Installed my artwork at Pandy Mill Gallery, Roger took the day off work to help. We got very wet.. On the way home the sun come out..

The PV 27th November.

I quite please with it may studies the photos see if I can improve the work.

I never used pink twine before, I found it difficult to choose the right colour from this installation and lack of choose too. I do think it works..

On Friday i went to see Gallery own Jan about Art Open she having in November. I went to see if I could do an Installation in the surrounding ground. but Jan other ideas about me doing an Installation right in front of the gallery. I thought I would be going there to sell myself but it was the other way round..

I am so excited but scared as she putting so much faith in me... The Pandy Mill Gallery in a beauitful welsh valley in North Wales

I got a lot of work to do Exhibition 27th November...

College is going well got a do poster presentation this week about my Collabration module. This project taking a mlot of my time too....

Had space in college this week. Working out ideas how I can controlnatural light. How can I get the shadows I like, I have done quite a few installation and the natural light and the blinds cast some greatlight.
Just need to research how I can do this, I do like the uncontrol ability of natural light and how it changes as the sun moves around.
I started to use white thread which gives a completely different effect, I do find it strange how you can struggle with a concept and you do something simple like changs a colour and it works...

Enrolled in college yesterday not starting until next week.. I cannot wait to start, got lots of ideas.. just need the space to do them.. I am thinking I need to work outside more, going to put a proposal together to see if I can get some outside space on the main campus in Uni.. I got to know the Estates Manger last year with another project I was doing,, so just needs to e-mail him and see how it goes from their...
I have a good day today just feel good got my head clear need to gert these ideas down on paper now.. I to spend a long time thinking how I can move my work on then all of a sudden the light comes.. that happen the last few days now I need too book a space in college again to see if my ideas work etc. I do have too ideas develpoing at the moment...

Been in the studio this week working on ideas to move my work on. I was playing around with just having 8 point on the wall that I can only use with my continous line. When I cut the thread that was holding the hoops in place they fell to the floor. I am excited in this process... I like the unpredictable of were the hoops fall.. When light up the shades cast these extra drawing on the walls...

I wonder if I have been over complicating my thread work, is simple best... I was told once "less is more"

Went to Southport today to have meeting about doing a project on the coastline up that way, it

went well but got lots of forms to fill in.... Why does everything become completed.... I dislike forms find them difficult to do.. My poor husband as to help....

Back in college soon, still got lots too do. You think you got so much time but were does it go..
Went to take my work down in Halifax on Friday.. Which was good. Wish I had time to spend more time up there.. Got nothing on now.. Just college work... I have to get down to my join art project.. It's difficult to get us together as two of us work and we all got commitments... Do need to get down too it thou..
Went to Swansea a few weeks ago to see Mark Walllingler " The Russian Curates" Which was a great exhibition so go and see it...

Got my contact extended to Christmas in M&S so at less I do have job hunt....
Family life not brill which is understandable as we are all still grieving... Great news thiou my Daughter ACE her GCSE... got on the A-level course her wanted to do....
So that's I been up too since my last blog..

I have not done much art since finished working in the studio in college.. We as a family have had very difficult time, My loving Father-in-Law pass away 31st July, He had been very poorly for weeks in hospital. He just got too tired to fight anymore..

Today I have felt like getting back to doing something, just decided to catch up or e-mails etc...

studio space.

I had booked studio space for 2 weeks in college, it was great to have the space to work, and make large work. I'ave enjoyed it so much, it's made me realise how much I miss having a studio. I am going to start looking again of space, or how I could get a shed in my stamp of a garden.

I do find when I am planning for my installations, I have all these great ideas... but I forget them when I get engrost my the space and my work.. I need to make a list of want I am trying to achieve.. This image is a different installation idea, I have always worked in a white space and used black thread, but I like the way the thread seems to be floating in the air.. I also need concern the paint on the walls too. the back wall I used gloss paint that was brushed on which work well too I think. It gives it a different feel.

It's been so good to get in the studio, even thou I doid not get as much as I would have liked done.. I did not get there everyday with work etc.. But it was good to do art....

Airbus

I started working this week in M&S for the summer, so I can carry on with my MA, Been in the Local Newspaper with my Airbus Project, which is great. But I still struggling to get show anywhere else. Still not got around to entrying an Opens or writing them proposal, I have just printed off quite a few forms that I am not too late to enter. I lost my confidences a few weeks ago but I am starting to get it back, just how mean times can I take knock backs? How many NO's can I take.... I got to start looking more at the good times that are happening and not bad....

Airbus

I have an up & down couple of weeks, I did not get a job I went for that would have stop my money worries.

My assessment went okay not very happy with my marks, but I deserve them. I let other things get in the way until it was too late to catch up. Lost my confidences in my work and in my abilality to get good job. I felt very low just starting to see the end of the tunnel.

Got offered a job working M&S had to take it even thou it's a good way too travel and hours are shitty. Husband not been very supportive, I feel He just does not give a shit, Would like some emotional support from Him.

