Dear Ewan,
It seems fitting that our last adventure before the show should have been with the HARP gun. This was amazing and I wish we could have shared that night with all our loved ones. It was not just this 120 foot relic that is unreal but it is that it is here, hidden away on a military base on our small rock. How spooky to be at the end of the runway so close to the airplanes as they lifted off. I remember the air was cold and saturated with salt. I shone a torch and it appeared as a beam of light that reached the stars. Starman seemed to shoot out of the gun and up to the moon. Strange but you thought the opposite: that he was there attempting to use the HARP gun to shoot down the moon.
I will never forget that night. Thank you and thank Starman.
IP
Dear Ewan,
So, I was back to Abed’s today. Now nothing is to good for my partner in art so I got you a 100% cotton. Hope you like it. While your costume is black – which works very effectively – the costume I am making for you is white. Why white? It is the “colour” of light and it is also the colour of death in Hindu culture. Seems a good combo for this very ambiguous character that we are now both immersed in.
IP
So, I was back to Abed’s today. Now nothing is to good for my partner in art so I got you a 100% cotton. Hope you like it. While your costume is black – which works very effectively – the costume I am making for you is white. Why white? It is the “colour” of light and it is also the colour of death in Hindu culture. Seems a good combo for this very ambiguous character that we are now both immersed in.
IP
Dear Ewan,
I am still feeling a bit shitty. My “stuff” all words – except for the mad cow thing. So if you don’t mind I’m going to make other “stuff”. I tried to buy some Sea island Cotton to make you a genuine Bajan Starman costume. Just one teeny problem: we don’t sell it here. If you want the best cotton you would have to re-import it from Switzerland because that is where we have sent it to be processed. Always bottom of the food chain.
IP
I am still feeling a bit shitty. My “stuff” all words – except for the mad cow thing. So if you don’t mind I’m going to make other “stuff”. I tried to buy some Sea island Cotton to make you a genuine Bajan Starman costume. Just one teeny problem: we don’t sell it here. If you want the best cotton you would have to re-import it from Switzerland because that is where we have sent it to be processed. Always bottom of the food chain.
IP
Dear Ewan,
Thanks for the photo of Starman visiting the Empire. I know it is a landmark. It’s crumbling beauty is evident even with the collapsed roof and the dilapidated walls. It once belonged to my friend Neysha’s family but her grandfather gave it to the City of Bridgetown. Recently I had the privilege of interviewing the architect Tony Brooks and see some of the plans for its restoration. If he gets his way The Empire will strike back.
IP
Thanks for the photo of Starman visiting the Empire. I know it is a landmark. It’s crumbling beauty is evident even with the collapsed roof and the dilapidated walls. It once belonged to my friend Neysha’s family but her grandfather gave it to the City of Bridgetown. Recently I had the privilege of interviewing the architect Tony Brooks and see some of the plans for its restoration. If he gets his way The Empire will strike back.
IP
Dear Ewan,
Forgot to tell you a couple important things about the bus ride. Corrie Scott went with me. It was her idea to go in a rum shop - honest. Her love of Barbados was manifest in the encyclopedic knowledge she had about buildings and places. Being with her was a real privilege.
She pointed out something that I had failed to notice although once told I saw everywhere. Have you noticed that many houses, particularly chattel houses, are painted some shade between light green and blue on the doorways and windows? And have you noticed the spiky bits often added to the roof of a house? Dem is to ward off evil spirits or impale dem – but yuh know dis nah…
IP
Forgot to tell you a couple important things about the bus ride. Corrie Scott went with me. It was her idea to go in a rum shop - honest. Her love of Barbados was manifest in the encyclopedic knowledge she had about buildings and places. Being with her was a real privilege.
She pointed out something that I had failed to notice although once told I saw everywhere. Have you noticed that many houses, particularly chattel houses, are painted some shade between light green and blue on the doorways and windows? And have you noticed the spiky bits often added to the roof of a house? Dem is to ward off evil spirits or impale dem – but yuh know dis nah…
IP
Dear Ewan,
I fell asleep with my hands on the keyboard and still sitting upright. It must have been a weird sight! Anyway, here I am again. It’s 5am and the house is completely quiet so no excuses.
