Today's blog marks somewhat of an achievement, for it will be the last in a series of twenty-eight, which together comprise the entire month of February. I'll not lie, it can be a struggle sometimes, to document what i've found in this small space I have allotted myself daily. In fact it was the artist William Morris who said, “You can't have art without resistance in the materials,” and I take comfort knowing that my daily struggle with this malleable beast that is the English language is refered to by some as art. When I read long winded blog posts like that of Click Opera's Nick Currie I realise that the real art is saying very little, but hopefully showing and telling a great deal, but a writer does like to write every once in a while. I think I may branch out, once a month. Let's say the end, and give you something different. Not just the usual 200 words. We'll see how I get on. No promises.
So far today I have shown you nothing, and told you something you need not have heard. Aren't I super?
What were you doing ten years ago? Tommi Musturi was going mental and starting to put together Glömp. The tenth anniversary edition is just out, and an exhibition of the work is likely to be doing a european tour this year and next. Those crazy Suomi and their 3-d comics. I never got into a comic as a child, nevermind as an 'adult'. It was the Sherbet which won me over if I ever bought 'The Dandy'. What I have fallen for as a grown up, are essays. Short, direct, and more then likely about topics I know next to nothing about. This way I learn. One of my favourite sites for material is -pli -plic -plex. The writing is academic, but accessible. This piece on image is well worth a read. He begins by quoting James Corner, who is currently designing the High Line, which is an area of nearly 7 acres spanning 22 blocks, from 34th Street to Gansevoort Street in NYC. You can read about the High Line project here. The quote by Corner states, "Landscape and image are inseparable. Without image there is no such thing as landscape, only unmediated environment." It got me thinking.
There was mention, in the 'On image' essay, of the natural frame created by a train window. I have spent quite some time during the past three years on trains, and I can appreciate what Patt is saying. I love a good window shot. Mirror, obects or landscape. They're all good.
Speaking of windows, this shot, taken from Nicolò Degiorgis' series 'The forgotten Islam' is a beautiful one, as are they rest. Enjoy.
I've been flitting through some sites, all of which have something worth talking about, so bear with me while I try and explain. Firstly we have Misaki Kawai's site. A fun place to start the day. The drawings would do well to pass as an infants etchings, but the sheer amount of character seen in the sculptures and paintings brings a smile to your face. Next I stumbled on Anthony Zinonos. His site needs your attention. My favourite. His blog is also well worth a bookmark. You can't beat an aged image can you? Anyways, we're getting there. Myfriendpike is the work of Lisa G Holst. She has always had a fear of pike, that nasty, toothy fish which seems to scare children. In her about section she says, "I have had to accept my fear of this monsterous creature and try to co-exist with it." Thus the name was born. All that aside, her work consists of all sorts. The pieces which stood out for me were her 'Catching the tide' project, seen at the bottom of this page, and her 'Memorable moments from my childhood' series, which you can see half way down this page. Well that's all for today boss.
I'm getting rather tired of reading the following, "[insert magazine name] is only available for purchase online. If you are interested in selling copies at your bookstore, boutique or gallery, please get in touch." It's a common sentence on websites showcasing new publications, and it frustrates me everytime. Not so much that I can't nip round to my local bookstore and pick up a copy. If I really wanted one I could always order. My annoyance is that I want to be able to contact them, saying, "Hi there [insert magazine name], I really like your publication, and would love to support it, and bring it to those who won't find you in the abyss that is the internet. Can I have ten copies for my bookstore?" Oh the joy it would be to spend my days rooting out such magazines, zines and pamphlets. If it were my job i'd have struck gold today. Layflat is a new kid on the busy block of contemporary fine art and photography publications. Yet they are on the right side of the road, not slumming it with the rest of them. The inclusion of essays sets them apart, and excites me. Photography wise, Nicholas Haggard stands out among the twenty artists contained, while editor Shane Lavalette's own work is well worth a peek. They have included unbound photographs, so opening it up will be an excitement in itself.I do hope when shipping begins in the first week of March your postman will be rattling your letter box.
It is hard to keep up with all this 'Its cool to be not cool' and 'So bad it's good' nonsense. Why can't we just agree to call the good stuff good and the not so good stuff not so good and the bad stuff bad? Simple. The reason we can't do this, is because the idea that something is 'So bad it's good' works. Case in point is Benjamin Phillips' - 'Paint An Ugly Picture' set. What a treasure. For some reason illustrations containing either Batman or a fox strike a chord with me. So when I noticed that Phillips had both, and two fine specimens, I knew I had to share them with you. His Batman will make you chuckle, while Mr Fox will shatter whatever memories you did have of Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr Fox. Speaking of Dahl, I have been re-reading his short stories lately. If you can, try and get hold of them. Not for the faint of heart, but perfect for the rest of us. The images above are from Phillips sketch book.
