Nudes but no drawing

Having spent much of the day in front of the computer updating handouts for students, a worthy pursuit and one which did need doing,  I made sure that I did get to the studio. I needed to collect some clay to be fired and have another go at splitting a green ash log. The clay is part of a series, one of which 'Mossom' is still on show at the Royal Academy.   The log is proving remarkably resistant to any working and there will be cheers when the split happens. I gave up eventually as it was getting late but  despite the reluctant ash, it was a productive evening. 
My studio is down a dead end road and there is a short turning, away from prying eyes there always seems to be someone 'waiting' in a car. This time a car was parked right in the middle of the road in front of my gates. As I was going to be loading boxes of clay I needed them to move though I was clearly interrupting a private moment.  The young couple were really lovely, she re-arranged her garb and moved the car. 4 hours later the private moment was still ongoing but they obliged my request to move again. I only realised they were naked when they opened the totally steamed up window to be able to see where they were driving. Driving home, I notice a man using crutches  trying to walk with his jeans literally round his knees.  I decided that none of them would appreciate me asking them if I could do some life drawing.

Poussin gallery

A weekend in glorious Devon avoiding the jubilee as far as possible meant dashing back to London in the pouring rain last night. I just, but only just, managed to see Jeff Rigden's paintings and constructions at the Poussin Gallery. www.poussin-gallery.com It was well worth the effort and lots of good people there too, a great evening. 
I am now back in the hurly burly of applications, more exhibitions required. Taiwan and the Royal Academy are great but I can't rest on my laurels. 

The Royal Academy

I would like to show some photos but despite taking my camera I made a serious omission of forgetting fresh batteries. If others send me photos I shall rectify the situation so meanwhile you will just have to take my word for it and believe me when I tell you it was a glorious day to parade down Piccadilly following the Rector of St James church, a Reverend from St Pauls and a steel pan group playing 'When the Saints'. With the sun shining, the traffic at a standstill, surrounded by more artists than I thought possible, we walked to the church for a beautiful church service where I was able to stare at the Grinling Gibbons carvings. Back to the RA to catch up with friends and find my sculpture. I was so happy to see so many people I knew, especially Kate Wilson and Sheila Vollmer, as well as ex and current students and John Carter who taught me. I was very restrained, only one glass of champers and even then I waited until I had had some nibbles. My work 'Mossom' is resplendent in room VII hung by Alison Wilding.  The room is busy with a huge variety of different works, an eclectic mix. More to follow as I take it all in and wait for photos.

A good day

A good day -:
Sheila Vollmer came to my studio to deliver a crate destined for Taiwan with mine and there was fine coffee and good chat. 
I made the finishing touches to my own crates which will be collected on Monday
I cleaned up all the polystyrene snow but I am sure it will multiply again when I am not looking. I found a screwdriver and a countersink in the process that I thought were lost forever.
I got some sculpture done and have worked out a plan on how to put it together and..........


I had a letter from the Royal Academy saying I have a piece selected  for the Summer Exhibition! I owe my chum Jenny Page a cuppa for galvanising me into action and applying.  

Life feels rather splendid

                                  A clean floor

Crates with lids and labelled

New wood being split

Tokk preparing for the polystyrene

 Polystyrene everywhere and I kept losing a grey handled screwdriver on the floor in amongst the snow.

 Bisig being buried

 Baerlic undergoing similar operation

Crates almost finished .....and so am I !! Wish I had taken out shares in Polystyrene - I would make a fortune. 

A life in crates

I have made progress. So much so, I feel a new career as boat builder is possible. Have decided that the large box at the back will need wheels as I am not sure how much muscle will be available on Monday and I can hardly move it now. More tomorrow and pictures of the inside.....such fun at the weekend. 

Crates

Crates ....crates and crates, I need to get 3 sculptures to Taiwan in one piece so this weekend it will be crates, last minute checks on the sculptures, one last rub over with oil - the sculpture, not me! - packing and keeping fingers crossed that it is not going to fall apart mid Pacific.