Tuesday 1.2.11
Drive over to Tuffley to visit pupils at St Peter’s High. they are a delightful group of youngsters who are very enthusiastic for the Gloucester Railways Station mural project. Sarah, their head of art I’m sure has inspired this. She has a really good way of talking to them and I’m impressed by the serious way each group discusses the project and with their vibrant preliminary designs. It’s really good to meet her again, the first time was when she came to the opening of my exhibition at Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery in 2006, Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained which was a collaboration between Robert Fripp’s Soundscapes and my visual images. She says her husband was very pleased to have seen Toyah there, he sounds to be a great music enthusiast.
Back through Cheltenham for a quick shopping spree where I buy some blue boots and am served by a most intriguing French woman who looks just as if she’s stepped out of a Toulouse Lautrec painting. A wonderfully chic exaggerated hairstyle worn up with two ornaments holding it up at the back. Quite curvaceous in her tight black bodice and skirt which emphasised her rounded bottom but the most fascinating part was perhaps the curved calves in black boots with tiny feet and little heels. I feel sure she must have slipped out of a canvas in some French museum.
Back to work in studio.
Wednesday 2.2.11
Many calls from Rob re the shipping and delivery of two paintings he has sold from the art fair. There’s other correspondence that I also need to reply to so don’t get into the studio until the afternoon. Distressing to hear that the demonstrations in Egypt have become violent as supporters of Mubarrak have started hurling stones at the peaceful anti government protesters. I was particularly disturbed to hear that pieces of concrete were being pushed off roofs onto the crowd below; Nathan when he had described Cairo to us, after working there on a film in the summer, had particularly mentioned the concrete debris on the rooftops.
Thursday 3.2.11
E mail from Ernest Cantillon - owner of Ireland’s oldest bar, Sober Lane opened in 1126 - saying that the two enormous prints look great ta. He also has a Cantilever bar as designed by friend and collector Simon Knowles.
I’ve been so enjoying listening to Radio 4s late night reading at 12.30 of the new just published Periodic Tales by Hugh Aldersey-Williams based on the elements, particularly their coverage of those that have provided artists’ colours such as cadmium, cobalt, titanium and lead. The writer visits Cornelissen, my London suppliers, who were established in 1855. Interestingly they received their first gold medal in 1867 in Paris which bears the head of Napoleon 3rd and the second ten years later by which time it bears the head of Liberty as France had become a Republic - one recalls that the artist Courbet with the backing of the Commune dismantled the column in Place Vendome with its bronze statue of Napoleon but in 1874 after the suppression of the Commune it was ordered to be re-erected with Courbet paying the cost of over 300000 francs which he was ordered to pay in yearly instalments of 1000 francs. So he went into exile in Switzerland where he died before making a payment. After this rather bloody revolution Sacre Coeur was built high on Montmartre as a healing symbol for the nation.
Friday 4.2.11
R’s working on one of his stout double boxes for the painting that Rob sold from the art fair to travel to Nicosia. He’d also sold a very big piece which then turned out to be too large for the allocated space so is now in the process of trying to place another smaller work and also has a client interested in the third work. So he’s feeling very pleased.
Saturday 5.2.11
Working on the Gandhi commission and starting others.
Sunday 6.2.11
ditto
Monday 7.2.11
ditto
Tuesday 8.2.11
Drive in to the Park Campus of the University for a meeting with Dr Paul Hartley, vice chancellor, Ben Calvert Dean of the Arts and Media Faculty, Nick Sergeant head of Art & Design, Paul Drake head of Communications, Nigel Wichall head of Estates and good friend Beverley Hodson who is on the University Council. It’s very kind of them to invite us to give our thought and ideas about the big move of Arts & Media from the Pittville site to three other University campuses. There have been a lot of sad feelings amongst some staff, students and the arts community, many of whom like me have studied there. But after these discussions where it is explained that it would cost more to put right premises that are no longer fit for purpose, than to move into Cheltenham to a spot that is close to where the old art school was. Cheltenham has always had a high reputation which I’m sure it will take with it. My other fear was that courses might be cut but apart from losing the Foundation (due to Government policy) everything else stays and there is even talk of bringing back the Fashion course (when they can find space for it). They are full of excitement for the new campus and facilities which I have to admit look good on the plans and Paul has suggested that when work has commenced we can have a ‘hard hat’ tour and again on completion. He is very generous in asking for any thoughts and ideas so there is everything to play for. I’m able to suggest that perhaps they make links with the Pangolin Foundry as there is not a sculpture course as such but installation is included in the Fine Art, Painting & Drawing. I do point out that it’s all very clean and that one of the things I used to find exciting was seeing the plaster dust on the boots of the sculpture department and Nick makes a relevant comment about the dust not being good for photography which runs three successful degrees in Fine Art photography, photo journalism, editorial and advertising. I suggest they could incorporate a gallery on the Hardwick site by building something White Cube-like with just walls and a glass roof. I’m rather pleased and surprised that thought is being given to the suggestion and the Estates man also felt it was a possibility even when we discussed funding, especially if it became a community space for performance as well and would serve multi purposes including bringing in school children etc. from the outside. So I’m hopeful that good things are going to grow from this two hour meeting. Ben and Nick are certainly full of excitement for the future of the arts faculty in its new form.
