue being a part of events like this around South Wales, and after my degree i will hopefully have time to do so. My last shift with Locws is tomorrow, and my parents are also coming up – so i can show them around and my dad is handy on Monday for any last min building i need a hand with.

Next week is going to be so busy, i need to find the energy from somewhere… i might invest in some super-power caffeine drinks.

so we managed to get a good quote on exactly what we wanted for our catalogue, around £1,400 delivered. IMEX were really helpful, and even showed us around the workshop. If i need anything printed ever again im going back there!!!!

The delivery date is 19th May, 3 days before our opening. *nail biting time* though i keep telling myself it will all be fine, (lying to myself seems to be the only way of keeping me in one piece at the moment).

On top of the degree show opening soon, assessments etc, i've decided to fully move in with my boyfriend… yeah so im also moving house at the same time.

Why do i put myself through the stress? I seem to love making sure every second my my day is filled with things to do.

Anyway, i wondered over to my old house to pick up any mail (as it was a nice day and i was avoiding uni work). AND…. *exciting pause*…. i got a letter from Eisteddfod, saying that ive been shortlisted for the young artist scholarship 2009. Im thrilled, but i'm trying not to get over excited as i need to pay attention to my work at hand, rather than putting a portfolio together for the next selection stage.

Here comes the sun, little darling, here comes the sun and i say – it's alright.