Hi there
When the ground goes out from under you, how do you find your footing?
I've realised that's a question I was contemplating when I wrote last month's newsletter (which I've since turned into a blog post). In the thick of grief, it's as if I was reassuring myself that I would return to the studio and reminding myself of how I'd done it before.
The reminders have kept coming. I'd like to talk about some, but not just look back. I'd also like your help with something new.
I'm finding my feet by making art and connecting with the people around me.
Pillow Talk, 2004, QPAC (Queensland Performing Art Centre)
On my Facebook page, I've been adding to 'then' and 'now' albums, which is how I dug out the above photo. It's of an installation I did at QPAC in 2004 and it's a wonderful reminder of how friends and family form part of our success.
I had a clear vision of how I wanted that installation to look, but not the know-how. Enter a friend who sourced both a pink and blue chenille bedspread from eBay (what was then a scary part of the internet I'd yet to venture).
When decade-appropriate bedside tables were a challenge, my sister came up with the goods. I remember making the trek to Bundaberg to pick them up, and her horror when she realised I'd be covering mid-century maple with pink and blue paint. Nonetheless, I had her support.
It's funny how things come full circle. I hadn't made the connection at the time, but I submitted an exhibition proposal featuring chenille and vintage furniture to Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery. Whilst it wasn't successful for next year’s program, it's something I'll revisit for the future.
I hold Bundaberg dear. I've lived there a few times when I've needed to be with family. It's a place that's helped shape who I am. The show I hope to realise is called 'Half Way Home'. Across two rooms, the first would centre around a single bed and the second around a couch. The couch would face a vintage television playing a video work created through local community engagement.
It may be some time before that specific video project is realised, so I'd like to start another. That's where I'd like your input…
Would you be willing to provide three simple things?
Finish this sentence. Home feels like….
Think of home and share a photo (new, old, cropped, it doesn't matter)
Lastly, give your blessing for me to use both in a video work.
Please don't overthink it! Sometimes the first words that pop into your head are the best and there could be gold in the photos on your phone.
I'd love to hear from you. Just hit reply to this email with your answer and photo.
Shaun
P.S. That last photo is my parents in front of my childhood home in Rockhampton (1985–1990).