24 Hour Art Challenge?

[Stanley Edwards]

One small bit of advice, if you are going to sleep outside/rough take your shoes off, otherwise your ankles will swell up.

That is very good advice and the cause of my limp this morning. Tar! Swollen ankles = bad circulation = dead foot.

Very hot today. Currently trying to figure out how to open a PayPal account in Spanish so that I can sell via the web. Clueless so far. My spanish does not extend to banking jargon.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

OK. I'm back on form and selling better than ever. But, I'm going to rough it for just one more night to save money for new summer clothes. Sleeping in the park was not a good idea - drunk people try and break into parks at night and some drunk people aren't nice. As everyone or, anyone can read stuff on the web I'm obviously not saying where my safe sleep is.

Also, I'm not telling everyone and anyone some of the tricks to street selling here for the time being. A bit selfish possibly, especially as one of the clowns just gave me a very good tip for nothing (although I did give them the sketch I did of them). Fairs fair. They seem to be a very cool bunch. Two from France and one from South America tonight. Very entertaining also. It's a bit like watching a repeat of your favourite TV sitcom every night but, real.

Some old guy wants me to paint lots of paintings of churches. I am very, very suspicious. Confident he will pay buy and pay but, there is something seriously dodgy about him. I also have an inbuilt distrust of anyone who was living in Granada at their prime whilst Franco ruled He's going to buy all my paintings and then he's going to kill me and promote my name for his own profit! He is. Honest. Cunt!

Fascinating bit of history about Spain; it actually had an Anarchist/Liberal co-alition government (for a very short time obviously - they could never agree a time to meet).

Things are looking up but, I desperatley need to find a good clean bog to take a decent crap.

You didn't want to know that did you.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Lots to report today. Possibly to much to report now. I'll try and keep permanent mental notes.

Long, long, long day that started at 11am yesterday (no sleep last night) and would still be going if it wasn't for policia intervencion.

Spent last night in the grounds of the Alhambra. It was magic. Only me and the CCTV cameras I missed and the security guy watching them. Told me It was cool to be there but, I couldn't sleep there. So, I spent the whole night sketching and stuff.

Cutting a very long story short; this evening I was enjoying good sales and a beautiful atmosphere in Plaza de Mirador San Nicolas. A group of South American muscians were jamming some Cuban tunes. People were making all kinds of stuff; jewellery, leather wrist bands etc etc etc. Then suddenly a big police raid. The alarm was raised and all goodies packed out of sight within 10 seconds.

Primarily the raid was about un-chipped dogs. First police grabbed a puppy by it's collor and carried it into the police van half strangling it whilst it's mother was franctically chasing after it. Not nice. About 15 national police truned up for this. They also put a stop to the music.

Lots of other ugly stuff went on today also. Personally, I'm all in favour of stricter controls on animal ownership but, that wasn't the way to go about it. A friendly warning rather than a surprise raid would be more apt.

Other ugly stuff I'm not going to go into publicly. Just to say it's all about the power and abuse of money by rich tourists.

I spoke to a couple of locals after the police raid. Seems they were not only all in favour of it but, they also had me marked as being guilty of the problems for being english. The english ahve a bad reputation here. Especially as three english drunks are hanging around the Albycin regulary at the moment. It's a very small village with a family community tradition.

Back to the dogs. All dogs have to be registered and chipped in Spain. They are also supposed to be on a lead and walked on the left when on roads. And, as I am writing this I'm listening to the internet cafe owners son sobbing his heart out because his dog has just been killed outside on the street - literally seconds ago. Hit by a car. A painful death that sounded ugly. Poor dog, poor guy. But, why the fuck was he letting his dog run loose on the streets. Could just as easily have caused a car to swerve onto a crowded pavement.

Fuck knows. A very ugly day and I haven't even told a fraction of the full story.

Off to the park to chill with a beer and then find a much needed bed. Will report more tomorrow but, it's not going to be nice reading.

Life hey? Ups and downs.

 

[Paul Russell]

Take care. Look forward to reading more.

I'm not surprised that the English have a bad reputation. Is it too late to claim to be from another English-speaking country?!

Lots to report today. Possibly to much to report now. I'll try and keep permanent mental notes.

