Last year at university I was given a brief based on the theme “Timeframe”. Therefore I decided to base my work around tea time in Alice in Wonderland. The drawings are done in ink and then scanned onto the computer where I coloured it on photoshop.

These are a couple of pieces I drew over the summer holidays. It’s a style I’ve used a lot since then. Creating detailed pencil drawings of people is my passion. I love drawing the hair in great detail

I’m sitting in my kitchen right now, looking into the magical space of the living room that isn’t really a living room. This was where I wrote my book. Wow. My book. It’s funny, I set up a space of my own in the tiny loft of our rented house, that really should only be used for storage. I bought a desk. I bought a chair. I decorated it to feel like a fairytale in an enchanted forest, surrounded by images of children’s literature that I cherish most. I never wrote one sentence of this book up there. Perhaps it cramped my inspiration.

It doesn’t matter where it happened though. In one month, I still wrote a novel. It definitely didn’t turn out the way I planned. My head was thinking fantasy, my heart was thinking romance, my characters thought otherwise. Given, there is still romance, but it was a romance I didn’t expect. You see, Autumn, my main character, is so utterly romantic, that she fantasizes about the boys in her class, but never acts on her feelings. She so desires to have that feeling of passionate love, yet she isn’t brave enough to move past a crush (or two or ten). She does find herself, slowly, getting herself into trouble along the way. It all ends well though. She finds her happy medium, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. I’ve had thoughts of writing a sequel of sorts, and I would love to star Miss Autumn in the story, but I feel she’s found her way enough that there might not be enough drama for a sequel. I can’t really know for sure though. I suppose if she wants to be in another story, she will be.

I also suppose I sound like a crazy person, but for the first time in my life, my characters are real. Not in the sense that they’re in my head talking to me, but rather, they’re in my heart and they’re real in the creative part of my brain, my subconscious. I find that a lot of my inspiration comes to me in my dreams. I think that’s where the creative juices are stored. If I could only find a way to inject them into my bloodstream or something. Ha!

In all seriousness though, this has been an amazing experience for me. I was really questioning myself as a writer before NaNoWriMo came into my life. It’s just a silly “competition,” but it has done more for me than I can ever say. I’ve actually written something. Sure it was difficult, trying to catch up and writing 5,000 or more words in a day, but I found a way to make writing make sense in my life. It’s not about the page count, it’s the word count. It’s the words that make the story worth writing and hopefully one day, worth reading.

Now, if I could only find a title…

Here are some excerpts from different parts of the book:

Autumn never wanted to be herself. She didn’t like her dull, weird hair, or her B.O.Ts a.k.a. Boobs of Terror, as she liked to call them. She longed to be beautiful and popular…and loved.
Her crushes and desires to have a boyfriend only worsened as she became older. If any of the guys in her class took notice of her, she stole it and ran with it. The diary entries continued, filled with pages of desperate sentiments of longing.

Dear Journal,

Why do I go so crazy over cute guys?? Why doesn’t anyone want to be with me? Guys like big boobs right? I’m humongous! So what’s the deal? Doesn’t that give me some kind of noticeable quality?
P.S…Matt looked at me today in Study Hall.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Autumn, now walking down the hallway at school, her long, brilliantly shiny red hair swaying back and forth and blowing in the wind, walked directly towards Matt. His mouth gaped open as she strutted down the hall in her new red heels. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her, and she was basking in the moment.

“Hey there,” said Autumn, brushing past him and turning around so Matt could absorb all of her.

***

The drive home was a quiet one. She didn’t want to hear anything except the wind blowing by. Autumn rolled down her windows and let the breeze caress her face. She always liked driving with the windows down. It was freeing, in a sense, to be part of the wind. She loved to drive that way on the interstate, because she felt like she was flying.
“This is so wonderful. I feel more at home and at peace like this than I do in that stuffy church. That can’t be right,” she thought. “Why don’t I get into church the way everyone else does? Why am I different?” She stuck her arm out the window, letting the wind push against her hand. She made a swimming motion, feeling the breeze intertwine with her fingers. It wasn’t too cold yet for her to roll up the windows.

