the land of ice

I think Iceland is my kind of country, it gets me. Apart from Reykjavik the people are scarce with the sheep greatly outnumbering them; the landscape is a stunning representation of the beauty derived from the earth battering itself; the weather is dramatic meaning beautiful sunsets and mists, and the country is steeped in whimsical myths and legends.This all satisfies my atmospheric imagination and longing for peaceful moments. Its also a great country for all the arty people like me, the photography opportunities are endless!

Iceland is a natural wonder of the world in its entirety. Driving through it and watching the landscape glide past proves this, and as there is practically one main road through the whole country; all the most stunning spots just rise up along the road in front of you. Water that plummets down from great heights and water that can explode up from the middle of the earth. The sulfurous smoke that rises from the hot ground and the icebergs that float on the cold water. The endless lava fields left after an eruption and the volcanoes that caused them.
When driving and immersing yourself in the scenery it becomes effortless to believe the tales you're told. The mist does appear to make the two rocks on the mountain look like trolls leaning in for a goodbye kiss as the sun turns them to stone, and elves could stop construction work to save their homes. Seeing such a creature poking out its head from behind a bolder or stroll out of the mist, in many ways wouldn't have surprised me. But unfortunately its said only people with a 'sense' or a 'gift' can see such things, and it has yet to be proven I have either!
I also noticed some littler things about Iceland; like everything smells like egg because of the sulfur from the geothermal heating, the majority of the cars are like snow mobiles and it seems the bigger the wheels the 'cooler' you become, and paying is scary for us Brits as standard Icelandic krona is in 1000's. Also due to the minimal population a tour guide said to us 'watch out for the traffic as you cross!' and as I looked, there was only one car present on the horizon. Rush hour consists of more than eight cars on the road, and even then over half are bound to be tourists. Trees are also almost nonexistent in Iceland, besides from mini Christmas tree forests planted by the government, and when Icelanders go abroad they are often said to complain about trees blocking views. 

Feelings inspired by the country, here are some of my favourite sketches and photos from the trip:

catching tonight's dinner

Icelandic horses make horses back here look like potatoes

an iceberg at the Jökulsárlón  glacial lagoon

misty mountains

a fulmar in flight 

once all Icelandic houses were like this. 

icelandic cuisine 

Gullfoss waterfall, an example of how beautiful falling water can be,

and Strokkur, an example of how beautiful exploding water can be!

Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Breathtaking doesn't cover it.

a step back in time 

(if you are lucky enough to visit Iceland, make sure to download Sigur Ros's music. It can do that special thing of coaxing out the atmosphere around you and heightening its beauty. It grows and changes as the landscape does, and it probably helps that the band is Icelandic!)

music inspired drawing

As a way of practicing illustration styles, and as a way to have some fun!, I played a little game. I shuffled all my music, and sketched the first image and idea that came into my head listening to a song. These are some of the things I came up with, drawing them in about two plays of the song.

'will you be there, when the day is gone. will be there, under the same sun' 

(Under the same sun-Ben Howard)

'and we got miles away from anywhere...'

(Benjamin Twine-George Ezra)

'Can you fill the silence...'

(The Silence-Bastille)

(Wasting My Young Years-London Grammar)

'Don't be wasting your time, on your own'

(One Day-Kodaline)

(Children Who Start Fires-To Kill a King)

'The only tears come from our heads when we concentrate'

(Anti-D-The Wombats)

I was happy with the way some of these turned out, but of course they were just quick biro sketches and not finished pieces of art! This was one of the most productive forms of procrastination I've found in a long time, so I recommend having a go.