 

[jms]

Would you mind if i put a link to this thread in my journal on deviantart?
I think a lot of people would find it very inspiring

 

[mrkikiet]

I spoke to a couple of locals after the police raid. Seems they were not only all in favour of it but, they also had me marked as being guilty of the problems for being english. The english ahve a bad reputation here. Especially as three english drunks are hanging around the Albycin regulary at the moment. It's a very small village with a family community tradition.

the amount of tramps here who you discover are english when you speak to them is incredible. them and the stag parties isn't exactly enhancing the english reputation, anywhere.

keep going and good luck.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Would you mind if i put a link to this thread in my journal on deviantart?
I think a lot of people would find it very inspiring

Please do.


Yesterday was a bad day for dogs. I'm moving forward with optomism and forgetting the whole episode for now.

Spent the whole day at Plaza de mirador San Nicolas today. It is a lovelly place to hang-out but, not the best place to sell. I'm convinced people are just playing games there and not really trying to sell anything.

Met some students. Belgian, French Canadian and a couple of americans. I absolutely stink and look as bad. Think it threw them a little. I am one of those english tramps. Some of the students wouldn't even acknowledge me. Finding a laundrette is an essential tomorrow. I've walked miles in high 30's temperatures in these clothes and sat in all kinds of squawler. It's a messy life.

Small sketches are still the winners. Only sold 18 today but, that was on a bad pitch. Everyone seems to like them. That is gratifying enough itself.

Very hot and humid nights. I actually prefer to be outdoors. May well save some money. I'm quite happily operating on sleep every other night (something many self-employed people will be familiar with). The Alhambra at night was absolutely enchanting. Just me there and a three quarter moon. Oh, and lots of cats and a security guy but, you see the place in so much more detail than when it's full of tourists or, even just a couple of strangers. That place is all about detail.

The original princesses chamber was pretty much an outdoor bedroom with incense burning all night long. Magic. I want one.

Just one other thing to report; the camera obscura is for sale! Your very own camera obscura with gallery below and living quarters. Quick - someone buy a lottery ticket.

 

[ddraig]

i think my dad put it on his blog weeks ago, he loves it and is fascinated by your contributions to this thread that i'm sending him, i reckon he's well jealous
and my mum reckoned we should have a whipround on ere and wire it to ya

glad to hear you sounding better today, one of the most interesting and anticipated threads on urban evfer for me, take care of yaself man

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Spent another night walking the streets and the alleys, sketching my way around town. Managed to find somewhere to clean and shave this morning. Also found a laundrette at last (the only one I can find in a tourist/student city with a population of around 250,000! - white goods are just so cheap today I guess). But, at €6 a time it would cost almost as much to wash cheap T-shirts, pants and socks as it would to buy new cheapies from the sell everything shop and not have to worry about drying. So, I'm off to do exactly that and possibly hunt down a charity shop for some trousers. They get wrecked so quickly it's hardly worth buying new.

Then I'm going to circulate around tourist hotspots painting and selling sketches as I go. I'm beginning to save money again. Perhaps I can rescue camera number one and start all over again.

 

[extra dry]

Why not find a good mat/folding chair to sit on to save your trousers wearing out.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Why not find a good mat/folding chair to sit on to save your trousers wearing out.

Good idea.

I found a great secondhand shop. Very 'artist cool' new clothes have been bought. A plain navy blue T-shirt with a local builders merchant logo and tagline in white. I have know idea why I think it's a very, very, very cool T-shirt but, it is. And, some quality kharky trousers. Sound.

How mad am I? Someone tell me please. This is utter madness and very hardwork but, I'm still enjoying it.

New weather enemy arrived today. La Terral - the extremely hot and dry winds from the mountains. Quite warm, almost 40 degrees C. Not a chance of displaying my postcards and most people were seeking shelter all day anyway. Bad sales.

Had a nice conversation with a young man travelling whilst he decides what to do with his life. Money or, the other stuff? Why was he asking me? Felt oblidged to point out that money can buy a lot of freedom but, the main reason I'm skint and painting on the streets is cos I don't have family or, mortgage.

What to do tonight? Big football night (with all neutral support seemingly going against the english) and a big party night with many students completeing thier finals today. Hostal looks the safe option but, but, but... this thing has really become a personal challenge that I'm not prepared to lose at any cost. Saving money is my priority.

At least I have a local spanish T-shirt.

Come on Barca!