***

Autumn took another deep breath, closing her eyes and listening to the sounds of the waves softly rolling against the shore. Then there was another sound, like someone running. She opened her eyes, and she saw…him. He was tan, golden from the sunset on his bare, glistening skin. His shaggy blond hair flowed behind him, bouncing slightly with every step. Autumn could see that he wore simple red shorts and gray tennis shoes, as he got closer. She tried to focus on her book, but it was impossible. He was too perfect. Autumn wondered if Hercules might have looked like this wonder of a man. He looked to be about her age, but she couldn’t be sure, nor did she care.

***

Autumn smiled at her and went to change into her yoga pants and a t-shirt. She sat Indian style and laid her hands on her knees. She closed her eyes, hearing nothing but the sound of buzzing from Jim. Autumn began to visualize the ocean the day she sat in front of it, watching the sunrise. She saw the waves slowly brushing the shore. Then she heard them, crashing against each other from a distance. The sound became louder as the waves grew larger. She saw the sun peeking over the ocean, beginning to shed it’s golden rays on the now sparkling water. Then Autumn smelled the salt.

I lost touch with whatever it was I was doing.So I did some other things, like go to New York for two weeks.

Before I went I read the Life Magazine moon specials I found in a boot sale with 3 tables in the back end of Dungeness, did a few illustrations for some of the articles. Helped raise morale.

Caption reads:

Gloves must fit so accurately that they are constructed around plaster casts of astronaut’s hands, each bearing an astronauts name.

They’re are the most beautiful magazines I have ever seen. I will use them for something worthy in the future. I will.

I did it! More later…

This Thursday night at the Bluecoat…

I just couldn’t leave it. What started out as a mere quick sketch turned into a more detailed black and white sketch to a full colour detailed version. Also flipped to make this fan image seem more my own from the original film poster. So here we go.

I decided to beef up my portfolio with some more classic illustrations, so I decided to go with Aesop’s Fables.  The first one on the drawing board ended up being “The Fox and the Grapes”.  Seeing as how I can be a bit of a pessimist at times, I figured this might be a wise first choice.

Over my studies, specifically in Introduction To Journalism, it has come to my attention that despite what I thought about the BBC , they are a poor source of news gathering in many ways. More significantly, they’re could very possibly be deemed as biased. 

The British Broadcasting Company, as the longest established broadcaster in the United Kingdom, was founded on the 18^th of October 1922. Originally the corporation was a company owned by the General Post office, which was not government based nor funded, when John Reith submitted a job application and later went on to becoming General Manager. In 1926, Reith came under heavy criticism from the Government. The bulletins that the organisation were broadcasting, displayed both sides of the ‘General Strike’, an event were the majority of labourers took action against employers. The BBC attempted to arrange broadcasting with the ‘Labour’ Party, which was dismissed by the opposing government after veto. As the governments influence was far greater than John Reith’s, the general manager was forced to refuse requests of a Labour or Trade Union leader to discuss a case for those on strike. This was the BBC’s first incident of biased behaviour, as Labour leader Ramsay Mcdonald stated at the time. Reith admitted a public retort to these allegations claiming:

               We do not believe that any other Government, even one of which Mr Snowden was a member would have allowed the broadcasting authority under its control greater freedom than was enjoyed by the BBC during the crisis. (John Reith, 1926)

Labour leadership was not the only party to be refused broadcasted comment as ,at the company’s discretion, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Randall Davidson wished to broadcast ‘a peace appeal’ (The BBC Story – John Reith, This is The BBC) but was dismissed. The British Broadcasting Company Ltd became a government chartered corporation in 1927 whilst still under Reith’s control. In 1938, Reith was offered another position within a different organisation, leading to his departure from the BBC. It was considered that this was a ‘conspiracy between the board of governors but that has never been proved’ (McIntyre, p. 242). This was thought to be because of Reith’s prominent opinion that news should be completely impartial despite being chartered by a government. Reith’s sentiment of the Governments pressure was perhaps further reflected when he claimed during a BBC interview that ‘I (he have watched no television and listened to virtually no Radio since my departure.’ ( Face To Face, BBC, 1960). These sequence are substantial prove tha the BBC are indeed biased, and have been since their founding.

