de-mentored

Consuming (In)Dependency by Biggi Stiller - shortlisted for Fierce Festival

2008-03-27T21:44:00.008Z

Consuming (In)Dependency
by Biggi Stiller

has been shortlisted for the Fierce Festival 2008
in Birmingham, www.myfiercefestival.co.uk
www.biggistiller.net, biggi@biggistiller.net

Fierce Festival
After a decade of stop-you-in-your-tracks live art events and performances FIERCE the much loved international arts festival is trailblazing once more giving you, the audience, the power to programme your own festival!
Twenty-four live art performances have been shortlisted by Fierce but only nine of them will feature in the Fierce! Festival itself. You now need to vote for the performances you most want to see live. It’s free!
The twenty four shortlisted acts are divided equally into three venue categories – Conventional Theatres, Public Places and Unconventional Spaces. Fierce have reserved a range of spaces. You decide what goes in them.
So how does it work?
• Read the artist pitches on the My Fierce Festival website www.myfiercefestival.co.uk
• Choose your top three performances and vote! (one act for each venue category)
• Help is at hand with a leader board; vote tactically to ensure your favorite acts make the final cut!
From 7th April shows with the least votes will be eliminated each day, the most popular shows will then be performed LIVE during Fierce Festival at venues across the West Midlands 23rd – 26th May.
Fierce! International Performance Arts Festival, featuring My Fierce Festival takes place from 21 May 2008 to 1 June 2008.

The Art of Cooking: Guilt, Power, Pain and Dependency
The participatory project “Consuming Independency“ is dealing with issues of power and moral responsibility. It was first explored during the Eat Art Party, curated by Elodie Silberstein, in July 2006 in London.
A limited number of guests (who bid for their tickets on eBay) are invited into a house, where they might end up cooking a meal for the artist without the artist herself being directly involved in the process. Biggi suffers from food intolerances and allergies, which pushes her to stick to a restricted diet. The participants themselves will decide what they want to cook, go shopping and make a meal, which she then eats with the participants. A few weeks later each participant will receive a personalised limited edition project book of the event, including photographs of the process and sound clips of the discussion.

Excerpts from Elodie’s comments in 2006:
“Provocative… this is how at first glance visitors could describe the work of artist Biggi Stiller. But the first sensationalist impression is deceptive and hides a humanistic, respectful and questioning approach. The conceptual side of the work has many complex layers to explore among others, guilt, power, pain and dependency.
To be able to attend the event the public was forced to bid for tickets, to take decisions and to face the consequences of these actions. It was the viewer’s choice and sole responsibility to select and prepare the food that Biggi would then eat, these choices being made with the knowledge of which foods could make Biggi sick…
The project culminated in social interaction between Biggi and the participants. It demonstrated her genuine interest in colluding with the public to confront, analyse and understand issues and concepts that generally remain unsaid.”

Hi all, as you can see above I have been very lucky to be shortlisted for the Fierce Festival in Birmingham. Would be absolutely fantastic if you would drop a vote for me...
http://myfiercefestival.co.uk/artist/biggi-stiller-consuming-in-dependency/

Hope you are all well.
Lots of Love
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Biggi

2008-01-17T09:56:00.000Z

WYSING ARTS CENTRE RE-LAUNCHES : OPEN WEEKEND WITH OPEN STUDIOS

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th January 2008

On the evening of 18 January Matthew Collings will open the new and improved Wysing Arts Centre, followed by an Open Weekend when to launch our new buildings a gallery exhibition showcasing Wysing’s 24 resident artists will be on display and all 24 studios will be open to visitors.

In addition, past artists and exhibitors at Wysing have donated drawings towards a ‘benefit’ drawing show which will also be on display, with works available to buy at an affordable fixed price.

Over the past year Wysing’s Bourn site has been closed while we have constructed a £1.7 million building housing artists’ studios, administration offices, a dedicated education space, a new media facility, and reception and gallery improvements.

Our 11 acre site housing 24 artists’ studios, set in farmland, will be open every day during both exhibitions, which continue until 24 February, 12-6pm. Admission Free.

To join Wysing's EBulletin for monthly updates, please email info@wysingartscentre.org

Hi everyone

2007-11-08T16:28:00.000Z

Hi, Firstly I'm sorry I've been absent for so long. Secondly I'd like to say I have been reading the blog from afar with interest and it has taken me ages to work out how to blog again -forgotten passwords etc.... I couldn't make the last meeting as I was in Sicily... Which was ok but actually quite scary. Two guys jumped in to the back of our car and took all my friends things - for some reason I put up a bit of a fight and managed to keep hold of my bag! As for the Sicilian police station... well that was quite scary too!
Ok, so I wish I could have been at the meeting and I'd like to come to the next one. Art wise I have actually been pretty busy. I'm at the Florence Trust now for the year and making new images and exploring my themes further...lots of light and layers but nothing I want to post just yet. Anyway really just wanted to say hi and I don't know where the time has gone. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
Miranda x

2007-11-01T21:05:00.000Z

how about meeting later in november?
22 of november? after 6 in arts admin cafe?
or 23 of november? evening time?
maybe we should all post possible dates and times.....

Me too..

2007-10-31T18:50:00.000Z

I'm very sorry everyone, but i'm afraid i fall into the same camp as jon steve and franko in that i'm afraid i won't be able to make the meeting. I have to be in bristol in preperation for a residency (the dates have been moved back), i was genuinly looking forward to this, but it may end up being a good thing... I hope all goes well, minda xx

I will be more than happy to discuss the outcomes on the blog etc..

hello

2007-10-30T09:55:00.000Z

Hello everyone, I'm sorry to say that I will not be able to make this Thursday. . I just need to get my health back on track and I'm teaching on thursday and friday afternoons throughout this month. I also have an open studios coming up towards the end of the month and have a commitment to the people in the studio base to allocate my duties of marketing, cleaning etc. I need to concentrate on the studio base at the moment as we are under threat of being kicked out by our council who are looking at other uses for the farmhouse. Presently it's all hands on deck to show the council what we do, what can be done and what we have acheived...

Arrrggghhh I hate powerment deadlines, but hey ho.

Steven and Rachel, Hapy birthdays to you both for the end of the month and the beginning of next.

Franko, I'll see you on the 5th November

group meeting

2007-10-28T21:53:00.000Z

dear colleuges, frfiends, menteres..
watching from afar on the blog i can see a development in the group dynamic.
so i think it's better if i let you get on with it, and i'm not going to come to the meeting as i also have a lot of work on especially my commitment to finish all the one to ones i have before the 4th of december.
sorry if i sound a bit distant but i have a lot on and i feel that i have done what i could for the mentoring group. i feel i need space from the group and to take time off.
x x franko

a picture from the meeting..

2007-10-28T21:20:00.000Z

hello everybody.
here is a picture from the night after the meeting, i think it captures some of the atmosphere quite well..
there's been a lot of talking here (on the blog) about what happened and where we go now. things happen. i like the image that it made. it's worth clicking it to see it large and really look at everon'es expression.
tom x
(i look forward to the next meeting)

2007-10-28T20:51:00.000Z

ok, first things first.
we were not sitting around complaining... at least i was not. i was talking about it and digesting it. i do not see anything wrong with that.
but of course i was upset and disappointed. i think i have the right to feel that and express it.
i have tried since then to find other solutions around the challenge of having an exhibition in london.
no one ever said we could not make a show together anyway.
besides we are all independent artists and all of us have exhibitions already planned for this year or at least try to get them planned indepedently of the group or whatever.we could have an interesting experience having one together.that was never written off.at least not in my head.

i am up for the meeting on the 1st of november as we had agreed from 18:00 onwards so we can discuss who wants to work on this and how we can work things out. please everyone post if you are still up for it.

roxani

meeting

2007-10-27T22:55:00.001Z

who is planning to meet on the 1st? and where?

i didn't know about it till i read here on the blog. I have to work in the evening- looks like i will miss it again.

It would be great to meet up with those of you who do want to put together a show, see what you have going on and what work people would want to show. If people are gonna go ahead i am sure i would be able to help in some way. I am not sure yet if i have any relevant work to add- but i may do.

good strong words Rachel! who knew that reality tv would have so much to teach us!

2007-10-27T18:32:00.000Z

Thank God for Rachel saying this. On a personal note this is my first year since leaving college that I have actually realised that if you want to achieve something you have to help yourself.
Im fed up of talking about it. Are we meeting on the 1st We have all given up work and personal commitments to meet up, this is an opportunity not to be missed. We are all talented and a fantastic group. If the whitecross galery is a no go, i'm sure we can find a venue, organise press etc.
Ninaxxxx

and another thing

2007-10-25T20:00:00.000Z

What's with giving up because things get difficult or there are tensions. That is life and it certainly isn't negative. Its beautiful and it's balanced.. we can't have one without the other.

Why do we all take 'no' or disagreement so personally, it could be part of our strength, it could be fuel, material, inspiration......

Ranting

2007-10-25T19:44:00.000Z

Blimey, have non of you ever watched fame accademy?!
Your forgetting the important lessons offered to us by the likes of Darius, the cheeky girls and Liberty X.

If the loss of this show is causing upset and disapointment then sort it out and put the god damn show on! Non of you are powerless.... these is a multitude of skill, experience and possibility within this group.

To just sit around and complain about it not happening as if we are dis-empowered victims of some un-elected hiararchy is ridiculous and suggests to me that people were never really set on doing the show in the first place.

If you want to have an exhibition then have a fucking exhibition! because franko pulls out doesn't mean you all have to follow.
jesus isn't this mentoring about taking some risks and breaking out of the institution?
then where is your sense of fight? we can't overthrow a system unless we really want to. Maybe its time we questioned our individual intentions within this context.

