Page 143 of The Examiner

It’s not far off, but everyone’s slacked off. Ludya’s working on the screen presentation, you’re on the sculpture. I haven’t seen Jonathan for over a week. Alyson’s flitting in and out. Cameron’s a distant memory. Even Gela seems preoccupied with other things.

Jem Badhuri

Well, the head is stunning and the soundscape will be brilliant.

Patrick Bright

Could you make some more components, please? You did well with them before and you’ve always been ace at papier-mâché. These ones are much bigger and less fiddly. I can leave all the stuff on your table. Please?

Doodle message group MMAM(FTP), 21 May 2024:

Jem Badhuri

Why should I do more work just because everyone else wants to do less?

Jem Badhuri

Where are you all? No one’s on Doodle any more and the studio’s deserted. I’ve been making conversation with Griff every day.

Jem Badhuri’s Doodle Diary, 21 May 2024:

The head is finished! I’m not troubled by doubt much, but when to stop work on a piece is something I have to think long and hard about. I enjoy the process so much. The head in particular has been a great experience. From making the wire frame with Gela the day they all went to Somerset up until now, the moment I realised ‘This is it!’ It’s a giant human head textured with unfired clay and inset with the tiniest components we had, plus ball bearings to give the surface texture and nuance. If you run your fingers over it, the steel of the ball bearings sends shivers down your spine. Now it’s finished, I’ve been thinking about that old radio. It came back from Somerset when Alyson – or Suzie – didn’t.

To: Polly Johnson, Mae Blackwell’s Office

From: Jonathan Danners

Date: 27 May 2024

Subject: ICES launch

Dear Polly,

I’m project leader for Royal Hastings’ installation at your ICES launch on Thursday. Can we firm up your requirements for our arrival and set-up? We have one Luton van and a people-carrier. There will be five of us, a driver who won’t stay, and our tutor, Gela, who will arrive separately and won’t be involved in the construction.

I need to check we can dispose of our packaging material and other refuse in your incinerator. Ideally we’ll get rid of the entire installation immediately after the event. I need to check what access we’ll need for that.

Jonathan Danners

Project Manager

To: Jonathan Danners

From: Polly Johnson, Mae Blackwell’s Office

Date: 27 May 2024

Subject: Re: ICES launch

Hi John,

I’ll need both vehicle registrations, and make sure everyone brings a passport or other photo ID. You’ll be issued Level B access passes, so you can go in and out of the gate multiple times while setting up. Please forward asap. Our incinerators are switched on once or twice a week, but you can leave your rubbish in any of the big bins – you can’t miss them.

Cheers,

Pol

To: Polly Johnson, Mae Blackwell’s Office