The BMI in-flight feature was, in my opinion the toughest of all the challenges presented. The group was asked to select a locally orientated topic which would give us the grounding for our 1000 word piece. The writing had to be suitable so that it would be acceptable within a publication, BMI In-flight magazine.This seemed daunting. My first thoughts were to discover what would hold interest. As a student, I knew the institutions themselves have a vivid history, both academically and physically, and were extremely interesting. So with this as my topic selected I set out on the tedious work of ascertaining decent photographs and facts about the institutes. It was suprising. Through my research, it was discovered that both the late Colin MacRae and Sir Sean Connery were doctors at the very school I study at. As time progressed, my piece came together, in my opinion, rather interestingly. All in all, an enjoyable task with a great prospect of creativity.

When I first came to terms with the fact that local children are NOT getting the physical education they need, I was shocked to say the least. It seemed of little concern to the council, reflected through the fact it was not even mentioned in the verbal accounts! I took it upon myself to find out what locals thought of the news, so I decided to backtrack to the very beginning of my education. As I attended ‘Stobhill Primary School’ and was common with the school’s head teacher, I felt that was a name I could trust. The head mistresses opinion was clear as I first raised the topic, she was clearly in favour of more PE time as  I was. It’s perhaps a bit disheartening  knowing that as this was an assessed University exercise there was very little difference I myself could make to the issue.  In future I may attempt to pursue this idea but with the many assessments and opportunities that university is providing, that may need to wait, on ‘the back burner’ as such but be sure it is still cooking.

I will be exhibiting and selling my work at the Craft and Design Show this Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Follow this link for more info http://www.artinliverpool.com/index.php/all-events/284-art-events/2698-craft-design-show-cricket-club

Meanwhile below is a photo taken on my lomo camera in Berlin this summer.

Another quick one, painted straight after I painted LEON. This was painted straight from a photo. http://home.frognet.net/~mcfadden/evu/Ellen_von_Unwerth_New_Diva.htm

A quick painting I did today. I painted it from a poster on my wall. LEON is one of my very most favourite films. This was a great one to paint.

Well, it’s the last week of NaNoWriMo, and I’m behind, but I’m not going to fail. I have written 30,000 words so I only have to write a chapter a day basically. (I have long chapters) I will finish. I’m sending myself positive, affirming thoughts.

This has really been an amazing experience, and I’m sure those who are presently or have participated before will tell you the same. I’ve always had trouble chaining myself to a desk, writing everyday, like it was a boring cubicle job, not unlike the movie “Office Space.” Luckily, I didn’t have any Lumbergs hovering over my shoulder though.

Things have changed though. I believe the reason I didn’t write everyday is because I didn’t want to write everyday. I wasn’t passionate about the projects I was starting (and never finishing). This book has given me a new chance and a new outlook. I’m excited to find out what is going to happen to my main character, despite having a rough outline. She always seems to do what she wants. Plus, a hero appeared in my story, and I never even dreamt of having him in there. He just showed up! That’s the beauty of writing novels I think. I have realized that I am a detail kind of person, and I like to explore blank pages with my words. You can’t do that when you’re writing picture books, or even middle grades. Well, not as much. I think Young Adult may be my gateway to the writing world. It feels right, and for the first time since I began writing, I want to sit down at that desk…chain free.

My lovely flatmate Petra. She has made great work for her exhibition And So We Are. It’s in the New Arts Center in Chatham from 4.-7.12. You should all go and see it!

But don’t forget or exhibition Other Faces opening next Wednesday!

