Two weeks to go to the exhibition. People are saying they are coming and there is nothing to go in that large empty room. As yet. Ann writes to say she is bringing a writing group. Its all very exciting, but at this stage I am seriously doubting my sanity. She said my work is about narratives and collaboration. But, one has to consider why on earth anyone would want to be an artist, let alone social engagement art at this stage in the proceedings. Last week I had a complete and utter meltdown, had to step away from the phone, the screen, my brain and take time out. One and a half days. Why did I think I could stretch the possibilities of a seventeen day residency into an extra two months of solid work. I thought it was supposed to be about play! Trying to get things right, evidence stuff, include absolutely everyone and make sure everything is positioned carefully and correctly, kills any spontaneity. It is the business end of the job. Phew, Hilds said, unplug, walk away. Jayne said, lets go to Glastonbury. Mary said, go hug a tree. Julie said your voice is getting smaller and smaller. Mags said oh no, oh no. Got to Glastonbury to find somebody had wrecked the tree. So no hugging going on there. Gill said, take Dr Bach flower remedy. Good for capable people that now and then get overwhelmed with responsibility. The little bottle of Elm is close by ready to sip when things still haven't reached a completion point. All I can say is that I feel like putting a sign on my head that reads SILENCE. Meanwhile, Dave has been brilliant and his booming voice steadies the nerves when it comes to deciding which print format to go with, size, layout, order and costs. Meanwhile, my eyeballs have been glued to the computer for endless endless hours, days and weeks making photobooks. Went and led a group for women My Time, My Space, don't know who benefitted more. After, Philippa said, wasn't your residency all about reflecting your practice. Flip, I thought, its all been about telling the Big Story, and the only thing I haven't done is actually written up my small most mad thoughts inside my very own pages of my journal. Think I will get myself a little mirror and get cracking.

Colleagues,

Jill Carter is an artist having a installation/exhibition at the RWA.  The publicity attached describes it:

An engaging collection of photoworks and curiosities which explore ideas around the notion of play, fairy tale and myth -
The Travelling Museum of Possibilities. Jill Carter was commissioned, as artist in residence by Creativity Works, to respond
to a community festival in Radstock. Creativity Works are now delighted to host this exhibition, storytelling sessions, and
artist/curator talk.

Jill has very kindly agreed to participate in a writing afternoon with us, in which we would visit her show and then write in response to her work which is very much concerned with narrative and the collaborative.  Part of my collection of costume dolls is to feature in the exhibition, and I am sure we will find it very provocative as a prompt to writing.

There are some access issues as there are about five steps down into the gallery and no lift.  I can only apologise for this.

We will meet at 2.30 and write, talk to Jill, and read our work - if that seems appropriate.  We may well repair to Patisserie Valerie or Browns for tea and cake afterwards.  Space is not particularly limited, but please let me know if you would like to join us.

Every best wish,

Ann