24/02/09 Lay my head in the grass
There was an evergreen forest not too far from where I grew up, which had deer roaming in it. While playing in said forest I would get frustrated that, despite my best efforts and well thought out camouflage outfits, I could only ever stumble upon a fresh dropping or deer bed, rather then a fully antlered stag. Little did I know the deer were only the size of domestic dogs, or that they probably carried limes disease, but that's by the by. I have always been curious about the trail an animal leaves, and not just their tracks. A badger’s set, a bird’s nest, a deer’s bed? Katherine Wolkoff has appeared in the likes of Aperture and exhibited as part of Danziger Projects. I have no doubt that her New Orleans shots will have your heart, but don't forget to take a glance at her deerbeds. I don’t know if it’s the grass blowing in the wind, the light shimmering through, or the trampled ground, but there is something about these shots which have me hook line and sinker. Also today I’d like to show you The Pelican Project. A chance to nosey through decades of front covers, tattered and torn, faded and stained. What an insight.
The humble doorway. An entrance, an exit, nothing more. A place to peer out of on a cold wet Monday morning, a patio catching the sunlight on a summers eve. The doorway has always been that piece of a town house which I look to first. Whether it be the dirt clad doors of downtown Vancouver, or the rows of red and black beauties which adorn the curved streets of London and Edinburgh. The doorway is yours, so take pride. I found this small set from Greenwich Village, and of course a Dublin set. The Georgian architecture, which is so prevalent in the fair city, is enough to bring it to life. The history of this very English world is an interesting one. Here, have a read. The above Flickr link outlines two reasons why the doors in Dublin may have been painted in such a colourful fashion. One is that the Irish drunks used the colour of their doors to guide them home from a night on the tiles. Another, is that in an act of defiance to a Royal visit, all the doors were painted the colours of the rainbow, rather then the requested monotone, which was that of 'all the same'. Either way, the drunks or the rebels managed to create some beautiful streets.
I thought spring was upon us, alas it is not. This shot of umbrellas, which I found here, brought that realisation home. Check out this blog. The City is calling today, as it did yesterday. I'd talked about street style blogs earlier in the week, and knowing Dublin as well as I do makes me wince when I see this one. I think it's best left to the Scandanvians.
It was while watching the opening sequence to Jim Jarmusch's 1995 Dead Man, that I realised I knew little to nothing about the Belgian-born French painter, journalist, and poet Henri Michaux. It is in the opening shots where Jarmusch quotes Michaux, "It is preferable not to travel with a dead man." Michaux has been labeled a Surrealist by many, yet while he certainly showed an interest in the likes of Chirico and Dali, some of what he had to say shows perhaps he was interested in it simply for what it wasn't, "The Surrealist supernatural is a bit predictable, but given the choice between supernatural and anything else, I would have no hesitation. Long live supernatural!" What inspires me most about Michaux is not so much his work's content, but its origins. His 1929 piece 'Ecuador' was an account of his trip from Amsterdam to South Africa, while in 1932 'Un Barbare en Asie' was a documentation of a slightly more fruitful trip to Asia. I wish to write about where I am, not where I want to be. For I will be where I want to be one day, and then where will I write about? So, today, take a minute, use the comment box below, and write one sentence. Tell us where you are. As surreal as you like, as literal as you wish. For you won't always be there.
In the summer of 2008, July to be exact, the London Print Club ran a show called 'Blisters on my fingers'. The aim was to gather 35 illustrators from all over the world, each one submitting a print. Every print in turn had a run of 35, and was then sold for only £35. Complicated? Not really. The show looked great, which of course was not only down to the art, but the venue, I mean just look at it. It's a pity the inspiration for the name weren't there to play at the opening night. You can still see all the prints here. Just looking at the venue reminded me of a couple of old buildings I've seen recently which are lying empty, just longing to have art from around the globe hung from their bare walls. This recession is sucking the life from once booming factories, and opening up more gallery spaces. We should take our chance.Anyway all this talk of empty buildings can't go without a link to a piece I recently read touching on the matter.Foreverbecoming, educating us all on gaining access.