The organisers of the Winter Arts Market at St George’s Hall have set up a great blog to showcase the stallholders work. Please check it out at http://winterartsmarket.wordpress.com/

When asked to do the task, I had numerous ideas of whom I was going to contact. After contacting, the majority of which fell through and I began to feel extremely nervous about the situation. It was only upon contacting Kie Miskelly of the Metro. She replied in quick time answering all of the given questions. When reading the replies she wrote, it was clear what the veteraned journalist felt of the industry. She believed that what we were seeing in today’s industry was a revolution meaning the death of the newspaper and the birth of online news consuming. It was in her opinion that papers are going to become extinct because a younger generation is simply reading news online, they are failing to purchase papers and support the industry. As a journalist student , it is foreboding thinking  that the very industry one is training to practice in is at the very end of its life cycle, and when the higher education is complete, where will the prospective journalists find jobs? In ‘plumbing’ as Miskelly says?

The Metro. A newspaper which describes even itself as a ‘publishing phenomenon’. Not many publications have the evidence, or even the bravado, to make such a claim, but this one does. Considered as a household name by any avid transportation user, the Metro is read nationally across the UK. Being such a fine example of a publication, when I got in contact with the paper’s Scottish Editor, a vibrant yet pessimistic attitude appeared in Kie Miskelly.

Bakeries, Plumbers and 9/11. Who could ask for a more varied rendition of their career and opinions? In relation to anything, it is best to start, logically, at the beginning. Kie Miskelly left school without the knowledge of what she wanted her life purpose to be. With a keen interest in writing, the young Miskelly delved into the endless opportunities that a Cumbrian bakery provided, yet after six months decided that she ‘really wanted to do something more with (her) life.’ By self-proclaimed, sheer luck she found herself working as a reporter cub in a local publication, being the ‘Penrith Observer’ in 1968. Being the ambitious realist that she was, the budding journalist moved between institutes, to the News & Star in Carlisle. After three years with the paper, Miskelly saw an opportunity working for ‘Black Papers’ in Johannesburg, South Africa. A barely noticeable transition.

A further three years later, the reporter returned home to work with varying publications, The Journal, Newcastle, The Northern Echo, Darlington, Evening Gazette, Middlesbrough Evening Chronicle to name but a few. As is the way of life, we reap what we saw, and Kie Miskelly ascertained her first title as editor by 1980 with the Whitely Bay Guardian, North Shields and Wallsend Weekly News, Blyth News and Ashington Post, replacing 3 editors and only fulfilling one job vacancy. A Journalistic achievement nonetheless, the now Editor felt that, in her words, ‘there was more out there’. Indeed there was as after 5 successful years work, further editor appointments later, Kie moved to her current home of 14 years, Scotland. From this point, 10 years ago, the offer of becoming editor of the Scottish branch of the Metro was something too irresistible.

After working here for 10 years, Kie Miskelly certainly has formed an opinion on the Journalistic industry. To illustrate this when I asked what advice she would give to a training journalist, the retort was, ‘Become a plumber’. Inspirational stuff. In order to reiterate her point, Kie went on to explain, ‘Seriously, we all expected the Internet to have some impact on newspapers but not as quickly as it has. Advertisers have disappeared in droves from newsprint to the Web.’ This manner of pessimism from a weathered veteran of the art is nothing to be taken lightly. ‘I think I read that one paper in St Louis, which employed 450 people, now has just a staff of 45 producing a ‘paper’ on the Internet’.

Kie Miskelly, a journalist in the industry that I have a new found respect for, divulged so much of her thoughts and feelings on the ‘death’ of Journalism its hard to express each detail. To summarize in brief, I as a trainee journalist, have no job whatsoever in print journalism. A thought that barely pleas for a flinch. It is apparent that time is moving, the internet is evolving, but it seems Ms Miskelly misses the ‘hot-metal-hard-work’ days of old.

Council Meeting: Story

Conor Quinn

Obesity. Upon hearing that the majority of school children across Midlothian receive 97 minutes of physical exercise a week, that may be the image that springs to mind. As lack of exercise is a prime concern, exactly why this minimum is so low must be questioned.

Edinburgh City council have been deliberating the crisis that is posed to both primary and secondary schools: A lack of physical education. Stated by the council itself , ‘ ensuring that schools in Edinburgh make progress to delivering 2 hours quality curriculum per week…was a main priority’. Hypocritically, it is recommended by the NHS that each child receive 60 minutes of quality exercise a day. Hardly a ‘priority’ it appears.

