So, The Albert Drive Project, is heading for its big weekend event – a culmination of all the energies of all the people who have been involved in so many different ways.
Today I was getting the last of my photos printed at the local shop on Pollockshaws Rd, and after a good number of visits, not only did I find myself on the other side of the counter operating the computer myself but I was able to invite the shopkeeper to the weekend event after explaining, in answer to his question, what all these photos were of and for. A customer, in this very busy shop, also got in on the chat and took a flyer or two away with him. These exchanges, and others like them, are small and not really out of the ordinary, neither of these men may come to the weekend (though I hope they do) but what is lovely is that they have grown naturally out of simply being there with a task to do and a particular frame of mind that is to do with making connections, simple human connection. It is quite profound in its simple way.
On another tac completely I have been busy creating The Living Room Dances installation in the gallery. As a performance-maker creating a gallery piece is a steep learning curve indeed, more than I could have imagined. It is a very different process, and I understand it as a re-presentation of the face-to-face exchanges that have already taken place. I am missing the presence of real people in real time! That said, this gallery based work has been fascinating to engage with, and my hope is that soon it will be inhabited by people inspired to dance to their neighbours’ favourite music to dance to and connect with their neighbours’ dancing stories. It may even be a place of meeting a neighbour
Sharing the space with the other 5 artists’ is inspiring, as is experiencing the palpable energy of the performance coming together, Neighbourhood Watch planning their action, and the setting for the shared meal beautifully flourishing. Everything with incredible attention to detail and to people. I am so looking forward to this weekend!