Being an artist-in-residence …

Next week I take up an artist’s residency for a week in the Turbine Room, at Blakes Lock. A very challenging opportunity in more ways than one. Being an artist is one thing. Transporting my studio from home and my space at The Jelly at first looks straight forward but may be tortuous as regards its volume and transport across town.  I am organised so hope I won’t forget the vital mechanics or items of structure. The dolls are ready to go but the other materials I require are another kettle of fish.  I will be in situ from 10 until 6, for 7 days that requires a lot of useful equipment to fill the time between visitors and filmmaking and is proving a logistical nightmare. It is the ‘residency’ bit and my personal requirements is bag of worms … a poor metaphor.  I will be going home at 6 o’clock but I function best with regular meals and while I am sure the Bel and Dragon nearby has a menu of delights it will be expensive and not compatible with my particular diet. Liquid refreshment is important too, but I only drink Chinese tea until gin o’clock and that needs careful brewing.  So, each day I will be bring a hamper of goodies to sustain me fully until a gin and tonic at home time.

Meanwhile, due a medical condition, visits to WC are frequent and not always planned and often urgent. Therefore, being out of my comfort zone takes on another meaning and requires decisive action.  Transporting all home facilities is not an option, nonetheless after years of experience of this malady, I have learned to cope.

On a lighter note … there is my apparel, I won’t be dragging my wardrobe on the bus that won’t be required. However, those who know me will understand, even with all the previous mentioned constraints, my outfits including hats and shoes with have to ready for all weather and all eventualities and considered as carefully as those for my dolls.

So while being an artist-in-residence seemed and remains  a good idea there is so much more to think about …