GOLD COAST CITY ART GALLERY

 

3 April 2008
Hi Arthur

Welch Removals

Hans is the man to talk to. I have copied them in on the last email with your contact details below

Cheers
John

3 April 2008

Subject: RE: Boatman in a box
Hi John,

That's good news indeed. Competition still exists! Thanks also for covering the return shipping. Yes there is no rush to return it here. Please give Welch my contact details - 02 69211506 or 0414 332829 - before delivering to make sure that I'm at the house - 67 Kincaid St, Wagga Wagga etc. Better still email me their contact details & I could phone them directly. I'm interested in touching base with them regarding the freight for the global images which are still cruising Northern Queensland - heading to Gladstone late next month & from there to Moree & then to return north to Noosa (yes Noosa!!).

cheers,
Arthur

Thursday, 3 April 2008 10:46 AM
To: 'Arthur Wicks'
Subject: RE: Boatman in a box
Hi Arthur

Good news from Welch Removals. They have quoted $440 which I have accepted and am happy to pay. I told them there was no great rush so they will pick it up here the week starting the 14th - take it back to Grafton and might have to store it for a short while until they are heading that way - which shouldn't be too long. I hope that is okay with you but if not let me know

Cheers

John

Hi John,
Yes that Welch removal sounds like the Go. Would you pls in yr next email give me his contact details. Sounds like he freights wider afield than I thought.
cheers,
Arthur

1 April 2008 12:39
To: John Walsh
Subject: RE: Boatman in a box
Hi John,
Got the shipping quote from Toll IPEC & thought you'd be interested. Their quote is $1047.50 for the 5 boxes. There is only $20 odd between IAS & IPEC quotes. My bet is that most of the major freight companies now use the same cubing formula. So much for competition!
Very interested now in Welch's contact details.
cheers,
Arthur

31 March 2008

To: 'Arthur Wicks'
Subject: RE: Boatman in a box
Yes Arthur when I mentioned to our Stephen that that was the quote he said he would drive it there himself for that money.

Unfortunately I think they are all too big for Aust Post to take if they stick to their rules (which or nazi mail centre tend to do).

The two smallest cartons would be fine with another mob like TNT etc. There is a third carton that has two lenths of metal sticking out of it by about a foot or more. That might also be okay with a normal courier. Ther other two itemsa are the boat shead and the track - both of which we had to do repair work on to get the thing going. My memory was that it all arrived here with TNT (which is maybe why we had to repair)

Have just coincidently had a conversation with Hans from Wech removeal who are about to truck a shipment of the glass collection back to Wagga Gallery so will email him now and see what he can do. Might not get an answer until tomorrow but could be the solution

Cheers

John

Monday, 31 March 2008 11:09
To: John Walsh
Subject: FW: Boatman in a box
Hi John,

This price sounds like extortion! It would be cheaper for me to collect it myself!
I have a suggestion. I see that there are several smaller packages. I would suggest trying to post these back to me (PO Box 348, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650) using regular Aust Post. I realise that Oz Post is now strictly applying their length x width x height ruling but some of these packages may just get accepted. This would reduce the amount that IAS would be carrying & their total cost.
Right now I'm awaiting IPEC to give me a quote with all 5 packages & again with the 1st 3 packages - assuming that A Post will take the remining 2. I'll email you their quotes later.
In the meantime email me yr thoughts.


cheers,
Arthur

Ross Hall
Queensland Manager
International Art Services
Sent: Monday, 31 March 2008 11:48 AM
To: Arthur Wicks
Cc: John Walsh
Subject: RE: Boatman in a box
Hi Arthur,

I have previously supplied a price to transport this artwork to Wagga Wagga but I have had another look at the dimensions and have a new price for transport based on a delivery to you on Friday 14th April.

From Gold Coast to Wagga Wagga - $1025+GST

To meet this schedule we would need to collect from the Gold Coast City AG some time this week. We have a truck at the Gallery today and have another opportunity to collect on Thursday also of this week. Either of these collection dates would have us set to deliver to you on the 14th.

Let me know if this is OK and if the dates for collection/delivery are suitable.

Regards,
Ross.