Rachel xxx

2007-10-17T10:51:00.000Z

hello everyone,

jacob, sorry you had to read the bad news on the blog....to make you feel better, we all felt just as much surprised (in a bad way) as you were when you read all that--even the ones that were at the meeting.... sorry about your granddad and the bad news about the exhibition...

harminder,

just a quick word to tell you that i agree very much with what you said about ego and how it gets mixed up with integrity...
and also you were very right to say how group shows can get very complicated and certainly are quite difficult to look good and not as an immature student show... i dont know why some of the others thought that saying that was negative.... i thought that was realistic and actually positive so that we can all give our best to make it look fantastic and coherent...i think you did good to speak your mind ....

still sad about the whole show thing... can't seem to find anything to be going smoothly in my life the last few weeks.... especially art stuff.... i wonder if im being negative and therefore causing bad stuff to happen or if the world is like that and i have to cope.... i had planned to do some courses this winter and lots of other nice stuff and everything seems to be cancelled.... strange life...bad things come all together...but i will hopefully make sense of all that and find a way to make something good come out of that....till then

take care everyone.
Roxani

what happened??

2007-10-15T20:49:00.000Z

Got back from my grandads funeral and checked the blog to see what i missed and....

i guess the answer is quite a lot, but i feel quite out if it- but sounds like thats the best place to be at the moment.

FRANKO- yes of course i will bring you back your books when i come for my next one to one- do you mind if we have it in nov or dec as i would like to get into the swing of things at school so i can talk to you about that.

hope everyone is ok- is everyone ok?

Jacob-

Are we still meeting on the 1st November

2007-10-15T11:26:00.000Z

Hello all,

Not to much to say today. Just enquiring on whether we are still going to meet on the 1st November. It's Rachels Birthday that day. If we are still meeting...
where?
what time?
is there an agenda?

hope everybody is ok

hugs
jon x

Just a quick addition...

2007-10-09T14:43:00.000Z

God what is all this stuff about ego as well!! I don't necessarily see ego as always being this horrible thing that gets in the way, we see ego all the time on many different levels, doesn't anyone remember Franko's comments about canceling the show 'This is bullshit...We are way more famous than him anyway'!!! Was this un-bridled ego!? I guess my point is that having an ego about your work doesn't necessarily have to get in the way, someone with an ego can still give time and love, and I guess I feel that ego can or has been, mixed up with integrity.

Hi

2007-10-09T13:39:00.000Z

I don't think I am wrong when saying I think it was me and my apparently negative attitude towards the group show that seemed to start the problems on Friday. My comments when Franko asked me "What do you think Harminder?" were "I'm not sure, I think I’d need to see the space and the work. I'm a bit worried that it will be a really disparate group show" (as Rachel rightly put it, Group shows are very difficult) and I guess I didn't just want it to be lots of completely unrelated work lumped together simply because Franko got us a space and he's our mentor. Franko, you have always said to me to only do a show if you’re sure about it, if you feel it is right for you, don't just go about showing work for the sake of it, because someone says here’s a space and a bit of money or whatever. I'd just like to add that I didn't once say 'I don't want to be part of this group, I don't want to be part of this show' what I did was offer up a bit of criticism and it all seems to have gone shit shaped.

I know that Jon's words:
"Some I felt showed a huge disinterest and were only there for themselves; that somehow their work was to important to be mixed in with the rabble of Franko's mentees. That this opportunity was not worthy of their space, time or energy."
If this is directed at me then its balls (if it's not then my apologies Jon) If I thought my work was too important to mix in with the 'rabble' I would have told Franko I didn't want to be part of the show before the meeting (or after it). Yes I have confidence in my work, and yes I love my art practice, but I can also find love and interest in others work. This was NOT the criticism I leveled at the show.

What happened at Franko's that evening was a heated debate which escalated, it again had nothing to do with the group show (it was actually a debate on racism). Kathrine tried to call me on Sat to clear the air, (I unfortunately didn’t realize and picked up her voicemail today) whereby I immediately called her to also apologise, to ask if she is ok, and to clear the air (I’ve also left you a voicemail and will try you again later). My god I wrote her about 4 messages on the train home saying ‘I’m sorry for how heated the debate got and I hope you’re ok’ but bottled out of sending any of them. She did tear, but she said it was due to being over-tired (and probably over-frustrated with me!) and Jesus I was shaking like mad after it. But I’m sorry, Franko you said you saw this as a family, well how many times do we see siblings argue to the point of frustration, and you’re all hypocrites if you say to me this hasn’t happened to you ever…balls it hasn’t.

The reason why we are a group, and the proof that Kathrine and myself feel the importance of this group, is that we called each other after, that’s what sometimes happens, you piss someone off, if you don’t give a shit about them you tell them to fuck off if they call you, or you just don’t bother calling them back, if they mean something to you, you try and make it better.

Minda x

2007-10-09T10:37:00.000Z

It seems like Friday's meeting threw up stuff that seemed to stem from differing expectations of different people on the blog, regarding how the year is working, and how it should be working.

I was looking forward to the exhibition very much, because I thought it might offer the opportunity for us to work together leading up to it, and therefore might give us the opportunity to get to know one another as artists.

I do agree that there is a disparity of approaches to the group, and this is a problem, and, I agree, might prove too big to overcome regarding creating a show.

I suppose that one of the primary reasons I was attracted to taking part in Franko's mentoring scheme, apart from the fact that Franko had mentored me when I did EEC, was that, having been through college, and finding that it wasn't so great for me, I wanted something that didn't involve the person with the biggest ego, or most ability to impress tutors gaining star status.

I guess there are different reasons why we each wanted to do this scheme. For me, it is crucial that this is an environment that isn't about ego, but more about each of our practices, and how to develop further. And may be particularly pertinent for those of us not enamoured of the whole system of unhealthy competition.

I agree with Nina about the bullshit, and not feeling she fits in with that. I joked to someone recently in a meeting that having a bigger ego would serve me well, because it seems like sometimes, people respond well to the 'you must see my work, it is so important!'. Whereas I think it is utter bullshit.

I am disappointed that a show may not be possible at this point. Perhaps selfishly, although I don't really show work in galleries, I had a couple of inprogress works, and I would have been interested to see how I might develop one of them specific to that context and the Whitecross street area. But I do think that we need to have more committment to building a show as a group, rather than just exhibiting works together, if that makes any sense.

I am wondering if, given the situation, we meet in November, but prior to that, we discuss what we want to achieve during that meeting.

Do we meet in November to discuss all this further? Do we bring work, and begin to discuss this further? I wonder what everyone would like to do?

I am committed, despite my lack of visibility on the blog over the summer, to continuing with the group. But maybe we all need to reflect upon this.

Gosh, that's my two-pennerth thus far.

xxL

disappointed as well

2007-10-08T21:17:00.000Z

Hi Franko and all,
I am clinking in with everyone else.
Roxani and me had such a great chat on the way to the station and I still think in the same way.
Although it was a tough day and eve - it was essential. Things were said that needed to be addressed - some steam needed to be let off about the situation.
We can't just give up after having a challenging time. We will grow together. Sometimes things need to be challenged to give way to growth. If things are not brought out on the table they simmer under the surface - which could prove poisonous.
I don't really know what happened after Roxani and I left... and wonder too if we missed something. Rather than running away we should face the challenge and get together and grab the bull by the horns. Jon, I completely agree that we had so much time to get this going... and we still have time to do it. If we postpone an exhibition we might end up again doing everything "last minute". The thing we need to do now - have meetings!!! An exhibition is a great opportunity to finally grow together. So, we should do it!!!
This is how I feel.
I am very sad if we give up.
Lots of Love to everyone from
Biggi

2007-10-08T20:08:00.000Z

Hi, really disappointed. Seflishly have had a crap day and this was the blog has been the positive outlook. I attend plenty of p.v.'s where my friends spout arty bollocks and I feel like I don't fit in as it all seems very fake. This group goes against all that and provides an honestly which is much needed.
franko, I understand where you're coming from but I do think we still have a strong group and that a great show is possible.
Ninax

1 to 1s

2007-10-08T19:28:00.000Z

jacob, harminder, will, jon, tom, biggi, lisa, please arrange with me a 1 2 1, deadline 4th of december. if you don't arrange one before the 4th of december you will lose your opportunity to have it.

i have a plan

2007-10-08T19:23:00.000Z

i agree with what madeiline, steven , jon and roxani expressed and i accept it. i haven't thrown the baby oput of the bathtub yet, i'm think ing of other strategies. now i want to finish the commitment i have for this year and then i will talk to people that i feel will be commited to a new vision.

2007-10-08T18:18:00.000Z

hello everyone,
sad news.....i was under the impression that the meeting went well...with all its difiiculties, disagreements, and all its ups and downs.....i thought that it would somehow work...i left early i suppose from the get together afterwards at franko's place, did something happen when i left? did i miss something?

yes we havent seen each other for some time and yes every one of us should be taking responsibility about it (including myself) and i think everyone is ...but i was somehow positive the last few days and walking to the station with biggi we were saying how we should see things positively and reconnect....or even connect with the people from the course that we didnt have the chance to do it before.....
and today i logged on to actually write i am excited about this forthcoming exhibition but instead i saw the last post by franko and felt really sad....

i suppose it s a final decision since the gallery has been informed so i dont really know what to say....

such a shame....i thought that the meeting would actually make us reconnect despite complaints, confessions, etc and that from this tension something good could come out with sincerety and honesty...guess i was being urealistic...i guess that's life.....

xxx
roxani

Disappointed.....!!!!

2007-10-08T17:32:00.000Z

Hello All,

I had originally signed into the blog today to start to type up the notes from Friday's meeting to find alas THINGS HAVE CHANGED!!!!!

I made my way to London on Friday feeling hey it's going to be good a chance to catch up with every body, say hello; see who's doing what and how things are going and how people are since their mentoring last year and to catch up with those from this year.

But hey ho, suddenly the cafe area had a cloud of gloom overhead. Some I felt showed a huge disinterest and were only there for themselves; that somehow their work was to important to be mixed in with the rabble of Franko's mentees. That this opportunity was not worthy of their space, time or energy.

