Takahuhti Research Residency

This morning seems a good time to start packing for my trip. Why is it when everything is out of the suitcase it looks impossible for it all to fit in? Although magically it does…I need this evening to finish off my presentation, as I will only have an iPad with me. At the residency there is no WIFI, which limits how I can show my presentation with video. I will be hiring a projector when I am there and it can be connected to the iPad, I just need to buy the adapter for this today from the Apple store. All my t-shirts are now produced and I intend to change them during my artist talk. I want my talk to be part informative part performative. Showing what’s underneath the t-shirt/façade is an action I like to use in my work. My partner designed and printed some business cards, which only cost £10 for 100. I just felt that I needed something small to give to people that had my contact information on and my blog address. Even though I am travelling with a baby I still want to travel as light as possible. Thankfully we can take an extra bag on the plane for baby that means I can get the rest of his bits and pieces in. I am pleased to say that I have been commissioned by PANDA the performing arts network to write a report about the Tampere performance scene (http://www.panda-arts.org.uk). I am really happy to have this support and belief in my project. Producing a report will also be a nice progression in my writing that all started by regularly blogging on a-n (https://www.a-n.co.uk/person/nicola-smith/).

I have been prepping for my artist talk researching images of past work and the Manchester art scene. I always find that I need to start a fresh when putting together a new presentation. Selecting the right pieces to talk about and interweaving it with my current project is very much a creative process I enjoy doing. I got my printed banner back and I am really pleased with how it looks. Good graphic design always gives me a boost of confidence. Today I have been testing out colourful stickers, which will be used to fill in the crest. I thought this would be a nice way to engage people with the banner so they have a choice to either write on it or colour in.

A little good news I received on Thursday, I will be getting support from Lancashire Cakes that will be supplying me with free Eccles cakes. I wanted a traditional Manchester cake to give out as free samples for people who contribute to my research. I may have some more good news with support for my trip, however I am still waiting on confirmation. My family has been amazing and contributed money towards my material costs. Alongside the arty stuff I also have to plan taking everything I need for my 6-month-old baby. I really wanted to pack as light as possible but I think I will have to buy a bigger suitcase now the family has grown. During the residency my husband will be looking after baby Cassius and I can’t wait to have full days to focus on my project.

Even though I didn’t get ACE funding I am managing to get little bits of help which will get this project started. If I got my ACE application in sooner I could of amended a section and re-submitted but I have just run out of time, for this part anyway. However depending on the response I get in Finland I intend to re-apply when I get back.