With over 600 pages of collected memories, reflections and images the book of Jugglers stories has begun to feel closer to publication. I have worked to keep the story as “our stories” as much as it not being a “how to grow an art collective for dummies” kind of thing. The list of donors that gave us $4000 + to bring these stories to print will be honoured! [ Their names are in the book.] I have had meetings with people far more skilled at this kind of thing than me along the way – Dr Marissa Lindquist, Jack Fitzwalter and the Queensland Writers Centre and more. The first draft is with the Jugglers’ board. Friends and family are in on it as it was a 3 x Breen plus one Lock initiative with foundations and personalities gathered up under the weight of this art collective’s momentum while stories to print have been drawn from the memories of myriad mark makers.
These two images are iconic – our logo and a gallery plinth awash with bits of layered spray paint. What’s in a name, what’s in a strange name, what’s in a mark made?
What is it like to take a risk as we did and find that our most recognisable descriptors are a grumpy juggler and paint bits on a plinth? What is it like? In my experience – and not in the experience of the more risk averse – it was a multilayered escape, rush and possibility. Messes have always been at beginnings for me. And to make sense has at times been like filling out the appoinment diary after the fact in case of an audit. The presssure to appear organised, visionary and strategic is a construct that really has the juggler laughing. Poetry is like that. The spaces between are the doorways to phrases while business plans are necessary to make sure bills are paid to every creditor. Boring but necessary. The world we live in seems to see water tight strategic buiness plans as life’s answer to every question not a random stack of paint shards. I have never held that strategic planning an a priori value.
There were struggles and dark paths, sadness and determination.
Wrong decisions and right decisions, remarkable people, art, music, recognition and successful ventures. The whole thing really was like a plinth awash with bits of old spray paint. Messy poetic processes.
We will have a launch party book signing launch this year. Keep a look out!
Thankyou for reading. Keep making marks wherever you are!
Peter Breen, Jugglers Co-Founder with Harley Breen, Phil Lock and Randal Breen.
Cover image : “Jugglers Art Space 1998 – 2024”
Guache, charcoal, gesso on found paper 1/25 original drawings/lino cut relief prints for the Body & Soul Berlin Artist Magazine, #45 , 2025 Artist: Peter Breen
Congratulations on getting it this far Peter. I am very much looking forward to seeing your courageous and inspiring story in hard copy. Fantastic news.
Thanks Mark. Your encouragement means a lot. It’s a big project and it is looking ok and with a few edits, good design and printing I’m sure it will tell our stories well.
Peter