It is expected that the minimum of physical education imposed in schools will be in the region of 110 minutes within the next 3 years, increasing in reasonably small increments to 120 minutes in 2012. The importance of academia is also understood, though it can be argued that an active mind requires an active body. To truly understand the importance of exercise in school criteria, who better to ask than Head Teacher of a local education centre.

Mrs Maureen Mcdonald, Head of local Stobhill Primary School expressed her opinion by saying, ‘ Physical education isn’t just something our kids want, is vital in their process of growing up. The more exercise and play our kids receive, the happier they get, and that’s not something we want them to miss out on.’ As an ex-student of the school, it can safely be said that physical participation was not only beneficial to health, but enjoyable, a relief from all that ‘boring’ education.

Upon enquiring as to whether Mrs Mcdonald agreed with the education plan being implemented, she had this to say; ‘ The increases in physical education time proposed will benefit our kids, it allows for a more appealing approach to school.’ Many believe sport to be a bonding process, many psychologists claiming team work is vital in life. ‘Our children have no better time with each than they do when they’re playing football, or any sport for that matter.’

The increase in the physical aspect of education has come as obesity levels across Scotland are reaching their peak. Judgemental views of larger people are commonplace,  not solely and opinion but a fact. Some deem it to be the vault of the person themselves, despite being classed as ‘diseased’.

This said what of the obesity of children?  Does this not lie in the hands of the parents or schools?  We are promoted to eat healthy and exercise regularly by our government, but perhaps a firmer hand is required. When questioned on this, the Stobhill head teacher replied,’ Yes, I agree. The larger kids, without being judgemental, can often be seen to come from a larger home.’ The rationality behind her words is unquestionable.

Whether it be in the increment of two hours to four hours a week of physical education, it is believed necessary that there IS a further increment. If not, forthcomings of an entirely unhealthy generation could be on the horizon. Watch this ever-increasing space.

Edinburgh has a number of diverse yet equally beautiful landmarks, ranging from bustling bars to a variety of shops. The beautiful architecture can be seen throughout the vast city, yet the true allure comes from the oldest institutes in the city: The Universities. Education may not be all they contribute; emulated through the natural attractiveness any tourist or prospective student should see.

One of the more significantly known schools of the city is the University of Edinburgh. With over a hundred buildings spread across the city each adding the city’s appeal, the university can be described as sprawling. Within its many buildings include Edinburgh Old College, perfectly situated closely to the City Council Central Library. The buildings themselves continue to portray the history the city is known for. Housing the most students of any associations in the area, commonplace names were found to have studied at the University. Charles Darwin, naturalist and critically acclaimed author. David Hume, philosopher and leading figure of the Enlightenment. When this is brought to light, it is no surprise that the institute is home to 22 schools and 3 further colleges. These range from Humanity and Social Science to Science itself. With the academic side taken into account, the aesthetics of the University surpass expectations. As its influence extends as far back as 1583, it may come as no surprise that the university features many historical artworks including a statue of previous student David Hume. Scattered shrubbery and vegetation also contribute to the universities beauty, something which is not uncommon in the city itself.

Another university is the recently re-titled Edinburgh Napier University. Featuring Merchiston, Craiglockart, Morningside, Craighouse, Sighthill, Comely and Canaan Lane campuses, similarly scattered throughout Edinburgh’s many areas. That said the university has an amply different appearance. The more significant of the many campuses can be claimed to be Craighouse for miscellaneous reasons. Firstly, the university’s Craighouse campus was based around a previous ‘Thomas Clouston Clinic’, a mental hospital until 1990. A prospect which may put off perspective students, yet something which should not: The campus’ natural beauty is staggering. A creeping area of forest can be seen advancing down from the peak of Craighouse, anything but an eyesore. The attraction is further reflected through the style of the buildings themselves. Atop a relative steep climb sits the library which, when accomplished, houses some of the finest views the area has to offer. Something which no other University in the world can claim is that Napier shelters one of Edinburgh’s few castles. Though small in size, it allows for a further panoramic view of the huge land that Edinburgh covers, attractively. Like the University of Edinburgh itself in regards to the students themselves, Edinburgh Napier has seen a number of widely known students pass through its doors.  Scottish born ‘James Bond’, Sir Sean Connery is a doctor of the University similar to the sadly deceased professional driver, Colin Macrae. When looked back upon, the talent that Napier has produced is outstanding.