the revival of illustration

Illustration is an amazing tool, as art is, but much more accessible. I love art and all things creative, and especially as my dad works in an area of graphic design, have always taken pride in this aspect of my interests. As I grew up, I have gradually found myself distanced from illustration as an interactive tool, like it was when we used to read children's books. For example, my obsession with Nick Sharratt best known for his Jacqueline Wilson illustrations, and Martin Brown who illustrated Horrible Histories. As we and the books we read 'matured' it seemed there was no need for this visual aid, so now the only time I come across illustrations are in my history text book (and can I just point out how limited and basic they are!) 
This want for artistically relevant illustrations grew when I read a young adult's fiction book, 'A Monster Calls', the story by Siobhan Dowd and written/adapted by Patrick Ness (a stunning author, recommended!) It is a beautiful story alone, but what interested me specifically was the fact it is full of illustrations by artist Jim Kay. 
You will have to see the book itself to truly appreciate how much I adore the images themselves, and how it lifts the story out from the words in a way only illustrations can. Jim Kay is clearly a talented artist as it is, and throughout the book he used so many techniques and textures to exactly capture that 'feeling', mono printing, charcoal, stamps, stencils. On the back cover it states 'His images for A Monster Calls use everything from beetles to breadboards to create interesting marks and texture'. Even just flicking through the book, you get an idea of how much his illustrations have been allowed to empathize the story, with full pages being allocated for an image, and even decorative boarders have been created. The story would have enchanted me anyway I'm sure, but it is something about these hypnotic black and white illustrations that have caused me to keep revisiting the book over the three years I have owned it, such that I have not seen since I grew out of basic children's fiction in primary school. 
So, it inspired me to find ways to apply this hugely effective method of communication, and interpret other teenage novels into a personal representation of the story. Not necessarily intertwined into the text as A Monster Calls does, however much I love it, but as a separate source to re-capture the readers imagination and connection with the story. I have started on an informal project to complete a series of these illustrations for another Patrick Ness book, ( I am a fan, can you tell?!), More Than This as it is one that initially brings a multitude of ideas to mind. I also plan to 'document' any developments here on this blog as I would love to make it slightly more art orientated and interactive!  
Oh, if you're into this sort of stuff like I am, or if you're just curious, definitely check out Keaton Henson. He's an artist/ musician, and his illustrations are simply hypnotic whilst being the opposite to the ones seen in A Monster Calls. 
www.jimkay.co.uk 
www.keatonhenson.com 

The first illustration from More Than This, the inspiration being the opening  line 'here is boy - drowning' 

The next drawing is from the scene where the boy 'wakes up' after his apparent death in the previous chapter

I'll continue to post these illustrations, if I'm happy with them, and maybe you can begin to follow the story!

music musings

I love music, and I'm definitely on the edge of many a fandom (just music related, for the purpose of this post!), but I've always felt slightly overwhelmed by it all. Fans that spam my twitter with photos ,edits and tweets in manic capitals, just makes me feel distant from the actual music. I'm not 'shaming' anyone here, as I can't say I've not committed any of the above, but it does make me wonder how music is actually viewed and what fans focus on as they become obsessed. 
From what I've witnessed, it's obviously not all about the music anymore. If one viewed the band as anything other than what they want to see from them, I don't know, stuff like: funny, likable, good looking, would they just slip by unnoticed? 
Well, I'm not sure if its as severe as that, but someone who didn't fit this criteria, even after being judged from snippets of their lives, would be much less likely to appear as someones header or inspire their twitter handle. Simply because of curiosity. This generation of teenage music lovers, want this insight into the lives and thoughts of a band or artist, they want the gossip, they almost appear to admire, or want to admire, the people more than their music. 
I have less of an insight into the One Direction fandom, I admit, but lets use them as an example. There is no denying the fact that they are probably the biggest boy band out there, and who doesn't find them at least a bit attractive, but how much success would they have achieved if they were five 'geeky boys', with shy personalities, a lack of immediate attraction, and no desire to have any personal relation with the public? Now, this is a huge generalization, and I can't predict the future of such a band, but I can almost say they wouldn't quite be at One Direction's standard. I also have no knowledge of the boys personalities, having not sat down with them for a coffee, I am simply basing assumptions on the image they portray of themselves, the image which is projected out into the world, an image gives fans that extra push into becoming obsessed fangirls. It's this image that has maybe given the band an edge, and is liked well enough to create a hit documentary film. 
I could say I was in the 'Bastille' fandom. I am certainly a huge fan of their music, and have been long before their album suddenly hit number one. It's the originality of their songs that caught me, Dan Smith's vocals and talent for songwriting. At first, I was simply admiring their music and was blissfully almost unaware of the band members, now, however, it's a different story. There's almost this pressure, bought unknowingly from twitter I suspect!, to have this obsession with the members, to send them birthday cards and to be so defensive and protective over them. I find myself stuck in this circle of the appreciation of the bands hair, and the love for their new cover, sailing through twitter in this flurry of caps lock and screenshots. I wish I could just take a step back, allow myself to have the capability to be critical of their music, and listen to what they wanted us to hear. 
That's what music used to be, didn't it? What you heard or saw live, was ultimately what you got. Regardless of whether the lead singer was a dick or not, one could still appreciate good music. I suppose it's just the way music is developing, like the internet and TV are, but this time I'm not sure whether it's for the better, turning bands and artists into celebrities changes how you view their music, something which I'm sure is unwanted ( but who knows?!) Why should perusing a career in something you have a talent and passion for, shouldn't make you a celebrity, you should gain fans for your music not for the way you are perceived. 

