EXPERIMENTS AND RESEARCH OR JUST MESSING AROUND?

So I finally started working. I've strung several lengths of twine from one side of the studio to the other. I had to mark them with luminous electrical tape after an accident was narrowly averted. Handy household hint number 37. I'm not exactly sure why i have done this but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Maybe it cordons off some space, or fills some up without actually having to have much in it. Maybe it just lulls me into the sense that i have done something, i am making progress, i am on my way...wherever that is. I say twine because that's what it is. I like the word and i like the quality, not that string doesn't have its own place and virtues, but twine...... it's not just the word, it's the way it smells, the way it sounds and feels. Nothing can beat a really good quality twine. 

I have also been doing varying experiments with PVA. This ranges from the high quality to the cheap and cheerful nursery school stuff. These experiments have involved just making lots of mess and testing how it falls, sticks, peels off, that kind of thing. This needs a lot more work or just ditching. On the other hand similar efforts with acrylic inks and paints have been much more encouraging.

I seem to be slowly succeeding in filling the space. I went round the local hardware cathedral and woolies .....my first alphabet...tapes and adhesives of every variety...buying what seemed inspirational stuff.

I guess the over-riding thing has just been playing. I don't think we play enough as adults and its over all too soon for kids these days. I mean that non directive imaginative free play thing. So yeah, research or messing around. Where do you draw the line and what's the difference?

Studio Virgin

I have a workshop at home which I am totally comfortable working in. It's in an old stable with a 3/4 wall and a horse in the stall next door. It's also definitely more of a summer space than a winter one, though i have just rendered it waterproof. A timely occurence given the grey skies and relentless rain. As a space it's versatile, doesn't matter if it gets dirty, well ventilated for resin work and other toxic substances. A studio though,white, pristine, empty. And what's more is....I have never worked in a studio before. I am unfamiliar in it's shape and form. It is uncomfortably empty. I am a hoarder, a filler of space with junk, trinkets, things which may come in handy. So how am I going to work in it? How will I make the most of the opportunity? I hope the hows and the whats do not render me the rabbit in the headlights. How do I make it mine (or the part of it which is mine as i am to share with George for the duration....the space is ample enough to accomodate two easily). Already nearly a month is gone and christmas looms. Due to the delays i took on another project...compiling and editing a book which has eaten in to the available time. Also i live nearly 40 miles from the studio which is another consideration. However that rural -urban split may well be a source of inspiration.

THE WAYGOOD SITUATION

About two months ago I was fortunate enough to be offered a studio space at Waygood Studios in Newcastle. Along with this offer came rent a rent free space for 6 months and a small budget. The budget maybe small but the studio is huge, as is the opportunity. Along with the studio comes Joe and Tony who will be mentoring me during my time at Waygood. As with a lot of things in the art world things got delayed a tad, but as of 13th November I am in. The only problem now is what to do.

I would not be in this position if it were not for Vici at Arcadea who offered me the space after Waygood had approached her. So thanks Vici.