Monday 16 April 2012

Grayson Perry is ace.

I've just finished reading Grayson Perry:  Portrait of the artist as a young girl. And now I want to write him a letter in a strange stalker-ish way and tell him I think he's great!  If I actually did - this is what I'd write....


Dear Grayson
Your book is brilliant and I couldn't put it down, we have soooo much in common did you know? I too have a tinkering dad from that older generation who can fix everything and a mum who chucked him out.
I also discovered a love for ceramics at a free evening class in London and went to art college in South West England.   And, I have been known to dress up in womens clothing!
Here is a little known fact : The year I graduated from Falmouth School of Art was the same year that the Tate in St Ives was built.  It was very exciting because Nick Serota (Mr Tate Gallery himself) came along to our ceremony and shook our hands. He made a speech about the importance fine art,  and suggested that the college elders should not let their heads be turned by the 'money arts' - like graphics and photography.  I was outraged that ceramics had not even been mentioned!!   When I received my certificate from him I said "Ceramics are important too you know" and ran quickly off stage.
My young-up-start-of-an-art-critic out pouring may well have had a huge affect on Mr Serota.
It is possible (I've sometimes thought) that this small moment was a major turning point in the history of British art!    Because in 2003 you won the Turner prize for your marvellous ceramics!!!


Kind Regards
Charlotte



Grayson Perry wins the Turner prize 2003




 The Walthamstow Tapestry by Grayson Perry.




Grayson Perry  on a Kenilworth AM1 motorcycle, with a shrine 
on the back for his teddy bear, whose inaugural voyage, Ten Days of Alan,
 takes them across Bavaria.
Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman


9 comments:

  1. Eeee! I love this! And I love Grayson Perry - he's a brilliant artist and utterly charming! You should send him the letter - I reckon he'd be made up :)
    x x x

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  2. He might think that I'm mad! xxx

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  3. Pippa Goldfinger17 April 2012 at 04:02

    I heart Grayson too. We all loved his exhibition. My brother fitted wardrobes in his house (including 'Claire's room') and declared him to be a top bloke.

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  4. Well you know I of course agree - fine art's all very well, but no good for holding your soup is it? ;) Seriously though, it is great to see my personal fave medium being allowed into the art world at long last, and indeed craft in general having a place in art.
    I think he'd love this too, I might tweet him!
    Great post Charlotte!! Love it!! x

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  5. Aah it feels like he is already our friend!

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  6. Hello Charlotte
    I know just how you feel. I read Grayson's 'Diary of the Artist as a Young Girl' a few years ago and then re-read it recently after visiting his British Museum exhibition. I too would like to write him a letter but am still plucking up the nerve. Did you know that Alan Measles writes his own blog? I hope he gets a chance to read my post about our pilgrimage to The Tomb of The Unknown Craftsman. http://blog.frillipmoolog.co.uk/2012/04/grayson-perry-and-pilgrims-detour-to.html

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  7. Thanks Frillip for your tip about Alan Measles blog! I'm glad you finally got to the exhibition - I bet it was brilliant!

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