My Lottery Art
‘The Other Side Of The Coin’
In the UK the first National Lottery was November 14th 1994. At the time it generated
much controversy. As a trained maths teacher I was curious about the whole issues of
chance and probability. Did anyone really grasp the odds of winning? I thought not, but
saw an opportunity to investigate through artwork. Could I illustrate these odds?
On BBC Radio 4 there was a heated discussion of this new idea of a lottery.
This was my first way into the subject.
I scribbled my way through the discussion, a sort of stream of words phrases
used on the radio. I responded with a painting in words, patterns and colours below.
But could I show the odds of 14,000,000 to 1? It was going to be a challenge!
My Only Lottery Painting 50 x 100 cms (Plymouth City Museum and Art
Gallery 1995. Plymouth Arts Club Exhibition)
Scribbled Stream
Advertising gurus Sachi and Sachi Alan Clifford Quasi religious atmosphere Blasphemous gain 10 th commandment A tax on the poor Advertising gives? Accessing voluntary money Poor people will buy Trick to give to everyone Deception Addictive Gamble Greed Hope Salvation It Could Be You Forget It All For An Instant Fantasy and more
Also at the time I
had a mountain of
ideas to build up a
major exhibition. I
enclose details on
this page. It never
took off. It was too
ambitious, I was
busy teaching, but I
now look back and
think it could have
succeeded with a
more dedicated
approach. The
details are here for
what its worth.
Loads of positive
comments!
Some of the ideas
below might make
you smile!
Tate Gallery, London. Sandy Nairne, for Nicholas Serota
..This is not an exhibition fitting in with our current exhibitions,
however I am sure you should not feel discouraged from putting
your proposals to galleries in the south west and beyond…..just
need more visual examples .
Rt Rev David Sheppard. Bishop of Liverpool
This sounds an exciting idea, I do hope it proves to be possible.
Michael Schluter. Jubilee Trust.
I think your work looks absolutely fascinating and I would like to
give you every encouragement in pursuing it. I hope my friend
Keith Tondeur, who is writing a book about the Lottery may be
able to work alongside you to take advantage of the creative ideas
your letter spells out. I shall remember your work, however it falls
at the moment outside our terms of reference …
Bishop of Coventry
I am delighted to hear of your project and do hope you will be able
to develop it…
..and more…
But I never took it any further
