It's never too late to learn to animate
“Maybe it’s a self confidence thing. Dropping pins into a glass by way of music-making … someone else might have stood ground and made a case for conceptual art there. Or maybe it’s a matter of timing. A couple of years later everyone was looking for conceptual art … But not that year.
I think you should just get on and put those watercolours up.
Why do you like tiny things. Why don’t you make big, colourful things? … I would. “I do make big, colourful things! My necklaces were very big and colourful. Until everyone wanted tiny, delicate ones. “
“Perhaps liking tiny things is to do with shyness. When I was an art student, one time we each had to make a musical instrument from any stuff we could find.”
“Everyone was rushing around, banging on corrugated iron with bits of wood. Banging and clanging. I sat in a corner dropping pins into a glass of water. The tutors thought that was going too far. Or too quiet.”
(ting!)
Well … where are these watercolours then? Are they landscapes?
“No. They’re toys.. or rather they’re model figures. I’m a bit fascinated by them at the moment…”
“… Did you know that you can buy a tiny Angela Merkel? A teeny, tiny Angela Merkel… complete with smart phone?”
What on earth is a smart phone? And who’s Angela Merkel?
“Sorry, Mum. After your time.”
What did you mean when you said you’d got the watercolours out?
“What do you mean by being kitted out with a crayon and a fancy headscarf!”
What you do … I do. I’ll have you know that I was quite artistic too. I met your father at art evening classes, remember.
“I know. But I’m sorry Mum, I never thought to ask you what took you there.”
You’re drawing again, aren’t you. “Mmmm … perhaps.”
You just won’t get on and animate us! “Sorry, Mum …”
“… and I got my watercolours out too.”
Shame on you.
syb & me 