Others I felt were not really interested in what work or artforms others produced or how their work related to one another in the global world of art. For me first and foremost there is one HUGE common interest, WE ARE ALL ARTISTS! We all try to say something through the work we produce. Therefore we could have a theme 'narratives' or are we just a dysfunctional body who's opinions matter more to us as a person than our place in the artworld.

As for it being tight to bring a show together by February; Franko first mentioned this opportunity in the initial blog back in June - the 3rd to be exact - this means that we have actually had almost 6 months to think about what work we would like to show/make. or is it just me that has been sad enough to give this some thought? However I mentioned back in July (see blog "after an interesting conversation" , 6th july) that we could have started to discuss our thoughts feelings and ideas on here...

I think I have said enough for now as I was really looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into something that meant something to me. oh well

jon :O(

important

2007-10-08T11:15:00.000Z

i think we should still meet in november, but i have decided to cancel the show. i have told francesco. i feel that the group is falling apart and i don't want to do the show if its going to be like this, it's not going to work.
x franko.

P.V.s tomorrow evening - Bethnal Green - Mile End

2007-10-01T15:57:00.000Z

Hi all,
just to drop a line that I have tomorrow evening two P.V.s coming up in the east end of London.
Would be lovely to see you there. You probably know some of the photographers below.
Biggi

I. 2-28 October Photo-Open P.V. 2nd October from 18.00 till 21.00 You can see the pictures I am selling you can see here: It's the first two on the top.http://www.biggistiller.net/index.php?page=Work_Detail&article=Exploration THE ART PAVILION, 020 7375 0441Mile End Park, Clinton Road, off Grove Road E3 4QXMile End tube2nd Oct - 28th Oct

II. 3-6 October Photographic Print Sale P.V. 2nd October from 18.00 till 20.00 You can see the picture I am selling you can see here: It's the first one on the top left. http://www.biggistiller.net/index.php?page=Work_Detail&article=abandonedspaces
Wednesday 3rd – Saturday 6th Oct 2007, 1 - 6pm
"For four days only, Four Corners will display and sell highly collectable limited edition prints and photographs produced by celebrated local artists. The participating artists have studied at some of the most reputable art schools, regularly exhibit around the world and have promising international careers.The artists have carefully selected one image that best represents their artistic practice, making this an excellent opportunity for visitors to consider the fascinating range of artistic approaches adopted.Come along, see the work and buy it now, before they’re famous!For further details please call 020 8981 6111 or email info@fourcornersfilm.co.ukFour Corners121 Roman RoadLondonE2 0QNwww.fourcornersfilm.co.ukParticipants include: Natalie Pecht, Julieta Sans, Scotia Luhrs, Jon Wyatt, Sarah Ainslie, Eva Hertogenbosh, Blaize Simon, Emma Horn, Lucinda Douglas-Menzies, Jonathan Wyatt, Veronika Speigl, Lee Milne, Paul Greenleaf, Alexandra Jasper, Laura Braun, Christine Wilkinson, Yewande Okuleye, John Nassari, Biggi Stiller, Romain Forquy, Anna Gudbrandsdottir, Rosemary Hudson, Dave Miller, Les Monaghan, Christopher Preston, Molly Cooper, Anna Stephens, Andreas Schmidt, Dave Sinclair, Dougie Wallace, Elly Clarke, Emli Bendixen, Gabrielle Motolo, Gary Welch, Joseph de Haan, Justin Coombes, Andrew Woodward, Marian Alonso, Megan Brady, Alison Gosper, Nicola Dracoulis, Marcin Kosinski, Kathryn Faulkner, Andrea Gohl and more."

Meeting next week

2007-09-28T18:09:00.000Z

Hi all

I'm posting this following a chat with Rachel and Lucille... we're all really looking forward to next weeks meeting but were feeling that the meeting may not be long enough! I know it was rearranged to start at 4pm, Biggi was it your work commitments i recall? I sympathise with that but just thinking by the time we all catch up it'll take a while for us to get into the swing of it and maybe you wouldn't miss so much by the time we all have chatted... And with so many of us it will take a while to get round everyone and see where we are up to? Plus now we are deciding whether the show should be in Feb and the time scale has changed the approach may be different - Franko what do you feel? I don't wish to leave anyone out...

Sorry i've been a bit blog absent, looking forward to giving things a new injection of energy.

Love mads

x

Artsadmin 3 October - Test Run - HELP

2007-09-27T09:08:00.000Z

Hi all,
I am doing a test run at Artsadmin on Wednesday next week. I have advertised it through Arts News and don't have a single response. I need your help. Is anybody willing to participate and give me some feedback? Here is my posting:

3. 3rd October Participatory Live Test Run

Biggi Stiller is looking for people to participate in
one of her new
live art pieces that is currently in its development stage.
It will take place
in studio 5 at

Artsadmin, Toynbee Studios, London E1 6AB
on Wednesday 3rd October.

Biggi has started using her work to set up experimental
"windows" to experience social challenges turning the
observer into an active participant. She enjoys
exploring human complexities in an often regulated set-up
offering an intriguing space for challenging experiences.
She has tested this particular piece on friends and fellow
artists and is now ready to involve others. Interested
people will need to book a space.

There are three 30min timeslots
throughout the day offering 7 places each.


Please book here for a place:

http://www.biggistiller.net/index.php?page=News_Detail&article=PERFORMANCETRIAL

During these 30mins there will be a questionnaire that can
be filled in to provide the artist with some useful feedback.
The event will also be filmed for documentation.

If you have any further questions please contact the artist
Biggi Stiller
mailto:b.stiller@btinternet.com
07877789271
http://www.biggistiller.net

Down and out in Münster.....

2007-09-26T23:52:00.000Z

Crashed and burnt trying to be clever videoing while cycling...

I was waitng for the galkers to stop staring before I got up! I only ended with a grass stain!

see you all next week!!

2007-09-26T12:24:00.000Z

hello all,

i think february is a good month....to be honest as much as i like to do things in weird times around the year ( like xmas) i do think xmas is not a popular time for an exhibition... everyone unfortunately around that period is out shopping and doing all the crap xmass things that people do....even the interesting people of this city...somehow everyone buys this whole xmass bullshit tradition...so maybe february is good for us.....
that is my humble opinion even though i am open to every possibility...

hope everyone is well and looking forward to seing you on the 5th and yes i think i will be available to go for drinks/ food after the meeting...
roxani

further further developments..........

2007-09-25T15:50:00.000Z

and now... what do you think.. should we do it in febuary

dear franko,

I am sorry if didnt reply earlier i am in rome back to london tonight
yes of course you can have the febraury slot

Baci francesco

2007-09-20T17:17:00.000Z

It has been a long time since I was here….and in part, aside from being, or at least feeling busy, for a few weeks I have avoided being here simply because there I feel like there is too much to say, and it becomes easier to say nothing at all.

But, I want to be here now, to let you know I am still alive, and feeling very much alive! I went part time at work about a month ago now, and it is proving to have been a good decision. Being at home on Thursdays and Fridays now, the more I do the more I realise I could do…the possibilities seem to open up a little and my perspective has changed considerably. I have the time to actually think about my work and get excited…. to allow ideas to surface and articulate themselves. I just generally feel happier than I did at the beginning of the summer, and I am certain this is due to the shift in focus from dull day job to actually being able to think of myself as an artist and make those things I want to be a priority actually be a priority….

I am able to move into Wysing hopefully in a couple of weeks, so my two days not at work I can spend making and thinking about my work, which feels like an incredibly precious luxury. It is quite strange to look back to this time last year and think about how stressed I would get when I didn’t feel like I was making work… I feel much calmer about my approach, my practice, (maybe this will change and oscillate between panic and calm still), but I am better able to trust my own instincts and know that to not be actively busy all the time isn’t a bad thing…it’s just how I work, it takes, and needs time. Don’t get me wrong, there are still waves of insecurity and paranoia, but they are often balanced out by the excitement with the actual work, and having more time now to be with the work, or its traces and possibilities, the more able I am to forget the doubt and jump in the deep end with just doing it and not worrying about it.

I guess I am maybe putting off doing some work by choosing to write to you all first. I did some filming whilst in Italy, and I feel so excited about the visual traces it has left me with…I don’t want to lose the hope about the work, because it is so rich, and it’s not definite, but all those beautiful things I can envisage there being, the possibility of it becoming something…and actually when I think about the work I made last August, which some of you have seen, I felt a similar sense of not knowing what it was I had captured and how it would exist outside of what I hoped for it. The image above is somehow part of the work….at least it was taken in the same space, and it has something of what I want for the footage I have…I will have to let you know how I get on when I do actually set aside the time over the next few days to watch the footage and think about it.

I have finally bought a car, a little black VW Lupo from some friends. So I can get out to Wysing and even come down to London now just for an evening without worrying about how to get back in time on the train for work the next day. Having said that I got hopelessly lost trying to get home from Redbridge on Saturday night- my driving is ok, but my navigation skills leave a lot to be desired! But, as with many other things in my life, it feels like an experience that I can smile about and throw myself into like an adventure rather than get too scared.

I do hope everyone is well, and I look forward to catching up with everyone in October at Toynbee. Are people sticking about after the meeting for a drink or maybe some food?

Take care, love Kat.

further developments

2007-09-20T10:38:00.000Z

have reoplied to franceseco's email to say that we don't want to do it in january and have suggested feburay. anyway this is a good opportunity to meet even if the show doesn't go ahaed. we can talk about strategies about how to do it somewhere else.. if it doesn't yhappen with this gallery it's not a negative thing ..... we are more famous than them. x x x x x

de-mentored itches

2007-09-19T13:38:00.000Z

check this out... i think it's bullshit, i think he's been wasting our time. january is a crappy month. we could ask him to move it to febuary which would be better, or should we just tell him to fuck off???

franko-..

