Tag: Low Residency

I think I’m allergic to London

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Low Residency

I woke up feeling crap this morning, with a blocked nose, sore throat, and red, itchy eyes. It’s happened before when I’ve been in London, especially when travelling on the tubes that are deep underground, as I did yesterday when I went to the V&A. Either that or I have cold, though the itchy eyes leads me to assume it is the former. Hedging my bets, I traipsed to the 24hr supermarket at the crack of dawn and bought supplies, more for comfort than remedy.

Our in-person classes were cancelled today, on account of the tube and teacher strikes. Instead, we had an artist’s talk via zoom, though, unfortunately, the internet isn’t very good in my hotel room, so I could only listen to part of it, and couldn’t participate in the discussion. So, I took the opportunity to finish wrapping my painting, ready for the courier to collect tomorrow. Jonathan, our kind-hearted teacher, had a go wrapping it when he collected it from the exhibition, but let’s just say, we all have our strengths.

Because I didn’t have any classes for the rest of the day, I thought I better do something arty, so I went to a beautiful bookshop around the corner, and looked for books relevant to my research project about water. It’s been a while since I’ve spent time browsing in a bookshop (I mostly buy books on Amazon); what an absolute pleasure.

Next, I went in search of somewhere nice to have lunch and peruse my new books, stopping at a chemist on the way to buy some antihistamines. I came across a nice looking pub called the Norfolk Arms. Having just completed an application for an art residency in Norfolk, I thought it was a fortuitous sign. As I was peeping in the window, to see what it was like, a friendly old fella passing-by informed me that the food was lovely, so in I went. I’m so glad I did. I had a sublime afternoon, hocked-up on antihistamines, eating delicious food, and reading the introductions of my wonderful new books.

I faded by the time I got back to my hotel this afternoon, so I took a nap but didn’t sleep. For my evening activities, I took my parcel down to reception, went to the shop for more tissues, watched the Ramsey Town Commission meeting (that my fella was chairing), and wrote this post. Now I’m going to have a pot-noodle for tea, and sit in my bed and watch The Repair Shop. London, baby!

I can now officially say “come up and see my etchings”

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Low Residency

I had my first ever etching class today. It was very a different picture-making process for me, but I really enjoyed it. There are quite a few preparatory steps that go into making an etching, it’s messy and convoluted, but the final step of peeling back the piece of paper from the etching plate is deliciously satisfying and well worth the preceding effort.

It was also my first time at Central Saint Martins. I was quite stressed going there this morning, as I didn’t know the way. But once I got to Kings Cross Station, I just followed a group of scruffy looking people and hey-presto, there it was. It is very impressive, and must be amazing to attend on a daily basis for an entire degree, though, truth be told, I’d rather be in my little house by the sea. I did take some photos of CSM, but this one on the internet had a much better perspective.

Along with all the art schooly facilities, the campus has a selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants, one of which I frequented for lunch. My fella had told me off for only eating chips while on this trip, so I was sure to send him this photo to show him that today I added protein, fruit, and beans to my diet.

Speaking of my fella, would you believe that the poor soul is on his way back to the Tavistock Hotel AGAIN, having spent the past 6 hours at the airport waiting for his flight that never came. He is now beyond exhausted and stressed, and has vowed never to leave the Island again…that’s if he ever makes it back there. He will attempt the trip again tomorrow, this time taking a train to Liverpool and flying to the Island from there. He just messaged that he’s 6 minutes away, so I better get his Guiness in.