 

[Hocus Eye.]

Stanley the very best of luck to you. I don't think you need it though, you have got what it takes. Please keep posting. We are all sitting on the edge of our seats wondering what you will do next. Bravo Stanley.

 

[BEARBOT]

this is one of the best threads ive ever read on urban..dont give up stanley you are inspiring a lot of us would be artists..

you are gonna be in spain for quite awhile..?

maybe u could take a short break tho so u dont run yrself into the ground by sleeping rough ...just to recharge yr batteries.what about beneficio that travellers community in the mountains near granada, ask any hippie looking english buskers you see and maybe the english tramps will know it too,its in orgiva..not been there myself(yet) but heard good things about it.prolly all sorts there and they give u a dome to sleep in...someone there might be able to fix you up with some paid work too

of course there are PLENTY of squats in barcelona so if you go up there no need to pay for accomodation!!! just an idea..you could do fine if you just had a basic place to sleep for free

of course granada is a fantastic city but if it gets TOO hot would you consider going up to galacia maybe, to santigiao? there are loads of walkers there and plenty of tourists to hopefully sell to dont know if any squats there tho

beuna suerte!!!!
viva vida!

 

[Stanley Edwards]

My plan is to live in Granada for a minimum of three years. Or, at least base myself here if I'm lucky enough to find work that involves travelling.

The travellers community and, especially the cave community (much of which is permanent) above Sacremonte do appeal. Possibly a little to much! Could see myself not finding any motivation to move on. I've already met several people living there. On the whole they're all a good bunch of people.

However, I have totally fallen for a small community about a 30 minute walk outside of Granada. It's 'real', it's spanish, it's culture is unpoluted and it has a very vibrant 'live to live' feel about it. And, it's cheap. I'm not that far away from getting enough for a months rent and a deposit together. But, anything can go wrong.

I've been busy sketching postcards since dawn. I now have around 100 very good, saleable sketches. I've been selling them very cheap to keep cashflow moving. I now need to sell a painting to raise money for a bulk collection of very small frames to increase my profit marging by 300%. It's the only way forward. If I don't increase my profits I'll get trapped in the day to day existence.

One postcard costs around 1 cent. 10 - 15 minutes per sketch. Frame €1. Sell for €4. A possible gross of €16 - €20/hour. A more realisable profit og €50/day. But, it is a lot of work for that money.

I have also ordered five small panoramic canvases to complete paintings of the Alhambra from Mirador San Nicolas whilst selling sketches. That could up my profits to €80/day. But, once again, there is always plenty to go wrong!

Mirador San Nicolas isn't actually a very good sales pitch. It's good for possibly four hours a day due to the fact that the heat puts the tourists off the climb after mornings and they don't return until late evening. No light to sell by although, a battery operated solution may be a good idea.

I could do with a good day. I still have a debt to clear at the hostal.

 

[hammerntongues]

I`m hooked to the thread and look forward to each days developments , what may seem like every day stuff to you is great reading for us ,thanks for taking the time.

You say that you plan to stay in the area for 3 years , have you considered the likely big difference in income during the quieter Winter months I realise your current location is not a mass tourist area but there is going to be change come Sept/Oct.


hasta luego..............

 

[Stanley Edwards]

I`m hooked to the thread and look forward to each days developments , what may seem like every day stuff to you is great reading for us ,thanks for taking the time.

You say that you plan to stay in the area for 3 years , have you considered the likely big difference in income during the quieter Winter months I realise your current location is not a mass tourist area but there is going to be change come Sept/Oct.


hasta luego..............

Thanks! Good to know people are enjoying the thread.

In response to the ongoing work question; as soon as I'm set-up in a flat with internet I'll be doing more photography, exhibiting, a bit of web marketing work for people and keeping a regular Sunday evening pitch to sell paintings from. I don't want to give it up. It's very rewarding (not in the financial sense) when it goes well. I have no trouble finding work when I have the internet.

I also have a new web-based art/photography project ready to launch that I'm sure is a winner. Should become self-funded and hopefully increase my own sales.


Back to the streets. Sketch, sketch, sketch. Sell, sell, sell.

 

[Part 2]

This thread continues to amaze me. I tried at first to read it in chunks but everytime there's a new post I have to check and see what's happening.