Ciao Franko,

i hope you well, are you still enjoying the italian pleasures, sun sea
and food?
i am writing to you because of the de-mentored exhibition
I been thinking about the dates and it would be much better to have
the show after the christmas holiday beginning of january, this
decision because i thought it would be odd to open the exhibition on
Wednesday 19 December when people are busy with christmas stuff close
the gallery for holiday and re open after new year eve (we usually
reopen 6 or 7 january)
So it wouldn't be better to have the de-mentored show after that?
Something like 9 or 10 January?
Also i want to be honest with you Franko as you can imagine things are
quite difficult at the gallery i am really struggling to keep the
gallery open there are so many expenses and the stress is a lot at one
point after the summer i even thought to close it but after that i
decided to go ahead...
Is not evenone year and is a bit early to quit
So in order to keep the gallery open i had to find other ways to
substain it and one came up recently to rent the gallery for a week
show early October but of course i had to rearrange the calendar
I hope you understand me and i do apologise about this change even if
i think that it would be much better to have your show beginning of
Janaury

Best x,

Francesco
--
whitecross gallery
122 whitecross street
London EC1Y 8PU
+44 (0)207 253 4252
http://www.whitecrossgallery.com

urgent

2007-09-18T09:44:00.000Z

important,
don't forget to come to the meeting on the 5th 0ctober from 4-6 at the arts cafe at artsadmin to discuss the group show 'de-mentored'. anyone who doesn't come will not be in the show. check the blog...
does anyone have evangelia's email address, if so please forward this to her.
best franko.. see you there x x x x x x

breath conference at tate

2007-09-03T21:04:00.000Z

take a deep breath
A conference at Tate Modern, London
15 - 17 November 2007

Nikos Navridis
Difficult breath #9, 2004.
Call for Submissions
Deadline for submissions: 10 September 2007

Breathing is a vital practice, yet most of us hardly ever think of the process. Recent environmental and
ethical developments are calling for a rethinking of the value of breath and its manifestations in
culture and beyond.
Take a deep breath is an interdisciplinary conference on the social, cultural and scientific ramifications
of breathing. It will explore the influence of breath on the work of various theorists and practitioners
and encourage a critical discussion by featuring talks, visual art projects, performances, film
screenings, and musical events.
We would like to invite contributions from a wide range of disciplines, including: visual and performing
arts, literature, architecture, music, philosophy, theology, biomedical and environmental sciences and
sports. Participants are encouraged to submit contributions exploring the following themes:
• Visible/Invisible Respiration: There is general agreement that it can be heard and smelt, yet
why is it taken for granted that respiration is an invisible manifestation of our being alive?
Artists have often explored this paradox. What lies in this tension between the visible and the
invisible breath?
• Contaminating Breath: The exhaled breath brings out in the world an amalgam of volatile
components ranging from vital oxygen to poisonous carbon dioxide. Breathing is vital, yet it
can also be fatal. To breathe upon is potentially to infect or contaminate.
• Hold It Exercise It Manipulate It Breathing can be subjected to active and passive forms of
control. What are the ways with which we control and manipulate our breath? Does the loss
of breath result in the loss of control, or perhaps is it the other way round?

• Beyond Breath: Can we think of breathing beyond its principal corporeal function? Breath as
pneuma and psyche has always been of great significance to psychology, psychiatry,
philosophy and religion. What are the effects of euphoria and phobias, panic attacks or
asphyxia? Is there life after breath?
Keynote speakers include:
Professor Steven Connor (Birkbeck College/ London Consortium)
Professor Howard Caygill (Goldsmiths College)
Mark Cousins (Architectural Association/ London Consortium)
Submission guidelines: Paper proposals of 1000-1500 words outlining a 20 minutes presentation or full
papers (max 4500 words) and a curriculum vitae of no more than two pages should be submitted via
email by 10 September 2007. Visual or/and sound material should be submitted via email at
breath@londonconsortium.com or as DVD/CD copies at the following address:
Take a deep breath
The London Consortium
Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)
12 Carlton House Terrace
London
SW1Y 5AH
UK
All papers and presentations will be in English.
Selection and Notification: All contributors will be notified whether their submission has been selected
by 20 September 2007.
Dispatch Costs: Contributors are responsible for the costs of sending any visual or sound material.
Submissions can only be returned if the applicant provides a self-addressed and stamped envelope.
Duration: Thursday 15 – Saturday 17 of November 2007
Venue: The conference will take place at Tate Modern.
Take a deep breath is organised by Irini Marinaki, Martine Rouleau and Konstantinos Stefanis in
collaboration with The London Consortium and Tate Modern.
The London Consortium is a unique collaboration between the Architectural Association, Birkbeck
College, the Institute of Contemporary Arts and TATE. We offer challenging, rigorous postgraduate
programmes in the Humanities and Cultural Studies leading to a Master of Research (MRes) or PhD
degree in Humanities and Cultural Studies from the University of London. For more information visit:
www.londonconsortium.com
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us by email at
breath@londonconsortium.com
2007-09-19

LOVE

2007-09-02T13:05:00.001Z

please have a look at the new images i have put on my 'LOVE' blog. the add. is

http://jacoblove.blogspot.com"

if you click on the images you can view them large, but i guess you all know that by now.

hope your all doing well. i start collage at the end of sept, so am excited about that and also seeing you all again in oct.

any feedback on the images would be great-

jacob

hello everyone

2007-08-30T09:19:00.000Z

how is things? remember the 5th october, from 4-6. hope everyone had a good summer and that it's been productive and creative for all of you. how is everyone???
x xx

a big thank you

2007-08-26T00:11:00.000Z

Boun Giorno Franko and Tom,

A huge thank you for your hospitality and warmth whilst I was with you. Stevenage seems somewhat colder and damper than sitting outside you house. I am now totally relaxed and really appreciated my time with youselves and Katherine. My time out in Italy was an adventure of the mind and spirit. I have captured so many images to memory and hope to now be able to put some of these down on paper as drawings and text.

It's still sinking in that i'm back home already :o( so i'll sign off now as i need to get some sleep and there is a lot to think about following our discussion.

hugs

Jon

meeting and some other dates

2007-08-01T02:28:00.001Z

Hello all, I'm looking forward to the exhibition and meeting up with everyone again in oct!

Also if anyone's around in Sep i'm performing Live Sermon at Arnolfini on the 30th, its part of a weekend of performance called Port City, there should be quite a bit too see. plus i'll be at the European Performance Art festival at CCA Poland on 6th-9th if anyone fancies a little trip!!

Harminder xx

it's too hot for hair here..

2007-07-28T20:01:00.001Z

hello from italy.................

our meeting... 5th october

2007-07-27T21:51:00.000Z

as a compromise we can meet at four o'clock and finish the meeting at 6. we can meet in the art cafe at artsadmin. anyone who doesn't come won't be in the show. franko.

hello all

2007-07-26T12:58:00.001Z

hello everyone.long time no see....

franko thank you for the good news about the exhibition...very exciting to meet with everyone again.....catch up with the "old" students and refresh my memory on the new ones as it s been ages since i met everyone and i have to admit i am bad with faces and names...so forgive me if next time we all meet, you need to refresh my memory....i do know everyone's works though....so that s something!
i am sure we will re-introduce ourselves and it will all be fine...

so 5th of october it is i think the date of meeting up----daytime or evening??

xxx
Roxani
ps: my myspace page is: www.myspace.com/roxani if anyone would like to contact me that way....

back on the blog

2007-07-24T21:56:00.001Z

hello all.

2007-07-23T18:46:00.000Z

Bonjour from France,

Franko and Tom, thought you should check this story out as you're going to Avignon

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070721/ap_on_re_eu/odd_france_kissed_painting

so no kissing!

Really looking forward to the show, will be great to get all of us together, I can make the meeting.

See you soon,

Lisa and Biggi thankyou so much for a lovely evening and gorgeous food, apologies for running off so soon,

Ninaxx

IMPORTANT - artsadmin studio for 2 + 3 October

2007-07-20T10:11:00.000Z

Hi all, I am about to book studio 5 at artsadmin for performance tests.
The price is 40£ plus VAT for one day until 6pm. I am not sure if there will be any funding available.
I want to book it for Tuesday and Wednesday, possibly Monday but need someone to go in with me to actually support the costs. We could go in as a little group. To be honest though, I don't know how big the studio is.
My performance experiments will involve people from outside, so we would hopefully get people in to experiment with - of course we need to advertise it. Everyone who does some interactive work and needs to test it out might be interested in this possibility.
Anyone up for it?
Biggi

meeting 5th october

2007-07-18T21:04:00.000Z

important

we will all meet on the 5th of october to discuss the exhibition at whitecross gallery, 'de-mentored', which will include both years of the mentoring scheme, in total 17 artists. please put this in your diary.

to confirm - jacob, i will meet you at 11 0'clock on 12th august, and biggi on the 14th.

x x franko. hope you're all having a good summer.

catherine, let me know if you're coming to italy. and jon, i haven't booked your ticket because i'm going to go to puglia by car, but you could arrive on the 20th aug by plane and i will pick you up from brindisey airport. ryanair goes there. if anyone else wants to come, let me know.. but maybe not all together!

x x x x x

2007-07-18T15:26:00.000Z

Hi, thought I'd better let you know that I''m not in this screening, but the next one. Mixed up the dates, so sorry, still worth checking out. This does mean that i can now come to Lisa's Ninax

directions to my place are posted as a comment

2007-07-18T12:33:00.001Z

- by thw way....scroll down to the one with 13 comments...

Lxx

ps. it's from 4pm...

Biggi and Franko have my mobile no if u need it - don't want to post it on2 public blog

hope to cu....