 

Saturday, 29 March 2008 12:25 PM
To: Ross Hall
Cc: John Walsh
Subject: FW: Boatman in a box

Hi Ross,

An artwork of mine (the Boatman ...) has been on display at the Gold Coast City Art Gallery & is now packed ready to be returned to me.
Details of the packages are listed below. I would be grateful if you could give me a quote to ship these packages back to me at Wagga Wagga (central city at 67 Kincaid St - yr guy has delivered here previously). I understand that it would be shipped to Sydney using the IAS shuttle & then forwarded to me in Wagga.
Please keep John Walsh (GCCAG) in the loop.

cheers,
Arthur Wicks

13 March 2008 4:39 PM
To: 'Arthur Wicks'
Subject: RE: Boatman in a box
Hi Arthur

In fact there are 5 packages altogether

1 190 x 100 x 50cm
2 85 x 50 x 65cm
3 90 x 80 x 120cm
4 40 x 60 x 27cm
5 70 x 75 x 27cm

There are some bits that stick out particularly on the track section so not sure how good it would be sending it with a regular couriers so I might investigate what Woollahra or IAS would charge. Let me know if you have any further thoughts when you return from R&R

Regards

John

10 March 2008 19:40
To: John Walsh
Subject: RE: Boatman in a box
Hi John,

Thanks for that info. Many seem to want a bloody Boatman ... so the best is to return it to me at 67 Kincaid St Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 & I can inspect & set about making an edition of 5 (!!). I would suggest TOLL transport but you would need to insure it for $20,000 just in case & ensure top loading. I have an account with TOLL with discount & will check.
What are the dimensions of the package? That's their 1st question.
Would Gold Coast AG be able to foot the freight? How strong is the package? Another option is Ron Crouch (local) who is good but I'm not sure that they freight to the Gold Coast. I'll check & report back.
Ineke & I are heading to the NSW South Coast to relax for a week & will be back mid next week. Pls don't ship the package until then in which case I would have some other info.
Again many thanks for installing the little fella for that length of time. It's so good having a rower like that, working his butt off 24/7, with no AWAs, little sick leave & no super or rec leave to worry about.

cheers,
Arthur

10 March 2008

Hi Arthur

Just wanted to let you know that the Boatman has been demounted and packed up ready to be shipped back to you. How do you want me to send it and to what address? I think it came with TNT but not sure if that is the safest way to send it. Let me know what you reckon

Regards

John


John Walsh
Gallery Manager
Gold Coast City Art Gallery

7 August 2007

Hmmmm. We have a bit of more significant repair to do. Might have to get the T piece remade as it has buckled <<Boatman 003.jpg>> <<Boatman 002.jpg>>

(This email was in response to the main rail snapping and buckling the attachments. These were repaired & the Boatman kept on track for another 7 months).

7 February 2007

That sounds good Arthur. We look forward to having the little guy here for a visit. You did already send me a pdf of the installation instructions so no need to resend

regards

John
-----
Hi Amber & John,

John, I've given Amber instructions to freight the Boatman directly to the Gold Coast Art Gallery. Also, there is the possibility that it may need to be sent to Hobart in August but I'll know this a little later & keep you informed.
Amber, before freighting the packages to Gold Coast would you please take measurements of the packets & email me. I'm needing to get a quote to Hobart & I'm planning to make a solid board box for freighting.
John, if there are any problems regarding installation pls phone or email. I have a pdf format "Installation instructions manual" for the work which spells it out step by step. I'll email this to you shortly.
Thanks for your patience.

cheers,
Arthur

 

TOWNSVILLE

16 February 2007
Hi Amber,

Thanks for that.

cheers,
Arthur


-----Original Message-----
From: Amber Church [mailto:Amber.Church@townsville.qld.gov.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 21 February 2007 4:13 PM
To: Arthur Wicks
Cc: walsh@gcac.com.au
Subject: RE: Helen Lempriere centenary exhibition
Hi Arthur, The Boatman has been packed and consists of 5 packages, below are the dimensions. It will be collected this afternoon from here and should arrive at the Gold Coast City Art Gallery on Monday. Cheers Amber

L x W x H cm
200 x 31 x 45
93 x 70 x 93
62 x 72 x 90
73 x 28 x 40
73 x 28 x 40

1 November 2006

Hi Arthur,

Storing your boatman for a couple months should be fine. Though let me know how you go.

Cheers

Amber Church I Public Art Officer

1 November 2006

Hi Amber,

Spoke to Vicki Salisbury yesterday. You're right, it must have been Anne Donohue that I was earlier speaking to. Vicki sounded somewhat iffy but then the idea came out of left field. But I will email her a proposal to install the boatman from a stair landing & supported by the ceiling (& cc you at the same time). I didn't visit the new Umbrella space last year so I'm a bit at sea trying to suggest where & how in their space.
There are a couple of other possible install sites. Would it be possible to hold the boatman for a few months longer in storage while I check & report back?
Many thanks for resolving the axle problem.

cheers,
Arthur

18 October 2006

Thanks Arthur, tightening the cord seems to have worked.

