31 August 1999

Hi Ju,    

Well I'm back, not quite raring to go but ready to get started, I've been re-reading the E-mails and looking into parts I've overlooked and things we have in common. Tim's not here at the moment, but l will talk to him and others about the set-up of the computer and getting better images.      

Looked at your ideas about a web-site, seems fine to me, but with my limited experience of technology it's all just great. It seems very much like the format l used for essays at college.      

I've been thinking about the use of natural materials, l need to get over soon as l wasn't looking at it with an agenda before. There is a small wood to the east of the priory, which l imagine would yield some resources, I'll have a search. I'm hoping to go over at the weekend, either Saturday for a day or Monday for two/three days. I need to evaluate what needs to be done at this stage, whatever I'll take photos. I was wondering what you thought about me keeping a visual diary for every day I am there, using sketches, photos, found objects, written thoughts etc. Have you seen any of Richard Long's work - his work is on the internet. He goes for long walks, often in remote places, takes photos, records thoughts and makes sculptural works, often circles of one kind or another.    

I liked the idea of a variety of small projects, was wondering if you had thought about linking them together in any way. I've enclosed a sketch of a Mobile, although not of natural materials, unless we can find a good source of clay around. I wanted some how to represent the people who once lived there, but without a full human image. A fragment, an essence, like the one you feel when someone important to you leaves the room.      

I've been told by Liz that my base at the priory will now be a hut, lined and with electricity. I've called it Rita's Cell, a place to work and get into my head. As long as l don't have to go to church l don't mind. I've also just heard that the priory is famous for its stoats, not weasels as I previously mentioned. Other quite prominent wild life is around the pond at the front. They have quite a lot of semi-tamed ducks, geese and the odd pheasant.      

Another thought I have had is connected with time, l have a funny book that talks about spot dialling, sort of making a large sun dial, will enclose a little more. I also keep getting images of words, sort of latin words, as used in prayer or services of the time they would have been ssaid at the priory. These are vague, fragmented and floating around somewhere in infinity.      

I've got more time to be in the office now, and will come in to respond to any mail reasonably quickly, as l feel we need to get things moving, oops!  do l sound too pushing, I'm afraid it's one of my traits. For a little light relief I'll send you a few pages of an old book I've got called The Practical Way To Keep Fit, nothing to do with the project, just some fun.      

Look forward to hearing from you soon, 

Rita