2007-07-12T17:09:00.000Z

I'm showing couple of vids here (below) and my computer finally uploads pics, yippeeeee. Would love it if anyone can make it x
Ninax

2007-07-12T17:07:00.000Z

Birthday drinks on sun 15th july

2007-07-10T10:42:00.000Z

I am having a small get together on my Birthday at Biddle's Bar, Lower Clapton Road, Hackney - from 7pm, next Sunday 15th July

(Biddles bar is just past Round Chapel on right)

Hope you can make it!

love,

Lisa
Directions: http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/14/14479/Biddle_Bros_Builders_/Lower_Clapton

hello-

2007-07-10T00:27:00.000Z

hello everyone-

sorry i have been one of the absent voices lately- I have been battling stuff out on my own in my head, and not sharing!!! Trying to work out how it is i can be useful in the world. Maybe it's time i started letting it out and sharing it on here, although the format of this blog feels far to public and defining- once written ideas and thoughts become something else, in a very different way to when they are spoken. In writing ideas become solid and representative, when spoken they remain fluid and are easier to let go of. I think thats why I am not using the blog, and it kind of feels like a waste. I hope your all doing well. i am reading the blog, just not posting anything at the moment! I am finding the whole fine art thing a bit much to get my head round so i feel anything i say might not be that constructive. As the fundamental law of exsitance is that ALL LIFE IS CHANGE, I am happy with the knowledge that this will also change.

FRANKO- sorry i missed your call the other day. i managed to delete your message also and can't find your number anywhere. please email me your number or call me so we can talk. I have felt a bit embarrassed to contact you as my life is going through so many changes i don't really know where I am!!

Looking forward to summer- if we ever get one- and seeing you all soon.

X LOVE JACOB X

hello x x

2007-07-07T16:54:00.000Z

After an interesting conversation

2007-07-06T00:01:00.000Z

hello to all of the fb mentees,

I had a converstion the other night speaking to one of the group although they shall remain un-named which has enthused me to write this blog. When I first met with franko @ Wysing last August, I felt devoting myself and time to the mentoring scheme would be beneficial. Especially as a way of being able to have interesting conversations about the arts in all of it's guises with a group of likeminded individuals who are outside my everyday social circuit.

Nevertheless as my year progresses I often find myself logging into the blog to find out about shows and exhibtions that are going on or about to happen. Yes I am guilty of this myself.

However, what happend to the dialect of random discussions? Peoples thoughts and feelings? Posting Images of current work or ideas about new work, Life, the universe and beyond. What has happened to last years mentees? What is going on in the circle of FBers?

WHERE HAS THE PASSION GONE?

Or has the fuse gone out?

Rachel mentioned in a comment about the possible exhibtion in november that we should get together as a group to discuss this...

I am aware that we all have busy lives and schedules to keep. Would this not be an opportunity to discuss thoughts and ideas on the blog??? I only speak up now as Franko is our Mentor, but do we not need to take some responsibilty ourselves to get our artistic backsides into action and start discussing possible opportunities etc.

I'm only asking so as to save Franko wasting his breath every time he asks Where is everybody?

Franko I hope you are well, and I will call you soon

Hugs 2 all

Jon

PS: I'm away on the canals until the 21st July so no internet connection although I'm sure I will find an internet cafe along the way. Hope you are all well and happy

New happenings

2007-07-01T00:42:00.000Z

Hello fellow mentees!

I hope your all well, i've had a crazy couple of months, culminating in finally moving out of the beloved Warhorse :( the end of an era I feel

I have created some new work and have kind of been touring my performance Live Sermon, I have asked Artsadmin if i can use the court room at Toynbee to show it to a select audience, i hope you can all come. It won't be untill autumn so I will keep you posted.

Please please check out new website www.harminderjudge.com and give me any feedback on the new work. There is Video Sermon (a video installation and you can watch it online too) Archive of Idolatry (which includes my prosthetic arms which are finally finished..yay!) and some images of Live sermon at Sensitive skin and tate.

Also please go to the TEXT section and click on Reviews, there is one written on my performance at Nottingham by Manick (it is my first ever one so i was quite excited)

I will try my best to make it to your flat Lisa, although my life is in boxes at the moment and money is very tight. It would be good to see everyone again.

Love Minda x

... some more images

2007-06-29T23:14:00.000Z

... actually that is for now the last one.

and now I won't pester you anymore...
would be great to get some feedback on my two other posts... I know I am asking for a lot at the moment...biggi

Project for E17 Art Trail - September 1-9

2007-06-29T22:27:00.000Z

Hi Jon and Lisa,
I just wrote a really long message and lost it alllllll, which is very very annoying. Although I saved it I can't seem to access the text anymore. What a shame.
I actually wanted firstly say sorry Jon, that I am not responding to your posts recently. Always find your texts so interesting that I want to take my time over them and then never seem to get the time. So please be patient with me.
Secondly I wanted to ask you both if you are interested in working with me on a project which is due in September. It involves those and similar images and sound/voice clips. This will be hopefully displayed in a DIY store in Walthamstow. The sound/voice will be necessary to draw people out of their shopping mode and into the world of art - realising that the sound/voice is something unusual. I will talk to you or send you an email about this. Lisa I would love to have your input as a sound art specialist and want to borrow your lovely voice. Jon I would love to ask you to write a text for me... But of course I am very happy and would feel honoured if we actually work properly as a collaboration ... anyway we will chat more about this. The other text I had written was more into detail - but am now too fed up to repeat... will post some more images. xxxxxx

how is every one .

2007-06-29T07:58:00.000Z

hi im back , sorry i have been out of the loop but i have been checking from distance how all of you getting on .
when shall we all get toghether im living on the 22 july for 2 months to italy , people can visit if they would like .
let also organize a get toghether here and remmember wenesday is best for biggi. x x franko

fallen dreams

2007-06-28T00:43:00.000Z

hello all,
Lisa, a huge thank you for coming out to stevenage and helping me with the nerves and video; your smile and warmth meant everything. I said that the piece is a work in progess and so it is.
The images are taken by me as stills around the installation, there is dvd footage but i have yet to discover how i copy to my machine and onto the blog (but then again maybe not as my rant is once again about consumerism etc

the performance starts (spoken by somebody else)

The year is 2060
The date 6th June
The planet is trying to recover from the ruin

Performance
I awake, climb out from my coverings There is a fire in the copper)still working on this as next time i light the fire
I cough and splutter from the pollutants smothering
I rant whilst I continue to build my shelter, beat the copper, have a wash...

I shout
I scream
What made them buy that throw away dream?
What was the meaning of their consumerist daydreaming?
Whilst cruising the internet for all of their jollies
Spending on borrowed lolly
Ramp up the heat
Block out the sun
As we stand here on the edge of the new evolution

I Move to fire and beat out the copper with hammer
Why do I wait for the sky to perspire?
My throat is parched
It feels on fire
When the drops do fall from the clouds above
Polluted they are from the consumerist lust
They poison the planet with all of their chemicals
Us bloody Homo Sapiens think we know it all

I move to the willow wall
That was the reason where it all went wrong
We did not listen to the warning about the pollution
Our governments were too busy
Building the weapons of mass destruction
Paid for by corruption
To fight the battle
This makes my mind rattle

I move to the buckets
Was that the solution
Never mind now
It is too late
For it happened
I’m too tired now
I’m feeling week
In the mirror I see my furrowed brow
Inside I feel humble and meek
i move back to the shelter
All of the troubles
Was it worth it?
I shout
I scream
I’ll go to sleep

there is a lot more work to do on this, feedback would be useful. I aim to recall a visit to stevenage for all and artsadmin etal in september.

I'll be away for most of july on a get away from it all... no computer, have mobile phone heading to north wales on the canal system. (at least i can pee overboard)

big hugs for now

Jon

Philosopy vs Psychology in Art

2007-06-20T16:37:00.000Z

Hi all,
I have a question that is pestering me since years.

Why seems Philosophy more valid than Psychology in the Art practice?
(the answer that both are valid in the same way doesn't seem to hold up. And please don't suggest to work in the field of psychology - because that is escapism and doesn't satisfy me)

Psychology has always intrigued me more and interested me more than Philosophy. Always when I referenced Psychology I got a slap on my hand that I needed more Philosophy to back my practice up. History has been a very important aspect to my work as well - so why does Philosophy seem to occupy the throne in the reputable world of art making???

:-/ Biggi

Biggi's challenge

2007-06-20T15:13:00.000Z

Hi all,
here are the questions I am currently fighting with in regards to my practice and the images I have posted earlier.

1. Am I using people as a decoy to deal with my own shit?

My subject matter seems universal. Everyone is fighting with anxieties on basic levels. I find it boring to only put myself through it - for others to watch - it's too easy to detach yourself as a viewer and deal with it in a theoretical way. I think it is interesting because we think we know everything about ourselves but are then sometimes surprised how we react under "unusual" conditions. Maybe I want to draw us out of our own securities [Tino Seghal - ICA piece] and give us a space to explore ourselves in a secure environment. [Roman Ondak - Tate Modern piece]. I think that I don't have to answer the question why I do that kind of work to others but not myself - because I do work that puts myself into the spotlight as well [Eat Art Party] while others are the catalysts of both their and my experience. I guess it is a kind of experimential space. My intention is that no-one is forced to participate - although I don't want to give too much leaway for everyone to be able to avoid it. I don't want to make comfortable work - I want to challenge.

2. Is there a moralistic stance to it?

No, because I am not judging anyone. I am not asking anybody else to judge. Maybe my work is more about the encouragement to accept that no-one is perfect and there are things we can't predict. Neither do I help people to overcome their particular fears, nor is my work a therapy option. I am using set-ups that are based on my personal experiences on a very basic level - so I assume the work is not really about my personal shit but the relatively universal shit. It works for some people - for others it doesn't, depending on a lot of factors.

3. What do I do that work for and why?

We are living in a fast society where we rarely get any time for reflection - if we have that window we often don't take the chance but occupy ourselves with other matters. I guess I am trying to open a time window for personal experience and for reflection. Art is for reflection - you enter a space - to have an experience - not an every day experience. You expose yourself to whatever you encounter. It seems my work has to live in an environment where people are ready to experience something less ordinary - or better an "experience out of context". It will already narrow the participants down to those more willing to participate. I want the visitors to take away an experience which is hopefully thought provoking. A painter can do this too - I am choosing a different medium.

/////////

Now to everyone who read these questions and answers - please feel free to dig into those and ask further questions - give suggestions - or challenge me. I want to get ready for my MA applications in Winter - so need to squeeze my brain and need to explore some valid essentials to my work.