I'm sure many of us would have given up by now, it's inspirational to read how you're using the skills you have, constantly developing and adapting in order to survive and get to where you want to be.

Did you find any spanish speakers to help you set up Paypal? I think it could be time well spent. If people are starting to link to this thread in blogs and whatever you never know where it could lead.

It sounds like you're enjoying it on the whole so I know you'll make it, best of luck.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Did you find any spanish speakers to help you set up Paypal? I think it could be time well spent. If people are starting to link to this thread in blogs and whatever you never know where it could lead.

Currently wondering whether the authorities check your address or, not for NIE applications. They probably don't. Any number on the system is better than none. Need NIE for spanish PayPal account.

Good day to day. Cleared €70. All has already been invested in new stock because a) I don't trust myself not to drift into bars all night long and b) I don't like roughing it with all me cash in pocket.

Met some english students here today. Good, interesting bunch. And, some lovelly lady painter from the UK thrust a fiver into my hand for nothing. God bless her.

I'm finally winning. A reliable sales routine mixed with time spent producing new stock and buying new supplies. A steep learning curve (even without the lingo thing) but, I think I'm there.

The american students are already deserting. I need good money in the bank within three weeks!

 

[Stanley Edwards]

First encounter with a bit of drunken agro last night Some twats threw a half full Litre (big) bottle of beer at me whilst I was sleeping. Or, at least they thought I was sleeping. Luckily I wasn't. Bottle on head could well have been end of thread and end of everything. Fucking cowards wouldn't come within 30 yards of me when I got up.

I had been watching them all night. Kind of idiots that think it's big to wreck kiddies playgrounds and chuck anything that will smash or make a noise. You sort of tune in to these alert noises sleeping outside. Restless night - hostal will be money well spent tonight. Priority spend.

Have spent the morning sketching churches and orange trees. Plan to spend a further hour sketching courtyards whilst they're open to the public.

Noticed another new marquee going up on my regular pitch and lots of Policia Locale (the baddies as far as street traders are concerned). May ahve to find an alternative for the day but, it needs to be close - I'm expecting lots of return visits and regular customers today for my new line; beautiful little black and pale orange ink sketches in black and orange frames. They look really good

--/ Someone remind me to explain the policing system here in Spain at some time in the future if I forget. It's not straightforward!

 

[scathed]

You mean the Guardia Civil, Guardia National, Policia Local, Policia de trafico and every other contingency that they may have? They even have seperate stations! Best part is in the summer you see the marine policemen who walk around in their all whites (they look right nobs).

I have only read the first two pages of this thread and your last comment... looks like you have some faith in something. I know I don't have the balls to do it. I am too insecure.

However, art materials can be quite cheap out there... making it more of a possibility than it is here in London.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

However, art materials can be quite cheap out there... making it more of a possibility than it is here in London.

It's the cost of living in London that it is the problem. And, the fact that you wouldn't be allowed to work the way I am working now.


A good day so far (excepting that someone is trying to get me killed). Even the germans are buying. Cleared €40 this morning and need to rebuild stock for this evening. Looks like a nightly hostal bed is going to be affordable from now on and I will still be saving money.

TBH last nights episode has thrown me a little. I've already had the displeasure of meeting many fuckers here in Spain (english one's). My trust in people is a little low at the moment. Thankfully I'm meeting many good spanish people who are lending their support. There are good english people here also (have to say).

An extra persistent god-botherer from the UK was even trying to spoil my morning today. Where's that thread in general about the Jehovas street preachers? They're all in bloody Spain, that's where they've gone.

 

[Paul Russell]

Erm, I guess you may not be able to talk about it, but that doesn't sound ideal ...

A good day so far (excepting that someone is trying to get me killed).

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Erm, I guess you may not be able to talk about it, but that doesn't sound ideal ...

No reason why I can't talk about it. More likely people just trying to scare me. Not sure.

Most testing day yet so far. I'm totally shagged. I look a total mess. Tiredness and heat taking there toll. I need to turn things around quickly.

Good morning. Not a good afternoon. High stress meant an expensive trip to the chemists. On the other hand, I did meet someone who gave me his telephone number in case I need it. He speaks very good english.

I'm getting the wrong kind of attention from all sides at the moment. Will try and post further details later but, I have to sort a bed out for tonight first. Way to dangerous at night.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

Stay safe kid.

