The Only Running Footman, James Steventon
At the end of September I delivered a message in the form of a new running-based performance, dressed as an 18th Century Running Footman, based on an etching from the Old and New London by George Walter Thornbury.
After doing some research into the costumes of that era commissioned Northampton-based costume-maker Amy Sherrington to design an outfit that closely resembled that in the etching, but with some subtle modern twists.
The intention behind this was a wedding gift for independent Cultural Organiser Elizabeth Gaboott, where I wanted to create a running-based work that she could participate in without having to run herself. For this iteration of the performance I ran from my home in Northamptonshire, across three counties, arriving at Levelle Abbey in Leicestershire.
Most recently I completed another endurance drawing, where I swore I would never work at such an exhaustive scale again. The cumulative effect of making these drawings is now starting to take its toll and I almost meant the process when I began.
However the drawing was a birthday gift for Yasmin Canvin who departed Fermynwoods Contemporary Art after 8 years. Yasmin has always given the extra mile for homegrown artists. Thinking about how she persevered through difficult periods was quite motivational during my difficult stretches. As a result I persevered with the drawing for 16 hours; the longest I've ever managed.
I've also recently become a father. After Yasmin, and my wife Jo, I fear labour: my endurance perspective has entirely shifted.
Look out for the first edition of Sculptorvox, a free publication that seeks to explore a variety of artists' voices on contemporary sculpture practice, and promises to be quite beautifully made. This edition will feature some of my words and images exploring the creative journey through endurance.
Read James' original interview with CVAN EM here.
For more about James' work visit his website: http://www.jamessteventon.co.uk/