Dont look at the carpet; I drew something awful on it.

Sunday

In the studios Tuesday: Lost in Translation - Sellotaping my face

To coincide with its opening we’re following a week in our new studios.

I’ve spent some time designing these studios so they complement my practise; essentially a white cube, there’s not much preparation needed to set up each day, except for a tripod or loading a camera, everything is in situ.

I just jump straight in barring a cup of tea and some well-chosen vinyl records.

To be played at maximum volume...

My weapon of choice is the Polaroid Image, which has a quirk that enables perfect double exposures; the only other tools at hand are some sellotape and scissors.

As mentioned previously I'm now applying a new working practice, focusing on the key elements that make up my work..binding, repetition, disguise...to give these centre stage as I felt they'd become lost...so today I'm just sellotaping my face...

The day incorporates then these repeated actions:

setting a timer; running into position; binding; waiting for flash; going back to the camera; apply double exposure quirk; quickly jump back; bind some more; repeat…

In between all of this is some serious lateral thinking, making a mental note of where my limbs are / have been / or are going to be; and I'm limited to only 5 prints per cartridge; much of which I've found out is expired.

The Polaroid Image camera lends an element of chaos to every shoot, I have some control but still each shot is unique and I don't really know what I'll get until the prints developed.

Thursday

A week in the studios - Lost in translation

Today marks the official opening of our new studios and to celebrate, this week we’ll be following the creation of new work ‘Lost in translation’.

'Lost in translation' is the 2nd series of works of 'Just Waves in Space'.

These new studios were built to our specific needs and are now a wonderful hub of productivity, providing a renewed sense of freedom and much needed immediacy, plus some home comforts.

This marks a new chapter for my art-practise following an incredibly long period without access to studios, time is still something of a luxury especially as we became parents recently.

'Just Waves in Space' has become more of a exploration, with hundreds of prints already its still not complete, and I don't truly know if it ever will be but its leading someplace new, and that's exciting.

As regards to my publishing ideas those are still on the back-burner as I want first to build a body of work - then select key series for publication or exhibition.

This suits my routine, family now comes first, as I no longer seek contemporary exhibition nor exposure, I'm revelling in my time.

Wednesday

Impossible but not improbable

In the midst of preparing for a week off work to be in the studios I’ve been unearthing my stocks of Polaroid film and look what’s turned up!

I'd imagined that maybe I only had 2 possibly 3 cartridges; however I seem to have stocked up at some point and I've discovered ten, lurking under a pile of winklepickers and bellbottoms.

Like any northerner I’m tight so I wasn’t looking forward to buying more film so this really is a happy surprise.

Shooting with Polaroid film is always a bit like Russian roulette, its likely much of this film stocks expired; but that needn't mean its unusable.

Thursday

Studio build: Through a mirror darkly

I've always wanted a circular mirror for these studios; they're great for self-portraits, creating space and they bounce light around but most importantly they're indispensable for posing in front of.

Pontification about this lovely Ikea Stockholm mirror aside, this marks the final element completing our studios / summerhouse / offices.

Documenting this build through this blog has provided justification and an objective during a lengthy construction period. It has been somewhat of a diversion of my talents but these studios have always been integral to my practise, providing much needed immediacy and accessibility, as well as a financial investment; saving me studio fees.

So yeah I am very pleased with how its all turned out, considering the time and budget restraints.

In the next couple of months I'll be beginning new art work returning to 'Just Waves in Space'.

Wednesday

A solitary candle, an inspiration

Thursday

Book ideas

Some great inspiration for a future book design for my 'Just waves in space' - cloth bound book with a gold embossed cover (design to be confirmed) but this is a good starting point.

Just to confirm I am still thinking about publishing; but that's a long way off, building my own studios first; as well as full time work and of course making art are my primary concerns. But this example embodies how I imagine the finished article.

Carlo Rovelli’s Seven Brief Lessons on Physics (book design by Coralie Bickford-Smith).

www.sevenbrieflessons.com

Wednesday

Ritual glyphs

Sketching out ideas for hand drawn backdrops...

In keeping with the 'Man who fell to earth' / 70's films / occultism theme I was thinking of star glyphs...

The drawing of these will form part of the performance; either sat in the circle or it framing a backdrop...

Tuesday

A solitary candle

Loving the bandaged eye get up in Black Star.

The next series in 'Just Waves on Space' will use sellotape to create masks...great minds think alike!

Sunday

Studio build: Expressionist bookshelves?

Studio furnishing begins... a few free moments utilised to install some new KALLAX bookshelves...

OK its a picture of a bookshelf...I know exciting right! but its an achievement to get these in when time is in short supply, this is why I appreciate this blog which has been invaluable during these arty doldrums, validating and documenting the studio build, which is integral to my practise moving forwards.

The interior of these studios have been designed to be spacious and multi-functional. It is literally a white cube dedicated for photography but can double as an office or summerhouse. The entrance being more homely with a sofa and this bookshelf, that now groans with all our art books, a record player and my entire vinyl record collection.

Of course I still continue to sketch book and have a schedule of work planned; but not until these studios are finished and I have my time back...all I can say is it involves sellotape.