How the eye is drawn, to things so beautiful. Simple, yet the mind can't help but stop, as the eyes continue to gaze. Pravdoliub Ivanov's installation, seen above, made me stop scrolling, clicking and reading. I just looked. You should take some time to gaze at his other work. While we're on the topic of things which are more than just easy on the eye, I feel I must mention Christelle Bonnet. Her website is mostly in French, but you don't need to fully understand her work, as it's all visual. Here, take a look. Anyways, enough high-end art installation nonsense, isn't it about time we lowered the tone and had a good old chuckle? This may do the trick... those crazy Germans.
I don't like to pry into peoples personal photos online, but when they are as fun as this Lomo Party Set from Boboniaa I can take a nosey without guilt. She also has a great wardrobe diary, which is well worth a look through, even if it's simply to gaze at the beautiful mustard wall in the background. In other news, and I use the word in its vaguest sense, I came across this
french video with a rather famous composer . I have been having a Serge Gainsbourg night. At first I thought things couldn't get any better then this 'The initials BB' video, but now that I've watched the dancing in the 'Nous ne sommes pas des anges' piece I know which one will live longest in the memory. Don't you think 'The Initials BB' has a bit of Inspector Gadget about it? I do. Priceless. Be sure to watch that vimeo one, please. There is a dance routine in the middle which will not only split your sides, but inadvertently teach you at least five new moves. You can never know enough dance moves.
If I ever penned a novel, and required an illustrator, I think I would have a word with Zosienka Coombes. Her work evokes a tale in my mind as soon as I set eyes on her fictional, and no doubt inspired characters. I think it's the hands, thin needle like fingers, joined to arms clasped tight, or flailing wildly. If you want to take a glance through her work, here is her blog. I have picked out a few of my favourite pieces for you. I may even get round to writing something to go with one or two of them. I'd be interested to hear what others conjured up in their minds when they saw 'Hugh', the workaholic with the three adopted children at home, whom he is supporting. He took them in off the street some years back, and never told anyone. It would be social suicide for someone in his field. He one day hopes to quit his job in the city and devote all his time to the kids, who presently are looked after by a retired school teacher, who educates them at home in his large library. Then there is 'Maud'. An easy one, shoved into the 'cat lady' group without a second thought, yet not many know that Maud doesn't speak a word of English. She came to these shores, a young up and coming French fashion designer. She couldn't cut it in the harsh world of London fashion, so gave up her dream and lives only with memories of what may have been if she could have ever afforded to return to her beloved Paris. Finally we have the old fox, but i'll let you decide his story.
I don't think I have ever talked about a TV programme on here, but then again I don't watch much TV. There are several things I would like to draw your attention to this fine morn. Firstly The IT Crowd. The show itself is a hoot. Seasons one and two are unrelentingly funny, and season three is well worth a watch too. But it's not the show I want to talk about as such today. Rather it's the intro and theme music. I have always loved it, the angelic harmony laced with industrial techno, yet only today has it dawned on me who composed such a track. It's of course none other then The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon. I should have known, what with his affiliation with Channel 4 [Father ted]. I am in such admiration, because it seems no matter what he turns his hand to, he comes up trumps. Here is a live performance, and here is an It Crowd clip.
I've always been a fan of the high-end street style blogs which litter the Internet. Awash with straight-faced pavement models, standing tall, finally getting their moment in the limelight. It's never been so much about the fashion, although it's a sight to behold. Rather it's always a great way to find out a little bit more about a city. Try Hel Looks.I'm sure not every soul in Helsinki has the uncanny knack of looking great, but those who do have been found out, and captured. Staying in Finland, PixelAche is an annual arts and subculture festival which takes place in the Capital. The 2009 site has just been launched,here take a peek. If you're all into your environmental stuff I think this blog will interest you.
14/02/09 Oh cupid where art thou
I am in love. It's great. You should try it. Happy Valentines.....
In 1929, Virginia Woolf published an extended essay, based on her lectures at a women's college at Cambridge University in 1928. One of the many questions Woolf ponders in this book is whether or not a female writer could produce art of the high quality of Shakespeare. She agrees it's possible, but she says: "a woman must have a room of her own if she is going to write." It is this which has inspired Romeika Cortez on her blog 'A room of one's own'. A must see, truly. With images, perfectly chosen and words, uttered in thought, not haste. Virginia Woolf's question got me thinking, about those big queries in life, or at least the ones which are raised time and time again. "What is Mankind's most important invention?" seems to crop up more than others, and I always have a staple answer of 'denim'. Of course those gathered chuckle, but inside, while I know I am being jovial, a little bit of me wants to believe it. I have been trying to bolster my argument, and Levi's 'History of Denim' piece has been an education. Give it a read. My favourite quote from it says; "If we were to use a human term to describe a textile we might say that denim is an honest fabric - substantial, forthright, and unpretentious.” Ah denim, you truly are eternally young.
