Monday saw Mr Cooper and myself travelling to the Wimbledon School of Art, with my 3 entries for the Jerwood Drawing Prize. It is the 3rd year that I have entered this prestigious event, and the first year I have entered more than one drawing. Mr Cooper was enlisted to carry the two smaller works, and I wrestled with the largest work.
Wednesday morning found me baking flapjacks before doing my fortnightly hoover for Joyce, then in the afternoon, for the first time, I went to see John at work at Butser Ancient Farm. Instead of carrying salt and pretty beads to pacify the natives, I had armed myself with flapjack, not knowing how many woodworkers there would be on the site. It wasn't hard to spot the most important one for me.
Here is John shaping some oak to fit as part of the construction of the timber frames. These are made on the ground, using tools the Saxons would have used (I bet they wished chainsaws or even saws had been invented by then, but sadly they hadn't) When the frames are all complete, they will be raised and joined together. Hopefully I will have enough time to be able to visit again this coming week, bearing more edible gifts to pacify and refresh the woodworkers.
Above is the view of one of the frames, and also the back view of Darren Hammerton, who is in charge of the design and construction of the longhouse. He has a very nice front view too!
My culinary discovery this week came from a brilliant book, the latest in this series. I know some of you are familiar with these books. For those of you who are not, they are well worth discovering!
In this book, the heroin, detective and scientist Flavia de Luce, aged 12, tells of her discovery of how to make the best hard boiled egg, with no discolouration around the yoke. Don't boil, just steam!
And it works a treat. Steam the egg over boiling water for exactly 10 minutes then cool in a bowl of cold water for the same time, roll to break the shell then peel and enjoy. This is the way forward for me.
I have come up with a culinary idea for another cake, this one based on a game from my childhood. Granny Beba bought a game for us all called 'Mousie Mousie' and I thought I could easily turn the game into a decoration for the top of a cake ( it was a very simple game)
I told Mr Cooper that I had an idea for a cake that I would make for when we get together with Mum, my bothers and our various offspring in August.
"I have come up with an idea for a cake that will really make everyone smile," I said.
"What," said Mr Cooper in all seriousness. "You are going to put cannabis in it?"
I think Mr Cooper has been such a long member of his own 'Young at Heart' club that he has reverted back to his college days! I had to explain that, sadly but responsibly, the fun would be in my design for the decoration, based on 'Mousie Mousie.' I will let you know how it progresses.
The reason that this particular blog is arriving later than usual, is as last Saturday, Mr Cooper, myself and Sam set sail for Eye, to take Mum on another short break to Sheringham. We had the added bonus of seeing Si, Nik and Lucas on at Mum's on Saturday evening where we all enjoyed a cold collation, Pimms without gin, Pimms with gin (thank you Juliette for telling me how good that is!) then a little more gin before bedtime.
On Sunday, Si, Nik and Lucas left for Glasgow, and we set sail along the coast road to Sheringham, pausing only for coffee and sausage roll at Norfolk Lavender, and a brilliant lunch at Cley, at the 'George and Dragon'. Only order a dessert there if you are feeling mighty hungry, which you won't be after their stunning mains. Lovely food, lovely location, lovely decor.
We stayed again at the Two Lifeboats, and it was such a treat be able to lie in bed, hearing and seeing the sea. We also saw some of the Norfolk Broads, a wherry, a paddle steamer, beautiful sunsets over the sea and many menus. But that was when we had got out of bed.
Back home and back to reality……….I had to work in the kitchen 2 days back to back, which means I am in bed between shifts for about five and a half hours. So on Friday, feeling rather tired and washed out, it was a bit sad to get my rejection email from the Jerwood Drawing Prize. I didn't really think my drawings would be accepted, but there was always a ray of hope shining through.
Here is a section from one of the rejections, a topical slice. All change at Woodfire soon, as Tom is leaving. I hope to have a guest appearance as a KP before then, as it would be fun to work with him and Sam together, one more time.
When Mr Cooper and I made the return journey to Wimbledon Art College, to collect the rejects, I did ask how many drawings they had received at that centre. It was 30,000, and that is one of 10 centres nationwide, so my rejection felt less painful alongside those figures. Plus, all 3 works made it through to the first round! Better luck next year, keep buggering on.
One piece of excitement for me is happening this coming Monday. I was asked last week if I would lead a textiles workshop, working with elderly residents from a centre in Portsmouth, to create a memory cushion. This is a very new and exciting venture, and has come along at just the right time for me. I have been wanting to work with people to help them to use art to express emotions, getting away from using art in a school/exam content. I will let you know how the first ever session went!
And to leave you with a piece of calm, at the end of a still hectic week ( I have to do the cricket teas tomorrow. I came back from London to create other works of art in the form of many cakes, all recipes from the Green Donkey Cookery Book.)
Feast your eyes on a photograph of the replica iron age dwellings at Butser Ancient Farm. A lovely place in such a beautiful part of England.
I will try to see you all in one week's time, not two, for the next thrilling episode of my life, and the excitement of being an artist in my fifties! How did that happen? Have a great week.
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