Things are progressing.
In the building where I live, an old shop unit is being turned into our very own bar. A consortium of current and former residents are behind this venture, most of them artists, and its purpose is to be an artist-owned and artist-run space for cultural events (and some alcohol consumption).
The interior walls will be white, and drink will be served through a hatch, two features that allow for excellent video projection. I am told that there is a job for me there too, so in a couple of months’ time, I should be living and working in one place, a cosy world.
We gathered this morning with tools to knock down an unwanted wall (see the dust mask in the picture? I was wearing one of these too, all day). This kind of shared, collective work for a common purpose (especially if unpaid) is known by the Norwegian word dugnad. Yes, it’s very socialistic, but Norway retains much of its socialist past, at least for now.
The mighty sledgehammer! The sturdy crowbar! There’s nothing quite like destructive labour to put you in a good mood.
Another positive piece of news is that the advert I acted in has appeared on TV, and it seems that my scene has been cut. This is a win-win situation. I get the money from The Man and I don’t even have to advertise His Products. My soul is mine once again, returned unopened and unused, it seems.