I went on a bus ride yesterday. Several things are worth noting about this event and I promise to write more but for now you will have to settle for point form. (I’m still knackered.)
1. I had never been on a bus in Barbados before.
2. I went looking for Starman.
3. I did not find him.
4. I saw a bride, in full gown, and her party take the bus from Speightown to Oistins, get off, and then take a ZR - presumably to the church.
5. The bus driver on the journey back did not know where we were going and had to be told by the passengers. He made a three-point turn in the road to get us on the right route.
6. I only got off the bus to visit a rum shop in Oistins.
Can’t wait to have a proper chat.
IP
I fell asleep with my hands on the keyboard and still sitting upright. It must have been a weird sight! Anyway, here I am again. It’s 5am and the house is completely quiet so no excuses.
I went on a bus ride yesterday. Several things are worth noting about this event and I promise to write more but for now you will have to settle for point form. (I’m still knackered.)
1. I had never been on a bus in Barbados before.
2. I went looking for Starman.
3. I did not find him.
4. I saw a bride, in full gown, and her party take the bus from Speightown to Oistins, get off, and then take a ZR - presumably to the church.
5. The bus driver on the journey back did not know where we were going and had to be told by the passengers. He made a three-point turn in the road to get us on the right route.
6. I only got off the bus to visit a rum shop in Oistins.
Can’t wait to have a proper chat.
IP
Dear Ewan,
I am going nuts cooped up at home trying to “make art”. Eight hours can easily pass without eight words or eight thoughts… Bet you are happily drawing away producing fabulous Starman images or finding some site that is compelling for projections. Jealousy does not begin to convey my feelings.
IP
I am going nuts cooped up at home trying to “make art”. Eight hours can easily pass without eight words or eight thoughts… Bet you are happily drawing away producing fabulous Starman images or finding some site that is compelling for projections. Jealousy does not begin to convey my feelings.
IP
Dear Ewan,
Thanks for the drawing and the photos. It is interesting the way you respond to the letters with these visuals – all very methodical and logical. Our collaboration is evolving in ways I did not expect. We never were able to build those Chinese walls to play “hide-and-seek Starman” but this is more interesting. To let chance dictate the script has been the hardest part of the journey.
IP
Thanks for the drawing and the photos. It is interesting the way you respond to the letters with these visuals – all very methodical and logical. Our collaboration is evolving in ways I did not expect. We never were able to build those Chinese walls to play “hide-and-seek Starman” but this is more interesting. To let chance dictate the script has been the hardest part of the journey.
IP
Dear Ewan,
Starman “manning” the sluice gate thinking it might be a wigwam to wind up the moon? Never heard of this sluice gate. I can’t believe it is just on the south coast near on a beach where I have swam a hundred times. You say this has something to do with the nature reserve that has just closed and its proper drainage. It seems the reserve may be re-developed into, oh, let’s make a guess, condos for tourists?
I am grateful to Starman. His search is making me re-visit places and spaces I thought I knew.
IP
Starman “manning” the sluice gate thinking it might be a wigwam to wind up the moon? Never heard of this sluice gate. I can’t believe it is just on the south coast near on a beach where I have swam a hundred times. You say this has something to do with the nature reserve that has just closed and its proper drainage. It seems the reserve may be re-developed into, oh, let’s make a guess, condos for tourists?
I am grateful to Starman. His search is making me re-visit places and spaces I thought I knew.
IP
Dear Ewan,
I’ve been thinking about the costume. I know the material is Abed’s best cotton-polyester mix. But, have you considered that since Starman is on our small rock it should be made out of genuine Bajan Sea Island Cotton? You probably don’t want to re-do the costume after sewing all those stars but I could help. And there is the cost to consider. Sea Island Cotton is the best and the most expensive cotton in the world. Just a thought.
IP
I’ve been thinking about the costume. I know the material is Abed’s best cotton-polyester mix. But, have you considered that since Starman is on our small rock it should be made out of genuine Bajan Sea Island Cotton? You probably don’t want to re-do the costume after sewing all those stars but I could help. And there is the cost to consider. Sea Island Cotton is the best and the most expensive cotton in the world. Just a thought.
