22 September 1999

Onwards

Hi Ju,

Thanks for the mail, great to be actually doing it rather than just thinking about doing it. I feel that we're getting somewhere now, and that l am learning to master this beasty. Hope this mail finds you in reasonable health today. A robin has just come in via the open door, I am sure it was the sound of the printer that attracted it. Well l've managed to get a reasonable sleep at the hostel, and feel that we're aiming in the right direction, don't worry about treading on toes, we'll get there.

I am still for the water vessel idea in the centre of the cloister area, the site of the old water tower can faintly be seen, so I've been told, as I've not managed to see it yet. Robin just flown out. l wasn't putting the idea down when l mentioned the size, l was just giving you an idea of space. Have you ever danced or choregraphed a piece, to find it just doesn't work on a larger stage area. You don't have to scrap the movements, but you may need to change things slightly. Size and scale changes things a little, but I am sure it will work. Liz suggested siting the vessel on stone, instead of wood, I said we were open to suggestions and could try a variety of plinths to see which works.

The springhead is a lovely area, very magical, with a small amount of running water which trickles, the whole site is very well drained, the ancient plumbing here was very good, with naturally flushing toilets, placed over ditches. Not quite sure they would work in the summer, or at time of drought. On the front page of the booklet it would be in the farthest corner, hidden on the edge of the trees. The map on the contents page places it better. Ther's a picture of it on page 21, and on page 24 you can see it in context to everything else. The idea I had was not to take space away from the vessel sited in the middle, but to make a link between the spring head and the water piece, via a winding river/snake of stones, finishing as a ring around the vessel. It's only a vague idea, but l feel l didn't explain myself very clearly. l see things often in images and find words often inadequate to express myself correctly. Saying that l get very frustrated when l can't turn the pictures into reality, things like gravity etc. get in the way.

Yes l am still keen on the mobile/sound element too, I'll have a chat with Tim in the office, as he put the exhibition up he's aware of space and where we can't place things because of one rule or another. Will be in touch Thursday. Look after yourself. Love

Rita

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