So after having been very worried I’m now feeling optimistic and excited.
Early evening see my lovely frame maker John, who has walked up through the village with Richard.
Wednesday 9.2.11
Quite a lot of day spent on correspondence. Phone call from Rob in the evening - he’s still working with a client from the art fair re. placing one of my works in her collection.
Thursday 10.2.11
Much correspondence to do during the day so it’s late again when I get into the studio.
The Egyptians have congregated in even greater numbers in Tahrir Square. The army had told them that if they would get all that they want today but when President Mubarak makes his speech he is still determined to stay until September. So there is great dismay amongst the protesters. It is a fascinating phenomenon that those in power, including our own Prime Ministers and people at higher levels in large organisations or industries, are nearly always reluctant to go. We cling on to the threads even when it would be more honourable and magnanimous to stand down. How much nicer to be painting one’s reactions to it all in the solitude of my studio.
Friday 11.2.11
Tearful jubilation and congratulations to the noble Egyptians on their magnificent historic achievement. Yesterday I was fearful but today I feel a huge warmth for the Egyptians whose perseverance has paid off, spurred on by success of the Tunisian people’s peaceful revolution. Egypt too has ousted its dictator president. So now one prays it will be a peaceful transition.
The Gandhi commission absorbs all my energy - worked intensively right through the day until when I quit at 1.30 am. R tells me I’ve made very good progress.
Saturday 12.2.11
Again working on the Gandhi commission intensely till early evening when stop to get ready to drive to Bristol for Martin’s birthday bash. The house is already full when we get there including Martin’s youngest daughter Zita and his son Lucca. More people arrive and being the last in Richard goes downstairs to open the door. First to arrive a large group and then again to let Nick and Melissa in. He’s just returned from a trip to Antarctica where he took a thousand photographs including lots of penguins so wonder if they will make an appearance in the next Wallace and Gromitt adventure. Of course the baddie in the Wrong Trousers was a penguin who at one stage pulled a red rubber glove onto his head to disguise himself as a chicken. It’s lovely to see Melissa too who’s working on lots of interesting acting projects. It’s a fun gathering and includes at least three psychologists, two other artists, and musicians including the violinist who’s the leader and founder of the Bristol Ensemble which does eighty performances a year and will be performing with Martin and Green Poems at Colston Hall on the evening of March 9th at 8 pm.
Sunday 13.2.11
In studio working on the Gandhi commission.
Monday 14.2.11
Up to London to the Hay Hill Gallery. Good discussion about what I’m working on and probable dates for the next show. Interested to see when passing Trafalgar Square, the new Fourth Plinth sculpture - a ship in a bottle which Richard is very taken with. It’s very relevant to Trafalgar Square as the ship in the bottle is a replica of the Victory and its sails are made from textiles from the colonies.
Nelson's Ship in a Bottle has been unveiled as the new occupant of the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square.
Yinka Shonibare said his version of HMS Victory with its textile sails with African and batik prints reflects the multicultural and diverse capital. The scale replica will commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar and 50th anniversary of Nigerian independence, where the artist grew up.
It's a celebration of Britain's multicultural society, which Shonibare attributes in part to Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar
Will Gompertz, BBC arts editor
Then onto Greenwich for Isaac’s fifth birthday party. Isaac leaps into my arms when he opens the door, full of excitement as a little birthday boy should be. He can’t wait to open the big parcel I am holding and the other presents for both he and Samuel in the big bag Richard is carrying. It’s a lovely evening; this is Isaac’s second celebration as he had a party on Saturday with all is little chums from school. We play imaginary games where they travel with sheep (their many soft toys) who are then shorn, the produce of which is then woven into suits. Isaac also does some letter painting with his new Gruffalo paint box from my Mum. Nice supper with H and K, leave just after midnight arriving home just before 3.
Tuesday 15.2.11
Martin comes for a cup of tea after his performance of his Green Poems for a Blue Planet at Donnelley School. It’s always good chatting about ideas with him as he’s so hugely creative on so many fronts. Interestingly after his performances, which he gives with great vigour and gusto, he often feels quite drained; especial when he’s done two on the trot like this afternoon. But when you give your all you expend a huge amount of emotion and energy.
Then its back to work in the studio.
Wednesday 16.2.11
Client comes to discuss a commission mid afternoon an idea for which I had started to paint yesterday.
Lisa, my Mum and Wallace all ring during the evening. Wallace kindly volunteers to loan Doubla and the Automobile for the Chenderitt exhibition. Richard asks if we might also borrow them for Gloucester City Museum next year too and of course dear Wallace agrees.
Working on the Gandhi commission until late.
Thursday 17.2.11
Professor Ken rings; its his birthday and he’s phoning to say thank you for the ‘Pictures at an Academy’ book on selected parts of the collection of the Royal West of England Academy in which La Prunelle de mes Yeux is reproduced.
