So I have been pondering a question - public art or public services?
In the summer, we made our annual visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, where modern and contemporary sculptures are displayed in beautiful parkland. You can wander among the sheep, the Henry Moores and other pieces, get up close and touch them, and there are changing displays and exhibitions.
It's a great place to go with kids, plenty of space for running and cavorting, and interesting quirky art to stimulate their imaginations.
I love it there.
Wearing my recycled sari skirt, a gift from darling Vix.
So here are some pics from the summer, to give you an idea of what's on offer.
We were all completely fascinated by the giant sexy rabbit ladies!
I thought Krista would like the pink shed!
The sculpture of the woman (above right, with my girls) is a Henry Moore called Draped Seated Woman, and very lovely she is too.
Moore sold her to London City Council in the 1960s for below her value, with the intention that she should be on public display in a deprived area, and she lived in Tower Hamlets until the 1990s, when vandalism and the demolition of the estate where she was situated prompted her move to Yorkshire, Moore's home county.
Tower Hamlets now want her back, and it has been decided that the sculpture, worth up to an estimated £20m, will be sold to offset some of the council's budget cuts which will effect public services in this poor area of London.
So back to my question - art or services? Sculpture or social housing?
I don't know the answer. My head says money to help vulnerable people matters more. My heart feels sad. I want there to be the funding and the will to provide both. Is that naive?
What do you think?
Is it frivolous to show you what I was wearing today?
Well, maybe.
But I think it's possible to be an intelligent, thinking woman and still appreciate a new frock, don't you?
Late 1970s-early 80s dress - Ebay
Blue top, belt, boots, bangles, wool hat and silk scarf - charity shopped
Life would be considerably poorer without creativity, artistic expression, and giant lady bunnies.
xxxx
