I enjoy time spent on my own in the studio but of course, too much of your own company can make you go a bit odd, so it was good to be asked to meet up with Alison (Nomad Beat) and Richard (Creative Place) to discuss, over a cup of tea, how the residency is going.

"Doing away, doing away," is the answer, "but no breakthrough yet." It felt as if I was hesitating at the threshold still and not making the most of my access to the music and musicians.

For our meeting I had to formulate my thoughts and express my experiences coherently to Alison and Richard, then they bounced back their enthusiasm and knowledge; this was what had been missing - it gave me the stimulation and encouragement to explore more adventurously. Rather than just looking at the musicians, I intend to quiz them about their experiences and use this information from outside my own observations to shape my work.

That was a most refreshing cup of tea!