The eighth oldest higher education centre in the UK, Heriot-Watt University is another highly acclaimed school. The institute can be found on the outskirts of the urban landscape, where the land turns a shade of dazzling green. The only distraction from the rural landscape which the university’s appearance echoes effectively is the nearby airport. This said, the advantages are clear, allowing easy and quick transport to and from the city. The university itself can be seen as more of a facility for the many science based degrees it covers. Ranging from Physics and Engineering to Physical Sciences, the school is a great place for not only local students, but those from afar. The University claims to have over 10000 students worldwide, studying courses that are offered to any who wish to study. Another greatly appreciated feature of Heriot-Watt is the Student Assosication .It endorses  a student oriented outlook of the many aspects of university life. Including a number of shops, entertainment facilities and cafés, the Students’ Association also plays a pivotal role to welfare. The Advice and Support Centres offer free, confidential expert guidance on all student related issues. The diversity is further seen in the dedicated prayer rooms provided for Muslim Worship, as well as areas for chaplaincy. This can be deemed as necessary due to the diverse cultures Edinburgh offers.

Sidebar

Edinburgh’s beauty extends far beyond that of the universities and schools.  As a local, there are many landmarks any tourist or prospective student would have to visit, firstly the ‘gem’ in the city’s eye, Edinburgh Castle. Standing as a beacon of Scottish pride since the 12^th century, the castle attracts many thousands of tourists every year, passing beneath its portcullises. From the fortress,  any observant excursionist would catch a glimpse of the Walter Scott Monument. Standing gracefully at a height of 200 feet, the tower lies opposite ‘Jenners’ department store, which is renowned for selling high quality goods. In recognition of Sir Walter Scott, author of the 1800’s, its soot blackened exterior is one of odd yet bewildering attractiveness. Behind the monument is situated Prince’s Street Gardens, a spot of tranquillity to escape the urban chaos that ensues nearby, despite running parallel to the southern end of Prince’s Street itself. Covering 8.5 acres of luscious ground, here anyone wishing to relax can do so, slumping into one of the many natural niceties that the City offers.

Patagonia Cardiff hosted a packed house for the screening of Rob Machado’s new movie, The Drifter. Directed by Taylor Steele, the movie follows Rob on a personal journey through Indonesia where he finds world class surf. Rob also played a few sets with Jon Swift and signed a few autographs.  Nixon watches and a Wegener alaia surfboard were given away to a few lucky fans. As for the groms, well… they’re just plain stoked! Thanks to Devin Howard and the crew at Patagonia Cardiff for a great event!

Good old intersection of Chesterfield and San Elijo Ave

fin sculpture

what is your story...

directed by Taylor Steele

popcorn and a movie

soundcheck

it's really all about the groms

air machado

jon swift

rock star

surf star

ahh surfboards...

Rob Machado, as the Drifter...

The illustrious Ian O was on hand with his crew filming with the latest DSLR technology from Canon… Check out the clip here on vimeo…

A couple of late afternoon portraits with soft backlighting… Solana Beach, CA

Brigitte

Glow

Sun Glass

Fall

There’s always something to be said for simple… that said, I tried to keep these portraits of surfers Mark Richards, Brad Gerlach, and Rusty Preisendorfer just so…

Mark Richards, former world champion

Brad Gerlach, big-wave charger and free surfer

Rusty Preisendorfer of Rusty Surfboards

Rusty with quad fin

some pics of work i found putting a visual portfolio together,,,,

More Pics to come!!!!as soon as i get my stuff together…sooo much art and pics….