Saturday, 16 December 2006
Andrea Mason
If you recognise this then you're probably a resident of'The Northland Park Neighbourhood', maybe you go there to walk your dog, or to hang out with your friends.
I bet when you go there you don't see many people.
Well that's all about to change, because Andrea Mason and friends are going to make your park a lot more interesting from January to March '07.
Who is this lady? You might ask, well she is a creative artist, and for months has been planning with several other groups of people, some entertaining, community- building happenings.
For more ideas of what all this is about see the website below.
I bet when you go there you don't see many people.
Well that's all about to change, because Andrea Mason and friends are going to make your park a lot more interesting from January to March '07.
Who is this lady? You might ask, well she is a creative artist, and for months has been planning with several other groups of people, some entertaining, community- building happenings.
For more ideas of what all this is about see the website below.
I asked Andrea some questions:-
Have you always been involved in the arts? Or did you have a different or more ordinairy job before?
Always been an artist.
I have done some 'Mac' jobs to keep me going - I was a lifeguard for Southwark Council for 5 year (part-time).
You've got an MA in Creative Writing, can you tell me a bit more about what you have written?
Some short stories. I have a novel ongoing.
Also, the work of the type your doing now, what other things like this have you done before?
I worked collaboratively with artist Philippe Bradshaw as Andrea + Philippe until 1999. Our projects were long term, often outdoors. Also we appropriated commercial outlets/tourism ideas using vending machines to sell art, creating faux estate agents/a touring estate agents in a caravan/souvenirs etc.
Tell me about the literary salons you have done e.g. 'The Girly One'.
'The Girly One' was my second literary salon. In 2005 I set up 'King Street Rocks'. A literary salon with an arts twist. The Salon is an ongoing project.
Do you lead a double life? Are you also a mum with kids?
I lead a terribly monastic life. Work whilst kids at school. Then yes I'm a single mum the rest of the time. Very little social life! It's a difficult mix - to be an artist/writer + parent.
I try to make my work viable to my circumstances. e.g. I will be bringing the kids along to all the NPN events.
What motivates you - what makes you want to get out there and do these outgoing things?
I want to change the world!! I think I was a pioneer in a former life. I want to facilitate that people lead the best life they possibly can. There's so much fabulousness out there.
Does it lead back to your childhood? Were U one who would get up and have something to say and get things going?
I had a very strong conviction early on that art - in the broad sense (I am passionate about literature) was the only way forward. I am a "fantastic realist". i.e I first think "What?" and then I work out "How?"
Tell me more about this project 'Art U Need', how much do you believe in it and what do you think of Bob and Roberta Smith?
I believe in it 200%. Bob and Roberta Smith is fantastic. He raises awareness to issues + he is humourous + colourful in his approach + outlook. Humour/comedy inevitably carries a message and is a very effective tool.
Have you met any nice/interesting people from Basildon that you want to mention?
Tony Guyon has been great. You.
And any other things you want to say, please say.
Get the diary, take a look, and get out there! Art U Need Needs U!
Labels: Art U Need, Basildon
# posted by Lisa : 05:43
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