Thank you all.
xxxxxxxx

official invite and the last try.

2007-06-14T19:43:00.001Z

A Stevenage gathering

Hello people,

open studios and stevenage.
still happening?
23/24th june is the weekend.

fairlands farm,
fairlands way,
stevenage,
SG11NU is the address.

to all of you, rachel had mentioned camping over. this is a possibility although we have to be quiet about it so if your interested in this please call me on my mobile 07747 897429 you never know we could document something for the live art development agency....

directions for people on foot can be found under the comments on a stevenage gathering.

Please let me know or oganise between yourselves what is happening. franko had suggested i believe in february that this was my choice of a day out I posted on the blog over various months.

franko, good luck with moving your work across to italy sorry you can not make the open studios, the research material has given me food for thought, could you ring me regarding a possible visit to your place in july/august.

121 boys and girls

2007-06-14T13:47:00.000Z

jaccobs and will where are you? please ring me . x x franko

2007-06-13T13:26:00.000Z

Speech experiment and Mirror piece (during my Island residency in May)
I would like to just discuss the reason behind my work. Franko had asked me some questions in regards to my practice. I would like to put some answers on the blog to be challenged by you. Some of the answers don't have enough umpf but that's the reason why I want to put them on here.
It becomes now very clear that my work is based on participatory performances - possibly one 2 one at a later stage. I realised that my work is always going back to being a kind of installation, where people go in and are encountered with an experience.
One work I was during that residency was the Mirror piece: people were invited to sit in front of a mirror and stare at themselves for five minutes - without moving the head. Behind the mirror was a camera situated. Participants were shown the camera so they were fully aware that they were being filmed.
The video was then edited which showed the sitters 2mins each staring into the camera and blending out when they were told that the mins are over. The video has no sound. It was projected during an exhibition against the blank white wall in a naturally lit space so it looked quite faint on the wall.

The other piece I experimented with was the Speech piece:
Participants were not briefed about the nature of the piece. Each person was individually lead into the space by the artist, onto the platform and into the spot light (a camera woman was filming the event). "How would you like to

be called?" The artist asked the participant, who was then introduced to the audience by their chosen name. The artist then turned to the participant on the platform and explained loudly that he/she would have to answer five questions, could though refuse to answer at any stage - but would have to provide in the end answers to five questions. After having answered five questions, the participant was then lead down from the stage to a chair to sit down within the audience and take on the role of the interrogator. The next participant who had been waiting outside was then lead in and up to the platform into the spotlight to go through the same ritual.

These were the two pieces I was working on and now I am at a stage where I need to crack down to the nitty gritty bit. They both were successful in their way they were set up and in regards to the wanted impact. Although both pieces had very simple set-ups they were to some extend irritating and challenging for some more than others.
I will post the questions separately later on today or tomorrow to give the work some space.
Would be great to get some feedback on your thougths - would have been of course great if you guys would have had the chance to experience them yourselves.
:-)
Biggi

art circles in london and abroad...

2007-06-12T15:39:00.003Z

Mr Will

2007-06-08T14:36:00.000Z

Will could you please post your email on the blog, there is a project I would like to discuss with you, thanks...

A Stevenage gathering

2007-06-05T21:15:00.001Z

Hello people,

katherine your words are always so thoughtful, reading your posts make me feel like i'm there in the room with you. You mentioned open studios and stevenage. yes this is still happening.

23/24th june is the weekend. fairlands farm, fairlands way, stevenage, SG11NU is the address.

to all of you, rachel had mentioned camping over. this is a possibility although we have to be quiet about it so if your interested in this please call me on my mobile 07747 897429

you never know we could document something for the live art development agency....

other than that you can get me by e-mail or phone as got my head down over the next couple of weeks on community projects making an 8ftx8ft recycled chess set to go on exhibtion in our town gallery in July, working with 14/15 yrs from one of our local schools. the set is based on myths fantasy and legends.

in a strange way I'm really looking froward to this project as it's a chance to get all 3 dimensional again with a load of recycled material, plaster and papier mache.

hope to hear from some of you soon.

hugs jon

PS on the note of my bladder, still pissing for england and waiting for more appointments to come through, a word of advice... don't touch any of my painted works the water may have been recycled :o) things are improving as now on tablets to help overcome the flow problem so starting to try and travel again.

2007-06-04T20:48:00.000Z

Hello

My apologies for being a little on the quiet side recently….I guess I just felt like being quiet and still for a while. I have been reading though, and it is good to feel pulled in by the blog and excited just reading…

There are things I wanted to throw into the pot, but I will come back to these shortly.

I thought I would post a couple of images…somehow they seem to hold an affinity to how I feel at the moment….from the performance at EEC at the beginning of May.

Life feels out of sync at the moment…”mind the gap between your thoughts and reality” someone used to say this to me frequently…I don’t want to though. I am unsettled at work. I was given a really positive initial reaction to reducing my hours at work, in order to be able to be at Wysing for at least two days a week….now it seems this might not be the case…I am looking elsewhere, so it feels a little unsettling…the person I sit next to at work keeps saying that everyone goes through times at work when they’re not so happy….I don’t want to sit in an office feeling like everything that excites me is outside the door…I refuse to accept that this is it…I want my life to be beautiful, and I know it can be, it is at times…and it is about searching for that, knowing not to accept something that isn’t that…

The performance at EEC was a really positive experience. I felt really anxious, but I think, if I’m honest, it’s the first time that I have looked back and felt so excited by a piece of work that is live…..because it is not known, it has thrown up ideas and images that were unexpected….because in the images I have, I am surprised and engaged…for me, they are really beautiful…not in a familiar sense, but because they are like an unexpected by-product….less definite, less defined and immediate…

And maybe because there is a sense of balance…

I keep coming back to this word defiant when I am scribbling down notes. I want that in my work. Defiance…in fact I am not even certain I know what that means…but I want the work to be unashamed, unreserved and not held back…

A quiet physicality that expands one’s thinking….I come back to that thought that thinking through the work is better for me, that the work would emerge if I give it time…

It was really interesting to read about being anxious and not feeling confident to invite people to work…Biggi, I guess in a way I can relate to your post, but also to the responses posted later…but I also can’t help thinking that the anxiety, and the doubt and the (sometimes) sense of inadequacy is drawn into the work…( I use the word inadequacy, more of something from me, rather than something you have said, and certainly not something I have thought about you or your work!)…

Franko, confidence was something that came up in those few days around EEC when I saw you….do you think it is about strategy? I think it is true to say that sometimes I feel like a genius at work…not because it’s big or clever, but because the genuine excitement and, well engagement, (yes, I do overuse that word), makes me feel like I do have this relationship with the work that means confidence is totally and utterly irrelevant, it isn’t in the slightest way a conscious thought, because the work is just there and it’s just you and the work. I suppose it is putting it out there, trying to engage someone else in this precious relationship that feels more conscious, and therefore more difficult too…..but I am still not sure it is such a conscious feeling….and then the other side of the scale is feeling like an utter failure….which I think comes less from the work, and more from me…and it difficult to articulate what one means by such a weighty word, other than a sense of losing oneself and that relationship to the work….(an, yes, rejections don’t seem to help…)

I want my work to be quiet and intimate and subtle. And I want my relationship with it, which is all these things to also be present for other people….but go beyond what I can be with it…

So, in one sense I don’t have a particularly constructive response to your post Biggi….other than that to believe in the work for yourself is so very important, which I guess is not something you need to be told in the slightest, but other than that I do not know what else to say…hmm, suddenly writing this here actually makes it less easy to get out any words…but I would be interested to speak to you more in person about it.

When I do not write on the blog for a while I forget how precious it is…how much it opens up one way in which I engage with you as a group of people, as a way of thinking about my own work, and how life is more generally….

….and as clichéd as it is, life feels that bit closer than it did at three o’clock this afternoon when I was sat looking at bank accounts at work this afternoon, for coming back to what is important in my life, and being able to share and throw it out there….

It would be lovely to meet up with everyone soon. It was mentioned a meeting in Stevenage near Jon? Is this still on? Dates….? I’m definitely up for it, looking forward to it…

With love

Katherine.

good news ..

2007-06-03T17:57:00.000Z

HELLO EVERY ONE I FINDED A SMALL GALLERY THAT AS AGREED TO GIVE US A LITLE SHOW [ EVERY BODY FROM THIS AND LAST YEAR MENTORING GROUP WILL BE IN ..]
LEST TALK ABOUT IT . THIS IS SCEDULED FROM MID DECEMBER TILL END OF JANNUARY 2008./
THE GALLERY IS CALLED WHITECROSS GALLERY IN EC1 .
please dont contact the gallery yet is as to be done troug me ..
x x x

for jon

2007-05-31T17:51:00.000Z

jon - can we have our meeting at 11 tomorrow morning??? the earlier the better for me... i don't have your number. let me know... xx franko

2007-05-27T20:00:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

Another Roadside Attraction.

I am showing a couple of videos this Wednesday 30th May at the Griffen pub (upstairs)
Leonard Street, Shoreditch.
8p.m.

Hope you can make it,

I'll post the proper invite soon,

Ninaxx
call me if you need more info
07956421749

1 2 1

2007-05-26T20:19:00.000Z

for those who haven't yet answered me, i want to do the the next round of 1 2 1's before the 7th of july. i will be away for most of the summer, from the 22nd of july to the 30th of september. also i wont be here between the 20 and 27th june. please get in touch. x x x franko

hope you can make it to 64c...

2007-05-25T12:43:00.000Z

please generally ignore my last post - nerves! xx

part 2 will now be durational...

2007-05-24T08:28:00.000Z

just to let you know part 2 of the presentation of my R&D (on 11th and 12th june at people show) will start from 7:30...and you are free to come and go as you please....

Is anyone likely to come to either? Is it the sort of thing that interests you or not...is it boring...any and all feedback is welcome..really! just feel like i've dropped a stone down a well and i can't hear an echoe and it's not reaching the bottom...! I feel a bit on the outside as I come from a theatre background and the rest of you guys (in oour year) have a visual arts background...i know this shouldn't matter but i think it has some impact...as no one comments!!!!!!