This isn't something that I'd ever do, but its interesting to live through others.

 

[hiccup]

Maybe ask zenie if you can borrow her taser.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Okay, taken a few minutes and a beer to chill and think. This could be a long post!

On the plus side; I have cash in hand and a saleable product.

On the downside; I don't have enough cash in hand to satisfy the hostal holding my belongings in lieu of debt and I have yet to find an affordable bed. Very clicky these hostal managers (and who can blame them).


Two things are worrying me:

1. The police (of any variety and size) have yet to ask even to see my passport. I am so obviously sleeping rough. I'm carrying a winter coat around with me and, today I look a mess (no shave for two days). They know my face, they know I'm selling on the street illegally. They quiz others. They haven't yet quizzed me. I suspect they are about to quiz me and possibly a bit more!

2. I had two ugly episodes last night. The more I think about the second episode the more certain I am that I nearly walked into a very obvious trap. Stupidity saved me . There are two guys amongst the travelling (as in so called 'new age' travellers) bunch here that I suspect. In my experience the vast majority of travellers are good people. However, people travel for different reasons - some are simply on the run. They could well be reading Urban! They're trouble anyway. Many people live here on very little money. Crime is relatively low and trust is relatively high considering. These two are definitely wronguns and they're causing me greif.

It's all getting a bit complicated and more than anything I want a sleep, shower and shave.


The guy who gave me his phone number will be getting a thank you call whether I need him or, not. Thank fuck for the gooduns in this world.


And, a quick note about the old guy who wanted me to paint pictures of churches; if my intuition and very bad spanish is correct, he was just after a cheap fuck

That's all for now. I'm heading south for the night.

 

[scathed]

I just read the Señor Pintor bit under your nick and thought you could go for something more pretentious like "El Artistá"

If you're very genuine about your art and your selling thereof... I could point you in the direction of Torremolinos; my dad is always interested in buying paintings, he'd probably put on lunch if he liked you and agreed on a commissioning.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

I just read the Señor Pintor bit under your nick and thought you could go for something more pretentious like "El Artistá"

If you're very genuine about your art and your selling thereof... I could point you in the direction of Torremolinos; my dad is always interested in buying paintings, he'd probably put on lunch if he liked you and agreed on a commissioning.

I like the sound of that.

Thinking about taking a bus ride anyway. I need a break from this city for a few hours at least.

PM me please.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

A good nights sleep and a thorough wash and shave if not a shower. I feel so much better. I feel very, very good actually. I have more cash in my pocket than any previous Saturday morning and a bag full of stock that sells. I no longer think I'm going to get arrested or, killed. Rationality has returned

Plan for the day; sketch until 10am. Visit the very cool little secondhand shop for new very cool T-shirt and trousers (I have ugly looking stains in the wrong places on my trousers - not good). Then catch the midday trade in Bib-Ramblas and probably spend most of the afternoon there. Late afternoon visit the sell everything shop for new underwear and, if I've sold enough, buy some decent sandles because my feet are turning into lumps of raw Iberian jamón. If I don't sell enough, new socks will have to do for now.

Then return to Bib-Rambla and possibly try a late Saturday at Mirador San Nicolas.

I've spotted a takeaway selling 'Pizza Pakistani' You have to don't you. If that turns out to be a vegetable curry pizza I may well have found heaven.

The locals really like my little postcard sketches. That's very encouraging. Reinvigorated with sleep I now believe I'm only three weeks away from reaching my target. They make a very nice little souvenir in frames. I'm convinced I've found a regular earner to sell alongside more adventurous paintings.

 

[BEARBOT]

its great you are carrying on with it..but remember put yr health and sanity and SAFETY first dont neglect yrself to reach yr goal!

so you are hoping to rent a flat in granada in 3 weeks as long as yr stock keeps selling? sounds good..you could even rent out yr spare room in the flat to tourists
as another money earner and undercut the hostels, there must be some shoestring travellers who woiuld be happy to pay 10 euro a night for a room? anyway thats for the future..

i REALLY hope that yr daily living expenses budget includes sleeping at the hostel..?
ANYONE would be paranoid that they were about to arrested or attacked when sleeping rough, it does leave you in a vulnerable position to be arrested or worse.

what about staying a few nights with the travellers you met who stay in the caves above the city, safety in numbers and all that..