The Dutch, who knows a thing about them? Not me. My knowledge is restricted to tales of fingers in dams. Written by this lady no less. I would rather like that knowledge to be broadened, so I've been doing some reading, as you do, and have noticed that they don't mind making a scene when it comes to the old art. In 2006 artist Florentijn Hofman decided that, in order to bring attention to the annual music festival, a few Grand Pianos were needed. They just washed up, as did this 8 foot tall Lego man. How strange. You just know there would be outcry from these shores, "They make the beach look ugly." Snodevo Rmgevers, also from the Netherlands, has a fascination with oil, and although it's old news politically, he's turned out this 'Quest for oil' piece. Take it how you wish. In other news Eric Timothy Carlson, has been busy making sure that you can all enjoy his work at the click of a mouse. How kind.
Granted, you may get tried pressing the small black arrow, but I dare say you'll fight through to the end of this series of photographs on mydumbluck, I know i did. Emo, tattoo clad, ear pierced yobbos. All their talk of 'Sailor's graves' has me bored. Most of them wouldn't step foot on a boat, the wind would reek havoc with their fringe and would no doubt produce a howly whistle on contact with their larger then life ear plugs. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike them, I just struggle to see the link. They love to get some sailor reference into their ink, and I suppose it's a beautiful thing, the ocean, and for that matter a Sailor's grave. Take a look at this example. Pia Bramley talks about them on her blog too, but to be honest the rest of her blog content means you'll never find time for silly Sailor's grave references. It's a wonder.
I only found out today the sad news about Charlie Cooper. He was one half of Telefon Tel Aviv, who are, and I have a dear friend to thank for introducing me to them, forever in my ear. I read this, you should too, and if you have never given them a listen, here is their myspace. It's tragic, yet to lighten the tone ever so slightly, after such somber news, let me point you in the direction of Giasco Bertoli, and his Maryon Park shots. This one in particular brings back so many memories. Summer days spent as kids, climbing nearby trees and throwing crab apples until the sun set over red brick terraces. His shots come from Nuke Magazine, as does today's picture. They look the part, Nuke I mean, if only my French was up to scratch, then I could tell you whether they're words match their images. They'd have to be the best words I ever did read mind.
I knew a young designer several years ago who, and I never told him this, drove the most beautiful car. It was a burnt orange 1960's Citroen DS. I vividly recall walking to his apartment and being excited to turn the corner and see it hunkered down in its bay, a fish out of water amongst the modern four-wheeled boxes. Now there are so many things you can say about the DS... that it was ahead of its time technologically, that it created a new wave of interest in car design, or that it stamped a statement of French intention and flamboyance onto a decade littered with advancements. Whatever you say though you can't help but do it with a grin. This car is special. Pure and simple. I just wish it wasn't such a rare thing, a car that you want to sit and stare at. Art. If you don't know much about the DS have a read here. I have found some of my favourite images for you to have a click through. one | two | three | four
It has been a long time since I talked about anything fashion related on here, but the above picture caught my eye while I was rooting around on the odditiesclothing website, so I thought i'd break the silence. For some reason I have been rather Scotland orientated these last few weeks. I recently watched this Bob Dylan interview [six parts]. I love the bit where he asks for a match. I wish I was alive in the sixties. I was reminded of it because I came across Matt Lee's collection of Indian matchboxes. If you have some time to spare on this snowy Sunday head on over to SeePlats, they say that they're on the lookout for talented people, so i'm sure some of you fit the bill. I have faith in you, reader. [ps - I have just realised that earlier in the week I forgot to put a link up to Al Bowlly's - Guilty, so here it is now.]
07/02/09 So here's to your Mrs Robinson
My record player has been spinning. What is coming from it's needle? Indie nonsense? Why no. I have been listening to 'The Graduate' soundtrack. What a joy. To hear Simon and Garfunkel sing, while I peer into the young eyes of a shoeless Dustin Hoffman. The sleeve sits beside me, empty of its vinyl treasure. Give me back my secret it cries. Oh no, the cat is out of the bag. It is my new favourite. Why has it taken me until now to realise this? Forgive me David Grusin. I'm making up for lost time now. Parsely, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme that is. Get yourself on the bay and snap one up. Meanwhile on my hunt for all things Graduate related I came across this tale. Give it the six minutes it deserves.
