Set Up, Take Down

So in the reclamation yard today, setting up the next show Scrappage Scheme Art.
Opening night is this Friday and disturbingly we feel quite calm. This may be a bad sign.

Usually previous shows have been a bit of a manic week during set up, locating artists and their work and curating it in the space in such a way that compliments the space and of course the work. Then there's the tea, the cigarettes, the spray mount and the forever useful fishing wire. Oh and of course the mad last minute panic of ordering enough wine glasses for the private view.

But this time its going swimmingly. Most pieces are set up and the space is looking cool. We have yet to tackle the lighting of all pieces but I think, well I hope that this should be pretty straightforward. Plus I have given up smoking and the green tea is 'enhancing my Zen qualities' as the tea pack suggests.

This was of course until I ran into what can only be described as a human oxymoron; a non-sporty type dressed head to toe in sports gear. He was at the yard looking to get something cast by the wonderful blacksmith Syd, and proceeded to tell us that what we are putting up 'isn't art'. And thankfully added that he 'knows good arts when I sees it'.

So I smile. But my dead eyes and gritted teeth gave me away I think.

How do you answer that? And indeed he may even be the oracle of knowing what 'good' art is! If so I wish he would tell us, it would solve a lot of peoples questions about 'art' and maybe save people a few hundred quid possibly.

But until that day I think we can only aim for what we think is 'good'.
Something that moves us, inspires us and challenges us. But so too can make us laugh, cry, want more, need less, want less and need more. Or just if its 'whatever, like its pretty innit?'
I don't know.

Come along see what you think.

16th July Weymouth Reclamation Yard (DT4 7BJ) from 7pm onwards and hopefully there will be glasses for you to put wine in....