IP
Dear Ewan,
You have really got stuck in the head space of Starman. LOVE the costume! I know you said you are not ready to put it on for public consumption but accept that this decision is only about time. Working with you is a privilege. You have been generous and open. We are both grumpy so this must be a match made in art heaven.
IP
You have really got stuck in the head space of Starman. LOVE the costume! I know you said you are not ready to put it on for public consumption but accept that this decision is only about time. Working with you is a privilege. You have been generous and open. We are both grumpy so this must be a match made in art heaven.
IP
Dear Ewan,
“A wigwam to wind up the moon”. If you say this to a West Indian (especially a Trini) they may hear “wine up” the moon which got me thinking about the utility of the wigwam. Starman should ditch the wigwam and get someone to “wine up” or “wuk up” de moon fuh he!! Of course he could do de wining heself!
We must consult a wukologist. I’ll check the Yellow Pages and the classifieds in The Nation.
IP
“A wigwam to wind up the moon”. If you say this to a West Indian (especially a Trini) they may hear “wine up” the moon which got me thinking about the utility of the wigwam. Starman should ditch the wigwam and get someone to “wine up” or “wuk up” de moon fuh he!! Of course he could do de wining heself!
We must consult a wukologist. I’ll check the Yellow Pages and the classifieds in The Nation.
IP
Dear Ewan,
Thanks for scanning the drawing of a wigwam to wind up the moon. Don’t fret that it is rough. How could it be anything other than rough? It’s not like Starman has a studio to build his wigwam in. He must collect and improvise just as we are doing every day of this project.
By the way, I don’t want to scare you but the deadline is fact approaching.
IP
Thanks for scanning the drawing of a wigwam to wind up the moon. Don’t fret that it is rough. How could it be anything other than rough? It’s not like Starman has a studio to build his wigwam in. He must collect and improvise just as we are doing every day of this project.
By the way, I don’t want to scare you but the deadline is fact approaching.
IP
Dear Ewan,
Every time we talk I get confidence that this endeavour is worthwhile. I am still unsure of my role in it but I’ll keep thinking and writing and thinking and writing …
When you first told me about Starman I thought he might be a version of Superman. The more I think of him and his quest the more I identify with this loser. He is the embodiment of all that is absurd in life.
IP
Every time we talk I get confidence that this endeavour is worthwhile. I am still unsure of my role in it but I’ll keep thinking and writing and thinking and writing …
When you first told me about Starman I thought he might be a version of Superman. The more I think of him and his quest the more I identify with this loser. He is the embodiment of all that is absurd in life.
IP
Dear Ewan,
This collaboration thing is turning out to be a bitch. I am totally paralyzed. You are making image after image and doing wonderful projections and you then have great photos. None of this stuff feels like it is anything to do with me. The parameters of this project are shifting and I am lost. What can I possibly contribute? I feel useless and talent less. People can write reams on the dematerialisation of the art object but what will people coming to an exhibition want? They want something visual.
Frustrated
IP
This collaboration thing is turning out to be a bitch. I am totally paralyzed. You are making image after image and doing wonderful projections and you then have great photos. None of this stuff feels like it is anything to do with me. The parameters of this project are shifting and I am lost. What can I possibly contribute? I feel useless and talent less. People can write reams on the dematerialisation of the art object but what will people coming to an exhibition want? They want something visual.
Frustrated
IP
Dear Ewan,
DON’T PANIC. Hell, I look to you for serenity. Stay with me bro! The work does not have to be “resolved” – it is all about chance and process man…
And you have to let go and let me do my performance piece. It is how I best understand the next stage of the writing. Perhaps if I perform the writing you might be inspired to think of “performing” Starman.
IP
DON’T PANIC. Hell, I look to you for serenity. Stay with me bro! The work does not have to be “resolved” – it is all about chance and process man…
And you have to let go and let me do my performance piece. It is how I best understand the next stage of the writing. Perhaps if I perform the writing you might be inspired to think of “performing” Starman.