- I've been working on this research and development for over a year off and on and it's momentous for me to show apsects of what I've done and also a scarey prospect! Biggi - I echoe your thoughts on the pv...

Lisa
xx

out of sight out of mind...

2007-05-23T07:06:00.000Z

hello everyone-

I am going into retreat today for 10 days. 10 Days of total silence and waking up at 4am! I have also recently finished my job, and am moving back to London when i come out of retreat. So lot's of changes and work on myself. Hopefully it will help me get my mojo back and reconnect with my art practice/motivation.

Lisa- sorry i will miss the first event- but should be able to come to the second. hope your all doing well.

see you very soon

oh FRANKO- It maybe good to have a 1 to 1 with you soon after i move to london - mid june time. I am out of contact for ten days- but will talk to you when i resurface. xx

Invitation to space of memory parts 1 & 2

2007-05-21T17:35:00.000Z

Dearest Peeps,

I would like to invite you to a 2 part work-in-progress / presentation of findings which culminates a period of research and development into spaces of memory and intimate narratives of the home, how we take our lares with us.

I would value your feedback at these events and your support! I am presenting my findings and process in 2 parts as an introduction to a future work.

Part 1: 64c - is an invitation to witness part of the process as the beginnings of an installation, to be viewed alone
AND IS NEXT WEEK!

Part 2: I can't find you and you've got the things I've left unspoken - is the result of a week long experimentation using material from 64c as a starting point. Please find further details below...

I really hope you can make it.

With best wishes,

Lisa
To book email Lisa: spaceofmemory@gmail.com

1. 64c
Mon 28 May - Fri 1 June, 10am - 6pm
an open studio-turned installation, in an unoccupied flat, to be viewed alone

Appointments are available between 10am and 6pm. You are free to visit for up to an hour

Rendezvous: You will be met outside Clapton rail station in Hackney, E5 and escorted to the flat - which is nearby. Full details will be provided upon booking.

2. I can’t find you and you’ve got the things I’d often leave unspoken
11 and 12 June, 7:30pm

3 performers create a sketch for a performance, an experimentation with material used in 64c, a dialogue with you and katabasis....remembrance and forgetting...in the home...in society at large...versions of the truth...the weight of an individual's life, breath, presence, memories, self

Location: The White Room, People Show Studios, Pollard Row, London E2 6NB

To book email Lisa: spaceofmemory@gmail.com
Please note: numbers are limited to 8 per day for Part 1
Part 2 will run from 7:30pm ending at 9:30pm...you are free to turn up at any time and come and go as you please. RSVP would be helpful - to give us an idea of numbers

Space of Memory concept/direction: Lisa Alexander. Part 1 and Part 2 have involved a collaboration with composer and sound artist Rob Canning.
Part 2 performers: Rebecca Bogue, Robert Cook and Jane Munro

space of memory is supported by Arts Council England and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

spaceofmemory@gmail.com
www.spaceofmemory.blogspot.com

The project has included home visits and interviews in London, Liverpool and Glasgow, a story surgery in person and by email, and in the last phase a collaboration with a composer/sound artist and performers

well... I am pushing myself and try it...

2007-05-17T22:14:00.000Z

and make it public:
In relation to the Island project residency I have just finished - there is a second half:

It is a one week exhibition of our work in progress and some finished work. I will hopefully show a video and some details about the Eat Art Party I did last September. So... everybody is welcome to come and see. It is a tiny space in a gallery in a park.

Tue 29 May - Sun 3 June from 12-5pm, P.V. is on the 29th from 17.00 till 20.00.
The Changing Room Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 5EH Open Access - No booking required

so, if anyone is up for it... it's not such a big deal though... so don't be disappointed if it is not a mega show.
Thanks for all your support you guys. It's very much appreciated. xx :-)
Biggi

Sign the petition against gov's diversion of arts funding to Olympics!

2007-05-17T13:21:00.000Z

Petition to protest the diversion of Lottery
funds away from the arts:

Over £200,000,000 will be diverted away from
arts and culture every year over the next five years, in order to make
up the budget deficit for the 2012 Olympics. Established and cutting
edge companies are losing their core funding left and right, theatres,
galleries and dance spaces are closing. The world's attention, when
brought to England for the 2012 Olympic Games, will be shown a country
facing a deep crisis in much of its creative industry.
Please click on the link below (or copy paste it into your browser bar)
and sign the officially registered petition. Perhaps public outcry can
help make a difference.

Petition: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/lotteryolympics/

Sign it and pass on!!

it's another arrgghh but just for the sense of not being able to decide this time

2007-05-17T01:20:00.000Z

i have been reading through the blog and so much is going on and there are so many dilemas, i'm wanting to come out to see something this weekend but I do not know wether to go north or south and i feel trapped in the middle. Franko I want to see your performance in birmingham and hook up with minda but then I would like to hook up with will at the florence trust to see what he is up to. I know i'm on a silly ramble again but i feel enthused at the moment and i'm struggling with what is going on in a hectic head of jon but it seems to be that when i'm stresssed and busy i feel elated.

My summer has kicked in in stevenage with community projectys which i held my hand up tp last year and things I have commited myself to are coming into action and i'm not one for letting local folk down.

My projects coming up are as follows

June

4-15 june 4half days with a local school working on Digswell Arts Trust heritage project making a 8ftx8ft 3d chess set out of recycled materials based on myths, fantasy and legends to be exhibited in our town gallery along with the heritage project in July.

10th june - stevenage day- mmm me thinks i may have to pass across my responsibilities to some one else in the studio base here as I have a full month of community workshops with our main youth centre in August which i need to get prepared for in terms of paper work, schedules, contracts, materials etc - but at least this year I'm getting the young people to create some live art and performance poetry/rap alongside projected photography. this makes me happy because i get to trial some ideas whilst getting paid

22/24th june open studios -i'm still in a real dilema as to what i want to be doing so if there is any chance of dialouge with any of you it would be great bounce some ideas.

this brings me to Rachel mentioning camping out at the farmhouse. this has been known in the past. if your up for it give me a confirmed date and i'll get a confirmation from our trustees etc. I'm up for it and it would allow me a chance to run through some trials and tribulations and shift through the detritus in my studio before our open weekend to make my the weekend into an event worth inviting my contacts in the arts council and others across for.

I have not got any exhibtions in terms of gallery space lined up this year as this is my year of research and development so i guess i'm asking the more people that are around who could possibly help with some documentation and some hefty yes's and no's and not at all's would be most appreciated.

I'm going to leave my ramblings here as ther is a shed load of other stuff happening outside of the artworld having to organise birthday party for partner, health, building works, family and such like.

I still have a smile on my face and am so glad that in some way you are all there, even if i don't get to see you at every event i know that there is somewhere that i can just ramble about the world frustrations jubilations and so on...

I'll see some of you at some point over the weekend when i make up my bloody mind in which way to travel. in the meantime i wish you all well

hugs

Jon

FRANKO - THIS WEEKEND SPREAD THE NEWS...

2007-05-16T07:40:00.000Z

The Franko B Talk will be held on SUNDAY 20th May at
4PM.

As this is a limited capacity event and we expect to
be over subscribed, we are operating a guest list.

However, if you have friends coming please let them
know that they must contact us here either by email
info@florencetrust.org or telephone 020 7354 4771 to
be added to the guest list.

Sincere regards,

Lea O'Loughlin
Studio Manager

Florence Trust Studios
St. Saviours, Aberdeen Park
London, N5 2AR

ph. 020 7354 4771
www.florencetrust.org

Don't Leave Me This Way
Franko B in collaboration with Kamal Ackarie
Saturday 19 May / 7pm
CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham
0121 767 4050 / £8 / £6 concessions

Franko B makes a welcome return to fierce festival
with his new piece ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’. Franko
has earned himself both notoriety and great artistic
acclaim with performances such as ‘I Miss You’ where
he used his flesh as literal raw material, tearing
into his own skin to create his visceral blood-based
works. In ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ – which has been
developed with lighting designer Kamal Ackarie –
Franko’s body one again provides both the subject and
form of the piece, yet here it remains unruptured as
the artist asks us to consider his prone frame as a
living sculpture...

Catch up

2007-05-15T13:20:00.000Z

Hello everyone,

I am sorry for my absence of late, I'm afraid May is shaping up to be my busiest month of the year, I am currently desperatly trying to finish work for two shows installing this weekend!!! One is with Fierce at Wolverhampton: Archive Of Idolatry for which I have nearly finished the prosthetic limbs and the heads which will show the small speaker I use, and my custom built Beard. I've been having some trouble with my project manager at fierce (i'd like to chat to you about this Franko as I think you've worked with her too) which is making the whole process alot more difficult! And after all their promises they only canged one sentence in my blurb!! I'm not happy with them at all.

Also I am trying to finish editing my video sermon for Vivid which installs at the same fucking time.. I will get there...

Biggi I am very sorry I couldn't be there for the results of your residency although I have checked it out online! I hope you understand.

After this week I will be free again! Only one more shows in late June and I will dedicate more time to my fellow mentees,

Tom, I love the pics of Italy, Franko as ever your show looks amazing and Jon I hope your feeling in better spirits!?

I will post some pics of the shows soon,

With love, Minda

Story Surgery by email / phone or post - invitation to lodge some material

2007-05-14T20:37:00.000Z

INSTRUCTIONS – how to take part:

Pick a room in your home
1. Every day over a 7 day period, record a moment in that room – in any way – [text, sketch, photo, sound etc]

2. Write a timeline of the places you’ve lived in: noting down events that took place in your life as you go– do this quickly/automatically – take no longer than 5 minutes (mark when you moved into your current home)

3. Take one picture of your room and take a further 2 – 3 of selected details (you can use your mobile)

4. Select something from the Timeline to tell me about in a letter or email or as a message left on my phone

Please note: for questions 1, 2, 3 – please text, email or phone through each moment, timeline, picture (as appropriate)

emiail: spaceofmemory@gmail.com for all contact details

image is of last week's Story surgery at Candid Arts (the objects are items of significance to me...it included a projective test, an interview on foot, donating an unwanted possession amongst others things.. unfortunately 5 people didn't make it - maybe due to rain...am putting this one down to experience..more to follow

Help - how can I get over this...

