I’m happy to have finished the residency – it’s been great, and I was ready to go – but I am sad to be finishing my blog. It has felt very special to be part of this artists community and I have really appreciated the comments that I have received, and the knowledge that my progress has been watched by other people.
I came into the residency with three main fears, that I would not be able to cope without the support I had as a student, that my work wouldn’t be appreciated or understood, and that I wouldn’t be able to generate ideas.
I’ve discovered that all those fears were unfounded. I have become an independent artist during these last four months, and produced new work that engaged people. I feel very lucky to have had the chance so early on to prove to myself that I can do it. And I hope that I will be able to use this good experience to keep my confidence during the inevitable challenges ahead.
This week I have been setting up a studio in my house – which I hope will work out – though I’ve never worked at home before. I have research visits booked for March and April to start learning about Victorian underwear construction.
I’ve been asked to do an installation for the newly re-opening Platt Hall Costume Museum with another ex-Embroidery student. The work will be there from March to September. It will be great exposure. And there is the Stroud International Textile Festival in May, and a gallery interested in showing my work next year. So a few things to keep me busy…
…and maybe to write about in a new blog. But in the meantime, goodbye, and thanks for reading.
You can see more of my work on my website www.annieharrison.co.uk