IP
Dear Ewan,
Man have we got a problem. This project is for the Black Diaspora Visual Art Symposium. Is the art we’re making black enough? I have no idea if/ how Star Man can be construed in relation to Black Art or even Post-Black Art. And are we black enough? Maybe we are the new Post-Blacks – blending slave and master and indentured labour in one package. But, you still need to be black enough to ignore being black in the first place!
Bro – we got issues…
IP
Man have we got a problem. This project is for the Black Diaspora Visual Art Symposium. Is the art we’re making black enough? I have no idea if/ how Star Man can be construed in relation to Black Art or even Post-Black Art. And are we black enough? Maybe we are the new Post-Blacks – blending slave and master and indentured labour in one package. But, you still need to be black enough to ignore being black in the first place!
Bro – we got issues…
IP
Dear Ewan,
It’s obvious! Forget the wigwam to wind up the moon. What you need is a cow. We know that the right cow can jump over the moon. Well if it can jump over the moon it can darn well stick about and wind it. I’m sending you a miniature cow I have painted to give you an idea of how this might work.
And just to confirm the link between cows and the planets next time you are at the Observatory look around. There’s usually a cow grazing on the land.
IP
It’s obvious! Forget the wigwam to wind up the moon. What you need is a cow. We know that the right cow can jump over the moon. Well if it can jump over the moon it can darn well stick about and wind it. I’m sending you a miniature cow I have painted to give you an idea of how this might work.
And just to confirm the link between cows and the planets next time you are at the Observatory look around. There’s usually a cow grazing on the land.
IP
Dear Ewan,
A wigwam. Is this some bloomin’ bridge to nowhere?? Okay - so he needs a wigwam. I need something to keep me going here. You have no idea of what this wigwam looks like? If you don’t have any idea how can I?
We have set ourselves an impossible task. We are responding to each other but the work that is coming out is not logical. I know we agreed that chance would lead us where it will and that we would relinquish control but I have to tell you it would have been a darn sight easier to have just said we will deliver three drawings, one video and a slide show…
IP
A wigwam. Is this some bloomin’ bridge to nowhere?? Okay - so he needs a wigwam. I need something to keep me going here. You have no idea of what this wigwam looks like? If you don’t have any idea how can I?
We have set ourselves an impossible task. We are responding to each other but the work that is coming out is not logical. I know we agreed that chance would lead us where it will and that we would relinquish control but I have to tell you it would have been a darn sight easier to have just said we will deliver three drawings, one video and a slide show…
IP
Dear Ewan,
A wigwam to wind up the moon… but why the moon? I’ve been walking around with this thought – often talking out loud to myself. Why not the sun? What is it about the moon that is so central to the concerns of Star Man?
Is it that everyone shares the same moon? Perhaps it is the way the moon controls the tides that dictate so much of our lives on this small island.
IP
A wigwam to wind up the moon… but why the moon? I’ve been walking around with this thought – often talking out loud to myself. Why not the sun? What is it about the moon that is so central to the concerns of Star Man?
Is it that everyone shares the same moon? Perhaps it is the way the moon controls the tides that dictate so much of our lives on this small island.
IP
Dear Ewan,
I should have worked today but it is the inauguration of a US President like no other before him and I was overwhelmed by the occasion and glued to the screen. For the first time I felt a stakeholder in the journey of a nation that is not my own. Pride. Inspiration. Responsibility. And as an artist, how might I respond to this sublime moment? Every gesture seems inadequate because it is beyond words, gestures, paint and brush.
IP
I should have worked today but it is the inauguration of a US President like no other before him and I was overwhelmed by the occasion and glued to the screen. For the first time I felt a stakeholder in the journey of a nation that is not my own. Pride. Inspiration. Responsibility. And as an artist, how might I respond to this sublime moment? Every gesture seems inadequate because it is beyond words, gestures, paint and brush.
IP
Dear Ewan,
We live on this small rock and have the luxury of knowing every single person in the art community. But we are also isolated. Even if I am happy to work alone I still need to have someone to bounce ideas with and against – a mental punching bag. And on a practical level we need to share materials, equipment etc.. We have no huge art supplies shop on our rock; no place that artists come together for the exchange of ideas. So how about it?
