The countdown begins

Greetings from Grenada, in the sunny Caribbean!

Living on a small island has its own pros and cons. Pros: excellent views from almost every vantage point, unhurried pace, wonderful people. Cons: visual art is not an economic priority, not when we catch cold, often with a nasty lingering cough when large countries sneeze.

For me the lack of a national art museum, (or even a private one for that matter), government or donor funding for the visual arts – grants, workshops, gallery talks, etc requires that I must leave every other year, if I can afford to, to seek rejuvenation. Rejuvenation costs. Flights to either DC, Miami, New York to visit the Smithsonian, MOMA, or the Miami Art Museum can run me USD 700 – 1000 (1890 – 3000 in my currency). Neighbouring Trinidad with its vibrant art life and many art galleries runs around USD 400.

My last trip north was in 2005 to the Havana Bienale. I am on the dregs of that visit.

The countdown begins. In ten days I shall be on my way to Europe – two weeks in Andorra, one week split between Barcelona and London. I am so looking forward to plein air painting, taking 3GB worth of reference photos, and breathing. Lots of breathing. Breathing out my stage fright, breathing out my work related insecurities. In Andorra I shall be joining over 30 artists from around the world to discuss climate change and create our response to it, as it affects us where we live. In Barcelona and London I hope to refresh myself in the air of several museums and art spaces.

I cannot wait.

(pix — from my hurricane ivan series 2004)