You may have noticed this newsletter didn't go out as scheduled three weeks ago, but don't worry, I've not disappeared. My care and attention were needed elsewhere. Thanks for understanding that this letter is sent with somewhat divided attention.
Act One, Pressing Times
Plays and films are big things to make—or at least mine have become so as I have developed my practice. I get very jealous of artists who make small, tiny artworks they keep, give away, or sell.
When I could not focus on work recently, I walked on the beach. I collected seaweed and then went to my partner's new darkroom studio because of its huge sink, where I could wash and press it.
I don’t know how the seaweed will look. It has been pressing for three weeks, so I will give it more time. Pressing times sometimes call for slowing down.
Act Two, Reviewing the Steps
Many years ago, I borrowed the gallery at 3S Artspace to play around with some ideas. I wanted to explore digital choreography, where an improvised phrase was manipulated using editing to create a series of ten dances, all from one series of steps. I was inspired by Chris Zabriskie’s 2014 Cylinders album.
I don't recall what halted this project, but I “completed” two of the ten pieces and have four more in process. I stopped calling myself a dancer many, many years ago, but I can’t deny that physical performance is the foundation of my training and creative practice.
While my personal life has been focused on care these last few weeks, and I’ve felt unable to attend to the present and future professional work, I have found comfort in remembering that I have a body that moves. I don’t know what that means, I’m not going to audition for Mark Morris or anything crazy like that, but the next chapter's title might say, More Movement, Please!
In the spirit of the absolutely bloody terrifying fact that artists have to share rudimentary work to get where they want to go, here, just for you, is that first experiment in digital choreography. I won’t watch with you because who likes to watch themselves on screen?
Act Three, Blossoms
I was going to talk about the exciting subject of business development. Working with individuals, communities, companies, and institutions to tell untold stories that unleash ideas into the world so they catch fire and make change. I would talk about what I do and what I could do in collaboration with you.
But…
I’m working from home today. Looking out the window, I see pink blossoms on a tree in the playpark at the end of the street. They were not there yesterday.
Truthfully, I only have the energy to watch the blooms come alive. Happy (belated) Earth Day everyone. Let’s get outside. We can talk shop next time.
Thanks for being here with me,
Catherine
P.S. I’ve not forgotten those who wrote to say you fancied chatting about masculinity and sheep! I promise I will be in touch. If you want to add your name to the list, sign up here! Let's discuss being a guy. Topics might include the privileges and pressures you have felt or if you love an excellent woolly sweater. The possibilities are endless. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out my previous letter.