Cheers Amber

18 October 2006

Hi Amber,

Is it the nylon cord that is slipping? If so, the fastest solution is to TIGHTEN the cord to the point where the non-drive wheels of the boat are almost lifting off the track. The easiest way of getting that tension is to stop the movement when the boat is in mid track (power switched off) & to loosen the cord from the screw eye on the drive wheel side (not the eye under the boat) & tension it tightly by pulling the cord against the entire system. You will find that the non drive wheels of the boat will start to buck off the track. The right tension is when those wheels are just touching the track.

The nylon cord will stretch over time. That's the property of nylon. Just need to keep tensioning the cord till it reaches an equilibrium - it takes time. At this point it seems to stay tensioned. My feeling is that when the cord is rested over a few months it tends to shrink again. Weird stuff, nylon.

If you really need the spray can (& I would urge tensioning it first as I've just described) there's a spray can made by CRC Industries called CRC Belt Grip. I'm sure I left a can with Angus but any hardware or machine type store would stock it. It costs about $12-13 from memory. But be very careful using it - you won't want the spray drifting around the gallery! And I would spray only the pulley of the motor & let it dry (30 minutes or so) before switching power on again.

Let me know how you go.

cheers,
Arthur
-----

18 October 2006

Hi Arthur, the boatman needs some of that greasy material you had. I have asked Angus, but he's not sure whether he still has the stuff that you brought with you. Could you recommend something we could apply instead? The cord is slipping where it turns near the motor.
Thanks

Amber Church I Public Art Officer

6 October 2006

Hi Amber,

That's great. It looks very sexy. Dave(?) did well. Pls thank him from me. Keep the boat & boatman going for as long as you wish. Were you able to talk to the director of Umbrella? I suspect that it was same lady that I spoke to earlier but could be mistaken.

cheers,
Arthur

 

6 October 2006

Hi Arthur, the Boatman is going strong now. A new brass clog (brass cog - attached to rear axle by grub screw) was put in yesterday and the metal to metal is helping it grip better.
Attached is an image.
All the best, Amber

22 September 2006

Hi Amber,

Return questions & some suggestions.
Is the boat moving along the track OK? This movt is dependent on the tightness of the nylon cord which is around the pulley in the boatshed & the pulley at the end of the track & attached to the boat. This needs to be TIGHT. Also make sure that the cord is sited above or below the track depending of where it's connected to the boat. The pdf manual explains that in detail from memory.
OK if the boat is moving along the track;
are the wheels of the boat turning espec the rear wheels which drive the movt of the boatman. If they are slipping need to add more rubber bands to the drive wheels - the other wheels don't need them.
If the wheels are turning on the track OK then the belt you pictured inside the boat is slipping. Does the boatman move at all? Sounds like the answer is NO. In that case check if the belt is slipping around the small drive whell which you pictured. If YES then you will need to carefully squirt some of the non belt slip gunk over the belt - only a small amount - & then let it dry (5 mins). This is in a green spray can & I left one can with Angus. This stuff is a rubber base & bad news if it gets onto other material. You may have to protect the base of the boat etc with some paper while you apply this.
If this isn't the issue pls phone on my mobile & I'll walk through other possibilities.
One question: is the split pin still holding the drive pulley onto the rear axle (ie the one in the picture). This was the original problem which Angus had & was fixed with a split pin drilled through the axle.

cheers,
Arthur
-----

24 August 2006

Subject: Boatman
Hi Arthur, Your boatman looks great! I have attached a pic for you. Just one thing - his arms are no longer moving. Attached are some close-up images of what it looks like inside the boat. Do you have any suggestions/advice about this?
Cheers Amber

Thanks Arthur, If your coming up this way - yes, a talk would be good. However in terms of the exhibition budget, would probably only be able to offer you a nominal speakers fee. If still interested let me know what dates your thinking of, and I will talk to the Gallery's public program officer, Marg Naylor about the proclivities.

Cheers Amber

-----
Hi Amber,

You've probably forgotten all the steps so here is the pdf version. I would suggest printing it out & getting a 2nd set of hands to install it. If you have any problems pls phone or email. Still interested in getting to Townsville next month. Would you need a floor talk with the Boatman?

cheers,
Arthur

15 August 2006

Hi Amber,

The boat wit boatman is on its way via Aust Post. I need to caution that Aust Post isn't the great deal that it was 6 months ago! I'm looking at Star Track to move my gear now & am checking out their rates. I suspect they are cheaper than Aust Post. The PO cubed the box with the boat making it about x4 the cost otherwise!
I've taken some trouble to clean the boat skin & fix some of the problems that the years of rowing had created.
If you need help in putting it together I have a pdf file which I would email. I'm half tempted to head to Townsville in late Sept. Would you need a floor talk or whatever?

cheers,
Arthur

25 July 2006

Hi Arthur,

Anne Donohue is no longer the director of Umbrella. Vicki Salsibury is the new director. Though I am happy to have a chat with her about it.

