The past couple of weeks have been spent in preparing our studios and setting up our degree show for next week’s opening. At the end of the day on Tuesday 20 May, we are done whether we want to be or not.
We have three large studio rooms with 5-6 people showing in each one (some people have split their work between two rooms, though). For the most part, my room, the central one, seems to be pretty well finished. We still want to touch up the floors and maybe do a bit of detail work, but for the most part, everyone finished setting up last week.
Last week, my sculpture was hung for display with the help of several technicians, a cherry-picker, and a stout rope. Max Young, the construction tech, helped me to build wall was along the back for the hanging of my paintings, and I then taped the seams and painted the wall. I installed the French cleats for hanging my paintings and now just need to do some final touch up and detailing.
I sent my book off to the printers on Monday and expect to see it back before Wednesday. It occurs to me that I may not have mentioned the book project in any previous posts. It was something I wanted to do from the beginning, but had back-burnered because of time and funding. I managed to make the time and found an inexpensive enough printer so I was able to get a small run made in time for the show. We will have a Hub or Shop in an alcove where prints and other items will be available for sale, along with my book, some carvings and prints of my own. This will also be where you can get your copy of the program, map of the show and postcards and business cards for the artists.
My book is a retelling of the Norse Myth, the Mead of Poetry, using the artwork I’ve produced over the past year for illustrations. In the back are some photos of the work in the show as well. I’ve had 30 copies printed and although some will be sold at the show (I hope) I plan on selling whatever remains on the web and possibly in stores. Details to follow.
Finally, the Print Portfolio project is nearing a close. I have produced all my prints but need to sort the bad from the good and trim them. Since they were all hand printed, I don’t expect to be able to trim them in a single stack, but one at a time. This could take a little time, but should be done early next week.
We now have a confirmed show for the Print Portfolio, too. The Preview is on 27 May, 7PM at the Embassy Gallery and the show runs through 8 June.
And, of course, don’t forget to attend the opening of the Degree Show, too!
After the Degree Show has opened, I will post some photos of the install as well as the show. Stay tuned!