Last Friday got an e-mail from Airbus they are Running with an story of my Art Project on their web-site and newspaper. So I should be over the moon but not, WHY is that?

The image of me and my work on the A380 Airbus...

It is a while since I wrote anything. I have been busy getting my work ready for my assessment which was last week. Not sure how I got on...

I have got to get down entrying Opens and writing proposals. I have not got anything after this month set up... It is worrying. I have just got to get some courage as I never so far got anything in any of these aert opens, Just do not know how many NO'S I can take....

Llan DC

Put up my installation today, my darling Husband came to help it was a good job I would since be there putting it up. I am pleased with it, had lots of people slowing down in there cars...

The trees had grown a lot since last week, So there will grown a lot in the next 2 weeks.. I would like the hoops to be higher up the trees but we could not get them higher because of the branches.

I still find it strange to see an idea that I have sketched come to live.. It is never quite how I see it in my mind, but I learn to like it will time. I usually have to go away and come back after a few days and look at it with fresh eyes...

Llan D C

Took my exhibition down today in Oriel Werxham, They phoned me up last night to see if I could help out witha childrens workshop this morning, so took down my work after that. It is strange feeling taking down your work... I fell a bit depressed, All that work. It looked so bare when I left it.. I some good feed back in the comment book, which was good...

I what to research the lighting and may be using mirrors too..

I need to learn and get to understand how different lights make different effects...

Going to put up my work on Monday in the Llan DC, do not have anything set up after Llan DC. Going to have to get down writing some proposals and enter some art open...

Llan D C

Been sewing again today, still got lots of metres to do. It will get done, would like it finished today. My daughter's 16th Wednesday. Got to get ready for that, Not got cake yet or any presents to open. I wrote she having her room done out for her Birthday, booked tenpin bowling for her and friend at the weekend.. So just what some small things for her to open... She got an Exam today..

Saturday cutting out lenghts of fabric, phone rang came to this, does He Know this is going to be art, He decided to go to sleep on.. I wonder did Picasso have this problem... I carried on cutting for a few lenghts He didn't move until I made him..

This is were I am going to put up my installation.

There is a stream running behind the fence....

Llan D C

I have had a busy week, just got back from Llanamon D.C decided were to put up my installation and picked up some more fabric from Diana, she been a star and got me the fabric off ebay...

Spent yesterday sewing all the stripes of fabric together for my work, got to do another 6-7 metres to do. It as took me longer than I thought..

This is were I start worrying as I don't know if it will work until I have done this and it is too late then to re-do it... The Exhibition opening is at night that is why I have gone for this Bright flouscent fabric..

Thinking what I can do to this working idea..

Did some work yesterday, Not happy about the marquette I made it is too busy. I need to re-thread it.. Drill the holes smaller There is mixed reviewer about them half my family like the larger drilled holes and half like the smaller ones...

Some of the images I took are better than the marquette. I think I am going to enter some of my images into an art open and see want happens... I take photos to document my work, I do get some good feedback about them... I think I will try and see if they get selected..

I have not done anything about my exhibition coming up, as I have been decorating my Daughters Bedroom for the last few days. She and my Son as help out and been great, We finished it today just got to put everything back in the room.. She had new wardrodes and when my Husband started to put it together He found the side panal broke in two, phone the company it may take 2 weeks before the new selection comes..
That means there going to be clothes everywhere. Will it be finished for my Daughters 16 Birthday... I hope so..... I just want the house back, Why is it everywhere in the house looks a mess when you decorating one room.
I had an interview today, not sure how it went, should here soon....

AOL Mail

AOL Mail

I went Llanarmon D C today, to look around the village to select a place to work a site specfic installation, I was part of this exhibition last night and it was a great experience making work for outside, it comes with lots of different problems.
I have just relised that Diana one of the organises of this art group...

I have these idea of having my work up over our head so the sun will cast shadows of the threads and hoops. but there was no good areas to do this. I will have to go back to the drawing board. My Daughter came with me and was a great help, I think she got use to my ideas...

My Children and Husband went to see my exhibition today, they said it was okay... It is strange when my family goes to see my work. It is very nerving.. They did not say much so not sure if they like it or not...

I have finished my course writing work, It feels good, got to get down to my artwork now... This what I enjoy the most... Decided to chill of a few days enjoy my Children my Husband off this week to.. Going to the seaside tomorrow do not care if it is raining, just good to blow the cobweds away...

I will also be eating lots of Chocolates..

I have nearly finished my case study, just got the conclsion to do, which I am strugging with, so having a break from it.
Housework is a bit loss too, just cannot get going on that too. I did clean the bathroom but my daughter dedcided to have a bath, so it did not last. Took the hoover upstair ask my children to do their rooms, but both of them disappeared. When the were smaller they did they rooms and help me out but now they DO NOT. Does anyone know how to get them to help out.. I have done the money thing, the leaving their rooms until I cannot stand it anymore. I think that's it they know I will give up in the end and do it...
I had a telephone interview this morning, so please send me good thoughts....

