Verbal Catch-up With The Visualist

I haven't spoken to you directly here for a while ... how are you feeling?
Fine. I felt rather fragmented this week with all the little things I had to do. School shows to attend. Mural to finish. Dealing with framing, which I still haven't done yet. Getting presents for the children. Making cards. What I really need now are a couple of full days of concentrated work to get my balance again. I desperately want to finish this latest piece.
I watched you listening to the feminist art campaigners the Guerrilla Girls online earlier. What were you thinking about when you were listening to them?
Again, I've rather lost sight of things this week. Art has not been at the forefront of my brain this week at all. It's nice to be reminded of ideas. But what I've really found interesting this week is the way life at our children's school is such a large part of the community.
Where would you say your work is now that it wasn't a year or so ago?
I feel much more concerned that I'm on a journey with it now and that there's a lot more to do with it now. I'm really just at the beginning of it all. And I might actually have something here to look at. It's taken me a year to realise that.
Do you learn about yourself when you do your work?
I don't know about that ... I'm not really that interested in finding out about myself in that way.
Are you still looking forward to the gallerist's visit to see your work in the new year?
Oh definitely. Yes.
How about your take on the art world? Has that changed at all recently?
No, but I did quite like listening to what the Guerrilla Girls were talking about. I have to remember I'm on a bit of a mission with my work. I mustn't get swayed on this. I do now think that what I am doing is quite unique. But I don't want to sound arrogant.
Apart from an exhibition, what would you change most if you could?
I'd have more space to do my work.
And, finally, what have you seen recently that you've found inspiring?
'Pan's Labyrinth' ... the film.

Inter(child)view

What is it like having an artist as a mother?
GIRL (7): Great. Wonderful. (Slurp of chocolate mousse.) It's very rare to have an artist as a mum.
BOY (4): Yes. (Giggles.) Yes.
Yes what?
BOY: I like watching her work.
Which is your favourite piece?
GIRL: I haven't got one. (Shake of hair.) I like all of them equally. But you can't like them more than I do. They're 'extravagant'. They're 'exquisite'. Please say that.
BOY: Pictures.
Pictures?
BOY: Weird houses.
Weird houses?
BOY: On my wall.
Do either of you want to be an artist when you grow up?
GIRL: I don't want to be rude or anything. I really do like art. But I want to be something else. Like something sporty. Like a footballer or a gymnast. Or travelling round the world with my best friend.
BOY: No. I don't. (Scratch of head.) I don't want to be an artist.
Why?
BOY: Because I don't, I just don't. I just want to be something else.
Like what?
BOY: Like ... I'm thinking ... like ... oh nothing.
Do you think it's hard being an artist?
GIRL: Yes. Probably. But I bet it's very fun too.
BOY: Yeah.
Yeah what?
BOY: It just is.
GIRL: Can we have another question please?
What's it like being in your mother's art?
GIRL: It's really nice to think we are a part of it.
BOY: Quite weird.