TRAVEL DIARY

A weblog regularly updated by Jodi Rose.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

6:44 PM
Posted by jodi rose

Man, am I feeling feisty today.

In conflict with three different people on a professional basis, and where usually my inclination is to smooth over, make nice, try to please everyone; in each of these instances I need to actually stand my ground. Be clear but firm, and not leave until the situation is resolved.

To summarise, they involve a missing artwork, a journalist, a curator, and an international company. But don't worry, I'm not going to go all Erin Brokovich on you. Although, perhaps that would be a good strategy on the large scale for this project. get to know every single bridge monitoring engineer and head of department in the world, personally, and show them that having their bridge sing is essential for world peace. At last, a reason for living ;)

Having had yet another negative funding decision. you know what? Maybe it is time to give this whole caper a break. I'm letting it go.
If it comes back, it's meant to be, if not, it's time I had a life that can be sustained without constantly being on the brink of destitution.

At least there is some good company in this strange maelstrom of life.

Taking myself off to Holland for a much-needed break from the relentless demands of kunst in Berlin, klang and otherwise.

My current flatmate Beat commented that the art scene in berlin is 'hysterical' at the moment, so maybe that is something I'm picking up on. Like a psychic sponge absorbing all the resonances in the city.

Went along to five or so openings in the schmick gallery district of linienstrasse and auguststrasse last night, and it was like being in a fashion parade. So many stick-thin women wearing high-class suits or fancy frocks and looks of pained self-importance, while the Berlin boys flash by all wide-eyed and funky hair with a mere glance of disdain at the primped and pretty girls. Lordy, what chance does an eccentric zaftig girl like myself stand of making an impression in that kind of company. Not that I'd necessarily want to impress anyone so self-involved. Irks me that part of the job of being an artist, having to be seen out and about looking cool and sexy - surely the art can speak for itself. But apparently not, if you want to buy into success you need to play the fame-in-the-artworld game. Maybe the price IS too high.

Yep, it's vicious, cruel and completely indiscreet. Hell I love Berlin.

So I'm taking a 'time-out'. Katie and I were discussing the other night the perverse appeal of a cuppa tea and bed; or even worse, cleaning the bathroom and doing the dishes; instead of another night of experimental music, art and people. I'm starting the 'slow life' movement.

Friends in Amsterdam/Utrecht/Eindhoven promise a coccoon of cake, company and comfort. Sure, it's oh-so very glamorous this international artist lifestyle, until you actually start living it and find that reality takes it's own toll. Maybe I'll run away with the circus after all and join the freakshow. Although, my fellow transit loungers do provide a daily source of succour and inspiration, it's just this vile mood today is not letting up. Time to go worship at the Electronic Church.

This quote from Andre Gide, randomly showed up in my email:

"Be faithful to that which exists within yourself"

yes.