2007-05-13T18:26:00.000Z

shyness.
I think what I want to say is that I am sorry that I didn't let anyone know in advance what I was doing.
I have this problem that I don't dare to tell people when I am doing something because I am afraid of it. Am not sure what I am exactly afraid of? I think it is that lack of self-confidence being able to face non-direct criticism.
How can one overcome something like that? How can I dare to tell people well in advance that I am doing something, so that they actually see that I am active - but as well that I have the chance to knit a wider net of contacts and get my work seen - meet more people? I always tend to keep things secret and only invite about 2 or 3 friends... I know that i should feel secure enough with the mentoring group to invite everyone well in advance to experiments or exhibitions... but somehow I don't seem to think that I deserve that because it my exploration or work not good enough.
Can anyone give me a tip?
Biggi

Thank you very much,

2007-05-13T18:21:00.000Z

Lisa. For doing me the huge favour to post the event. And especially a big thank you for coming and putting yourself through my work. ;-) thank you very much as well for your very constructive feedback and tips. It is of great help and encouragement. xx
Biggi

No Artist is an Island - Biggi wants your feedback at her test-run

2007-05-11T13:28:00.000Z

I am posting this for Biggi as she does not have internet access for a week or so.

All are invited to see the result of her residency tomorrow - Saturday - 11am is the 1st event. Full details at:

http://www.artillery.org.uk

Artillery News
'No Artist is an Island'

Artillery is organising the next installment of the Island Project for May 2007.
After a successful pilot in September 2006 we return to the Island in greater numbers to revisit the project space and develop new work.

You can visit the Island Project in Lloyd Park, Walthamstow on the open day Saturday 12 May...and take part in many events organised by the participants.

Cinzia Cremona, Liz Ellis, Juliet Jensen, Laura Kerry, Isabel Lee, Anna-Lucie Feracci, Wendy Macmillan, Hattie Spires, Lucy Steggals, Biggi Stiller, Manuela Zechner

hello

2007-05-10T16:32:00.000Z

hello. it's good to get beack into the blog... i feel like i've been absent from here for a while now.

me and franko have been going through our photos from italy, as you can see below. we had a good time... busy.

it will be good to meet up soon and see everyone again, and catch up properly... jon - i hope you start to get better soon.

i will say more soon, from tom x.

more from italy

2007-05-10T16:29:00.000Z

wedding

2007-05-10T16:23:00.000Z

(franko's show)

torino...

2007-05-10T16:18:00.000Z

franko's show in torino

italy...

2007-05-10T16:15:00.000Z

performance at fierce festival

2007-05-10T15:36:00.000Z

Don't Leave Me This Way
Franko B in collaboration with Kamal Ackarie
Saturday 19 May / 7pm
CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham
0121 767 4050 / £8 / £6 concessions
One of Fierce’s most popular and provocative performers, Franko B makes a welcome return to the festival with his new piece ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’. Franko has earned himself both notoriety and great artistic acclaim with performances such as ‘I Miss You’ where he used his flesh as literal raw material, tearing into his own skin to create his visceral blood-based works. In ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ – which has been developed with lighting designer Kamal Ackarie – Franko’s body one again provides both the subject and form of the piece, yet here it remains unruptured as the artist asks us to consider his prone frame as a living sculpture. However the piece is no less visceral than Franko’s previous works for as the audience’s eyes wander over his heavily tattooed frame the room is slowly engulfed with blinding light which literally scorches the image onto the retinas as much as it does the memory.
The research and development of this piece was made possible with the kind support of the Arts Council of England

talk at florence trust

2007-05-10T14:33:00.000Z

hello.

i'm doing a talk at florence trust studios.

if anyone wants to come , they will need to contact the studio and register their names. i think you need to mention will when you contact them, so they know who you are.

we could meet up and then go out to dinner that evening???

The Franko B Talk will be held on SUNDAY 20th May at 4PM.

As this is a limited capacity event and we expect to be over subscribed, we are operating a guest list.

However, if you have friends coming please let them know that they must contact us here either by email info@florencetrust.org or telephone 020 7354 4771 to be added to the guest list.

Sincere regards,

Lea O'Loughlin
Studio Manager

Florence Trust Studios
St. Saviours, Aberdeen Park
London, N5 2AR

ph. 020 7354 4771
www.florencetrust.org

next 121 ...

2007-05-09T08:29:00.000Z

HELLO MY FRIENDS , CAN WE START ORGANIZE THE NEXT 121 ? X X X X
FRANKO

some time soon would be good,

2007-05-08T23:57:00.000Z

hey people, too many things going on again and trying to keep up my smile and sanity. I,m answering in response of posts and notes. I'm beginning to realise that I can't keep the ball rolling myself. thank you all for being there and the hugest hugs go to Franko for making it real. for putting me in a space where life is so expanded that I feel like space is a mere void in the velocity of the universe.

I really feel like I have become part of a really big family. my conversations with people are about you guys and what it has brought to my life, the bestest decision I've made in a long time.

any way enough of my ramblings

the studio base has an acre of grounds and a whole valley park for a wander/ramble/sit down/unwind/run around and be silly. it's an interesting space with a quirky bunch of people

hope the images tantalise and tease...

once again thank you for keeping it real

hugs jon xx

when are we meeting next ???

2007-05-06T22:25:00.000Z

we need to start thinking about when we are next going to meet. i understand thqat not many people can make it tomorrow, but we really do need to make an effort to all meet again soon. i hiope that everybody feeling unwell gets better soon.
franko x

Frustrated beyond belief

2007-05-03T22:28:00.000Z

hello all,

I'm really annoyed with myself. when everything seems to be going good my health stuffs up and i get anxious and upset. i feel that I'm missing out on so much that is going on due to yet another infection. so many opportunities pass by the screen of the internet that I think I'll apply for that but alas I think I'm on major burn out at the moment.

Still going into the studio if/when I can and getting some stuff done but always have to deal with the burning agony of not be able to travel to London to hook up with folk as i can not travel to far from a bathroom at the moment.

the wee man has a big toilet problem and it's driving me insane; but hey ho, everything is being documented and what fun could be had from the not so pleasant experience.

as they sing in finding nemo 'just keep swimming', just keep swimming'

I need to post something on the blog and it may not be what some of you wish to read; it just frustrates me that I so want to come out to play but alas until they install toilets on tubes and buses I can't and they haven't fitted me with a catheter yet!!! and why do things take so long on the NHS? What kind of health system do we really have. be sure living as a HIV+ gay man can sometimes make you really feel like a third class citizen. It's not the staffs fault but this country really needs to sort its act out and stop playing god with peoples emotions and mental heath.

pure frustration arrrggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

I want to be out with every one having fun but no I have top wait in line with the thousands of disillusioned patients waiting for appointments in a fucked up system. DO I SO WISH I HAD PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE... mmm, the private sector wins again whilst the poor suffer. such an equal democratic society we live in.

This brings me to Jacob mentioning about Felix, yes bollotix in art does have an effect... so many artists have used their creativity to vent frustrations of the world situation.

enough of my rant but just needed to get everything of my chest as i am so missing the major interaction.

good luck to those that are doing at the moment and apologise to those whose events i miss; believe me it's not that I want to be missing them.

otherwise big cyber hugs from the world of Jon and i'll be back over the next couple of days with some images and hopefully a more positive frame of mind.

franko, was speaking with Mr Kefford after the performance the other night. my thoughts are with you xx

The next four days

2007-05-03T21:34:00.000Z

hello everyone....

If anyone is aroudn thsi weekend it would be good to meet up...I will try to text everyone I have a number for also, in case anyone is not on the blog....If anyone is free and looking for something to do on Saturday I am showing some work as part fo EEC on Saturday 5 May.

Also, I wondered whether anyone wanted to meet on Monday......I don't know what exactly to suggest, but if I say meet at
TATE MODERN AT 11.30AM ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY we can then go from there/decide what to do, depending on the weather..., (my number is 07886 655089 if you can't don't want to make it, or if you do and want to let me know)

sorry this is a very brief post- feeling anxious and distracted...

Katherine

East End Collaborations- Sat 5 May

2007-05-03T21:32:00.000Z

EAST END COLLABORATIONS presents
EEC PLATFORM 2007
A platform for new performance based works in London.

Dates: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 May 2007
Times: 18.00 daily
Place: The Arts Building, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS

East End Collaborations is a partnership between Queen Mary, University of London and the Live Art Development Agency which offers a range of support structures for emergent artists working with Live Art in London, and a chance to see the artists of tomorrow today.

EEC 2007 platform artist's mentors are Franko B, Joshua Sofaer and Stacy Makishi.

EEC Platform Programme 2007:

Saturday 5 May from 18.00
Faye Heller, Katherine Hymers, Aisling Bolger, Sarah-Jane Grimshaw,
Carlos Noronha Feio, Ms Rowan O’Neill, Lee Jieun, Victoria Archer,
Jon Francis of Livestock performs/

Sunday 6 Mayfrom 18.00
Lucy Panesar, Faye Heller, Julie Aldivina Thérond, John Wild,
Dan and James, Rehana Zaman, Jungmin Song, Maya Zbib

Tickets: £7 (£5 concessions) per day or £10 (£8 concession) for a 2 day pass.
Bookings: 020 7882 5196 or email: r.sharp@qmul.ac.uk
Venue: The Arts Building, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS (between Mile End and Stepney Green Tubes)

The EEC Platform 2007 is part of Joining the Dots, a Live Art Development Agency professional development initiative for artists across the UK, being developed with Queen Mary University of London, and East End Collaborations. Joining the Dots is supported by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and the Gulbenkian Foundation.