Friday 18.2.11
Big envelope from Gloucestershire College in the post containing their Higher education prospectus 2011/12, which is wearing the first panel of GloCorama, the triptych I painted for the College. It looks really great; colour reproduction is good too. The whole of the triptych is reproduced on the back cover but it’s beautifully presented as a whole and makes a good read. I’d enrol immediately if I was a prospective student.
Continue on all projects in the studio.
R falls off ladder but luckily not from too great a height although the thud is loud enough to bring Roger and Karen out, whose porch he is repairing.
Saturday 19.2.11
Worrying reports of violent crowd control in Bahrain and Libya where the brave demonstrators persist even in the face of such aggression. Doctors reporting that they are not able to get the wounded to hospitals or treat them in situ. Unfortunately we have supplied tear gas and other weapons to the region.
Mainly working on the Gandhi commission and another piece.
Sunday 20.2.11
E mail from Yuko in Tokyo who has approached me last for permission to reproduce my Tsukiji Fish Market painting on the cover and as the end papers on the translation into Japanese of Theodore Bestor's book "Tsukiji" four years ago. She’s now compiling a new book on Tsukiji and wonders if I will write a piece for it on my impressions of the Tokyo fish market which is one of the most memorable experiences I had in Japan; it seemed to evoke much of the richness of its history and culture and apart from the electricity it felt very ancient and timeless. Particular the tuna auctions where a Japanese character was painted on each in bright red paint and where they touchingly turned a blind eye to a small blond artist making reference and taking photographs in what is really a closed work place. There were sea creatures swimming around in large tanks that I had never seen before. It was visually hugely exciting and surrounded by a maze of tiny alleyways all full of minuet shops selling wares that were connected in some way to the market like the long sharp knives used to fillet, skin and slice the fish; and restaurants that were hardly wider than the narrow bar and stools, serving freshly cut sushi which bore no resemblance whatsoever to the pre packaged stuff in our supermarkets here. it was probably one of the most remarkable meals I have ever eaten, prepared in front of our eyes and served on large leaves with big beakers of hot green tea at 7 in the morning. It seemed to fit exactly my brief to observe the people and culture of Japan.
Spend the whole day and right through to the early hours on the Gandhi commission.
Monday 21.2.11
The treatment of the demonstrators in Libya has become quite horrendous where mourners at a funeral of one of the demonstrators who had been shot, were directly fired upon and the Libyan air force have also been bombing demonstrators; although two pilots did fly to Malta and land there because they couldn’t carry out such terrible retribution. This is Gaddafi gone mad and the appalling thing is we have helped support this regime. Progress made on the two of the works in the studio.
Tuesday 22.2.11
Working well; rather good that there have been no major distractions (apart from world news) in the last few days; it does make a big difference to levels of concentration and intensity.
Wednesday 23.2.11
Phone call from Michelle Blondel in Paris, having noticed I have two exhibitions in the Fall, wants to know if I would like the May to July exhibition slot at the Gallery this year. Says I can discuss it with Richard before making my decision.
Busy working on several projects in my studio. I always feel an extra surge of energy as Spring begins to near.
Thursday 24.2.11
Miranda rings from the Brian Sinfield Gallery to ask if they can reproduce one of my paintings that she had seen in the studio, in their forthcoming catalogue. Henrietta, Kev and the boys arrive, for the latter part of half term. We take Isaac Samuel and to the shoe shop in the village to have their feet measured and buy new shoes.
Friday 25.2.11
Special birthday lunch with cake and candles for Richard which Isaac and Samuel have helped decorate. Later we go to dinner party at Stephen and Jane Davis's. It is also Jane's birthday. A lovely evening with interesting guests, fascinating conversation,and the most delicious food, all prepared, cooked and served by Jane -including two birthday cakes with candles. The evening is topped off by the treat of having a bit of a tour around their beautiful home Bownham Grange with it’s breathtaking panoramic views from Rodborough Common (it’s currently up for sale) and 27 rooms! The privilege of having a glimpse into Stephen’s creative quarter is the highlight; full of playbills for the many TV and film scripts he has written (including Silent Witness and Ruby) and his impressive collection of guitars.
Saturday 26.2.11
To Pittville Park with the Boys whilst Henrietta takes my Mum out to lunch and shopping and Kev works on design project that has to be completed by Sunday evening. Stay up till 3 am making Peter Pan outfit for Isaac to wear to school on National Book Day next week.
Sunday 27.2.11
So pleased that the Peter Pan outfit fits Isaac perfectly, I keep trying to take photographs of him but this exquisite elfin like child laughs and laughs as he runs from room to room out witting my attempts. After an early dinner H,K, I and S leave (both boys in their pyjamas ) at about 8 pm and Kev has managed to complete and send off the designs to his clients too!
Monday 28.2.11
All energy expended back in studio today it where seems wonderfully quiet apart from the intermittent bleeping of the smoke alarm in the room below!