<-The last ten years 2006-2016
10 years ago this week I moved to the Forest of Dean
Of hills and 5 cars, weird, as I don’t even care about cars! But I do love a hill with a view – here’s my view as from today….looking out at new horizons, constantly……
2006 I lived alone for the first time in 30 years
It was both exciting and terrifying
No kids, no pets, no husband – just me
My car was a clapped out Micra, couldn’t do hills
That first year was mostly uphill – house to sell, rent to pay, job to do at FODST and other work too – staying afloat
Worked as Project Director for Sculpture Trust and worked with many artists there – too many to mention
2007 better Micra!
2008 Started my PhD – a big hill to climb
2009 Got a white Mini convertible, fondly known as mini-ha-ha, because it made me very happy! (Sung to the tune of ‘Toreador’, ok, silly, but I’d never had a convertible before, mid-life crisis?)
2009 Left the FODST
2010 Got sciatica for the first time
2010 Stopped my PhD – not for me, slipped down the hill in true cheese-rolling style. Got up, brushed myself down….
2010/2011 Worked on touring Aeolus with LJ and other freelance work
2011 Sold mini (it caused sciatica) and got convertible Peugeot
2011/2012 Worked for Big Pic in Dorset for Exlab cultural Olympics London 2012
Lived part-time in lodgings, another first
By September 2012 decided to start Flow Contemporary Arts
More freelance work – mentoring, writing etc.
December 2012 launched Flow Contemporary Arts
Marketing training, Creative England
2013 ACE funded consultation with FC/NT & C&RT
2013 EU funding for Change Project
Leadership training, supported by VASW
2014 ACE funding Friction Project
Critical writing course at Arvon, supported by VASW
2014/2015 contracted for Bideford Black Project, Burton, Devon
2015 Writer in residence/keynote speaker for Double Elephant and lots of contracts – began work with PA, TAP, CG & FANDVOS, LightsGoingOn
Got Micra car (non- convertible L) – sciatica easier though!
2015 Bristol Green Capital project, Withdrawn with NT, FC & LJ
2015 ACE funding to develop Story of Objects discovery phase
-> The next ten years 2016 – 2026
I began 2016 with a mission – another decade to review my life in – more hills to climb, make decisions for work and personal life, make plans, map the next 10. At present (who knows what is around the corner?), my plan is that I will:
Develop the Story of Objects – research & delivery
Continue to make things happen that are creative, engaging and enjoyable
Share past learning, through mentoring and delivering training
And have fascinating conversations, see wonderful places, meet amazing people, learn new things
Enjoy more leisure
Return to art making – for pleasure
Nurture my writing
Read more
See more
Travel more
Walk, talk, work, experience – touch, feel, see, hear and create new things
So basically, more of the same please!
BASICALLY, CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN
NOTE: this is, of course, not a definitive list, there are many other important things not mentioned here, but these are my public share. Not least that I’m delighted by how my kids have grown into amazing adults during this time too – but that’s another story…..)
Carolyn Black 