Dada-News
Blog: June 2010
Michelle's Staff Blog - September 2010
The Hatter - "You were much more muchier. You've lost your muchness"
Alice in Wonderland, 2010
Wow! My 'Walk of Life' experience in June was completely indulgent and inspiring and probably one of the best things that I have ever done. Now, that is saying something don't you think? Pretty tricky to put into words in terms of how it made me feel and why it was so 'wow', but suffice to say that I think I regained my 'muchness', you see, I was afraid that I had lost it. Well, to be honest I think I did lose my muchness for a while but it has now returned and I have stuffed it firmly into my knicker leg for safe keeping. I intend to keep an eye on my muchness, I really haven't got the time or space to lose it again. I advise you all to keep an eye on your own muchness and of course it is entirely up to you where you decide to keep it, knicker legs are optional.
Dada-South of course is bursting with 'muchness'! Autumn promises to be full on and jam packed, never a dull moment. The Go Public! commissions are well underway and I am particularly interested in 'An Open Door', which is Oxford based artist's Lorna Giezot commission. Of course you can follow progress on all of the Go Public! commissions via the artist's blogs
The deadline for expressions of interest for Up-Stream has arrived and we received a last minute flurry of applications and are now busy sorting and collating. As usual, first glances show that the standard and breadth of applications is high and I don't envy the panel who will be making the choices in terms of choosing the successful work.
Remember to check out this month's Dada-News and remember it's nearly Christmas! Grrrrrrr, I have spied Christmas chocolates in the shops already (spotted on 28 August, just in case you were wondering).
Away with you and remember to look after your muchness with all your might, it's very precious you know.
Michelle's Staff Blog - June 2010
June already...Spring has sprung and gone and Summer is creeping towards us, what fun. I seem to remember that I was banging on about investing in ourselves way back in February. Well, you will be plesaed to know that I will soon to be practising what I preach and taking myself off to Charmouth, near Lyme Regis on the South Coast to kick off me shoes and dance on the beach. Have a look at Helen Poyner's website, www.walkoflife.co.uk inspiring and a real gem of a site. You see, it's all part of my master plan from now on to re-invest in myself and my artistic practise. Can't wait.Michelle's Staff Blog - February 2010
'Tis true, I have neglected this blog and there is no real excuse, apart from the usual day to day stuff that has been very naughty and got in the way of me slipping on here for a few minutes to say hello. So, I have missed you and I apologise. Phew!
We, like the rest of the country have overcome the snow and chillyness (is that a word?) and all the drama associated with the cold white stuff and Dada-South is busier than ever before. Commissioning opportunites for disabled and Deaf artists are rich at the moment and Dada-South and Artpoint in Oxford are heading up Go Public (an Accentuate project). Watch this space because shortlisting has happened and artist interviews will be taking place soon. I am intrigued to see who will win the commission, as usual standards are sky high.
Finally, what about balance? Well, I am a fine one to talk and am never really quite sure if I achieve the balance that I think I could or should have. Working in this sector can mean that you feel that you are continually supporting the needs and aspirations of others and quite right, I do it and I enjoy it. A phrase that Hans Meijer (Arts Professional, Feb 2010) wrote, struck me, 'Remember the safety instructions on an aeroplane: put on your own oxygen mask before helping anyone else'.
So, bring it on! Invest in yourself 100% and rest will take care of itself. Sounds far too easy!
Michelle's Staff Blog - November 2009
It's November, and life is good, very good.
I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Jon Adam's exhibition, The Goose on The Hill at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester a few weeks ago. It was a nostalgic visit to Chichester as I studied there 20 years ago (I know!). Lots of great memories were re-awakened including memories of the old Shiphams Paste Factory (mainly the smell....don't ask). The long drive was worth it, Jon's work, as usual shone. I took my time to enjoy and digest all aspects of the exhibition. Jon Adams, never stop, you inspire me, pure star quality.
Autumn has been great for me (I know it's not all about me, but still), lots of sunshine and warm, crisp days....an Indian Summer, my Mum used to say. The only slight downer happened on October 31. I slipped into my 'Doris Day' mode, ok, so that doesn't happen very often. As Doris, I baked mountains of Halloween cupcakes, with green and black icing and scarey fancy ghosty things on the top. The family and I waited for the spooky kids to knock on the door....and we waited...and we waited. Eventually, only one group of polite little ghosts knocked....but damn them, they didn't take all of the cupcakes! Cupcake anyone?
Michelle's Staff Blog - September 2009
The deed has been well and truly done! The office move went smoothly and we all worked together to build furniture from our friends at Ikea. Entering flat pack heaven wasn't as frustrating as I thought it would be, bring on the Ikea induced team building exercises!
Rashpal Singh Bansal - Dancer and choreographer, Rashpal Singh Bansal died suddenly in August. I knew of Rashpal and his work, but I didn't know him and although we never met I know from reading comments and memories from others, that he was a loving individual and an enquiring and uncompromising artist. Rashpal was a talented dancer and choreographer who was on the brink of a phenomenal future. For whatever reason, Rashpal chose not to pursue and explore that future.
Since hearing this news I (even more so than before) question my own mental health state and catch myself asking after, family, friends and colleagues "Are you ok", "How are you feeling?". Ultimately my point is this; do we ask the right questions and if we do, are we confident in giving or hearing an honest response. How do we support ourselves and each other to be the best that we can be while placing boundaries and rules around our own mental health, recognising that essentially our mental health 'state' contributes to the artists and ultimately people that we are.
I echoe Wayne McGregor's words - 'fly well my friend'
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