I heard a good story about a woman who's husband kept asking her what ZOLO was an acronym for, he just couldn't work it out, and it was written in all the Christmas cards. He got LOL and ROL etc, but this one really stumped him. The penny didn't drop until she pointed out that actually people were wishing him a happy new year, and a great 2010.
So, on that note, zolo looks like being a good one. Some news. In February, together with a few friends, we will be looking after the running of The Badger Press, an open access print studio in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire. The press has been going since 1982 and has a wonderful reputation for fine art printmaking. We hope to continue its success and contribute ideas and new projects that will secure it for the future.
I'm also working on a film of Visual Libraries and hope to start a group at Fareham College. Check out the site and the flickr photos, this is a great project that takes art into the community and encourages dialogues between libraries and their users. More info to follow...
We had a successful evening at Aspex Gallery talking about Journey to the Mountain of Light, presenting footage from our walks and some of the images that Jon has been making. They were spectacular and so many good ideas came from the presentation. I enjoyed meeting the crit group regulars and hope to be able to head down to lend my support in the future.
Also sorting out a shoot in the next few weeks with a group called Girls who ride where we'll be filming various people on the turbo trainer against green screen.
Last note, unfortunatley A Thousand Plateaus has been cancelled due to funding problems. I think there's going to be a different event in the future, and I hope there'll be the opportunity to use some of the ideas we developed for the event. I'm especially dissapointed, as I'd arranged to work with Forward Movin' and supply live visuals and VJ support. I'm sure we'll have another chance in the future, look out for news.
So, hope you all have a good one. Keep in touch.
Things certainly are in quite a spin, two jobs on the go, writing and shooting. I spent a few days last week planting seeds and using the paper potter we bought around christmas. I thought it might be difficult watering them, but that's not the case.
Shooting towards the end of the month, hope to have something to show you soon. Also managed to get the wheels out and go for a spin, thought I might do the same the next day and then at least 3" of snow fell in half and hour. It was winter, with people playing in the street, throwing snowballs, whilst others scooted up to the rec to build a snowman. Walking back from the shops this morning the snow had melted, just a few remaining snowmen sticking it out for a while longer.
Had a great time at bestival. its one of the smaller "boutique" festivals in the UK, although at times it felt just as crowded as any other festival, especially in the main stage area - 30,000 people are still, quite a crowd. The bands ranged from good to dull, I'm afraid The Go Team! and The Chemical Brothers just didn't float my boat, instead I sought out Electrelane, who just played one of the best sets I heard over the whole weekend. I think, at a place like Bestival, you can find a few gems.
I should also mention that I had a good time at The Loungs and watching Bat for Lashes on a cool, relaxed sunday morning. On saturday night, The Beastie Boys claimed the "Isle of Mike" as their own, with some big tunes for us, Intergalactic, Sure Shot, Pass the Mic and some tunes for them from their new instrumental album.
I had a few grumbles, like the sheer amount of litter, which was a bit depressing - I mean, isn't this suppose to be the eco-conscious set? and people, please - don't take babies to festivals. I saw one little mite scared witless as the drums started up on the main stage - they don't get anything out of it, its just cruel.
Saturday's fancy dress was amazing, the theme was Kings, Queens and Pirates - and there were some great costumes, giving the whole place a slightly surreal air - check out some of the pics at flickr - enjoy.
Apart from that, I should mention that I was there as part of a stag-do, with my friend Jim wearing various humiliating costumes. I met a lovely bunch of fellas, we hung out, ate, drank, listened to music, slept in tents...almost perfect. In fact, then tent wasn't bad, just the fact that we were three feet from a spotlight that was so powerful, it actually got darker as at sunrise.
so I've been thinking a little post would do the trick. I just wanted to say thank you to all you people for all the really lovely cards and gifts and bits and pieces that we've been sent this month.
e is coming on well - he's growing at quite a rate and surprises us every day. I'm taking lots of photos and despite the tiredness and ache this really is a fantastic time for our little family. cheers gang.