06/02/09 Presents on Weekdays beginning with F
Ever heard of Present Friday? It's when you grant yourself a little treat, yet only on a Friday, in celebration of the end of the week. A pat on the back if you will. Today I am offering a suggestion for both a free present, and one that can be purchased, if you are inclined to treat yourself at all that is. Poppies for Grace sell all sorts of magical gifts, writing sets and cards, so you could get someone something, for their present friday. Or not. The notebooks are a hidden treasure, all for yourself. There is a blog too. If money isn't handy, or you're not all that sure about this Present Friday malarky, I found a very strange website which perhaps will suffice. Julia Fellner has been caught up in the idea of watching birds, and using them as oracles, just like the Romans. You can ask questions and get an answer in the form of droppings. Don't say I don't treat you. It's a load of nonsense. To finish off my week of tracks has been a real nightmare. I can't pick my last one, it would rule too many out. Suggestions please below for an addition to my favourite five tracks.
05/02/09 Constantly Bewildered
Hold onto your hats, which I trust you are all wearing during these cold frosty days, because we've lots to get through. Firstly can I just say sorry for the quality of yesterdays post. To make up for a lack of any real detail, I have given today's my full attention. Now on with it. I remember coming across 'The Joyful Bewilderment' some time ago, and not being able to delve into its vast amount of content, however I have taken the time, and what a joy it has been to discover a shed load of new artists. It's all winding down now, the real fun was before Christmas, but you can see it all on the blog, and here is a short interview. One of the bunch is Patrick Gildersleeves, and when you're done reciting his name in your head, yes, Gildersleeves, go check out his site and blog. Fun stuff. Lastly, if you're on the hunt for a new T-shirt, try Jim O'Raw's collection. My track for today is The Frames - Red Chord. That's better.
04/02/09 Digging a hole for my dad
The problem with telling you that I'll give you one of my favourite songs everyday, means I have to blog everyday. Not so easy when you're stuck in work, using some redundant PC to access Mr Internet. Nevertheless here I am, short and sweet. Your track for today is an electronic beauty from James Figurine. All the Way to China has been featured on many a mixtape from me, and will continue to feature, so if you've heard me harp on about it already, sorry. If you like it you can find out all about Jimmy here, and take a look at his studio here.
03/02/09 Things I have learned
Sagmeister has gone all commercial. I don't like it. When your first intention, when blessed with an original idea, is to market it in a fashion that will allow a book, you know you've missed the point. Nevertheless, here is the 'things i have learned in my life' site. Now, one thing I have learned in my few years, is that when you stumble upon a winner, be sure to share. So, taking such a sentiment to heart, here are two winners. Firstly, the Job Interview to end all interviews, and secondly, and just in time for next week, a Valentines break up. Both are a triumph. So, on with the top5 - today I've picked Al Bowlly's - Guilty. I never get tired of his swooning style, so here are some more of his tunes for your young ears.
I have been enjoying the work of Stuart White over at Silk Thumbs this past weekend, which in turn got me looking at his collaboration with Cornelia ODonovan. She's got lots to see, her blog, site and flickr. From there I wandered a little, until I caught sight of Damien Weighill's work, which makes me laugh. Rather childish, but don't you love it? His blog Square one is also filled with treats, so go sample. Phew, all in a days rooting around. I even had time to decide that everyday this week I am going to upload an mp3 of one of my all time favourite tracks for you to listen to. Today we've got Tracer AMC - Elmwood Avenue. If you like it, here is their myspace.
01/02/09 Typography reads like better ink
How do you make reading fun? Jessica Yan's, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is a good place to start. John Tenniel's drawings will always be iconic. Here is a great site full of his work. In other news I must admit that the zine is moving very slowly. If only I had time. Now tattoos. I don't have any ink, but if I was picking something, these fellows would be a source of inspiration. Incidentaly that comes from the 'sangbleu' blog. What a strange publication. Be sure to give it the once over, and if you're a tattoo fan, it's a goldmine. Also if you haven't already been and heard him, please check out Olafur Arnalds. He featured on the music blog this week, so I thought i'd also give him an airing over here.