As discussed over the phone, the Gallery is curating a children's exhibition entitled, Exquisite House. And we would like to include your boat house work that was in Strand Ephemera last year. The show also includes works by artists, Tobias Richardson, Terry Culver, Chris Trotter, Ron McBurnie and a selection of other 'house' related works from the Gallery's collection.
If you could post up the man and his boat in the next couple of weeks that would be good and we will install the work.
And the name of the company that sells that wire you're after is: Arcus Australia - ph: 02 9666 5900 fax: 02 9666 5010

Important Exquisite House Dates
Exhibition installation will start on Monday 28 August 2006
Opening celebration: Sunday 3 Sept 2006 (TBC)
Exhibition duration 1 Sept - 29 Oct 2006

Cheers

-----Original Message-----
From: Arthur Wicks [mailto:awicks@bigpond.net.au]
Sent: Tuesday, 25 July 2006 4:15 PM
To: Amber Church
Subject: boatman at Perc Tucker
Hi Amber,

Good talking yesterday. Yes, installing the Boatman in Perc Tucker in Sept - Nov or whenever is fine.
I was talking to the director of Umbrella (Anne Donohue?) many months ago & she expressed interest in installing the Boatman there on a longish time table. Haven't spoken to her again but it may be worth while when you have it installed to invite her in to have a look at it.
Please email me the details (especially time table) of the install in Perc Tucker. And in the meantime I'll repair the axle of the boat & post it back to you.

cheers,
Arthur

25 July 2006

Hi Amber,

Good talking yesterday. Yes, installing the Boatman in Perc Tucker in Sept - Nov or whenever is fine.
I was talking to the director of Umbrella (Anne Donohue?) many months ago & she expressed interest in installing the Boatman there on a longish time table. Haven't spoken to her again but it may be worth while when you have it installed to invite her in to have a look at it.
Please email me the details (especially time table) of the install in Perc Tucker. And in the meantime I'll repair the axle of the boat & post it back to you.

cheers,
Arthur

26 October 2005

Hi Arthur,

Thanks for the email prompt. The remaining artist fee for Strand Ephemera is $200 and $200 for Picnic on The Grass - that is if your happy with that. So for your involvement with Strand Ephemera 2005 you will have received, $500 artist fee, $200 performance fee and a return airfare valued over at $600.

It would be much appreciated if you could itemise the remaining $400 owing to you on your invoice/s as follows:

$200 - final Strand Ephemera artist fee payment
$200 - Strand Ephemera performance fee

I haven't yet been in touch with Angus - hope to soon

Hope all is well

Cheers


Amber Church

26 October 2005

Hi Amber,
Wondering
whether you were able to identify how many $$ were available for me to invoice for the "Lunch on the Grass" performance. Email me the figure and the $$ value of what remains as the artists fee. I will then invoice Townsville Council or Perc Tucker whichever is appropriate. Pls advise which it is.
Did you catch up with Angus? I will email him in the next few weeks to start a dialogue going, but I'm prepared to give him time to get used to the Boatman work.
Many thanks for all the help you gave me during my stay in Townsville & assistance with the Ephemera work. I really appreciated all that you people were doing.

cheers,
Arthur

25 August 2005

Hi Arthur,

Just wanted to let you know that all 4 of your packages arrived. Plan to put it together on Saturday. Will give you a ring if we have any problems. I spoken to the owner of the restaurant and we are meeting again on Monday morning. I also sent him your manual to have a look at.

Cheers


19 August 2005

Amber Church
Public Art Project Officer
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

STRAND EPHEMERA
2 - 11 Sep 2005 art alfresco
A free outdoor sculpture event along Townsville's magnificent waterfront.
www.strandephemera.com

-----
Subject: Boatman on its way
Hi Amber,

Just to let you know that the Boatman installation is on its way. It consists of 4 packages labelled 1/4 etc and went by Aust Post, one of Australia's best kept secrets. It may arrive Friday of next week. There is a 'manual' printed & included in the packaging, but I've also attached a copy in pdf format.
If you have any queries please email or phone.

cheers,
Arthur

 

