Scottish Sculpture Workshop visit

 On the 3rd April I submitted Open Access dates for SSW as the 4th was their next time for looking at availability. I also emailed Eden the technician there and arranged a visit to ask for their advice on my next steps/time frame for mould making/if project feasible.

...Today was the visit day.

I was nervous as I always am meeting new people and new places. Luckily it was under an hour drive so easy to get to.

I pulled in beside the foundry and then Eden and Michael came out to say hi. I found it fascinating, lots of interesting and odd pieces of metal hanging around and made into useful objects. Just my type of place. Great reuse.

Discussion was positive, I showed the pieces I wanted to make moulds from and cast, and they both agreed it could be done in that time with me doing some work at home too.

This is the Beech leaf.                

 

 I had ideas for another of my plaster pieces, the Oakleaf column and the verdict was that would be fine too. 

 

Progress! The idea of casting these pieces is now beginning to feel attainable. Thank you VACMA and Aberdeen City Council for believing in me.

A Halt in Proceedings

 On the 11th March I found out that I'd been granted a VACMA award from Aberdeen City Council. At the time I was halfway through having covid - not the best of times - and this put a halt on all proceedings. 

I was really excited but had no energy. I couldn't do much of anything really which was very frustrating. 

Today we felt ok enough to begin re-roofing the wee shed I use for sculpture. Old roof off and the wood - well, it wasn't even wood - was bowed and had been leaking for ages as well as the shed slowly listing to the right.

New thicker ply (recycled from an event) went up and and a new centre beam, then I lost my energy and had to have a rest. My partner carried on and put the underfelt on it.

That is where I am now. A new roof on the shed, strengthened to prevent the listing and all tidied, am so pleased. It gives me a sense of joy just to open the door. Now just to get more energy after this illness and I'll get on with the sculptures I want to make.

I've got an award!!!

 Today, the email came through from Aberden City Council about my VACMA Application. I have been granted the award and I'm so excited.

I can now book an Open Access week at the Scottish Sculpture Workshop in Lumsden to learn mould making for bronze casting. 

Things to do, things to organise, mainly myself of course, and ideas to generate.

This is the plaster sculpture I'd like to make castings from. It is life sized so fits beautifully in my hand.

Made during lockdown when I couldn't get access to my stone pieces, the plaster is delicate, as you can imagine but carves wonderfully. I had a couple of plaster blocks hanging around from a craft/art pack we'd been making at the scrapstore (ScrapAntics) for disadvantaged teens amongst others.