thoughts on photography

I have heard it said before, that photography causes us to spend more time capturing the moment, then actually living it.
In some ways, this is correct. Spending ages setting up a camera for a perfect shot on the Great Wall of China, for instance, can prevent you from using that time to embrace the stunning surroundings. Absorbing the world around you is maybe a more worthwhile activity, rather than viewing it all from your cameras display screen?
However, this sparks an interesting debate, especially for someone like me who has a passion for all things 'arty'. I love photography, and I love capturing these moments. Anyone can whip out digital camera and snap a picture of the view from their hotel window, but taking a photo of a moment is something else entirely. I'm not saying I have such a talent, but every now and then, you get that perfect image, and viewing it is often incredible.
For me, a moment is an amazing thing. That almost split second where something unrepeatable a felt or done. Does photography stop you from experiencing these?
I don't think so. Capturing such an experience is often a huge achievement, not just from the photographic side of 'getting a good photo', but because of what memories may be attached. For everyone involved, seeing this picture take you back to that moment; allows you to almost re-live it. That's what i find so special about photography, saving and preserving memories.(I'm not saying we don't have the capacity to do this without the aid of an image, but it gives it clearly and untarnished .)
Maybe this re-visiting of photos has more of an impact on me, because I would classify myself as a 'visual' person. I find information easier to gather and process when I can see it in front of me, and photography(and art!)are great portrayals of visual beauty. Although sounds and smells do transport you back to a time you associate with them; seeing images is a much more effective stimulus for me. Basically, photos are great for creating nostalgia!
I also find that these moments are often always consist of people, or human interaction. To demonstrate this, here are some examples of the occasional times I felt I have captured a moment worth saving; and showing:

This is a picture of my mum and brother, and at the time of my taking this, I wasn't expecting to create such a picture. Looking back on it now; it reminds me of that day when everyone in my household became slightly hyper, the stupid face my brother is pulling makes me smile even now!

I took this in the summer, as my friends were playing a rounders game ( I actually used photography as a way to get out of playing, I'm not a sporty person..!!) It does a great job of capturing the urgency and fun of the game for the players.

This photo I actually took on my phone, but it's just such a good representation of my friends. At the time, another friend was trying to swing on a dangerous looking rope..thingy, hence the 'terrified' look and hug! It happened so fast, I was lucky to get it. 

Concerts also bring up issues for me. One one side, its a great photographic opportunity, especially at a smaller gig, however, could it be distracting from the music? 

