Work Placement - Day 3

Today, like most of my placement the majority of my work was based in the office. I have found out a lot that goes into the behind the scenes running of an art gallery.

This morning I spent time with the curator of the gallery, Nicole. Her work at the moment is based on a upcoming exhibition with Michael Brennand-Wood this summer. She explained to me that the exhibition was based on the centenary of the first world war, researching the conflict, not pointing the finger. Her job as the curator was to get in touch with artists and organise exhibitions, but also the research the artists. For this exhibition she would have to do a lecture on the work of Michael Brennand-Wood, including his influences and reasoning behind his work. My task, in relation to this, was to spend the morning doing a bit of research on Michael Brennan-Wood, finding articles on his exhibitions and any interviews with the artist himself. Notes soon to follow...

After lunch, I was sent on an errand in response to the current project, 'Sound Matters'. One of the pieces in the exhibition, created by Dominic Wilcox and Yuri Suzuki, is based on the sounds of craft and trade in east london. In response to this piece of work, the art gallery is recording independent shops in Bury St Edmunds in the same way. I was sent to complete recording of Grastro-me, a small independent coffee shop and the Greene King brewery. I was really excited at the prospect of taking part in this, but I was not very successful. Grastro-me were completing a new menu, so were not able to complete the recordings today and when I asked at the brewery, they said that I would have to the gallery to call up to book a time for the recording as they were currently not able to complete the recording :(

Following this, Iwas then involved in the preparation for the next exhibition in the gallery, 'Rising Stars'. As part of this show, an artist called Izzy Parker will perform a piece of work. This is named 'The Intimacy of Jewellery' and will involve  Parker addressing members of the public without speech and dressing them jewellery. My task in relation to this was to gather some research on the artist Izzy Parker as well as image and perhaps videos to help with the gallery's purveying of this unique live art.
Notes to follow...

Just before I left today, the director of the gallery came and sat down with me and had a little chat. As she would not be in tomorrow she wanted to thank me for my help with her research, but also to talk about my experience with the gallery. Although this experience is not shaping up to be what I had originally thought, I have learnt a great deal about the importance of the work that goes on behind the scenes to put artists and makers in the best light. The director talked about her experiences, having worked in the art world for over 20 years. She suggested that between now and the start of my next year, I must take a hold of every opportunity that I have. Although I am not sure whether textiles is what I want to do in life, I do want a degree. And who knows, Textiles might start surprising me and I may change my attitude?? The director also spoke to me about the possibility of coming back in over the summer for a short while on a paid basis as a research assistant.