Interview with Dan Russell (Artist Development Programmer) 9th June 2022

Sophie:
What’s your job

Dan:
I’m the artist development programmer so that means I look after fun activities for artists to develop their ideas.

Sophie:
Hows it like being an artist?

Dan:
Well actually I didn’t even realise you could be an artist until my mid twenties. I just thought an artist was like something from the past.

Sophie:
How long have you been one for?

Dan:
I’ve been one for about 12 years but maybe I’ve been one my whole life but didn’t know it.

Sophie:
How old are you?

Dan:
36

Sophie:
Where do you live?

Dan:
I live in the very very very south bit of Jesmond

Sophie:
Hows it like working in Shieldfield?

Dan:
Pretty good. It’s nice to have lots of people near by because all the other places we worked were just on a dead highstreet or in the centre of town where no one lives.

Sophie:
The tall boys coming to town!

Sophie:
How long have you been working with Kate and Elaine and how long have you been dating Kate?

Dan:
No we’re not dating. I’ve been working with Elaine since we started this in 2021 and Kate more recently

Sophie:
Why do you have that phone?

Dan:
Because I don’t like the idea of people being able to get in touch with me but it does have good stickers

Sophie:
We’re not in the olden days

Sophie:
So Dan I’ve always wanted to ask this question. When have you been that tall for?

Dan:
Since I was about 17 so coming up to nearly 20 years of maximum height

Sophie:
So when you were my age how tall were you?

Dan:
How old are you?

Sophie:
12

Dan:
Erm I was probably a bit smaller than you. I was quite tall when I was at little school then I was normal height at junior school then when I was at secondary school I was normal height then when I was at 6th form I became abnormal height.

Sophie:
What other kinds of jobs have you have?

Dan:
I used to help old ladies get towels of shelves in Marks and Spencers because of my height. So I worked in the Homeware department

Sophie:
So who’s your lass then can I see a photo of her?

Dan:
You can’t I don’t get photos on my phone

Sophie:
So is it a Nokia Brick?

Dan:
No It’s a Samsung Brick

Sophie Wears a Rich Coat! 6th July 2022

Today I tried some carrot soup for the first time in my life for Studio Soup. It was good. I helped Elaine with teas and coffees and chatted to people. I wore a rich coat. There was a fashion shoot that Kuba was running. Kuba is a studio member at NewBridge Project. There was lots of models and I tried to get the makeup artist to do my makeup but he didn’t have time!

I also saw a three legged dog!

Being Happy, 20th July

Today we went to Gingerino’s to get the best pizza ever for the Youth Programme Party. We ordered for 40 people! Then we went to Tesco where I saw the Barney Bears. It made my day better! They were on special for £1! So we used Dan the mans club card. Then we come back and put all the shopping away. Elaine did my hair. It’s very beautiful wonderful amazing cute STUNNING! I am READY for the party