Friday, January 29, 2010

Judith Joy Ross

To wind up my day today, i took a bitterly cold trip up to the MOMA museum to see Tim Burton's exhibition. Accompanied by the likes of a lens, pen and paper i found myself in my own world again. I got there only to find that the Burton tickets were sold out and coughed a rather foul and loud curse under my tight fist. It was not aimed at anyone particular, but managed to get more than enough attention from all the tourists surrounding the sardine packaged premises.

Anyway, i decided not to waste my journey and ascended up the escalator to the top floor and work my way down, ignoring the 3rd floor, (where Tims show is), as i may act foolishly again.

I was inspired by many artist's work there this time round a
nd had to make note of a few names. One was Judith Joy Ross, who is an American portrait photographer that has a similar style to the late/great August Sander. She has a very primitive style. I could go on and describe her more but thats why i put her name up so your research starts when my full stops.
And Nadar. His work beneath, who was a great potrait photographer. His life story is very inspiring...

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Vanity Fair

Thomas Gibson Bowles was the founder of the English Vanity Fair magazine.
For just under 50 years (1868 - 1914), VF was running the society of magazines during the 19th century. It displayed the Political, Literary wares and Social figures of the time weekly. It was the most successful magazine in the history of english journalism. Many individuals that were chosen for victim refused to pose and declined their offers. One man was Lewis Caroll's who begged to be excused and said '...nothing would be more unpleasant for me than to have my face known to strangers.'
Over the last few years i have collected many figures and have had them framed and composed over each of my walls. One of my favourites is 'the hatter.'

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Kids Got It Too!

Well back in the day they did. What happened to them now? Walking around with droopy jeans and hoodies! Hmmmm. When i get a lil one one day im going to have him/her dress in his/her sunday best everyday. No question, no arguments.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Captured Moments.

A lazy sunday afternoon, the cloud's water traps are released, dripping droplets fall from the wooden steps outside in the back garden. A grey sombre British looking sky allows one to feel cosy indoors...
I came across this picture online and instantly became attached to it. I love photography and have always wondered what the subjects are doing, talking about and how they feel. This photographer has intruded the couples personal space furtively and caught a powerful moment of two lovers, (i could be wrong, maybe they are close friends venting), together alone in a park. Its a scenic view where one usually thinks correctly, that a moment of solitude with nature will help them resemble their thoughts. Philosopher Susan Sontag states in a book, On Photography, '...Strictly speaking, one never understands anything from a photograph, only that which narrates can make us understand.'
Any way This is a true captured moment that sometimes only fabricated models act out for adverts in our magazines.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Women Motorcyclists 1942

Joyous Times With The Boys!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Dignified Old Men

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The Tired Broker In Liverpool St

Love For Hats (L.F.H)

Monday, January 11, 2010

Miscellaneous Drawings


Saturday, January 9, 2010

Musical Influences

One thing that has had the power to revive my low moments has always been music. Brought up by two adept, classical musician parents i grew a liking for this Genre i heard as a young handsome boy. My mother would be practicing in the study getting ready for her Concerto performance which would be held at Kingston's local church. (in London) The sound of her clarinet would always comfort me. Emma Johnson, (a renowned clarinet player), is as close to my mums capabilities!
Then my Oldman, he would be in his study practicing on his three instruments; The Banjo, Guitar and the Concertina. He would lock himself away for hours on end perfecting his chosen three instruments. He is one of the Finest concertina players out there. He too is interested in old things and collects pictures of the first concertina players posing with their concertinas which date from around the early to mid 1800s. He is now currently between chapters, writing a book about a concertina player called Regondi, an early child prodigy who enjoyed a successful career mostly in London.
And underneath is a taste of some music that i listen to occasionally. Unfortunately it is short but that is what makes it more special. 'Sequent C' by Tangerine Dream.

Two of My Favourites


Thursday, January 7, 2010

Bergdorf Goodman

Wandering past Goodmans the week before my London trip i came across this great Visual display. It was/is on the same side as the Apple store on 58th St. I saw too, that there is a slight resemblance with the man to the left, he reminds me of Richard Griffiths from The History Boys!

Roy Decarava

I was upset i didnt hear of this guy before my friend put me on to him. Roy Decarava was born and raised in Harlem and lived during the changes and development of the area. And documented them well. He also collaborated with Langston Hughes in the mid 50s and published a book called 'The Sweet Flypaper Of Life' which chronicled the lives of local residents.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Friday, January 1, 2010

The Victory Drawn By my Father At 17

'Teddy' From 1947 Given To My Father

My Old Man had this teddy given to him by the time he was 1 and living in South Africa. His eyes were pulled off at an early date that he does not remember so his mum, my granny, sewed on the dark green buttons. In 1953 during one of my dads parents long road trips 'Teddy' was left in the lavatory of a garage they stopped at and was fortunately posted to them. Over the years 'Teddy' leaked and deteriorated as we bears all do and his mouth disappeared...Jaqui one of my fathers friends, drew a mouth back on whilst he was out and came home to be shocked! This was around 1979. He was furious because it changed his character. He eventually got used to it. He is now resting with his younger friend rejuvenated by being topped up with Kapok and leaks plugged and worn paws that are rebuilt etc....

Winter Styles