IP
We live on this small rock and have the luxury of knowing every single person in the art community. But we are also isolated. Even if I am happy to work alone I still need to have someone to bounce ideas with and against – a mental punching bag. And on a practical level we need to share materials, equipment etc.. We have no huge art supplies shop on our rock; no place that artists come together for the exchange of ideas. So how about it?
IP
Dear Ewan,
Congratulations! Even if you could not get the Critic’s Prize for Star Man Arrives at least you have the satisfaction of being the People’s Choice. And the prize money is the same so your Christmas is not ruined!
I understand your anxieties about collaborating with me. It is not the way you or I, both control freaks, ever work. Of course Star Man is your idea and I don’t want to appropriate it but rather to see how we might, through art as writing, and other forms of collaboration, take one idea and transform it. Hmmm… that does sound like appropriation.
IP
Congratulations! Even if you could not get the Critic’s Prize for Star Man Arrives at least you have the satisfaction of being the People’s Choice. And the prize money is the same so your Christmas is not ruined!
I understand your anxieties about collaborating with me. It is not the way you or I, both control freaks, ever work. Of course Star Man is your idea and I don’t want to appropriate it but rather to see how we might, through art as writing, and other forms of collaboration, take one idea and transform it. Hmmm… that does sound like appropriation.
IP
Dear Ewan,
In the painting Star Man is wearing a black jumpsuit with stars all over and stars all round him. Just lately I seem to be finding stars wherever I look. The most curious are the star stickers on telephone poles, sidewalks and a bar in Hastings called Mojo’s - your second home I believe? Is this is a Star Man trail or am I just seeing stars??
IP
In the painting Star Man is wearing a black jumpsuit with stars all over and stars all round him. Just lately I seem to be finding stars wherever I look. The most curious are the star stickers on telephone poles, sidewalks and a bar in Hastings called Mojo’s - your second home I believe? Is this is a Star Man trail or am I just seeing stars??
IP
Dear Ewan,
You’re being very cagey about where I might find Star Man. Is he shy? Does he only come out when there is moonlight? Does he prefer tiny places where he might be unnoticed or is he attracted to open fields where he can loose himself? Is he a loner or does he like company? Will he like me? Does he like you?
IP
You’re being very cagey about where I might find Star Man. Is he shy? Does he only come out when there is moonlight? Does he prefer tiny places where he might be unnoticed or is he attracted to open fields where he can loose himself? Is he a loner or does he like company? Will he like me? Does he like you?
IP
Dear Ewan,
It was great seeing you today and chatting about Star Man. When disturbed, most parents just say some variation of “bugger off”. I know I do. But your dad is pretty unique. Telling you that he was “building a wigwam to wind up the moon” is so elaborate that I too would have wondered off puzzled. In fact I am still puzzled. I understand why Star Man might have adopted your father’s quest. Will Star Man ever build a wigwam to wind up the moon? Can I help?
IP
It was great seeing you today and chatting about Star Man. When disturbed, most parents just say some variation of “bugger off”. I know I do. But your dad is pretty unique. Telling you that he was “building a wigwam to wind up the moon” is so elaborate that I too would have wondered off puzzled. In fact I am still puzzled. I understand why Star Man might have adopted your father’s quest. Will Star Man ever build a wigwam to wind up the moon? Can I help?
IP
Dear Ewan,
It’s been a weird day. I was part of a panel of judges for a show at Zemicon. It was full of interesting work and there, on the left hand side, next to the door, is your small painting entitled Star Man Arrives. I have a vague recollection of seeing another image of Star Man at your house – one of many characters living in an imaginary space.
So, can you tell me more about this Star Man? Where has he come from? Why is he here? How long will he be staying?
Of course I had to excuse myself when it comes to judging your work but I am intrigued. Can we talk about it some more?
IP
It’s been a weird day. I was part of a panel of judges for a show at Zemicon. It was full of interesting work and there, on the left hand side, next to the door, is your small painting entitled Star Man Arrives. I have a vague recollection of seeing another image of Star Man at your house – one of many characters living in an imaginary space.
So, can you tell me more about this Star Man? Where has he come from? Why is he here? How long will he be staying?
Of course I had to excuse myself when it comes to judging your work but I am intrigued. Can we talk about it some more?
IP
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