3 A 2005

Hi Amber,

Thanks for all that. Yes I could do a performance for that period of time. What I have in mind is to wear a suit & latex face mask with pre recorded 'small talk' through a lapel speaker. It's not a new piece of mine but I would tailor it for the function by acting as Manet's agent, handing out "business" cards with an image of the "Dejeurner sur l'herbe" on it together with arcane details. I would appear from a hidden spot eg the Picnic Bay, and exit to the same.
I would fly directly from Wagga to Townsville. On recent trips to both Mackay & Rockhampton found myself on the Townsville plane. The connections through Sydney & Brisbane are the trickiest. I would suggest checking details from travel.com site. I think I should arrive on the Thursday and leave on the Monday or Tuesday (preferably). It takes roughly all day to get from Wagga to North Qld. Booking a flight should not be delayed!!
With regard to the water piece that I mentioned for the Cathedral grounds, I've attached several images of the local work that was removed. Next time I would suggest a set of 3 large glass saucers ranging in size 50 to 100 cm one above the other, with water cascading from higher to lower. Lighting would be integral to the piece. A sketch of this idea is attached.
Currently working on checking the Boatman & plan to post it to you next week. I'll advise when it leaves Wagga.

cheers,
Arthur
-----

29 July 2005

Subject: Strand Ephemera Performance

Hi Arthur,
As discussed over the phone, below are the details of Picnic on the Grass, Strand Ephemera community launch event.
The day is based on Manet's painting Dejeuner sur l’herbe - Picnic on the Grass and is to include music, theatre and art under the trees and umbrellas which will be set-up on Burke St headland the Strand - see some site images attached - can get better shots if you need them.
The Gallery will be encouraging people to bring along a picnic rug and lunch to enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon on the Strand, while visiting Strand Ephemera.
We were looking at your performance being approximately 30-40 mins in length and for it to somehow relate to the theme of the day, site and/or the Strand Ephemera exhibition - would be good. If we were to cover the cost of your flight and possibly a little extra then too - when would you look at flying in and out? And where from exactly?
Any questions, just let me know. Would appreciated your thoughts and ideas on this sooner rather than later as we would like to get things organised and underway for this event ASAP. Thanks again, Amber.

STRAND EPHEMERA PICNIC ON THE GRASS - Dejeuner sur l’herbe
RUN SHEET
TIMING DETAILS
DAY/DATE Sunday 4 September
TIME 12pm – 3pm
VENUE Strand
LOCATION Picnic Bay Headland

RUNNING SCHEDULE
12:00 Band commences playing
12:15 Artist slide talk no.1 (in lifesavers club house)
12:40 Artist slide talk no.2 (in lifersavers club house)
1:00 Councillor Jack Wilson to officially welcome people and introduce Arthur Wicks
1:10 Arthur Wicks performance commences
1:50 Arthur Wicks performance concludes
1:50 Band continues playing
2:00 Artist slide Talk no. 3 (in lifesavers club house)
2:30 Artist slideTalk no. 4 (in lifesavers club house)

12:00 – 3:00 Fibres & Fabrics workshop
12:00 – 3:00 Tropic Sun actors roving “Picnic on the Grass” scene

16 May 2005

Hi Arthur,

Sounds good. I think it will be best if you send it directly to the Gallery - address below. After you check it out in June will be fine. If you could just let me know just before you sent it when you expect it to arrive - Cheers Amber

-----
To: Amber Church
Subject: RE: Strand Ephemera Boatman
Hi Amber,

Yes, an external sensor would be needed if you were wanting the work triggered after hours. The guy has obviously worked it out.
Yes, a couple of lengths of stainless wire would support the end of the track to the ceiling. I have old stainless wire which I would send with the work. I would attach a couple of protruding lugs to the end of the track so ensure that the boat &/or oars didn't snare on the wire.
Otherwise it looks a clear possibility. I would first set it all up here again to make sure that it all works still. Last operating period was Oct 2003 in Perth but it was going like a charm then. I would pack it & post it to wherever, whenever. So when would you like it posted? Right now I'm dealing with other deadlines but in June I would set up the track & boat to check it out. Anytime after that. Just give me the name, address & time!

cheers,
Arthur

28 April 2005

Hi Arthur,
I met with the owner of The Point restaurant on the Strand about the possibility of housing your work for Strand Ephemera. He was very excited and liked your Boatman. Though finding space is the main issue. Attached is an image of a possible site within the restaurant that was suggested. Would like to know what you think about this area and if you could see it working there?. Would need to know the approximate weight of the whole piece.
<<IMG_1736.jpg>> <<IMG_1735.jpg>> <<1297.jpg>>
Cheers
Amber Church

 

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