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From Bill Dodd

Its always difficult to write interesting and exciting news when all that sits before me is a heap (well, a mini-heap or perhaps a ‘heapette’) of tax returns waiting to hit the wires that will take them to the bosom of HMRC.  Yes, I like the word ‘heapette’ – it makes it all feel a lot better. Just one ‘heapette’ to go…….tra la la!

In my last news I was about to leave for the Blues and Jazz Clubs of Chicago. In some ways it seems a long time ago but it doesn’t take long for the spirit to awaken and drift back onto North Halstead and South Wabash and the other dancing streets of Chicago. From there back to a large ‘heap’ – the ‘heapette’ was a long way off then and very difficult to even visualize. But everything comes to pass and I entered 2012 feeling very optimistic for the year ahead and excited for a lot of our clients, who are doing a lot of exciting things and together we are working on some amazing projects.

I don’t subscribe to the view that the adverse economic climate has to prevail in any circumstance that it is not actively or passively encouraged to do so.  I’m not being contrary but the machinations of the ‘euro-zone’ are no match for innovation and enterprise and endeavour. But we’ve got to do it together.  We will be the champions!

2012 will be the year of expanding the horizons and looking at new opportunities with clients in overseas markets and I am particularly, but not exclusively, referring to China.  The economy there is as buoyant as the passion for all good things European, including European Art. Last year we worked with the Government of China to assist them in getting the work of a particular ‘installation’ artist into China – our efforts ultimately failed because the level of physical security for the work  (to be located outdoors) did not meet the requirements of the artist and his management, but it really pushed open the door of opportunity.  I have worked in China extensively and, approached with insight and genuine enthusiasm, it’s a really rewarding place to make business.

Our website is not quite news yet, although it is being gently steered away from being just another boring professional tombstone - poobah– but there’s still ways to go.  Maybe it will be news by the time I write my news again!

From Andy Christian

I am reminded that we are entering a new season by blue tits and a wood pecker lobbying me through my window to fill up the empty nut container. I am obviously regarded as the softest touch in the village.

I have just been up to Rutland to the Goldmark Gallery who I had written a catalogue for on the potter Jim Malone. I managed to sneak a preview of their next show of Mike Dodd’s (no relation to Bill) ceramics for Ceramic Review and spend time with the energetic gallery owner Mike Goldmark. They hold an impressive array of twentieth century prints and have a very active online presence beside publishing and putting on gigs.

Garry Fabian Miller’s exhibition will open in March in Exeter so the planning for that is proceeding apace. Another of our clients, Laurel Keeley, launched her new ceramics and paintings in Exeter with a beautiful brochure designed by Mei Lim. Guy Martin is renewing his website to reflect the changes in his work as he concentrates on sculpture. I visited Edmund de Waal who seems to be in every magazine and newspaper since his book ‘The Hare with the Amber Eyes’ has become a best seller and since his work is stocked in Cork Street. I am pleased to say that despite his fame he was still delighting on getting his hands into clay.

The Venice Biennale was a rewarding experience but the constant sunshine along with café culture equalled it. I am looking forward to seeing the Grayson Perry exhibition at the V and A which my partner Julia is very excited about. She says it’s a must. As a bit of fun I have started writing occasional and very short poems about the changing view out of my window on Twitter. They can be found under the name, the Art Lark.