Greetings from East Cliff beach in Bournemouth - I'm typing with soft warm sand between my toes, the waves barely audible over seagulls and sweary children.
I wanted my newsletter subscribers to be the first to hear that the big Raft Of The Medusa was shortlisted for the biennial Ruth Borchard Collection Self-Portrait Prize.
Yesterday I delivered my 'domestic size' version to the Russell-Cotes Museum and Art Gallery.
Tonight was the opening of the group exhibition of shortlisted entries, the Private View, and the announcement of the winner. Click these images for info about the competition, the judges, and the Bournemouth gallery:
I have been bursting to tell you, but sworn to secrecy until the official announcement. Maybe it seems OTT to celebrate, not having been the overall winner, but being shortlisted signals recognition by serious curators, peers and collectors. It opens doors to networking, exhibitions, sales, and other opportunities.
The shortlisted self portraits are on display in the stunning Russell-Cotes gallery in Bournemouth (a favourite of my late mother and her husband Malcolm), surrounded by Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, until September 7th.
The full stunning array of long- and shortlisted works can be viewed online here on the Ruth Borchard website. The Borchard collection has a fascinating history, comprising entirely self-portraits by contemporary artists.
To progress through to the final round, I took some drastic decisions. This was all going on while showing at the SWA. It got me thinking about the gambles and sacrifices we make as artists to participate in the open call system.
And explains my mysterious copying of the big version. Some broad beans spilled in this blog, enjoy!
With Richard Borchard, son of Ruth Borchard
With Malcolm 'Young Malc' Reynell, who thoroughly enjoyed our outing
I will share more information on social media when my feet have touched the ground, but for now...
Good night xxx