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November 5, 2005
Chichester Art Open and fantasizing about buying iPods
Phew - a mad few days!
I am typing this from my work PC at Brooke, after teaching school kids taster workshops in art foundation. I had driven up from Chichester this morning at 6.30am after a couple days in seeing friends and attending the opening of the Chichester Open. Bloody exhausted, but might still go down to the studio this evening as I am getting withdrawal symptoms after not painting since tuesday night..
Anyway - I had Thursday and Friday off work so I borrowed a car to go down to Chichester and get back in time to work this morning. I stayed with my old colleague, Vicki Brown and her family in Emsworth, and also visited my old friend Suzie who was in hospital after an operation, (which was a success). I went to the ‘artists preview’ of the Open at luchtime after spending a bit of time reaquainting myself with the old place (not much to it really). I had been fantasizing about what I would do with the money if I won the first prize of £3500; new iPod, power book etc, etc.. trying not to get too carried away. Anyway - I had thought that that the prizes would be announced at the proper private view in the evening. However, as I arrived at the Minerva Theatre (where the Open is held), the judges were already making speeches about ‘what a difficult but exhilarating job it was choosing a winner.. the standard this year of the entries was overwhelming…’ Anyway, before I could catch my breadth or notice where my works were hung, there was tthe anti-climax of hearing ‘the first prize goes to (someone who was not me)’ - and I thought - ‘shit! I wanted to be dissapointed tonight and not before I have even had my lunch’.. oh well..! Then they called out my name as one the artists whose work was ‘highly commended’ for the Battle of Hastings picture. ‘Shit’, I thought again! ‘I cant buy a new iPod with a highly commended’ ‘. Then I went out for a breather..then rational thought resumed and I became very pleased with the whole thing. Gosh, competitions are just awful really, for what they make you go through. I dont think it is because I am arrogent and thought I might have won - I am just the same whenever I buy a lottery ticket.
Did not know many people at the ‘artists preview’, so went for a wander and a pint. Found out that Tom (whom I met in Cyprus this year) was in town - so we met up before the main private view for a pint and then he was my ‘and guest’ for the night.
Still not many people I knew at the opening. It was quite ironic how many of the types I had satirised in my Battle for Chichester Cross painting there in attendance.
Near the end of the private view, Nick (who is the administrator of the Open and a former student of mine from UCC),sauntered up to me and quietly told me that my Hastings picture had sold (had a good price too).. to Molly from Bognor. Thank you Molly - I am so pleased you like the picture. Images of cool gadgets were once again entering my mind…
A night in the pub, followed by a curry and then a bed in my old flat in North Street (where Andrew now lives, keep up wont you).. then back to reality today.
Now for the framing weeks…
Posted by robbie at November 5, 2005 5:20 PM
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