Jubilant and then not
Ready for the next step …
As someone who suffers from depression, the highs and lows of my life become complicated. It has taken many years of treatment to establish some sort of balance and discover the differences between the two and indeed the similarities.
Also the degrees at which both affect my mood and well being … however is is not an exact science and do get it wrong and find myself doubting and aware of a downward spiral. Yesterday, for instance I enjoyed a very nice day in Leicester printing 8 beautiful pages for a book. It was a long journey and it all went according plan and I congratulated myself; I was jubilant. This morning, however the feeling of dread is as gripping as my previous joy as I think about the next step binding them into a booklet!
To Leicester for the day …
Today, I am going to Leicester to learn about the use of letterpress in my work. I have become interested in the incorporation of narrative and letters for a while. Since writing some poem in particular concrete poetry and making a book.
Making this deviation from my usual printmaking methods was not easy; I had become kind of comfortable and thinking that I had arrived; that the journey was over and it would be plain sailing from now on. Thinking that a change of direction might be a costly waste of time.
Weighing up the pros and cons and thinking that I have nothing to lose and much to gain; maybe this deviation will be a lot of fun … so onward and not yet giving up the day job.
Silent Sunday …
Bit of fun before breakfast
It has been a busy week so my ‘studio’ is a bit of a mess. So while I would like to prepare for my day in Leicester on Monday there are other things to do. So quickly before breakfast I have drawn and cut some type high lino. I didn’t intend to spend too long and it did feel like fun. The blocks are quite robust like ‘real wood’ that I use to engrave but of course the surface and cutting quality is quite different. The lino is generous and allows for some freedom; wood on the other hand is a hard task master … doesn’t suffer fools.
However, it will be good to see the difference while printing both with letterpress on a printing press. After breakfast I hope to proof this little bits of fun; and return to some tidying that will take me to elevenses … Have a good day
Wednesday’s wise women … mothers.
No shame in reblogging this …
We hear a lot about baby boomers; children who are born during the boom period after a war. Their existence; the opportunities and success they are bound achieve.
But what about the girl who is born fifteen years before a war. Her life is cut short; her education ended. Her opportunities will be null and void. Any hope of university, a chance to develop a career or indeed form a long and meaningful relationship and have babies will be dashed. Instead she will seconded to the war effort making arms, working on a farm or fighting on the front lines. After years of disruption and loss; she returns to her home if it is still there to pick up the pieces.
Without a complete education the girl is at the mercy of the homecoming heroes. To recreate the lost community. She becomes a machine to produce a future workforce, slaves…
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Weekly Photo Challenge … a Face
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I have dined out on this face many times … if not this one; but Brazilian Street Art that I continue to enjoy! …
Wednesday’s wise woman … Susan Utting
I was reminded of this on FB this morning … I had forgotten …
I heard Susan read her poetry at a Poetry Reading at Reading on Saturday. I have not listened to poetry since I was a child. As read by my mother or a teacher it was ot always a pleasing experience. Not because the poem was wrong or the reading poor – it was just not exciting -dull.
Having said that I remember later in the 1960s enjoying the storytellers such as Margaret Rutherford and Bernard Cribbins on the TV. Each evening actors would read a story on a programme on the BBC called Jackanory – designed to stimulate reading. The story-teller would transport me on an adventure or make a social comment to trigger thoughts, hopes, reactions – some small others life changing.
So when I heard Susan reading her few I was taken in a similar – I was wrapped in her word, as wannabe poet I was amazed when she read:-
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and more good news …
Two lovely things happened this weekend, first the Yellow Teapot Cafe was another successful event. Then, for me on Sunday the Wayzgoose, an annual event at St Brides Foundation was the best!
The St Bride Foundation, a self funded charity that is devoted to to the history of printing and allied crafts. This Sunday, by way of a promotion and celebration of their work, they invite printers to exhibit their books, posters, paper & board, printing equipment etc. and provide workshops and refreshments.
I was sure I knew what to expect, but it all surpassed my expectations. As well as meeting many people for the first time, I met people I had only come in contact with on-line, others I knew from my workplace in the library at the University of Reading and some who are acquainted with others I know from Typography also at the the university. So from a personal level it was comforting having these connections, the world of printing seemed not so vast and alien.Soon, I was able to make positive links with further meetings and even meet the printer I am going to work with next week in Leicester!
This was a real boost to my career as an artist and illustrator of books which is growing slowing and had some setbacks lately.
So happy to begin a week with good news in the realm of nelabligh and the Yellow Teapot Cafe.
Silent Sunday …
… more thoughts
Before worrying about whether people are pulling themselves up by their bootstraps, let’s make sure everyone has boots. A pervasive myth at the core of our society is the idea of “pulling yourself up by the bootstraps,” the idea that anybody can become rich and successful if they just work hard enough. This is a […]
http://spencerfernando.com/2016/05/14/confronting-the-pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps-myth/
Coat Hanger Doll's House 