Update from Phil McMenemy - Studio 29

'Red Reflections'

'Fragment'

'Evening Stakes'

Rhiannon and I - Spring Fling photoshoot

Hello everyone, thanks for calling in on the Spring Fling blog

Well its now mid-May - how did that happen? The early part of the year seemed to rather drag its heels but the last couple of months have absolutely flown by.
Nerves and anxieties are now definitely in full-flow, though one hopes that all the year long work that we artists put in will see us in good shape for the SF weekend. My anxieties have been given a rather unexpected and troublesome boost with the recent news that the print company I use are on a fairly lengthy shut-down due to relocation! Yikes, all my planning out of the window for my printing needs. A few deep breaths and some hasty workings out mean that everything still should be OK for the big weekend. I do hope so.
I have been busy titivating one of our outdoor storerooms to convert into a small sales gallery which I hope visitors will come and view - its neither the Tate Modern nor the National Portrait Gallery buts its ours and I think 'in keeping' with the spirit of the Spring Fling Open Studios event.
This year has seen me co-opted onto the Spring Fling committee - what an eye-opener! The work of the committee and in particular Event Co-ordinator Rhiannon is mind-boggling in its volume and challenging diversity. I congratulate you all, its been good to help out in my own small way!
The event remains high on the local media agenda and I was again lucky enough to be invited to take part in a photo-shoot to highlight the Fling by the very readable DG Life Magazine, see image above.
I do hope people can take the trouble to come and visit this years event to acknowledge all the artists work, visit wonderful Dumfries and Galloway and most importantly to meet artists, view fabulous and diverse art work and have some fun!

Finally I would like to pass on my congratulations to two of our Spring Fling artists who have receieved national acknowledgements and accclaim for their brilliant, brilliant work - Adam Booth - Studio 43, Adam won the Gold award in the Wood and Metal section of the Craft & Design Magazine Selected Awards and Hannah McAndrew - Studio 21 who won Silver for her work in the Ceramics section of the same publication. Well done and congratulations to you both!!!

Regards
phil


You can find Phil McMenemy, Studio 29 at The Gallery at Laurieston, Laurieston or by visiting his website http://www.pmcphotography.co.uk/

SF 2010 Photo Shoot

On a sunny afternoon this week you may, if you were lucky have caught sight of this gathering in Kirkpatrick Durham village. This year Juliet and Alan who live in the village have organised Spring Fling tours with a difference, they are offering tours over the weekend from the comfort of a motorcycle side car. To help promote this with the help of Dumfries and Galloway Life Phil McMenemy, Hazel Campbell and Spring Fling's own Rhiannon Batten got into the 1950's swing for a photo shoot with DG Life photographer Phil Rigby, pictured below.

The sidecars will each take one passenger and the tours have no set charge but donations are being given to the National Autistic Society and the Greek Cat Welfare Society. For more information contact Alan on 07887 821613.

Look out for the results of the afternoon photo session in the June issue of Dumfries and Galloway Life out in early May. Thanks to all involved, including Lochside Theatre for helping with the props.

This coming friday, the 27th November from 3pm till 7pm, saturday from 11am till 5pm and sunday from 10am till 5pm there is an exhibition and sale of work by three Spring Fling Open Studios Association members Phil McMenemy, photographer, Hannah McAndrew slipware potter and Amanda Simmons, glass artist. This will be held in Phil's gallery at Woodbank House, Laurieston, near Castle Douglas. Drinks and nibbles on the friday. All are welcome to visit and browse the work and chat to the artists and makers.

The First Time! - by Phil McMenemy

Well, its approaching and becoming ever more tangible! As this is my first experience of being a participant in the Spring Fling everything seems rather otherworldly and unreal – every step of the way is a bit of an adventure and refreshingly new, from the regular email updates and news to the experience this week of collecting all my signs!! Wow, I’m really doing this thing!
I also took the opportunity to help out and deliver some of the SF brochures to places who are helping us spread the word of the event, this in itself was a nice experience. Next week sees the official launch of the ‘taster’ exhibition something I am both excited about and rather nervous of. I have to wear something red, hmmmm, it’ll have to be my Julian Cope T shirt and my famous red hat!

Phil at home in Laurieston with his two sons.

I am starting to think more definitively about my Gallery and the stock I hope to have ready for the SF weekend – this also seems rather daunting and scary so I’m hoping to glean advice from experienced campaigners over the next few weeks – be prepared!
I have also been fortunate enough to have spent time in the outdoors with my camera and have truly enjoyed it, as always. This is my ‘work’ now – it seems a strange thing to say. I find all aspects of my ‘job’ thoroughly engrossing and wonder where the time goes. I feel I have so much to do – all good!

Recent news from me is that I have been deep in conversation with writer and poet Mary Smith – we have met and discussed the possibility of undertaking a joint venture together. This has gone well and we have come up with a lengthy option list of subjects to consider. I have long been aware of and have held an admiration for Mary’s work for quite some time, so this new approach to collaboration is something which has certainly excited and given me added focus.

My website continues to develop as new work is updated and given an airing on a regular basis, the ‘Gallery at Laurieston’ continues to attract visitors, who are most welcome, and continues to be open on a regular basis on each Sunday. There’s more work to be done – better continue the struggle.

Until soon, Kind Regards

Phil McMenemy – Studio 44 Red Route

www.pmcphotography.co.uk and www.pmcphotography.blogspot.com