When I was at a Mcfly concert in April, I didn't take my camera or take any photos whilst they were playing, and I'm not really sure if I regret that or not. It was busy, so I doubt any I did take would have been any good, but now the memories I have are vague. I know that I loved it, and I can remember a few songs, but don't have any lasting reminders, which does sadden me. Even if I had taken crappy photos and videos on my phone, like I did when I saw Bastille, it would have something physical to hold on to from that night. It's always nice to be able to look through them, and be transported back to a time when the only thing that mattered was the band on stage. 

These are a few of my favourite pictures from a smaller gig ('the summer warm up'!):

I do have more photographs that I would say captured a moment, but they're too embarrassing for my friends and family to share online...!

So, I believe, instead of preventing us from living moments, photograpahs allow us to live them all over again, something which writing this and seeing these pictures again, has allowed me to do.

labels

A few weeks ago, a ‘friend’ made a passing comment that frankly pissed me off. And, it’ll sound like nothing, and it’ll be hard to articulate here, but it showed what a bitch she can be, and how messed up society has become. It made me wish that I could start time all over again, and send the modern world off in the right direction. (well, I’m sure everyone wishes they could do this, and stop world hunger and what-not, but this specific… don’t get me wrong, stopping world hunger is pretty high up on my list too)

Well, the comment came up in conversation in the midst off the mindless chatter at the end of a lesson. Somehow, we breached the topic of a couple at our school, a lesbian couple, to be precise. My friend then proceeded to say that it was stupid, they couldn’t ‘know’ when they’re that young (we’re 15, just to point that out), as in they couldn’t know if they were gay or not. 

Firstly, the way she said ‘know’. I have no place to even attempt to tell whether both girls are comfortable and certain of their sexuality, but even if they may still be ‘experimenting’, they have been a relatively long term relationship for 15 year olds, and care enough for each other to remain in it. They ‘know’ that they are attracted to and having feelings for that person. Whether this causes them to label themselves as ‘lesbian’, is their own personal decision, that they may have not even made yet, my friend and I have no personal friendship with either party, so have no way of knowing this.

Secondly, I can almost say for certain that my friend knows she is straight, and has not openly questioned her sexuality and it is assumed by her and society, in fact, that she is heterosexual. She’s had crushes on boys, and even the odd relationship, but nothing as serious as the couple here (not that I’m comparing this in anyway, just another point!) So, why is it that she is able to ‘know’, and so many other girls of our age, that she is straight, but feels it ok to question the supposed sexuality of others? Just because their feelings are often considered abnormal and ‘outcast-ed’ by society, doesn’t make them any less sincere that than those that are assumed of us. I could go up to my friend, and question her on the sincerity of her sexuality, on the same grounds that she made her previous statement, but it would  appear almost laughable, whereas the other is almost accepted, made clear by the agreement of our surrounding friends. 

Why is it that, when coming out, people are always told it’s ‘just a phase’, or ‘something they’ll grow out of’. No one has ever told a supposed straight teen that they’ll mature out of they’re heterosexuality, and this ‘straightness’ becomes a point as which everything else is compared. I should have said this to my friend, that how can she ‘know’ about her sexuality, when she is questioning others about theirs? So, how can she even know if she’s straight, maybe it’s just a phase. 

This leads me on to a the wider aspect of this sexuality ‘labeling’. I hate the fact, that as soon as the baby is handed to their parents, it’s as if it has  big block writing across it’s forehead declaring it ‘STRAIGHT’. So, if the child does grow up with the ‘blessing’ of being heterosexual, that label can remain strong, whereas if the child happens to be attracted to the opposite sex, or both, then they face the long hard challenge of scrubbing off this forced label, and writing a new one, separating them, and leaving them constantly compared to the old label they once bore. If only, one was born with a clear forehead, a blank future ready to be personalized. Maybe then, instead of the painful ‘coming out’ process avoided by those who are straight, we can just tell the world when we have our first relationship, when we’re in love, whoever it may be with. Instead we can just label it ‘love’

(wow cheesy ending… >.<)