Showing posts with label books film and music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books film and music. Show all posts

February 06, 2017

Sketching again and showers . . . .

We have had some "plowtery" days this last week. Isn't that a lovely word, it's Scottish for showery, I think it sums up this wet weather very well. There are so many wonderfully expressive words in Scots language, I especially like these for wet weather. "Smirr" meaning very light rain or a "dreep" for a steady fall of light rain. I love being inside cosy by the fire whilst listening to the rain pattering outside, but in between the showers I did dodge out to capture these photos.
The snow drops caught my eye too, nodding in the rain, tiny splashes of white against the vibrant green grass down the lane. They always feel like a sign to me that Spring is on it's way.
A couple of weeks ago I happened to hear that folk singer, songwriter Seth Lakeman was coming to play at the annual Big Burns Supper Festival, and of course had to go, and what a treat! His music has inspired me on many occasions whilst working away in my studio. One of my favourites has to be 'The white hare' , you can have a listen here.
Some of you might remember that back at the beginning of 2015 I was desperate to establish a good sketching routine (having failed miserably the year before) and so set up a Facebook group called 'Sketch-a-day', where a daily sketch topic was set and members of the group were invited to post their sketches on the page.

By the end of that 1st year not only did we have 60 members from all around the world contributing, but the group had become a gathering of lovely like minded, friendly folk, supporting and encouragement each other along the way. It also resulted in my actually doing a sketch just about every day, almost 365 sketches!
Last year life got so busy that sadly my daily sketching fell by the wayside, though I still enjoyed seeing the sketches that other members of the group put up. There were so many positives that came from that daily sketching habit, my sketching improved hugely, my confidence grew and I tackled topics I would never normally have attempted, so I have decided: new year, new start and I am very happy to report that as the group enters it's third year, I am going back to doing a daily sketch again. 

October 06, 2013

The Kingdom of Witches ~ animation



Beautiful Halloween animation, 
 art work by a fave artist of mine Jan Pienkowski, animation by Greg Rozeboom.
Film featuring the music of Nox Arcan.
"The Kingdom of witches"

July 08, 2010

a walk around britain . . .

a tale of two men,
ed & will, who travel on foot
live outside & sing for their supper
walking & singing their way
around the british isles ,discovering
the land, the people & their traditions
do visit to read their story
a walk around britain * * *
listen to their singing here & see their cd too

November 23, 2009

robert kirk . . . elves, faeries & fauns

a trailer for the intriguing, award winning, scottish film "kirk"

about a 17th century reverend, robert kirk, who believed in faeries
the film was produced by 17yr old michael ferns

October 28, 2009

stolen time & the tale of a stolen child . . .

two weeks have disappeared in a blurry eyed haze
whilst i have mostly slept & dreamt the strangest of dreams
for the oddest of bugs knocked me right off my feet,
leaving me feeling as giddy as a . . .goat??
a wonderful excuse (whilst recovering) to catch up on reading
to doze & doodle & drink endless cups of tea

i discovered this hauntingly beautiful book, the stolen child
an ethereal tale of changelings hidden deep in the woods.
i was reminded of the beautiful poem by william yeats
& of course one of my most favourite & wonderful songs
of the same name by loreena mckennitt
a sweet surprise parcel arrived on my doorstep too
from a dear blog friend, jasmine of natures whispers
it brought such a smile to my face for in it were
this delicate felted tree made from natural fibres & dyes
& a bundle of other thoughtful lovelies,
a knot work purse, heather & shells & all sorts
do visit her blog for a peep at some of her beautiful work
* * *
oh my, its so good to be back
x x x

October 07, 2009

a christmas carol . . .

it is a little early to be thinking christmasy thoughts i know
but this is something i am so looking forward to . . .
a favourite tale of old . . . .the new "christmas carol"
animated movie by disney, and i had to tell someone ...
due for release in november

September 22, 2009

July 20, 2009

the loveliest girl in the world . . .

. . for almost a decade Miina Savolainen,finnish photographer, art and social educator photographed 10 girls from Hyvönen Children's Home.
the outcome was this photo book/project

"The Loveliest Girl In The World" The basis of the project was “empowerment”
"to give girls a different perspective of themselves,
to bring to the surface their true persona,
or perhaps a persona they wished they could be"
it is a touching story about becoming visible & accepting yourself
"everyone of us is entitled to feel precious and loved"
"The fairytale quality of the photographs reveals
a truth often obscured by the rough and tumble of daily life
the person each young girl feels she really is inside.
It allows the girls to regard themselves as strong and undamaged people.
These photographs are deeply authentic,
revealing the universal desire to be seen as good and valuable."
* * *
"Accepting one's own portrait
is a metaphor for accepting
one’s own personality"

July 14, 2009

masquerade . . . by kit williams

a programme on the radio today
about the book "masquerade" (do you remember it?)
bought back happy memories
the beautifully illustrated "masquerade"
by kit williams was published in 1979
it was a tale of the moon & her love for the sun
hidden amongst the wonderful paintings were
clues to a real treasure hunt to find a golden hare
i was 17 back then & enthralled by this unique book
mom & i spent hours trying to solve those riddles.
you can read this amazing books tale here
in '82 a second book "untitled"was published
this riddle being to find the books name
i treasure my precious copies of both books
for their exquisite paintings,
the incredible details & hidden clues
& because it was these very books that
began my fascination with allegory & symbolism
***
(though now both out of print, it is possible to find copies still)

June 22, 2009

fairie-ality and more

this book was a present from a very dear friend
she knows me oh so very well
for i loved it at once
with its tiny, delicate costumes
delicious layout & illustrations
sumptuous colours & use of all things faerieish
bringing back memories of a long ago time
designing my own children's fancy dress clothes
take a peep here faerie-ality to gasp again in delight
at the wonderful work of david ellwand,
then look forward in anticipation to the soon to be released
fairieality style book
i cannot wait to see. . .

April 17, 2009

where the wild things are . . .

this book i love
& now . . . look what is in store . . . a film of the tale
. . . . i cannot wait to seeu can peek at a little of it here

December 24, 2008

Ssshhh it's Christmas eve

  . . . its a magical night, silent & soft
such an expectant feeling fills our wee house
a stillness & a peace wrapped around us,
waiting for loved ones to arrive from distant places
O
sounds of paper rustling & secret present wrapping
excited laughter & busy chatter
no better place could i wish to be
but here in the heart of my precious family
on this night of all nights
Christmas eve
O
wishing you all a very merry Christmas
x x x
O
beautiful illustrations from
Jan Pienkowski's
"Christmas"