Time has flown. I have not been as diligent as should have the past few weeks documenting my experiences. This happens when the windows of down time are fewer and farther between or sometimes non-existent. It is also, why studio time is critical.
Last Sunday, I began my residency at Art Channel. It is a gallery that began in 798 Dashanzi, the ever popular Beijing Art mecca, but about two years ago moved to CaoChangdi in search of a new and less commercial setting to bring Contemporary Art practice to the fore. It along with a hand full of others, created a new art center, just 10 mins further northeast and just beyond the 5th ring perimeter. It is the land of grass fields, literally translated, though there is no grass, but so much promise. When I made my first investigative trip out here this past winter, I fell in love with the spirit of the place. It is mostly raw, with these small ecosystems of creative energy sprinkled in the area, linked by mostly dirt roads and country living standards. The collision of urban, suburban, and out right rural.
I arrived hoping to have an other artist in residence. I recall Rose, the director of the gallery, mentioning a Parisian photographer, but what I found out since was that a Japanese artist, whom I have met already, has claimed the other studio through August, yet returned home for a few weeks. He said he lives close to a town in Japan that has been renamed "Toyota" after the manufacturer of Toyota cars. Point is, I am alone in the gallery most of the time. One of the gallery assistance, has had to go home to Italy for a family emergency, so there is one person, named Victor that is taking care of the daily business and meant to be assisting me with my needs. I guess the one thing that is just as I hoped is the studio space itself. Big, bright, beautiful.
It may be a blessing in disguise, as alone time can be so fruitful once one stops squirming around wandering what is happening outside of the studio. It is this transition through a mental landscape that seems to be such a challenge. That terrain once conquered brings you to a promise land of creative practice. The place I am looking forward to finding again. Right now, I'm still squirming. Still basing progress on outside elements such as where I can find a photo lab to print my new images. Though, to be honest I have put a lot of work into shaping my next year. Soul searching as well as very practical planning. Henry and I have been considering all the options. I, however, have had my mind set on one scenario. A year in Caochangdi, in a live work space co-habitating officially and letting my focus be my career and art production. The challenge is working together towards our professional and personal goals together. I work best with commitments and plans. Henry is still figuring out what he wants from his own life. Thinking about me seems like pressure for him. It is frustrating, but what choice do I have but to be patient. For now, I am so happy to have struck a deal with another Henri (but with an "i") about renting my dream studio space!
What you've missed:
Early July my Artist friends Priscilla & Io came for a visit and did a short stint at Art Channel. We shared many delicious meals and took a day trip out to the Huang Hua Cheng section of the Great Wall. They were here for a couple weeks, so I was constantly busy and not writing as much as I would.
Then one of Henry's best friends and his girlfriend, who recently moved to Shanghai together from London, came for a quick visit. We had a great time and they got to reconnect with lots of old friends who live in Beijing. Henry is very excited about having one of his closest friends within a day's distance. We managed to rent a boat at Houhai, see a blues show at Doskolegas, and get fabulous massages! With food and drink to fill in the spaces. It was really fun.
Recently sampled restaurants:
Serve the People (Thai)
1 Sanlitun Xi Jie
84544580
delicious and reasonably priced. casual and has outdoor seating.
very decent service and clean bathrooms
Tex Mex
across from St. Regis Hotel in the CBD
warm country style decor with a kiddie play pen
the portions were generous, but the prices weren't exactly cheap
looks pretty authentic, tastes as close as Ive tasted since Ive been here
(with the exception of the Rickshaw, but then you have to endure the atmosphere)
Bocata
Sanlitun across from San dian San
lovely open air cafe serving fresh fruit juices and really nice sandwiches
and a decent cous cous salad
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