I deliveried all them balloons today, my kitchen looks tidy already, but tomorrow is got to be cleaning day and need to get my case study finished too.
Went into M&S today to hand in my uniform, I am still upset about losing my job there, but it's this credit crunch.. it cannot be help.. I have been looking for a job got applications in but not heard anything......
But good news my Father-in-Law coming home for the weekend and may be longer, will have to wait and see, but He will have to go in for Operation.... My husband off next may get some of those 100 of job that need doing around the house...

I have finished making the paper balloons, just need to give them a coat of PVA.It started to rain so I had to bring them all in to my kitchen, my husband going straight to see his Dad in hospital so will not be home until late, which is a good thing, It gives me time to tidy up a bit. Not that he would care if it was not tidy, it's just me. My children did not get out of bed until dinner time today, I remember when I use to do that, I had a lay in until 9am which was good.
My Father-in-law might be coming home for Easter weekend, which will begood for him, I went up to the Hospital yesterday with my Husband, My Father-in-Law seemed down, fed up of being away from home, He only been home 3 weeks this year....

Work at home today, had 24 papier balloon to do for Oriel Wrexham they are running Children Easter workshop. I have been employed to do the presentation for Honor ( Education Officer). It does take longer than you think. My Daughter and friend was a great help. Honor was really good to let me do this at home as the Children are off school for Easter, it just makes it easier all round if I am at home.

Decided to do them outside are it was dry today. My neighbours wanted to know what I was up too, What I do to make some money so I can do my artwork. Still looking for a job, Want I do for Honor is not regular enough.

Went to college today, Two of the Tutors went to see my Exhibition and give me good feedback that feel good and it was great of them to go and see it..
I was going to M&S today to hand in my uniform as they have laid off all us temps, but just run out of time. I am looking for a job again, I have been feeling down this week, feeling under valved at home and in the work place. Been assisting on workshops this week, ended up just washing lots of paint brushes and pots.. is this all I am worth... May be I should do a Degree in cleaning... I think I get 1st.

I finished my installation today, I am happy with it. I could have kept on going to I decided less was more. I also got 3 days work too, assisting with workshops in the Gallery.

I just been to my Daughter D.E.V wards she got her Bronze Award, how proud we are of her. I am so tired now had lots of busy weeks, Looking forward to having next week off. Spent sometime with the children even thou they do not want too..

I have been installing my work today in Oriel Wrexham Gallery Two. Did not get it finished as I had to collect the children from school. Got a lot to do tomorrow, I think I am helping with a workshop in the morning thou, so it is going to be a late night. that's if I do not have to pick the children up.

Artist, Mum & Wife

Finished my work today, I am pleased with the final result.. as all artist we are never 100% happy. I would like some feed back asked my husband to go and have a look...

My father-in-law was taken into hospital today, only been out for 3 weeks.. So that means no support at home again, I do not mean to sound selfish, I have had 4 years of this... All my husbands spare time goes on his parents. It is a treat for us to have him at home, not just for food and sleep....

I do love my father-in-law, he is a great Father, I very much enjoy his company.... It is hard to watch him being unwell and watching my husband scared he his going to lose is Dad soon......

Artist, Mum & Wife

Had a good day, Been installing my Airbus Project today, I am happy about most of the bit but others are not so good. Decided to go home to re-think, and I also had to pick the children up and make tea. My husband working late as He took yesterday off...

Going to finish it off tomorrow, Got quite a bit to do... I am in college Thursday so need to get it finished really... Got Tutorial with the head of the course... So got to take all my work in, so I need to make sure it is up to date....

I have had a busy weekend, did 11 hour shift on Saturday, went out with my family yesterday for Mother's Day had a great day, went to Betws-y-coed just love spending time just the four of us. It does not happen very often these days.
To day my husband took the day off work to help me to install my Airbus project, which was great of him. Still got lots to do, need get some head space.

Been into college this morning then run around town, back home now support to be doing work but could not start until I clean up the house first, Why??? Sent my e-mails I need to do.

Got a lot on the next two weeks, putting an installation up in Glyndwr University Library the beginning of the week, and the following week and installation up in Oriel Wrexham Gallery Two. I should be doing that not housework or this blog really..

Going to get some artwork done now....

One of my Installations,

Artist, Mum & Wife

I am hoping this blog going to help me, I gradated last summer and now doing my MA in Fine Art,
I have found going from full-time education to part-time very difficult. Juggling everything, like working in P/T in M&S, having two teenagers and husband with two very ill parents.
It as took me until now too get things working, I find it difficult for me to put myself first. like 99% of other mums and wifes. Why is this????

All I know is I want to do art, how easy it would of me to given up and just slip back into housewife role. But I have been hanging in there. I would like to see how other Mum artist do it...