tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61798039189114830442024-03-13T12:17:07.253+00:00Caroline Fraser - an ordinary lifeon photography and life in suburbia and elsewherecaroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.comBlogger362125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-18064357875186010902024-02-14T09:15:00.006+00:002024-02-14T09:19:58.212+00:00<table class="wsite-not-footer" id="blogTable" style="border: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: 912px;"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><div class="blog-body" id="239411649373832692-blog" style="float: left; width: 628px;"><div id="wsite-content"><div class="blog-post" id="blog-post-501486277572262882" style="position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="blog-header" style="background-color: white; border: none !important; color: #8e8e8e; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; width: 628px;"><h2 class="blog-title" style="border: none !important; color: #484848; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px !important;"><a class="blog-title-link blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/on-mastering-the-art-of-indolence-in-a-hot-country" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">On mastering the art of indolence in a hot country.</a></h2><p class="blog-date" style="float: left; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><span class="date-text" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; font: inherit !important; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;">11/2/2024</span></p><p class="blog-comments" style="float: right; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 4px !important;"><a class="blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/on-mastering-the-art-of-indolence-in-a-hot-country#comments" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">0 Comments</a></p></div><div class="blog-separator" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); clear: both; color: #8e8e8e; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 2px; height: 2px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 2px;"> </div><div class="blog-content" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #8e8e8e; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: justify;"><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-8524-4_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;"></div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br />OH ( my other half) and I are just returned from a trip to Mauritius. We met in Mauritius 44 years ago as students, and OH was keen to revisit the beautiful island that holds many happy memories. Memories of spending afternoons on the beach snorkelling over an incredible coral reef, listening to a young boy lying in the sea playing his trumpet. Of a bed and breakfast accommodation complete with cockroaches and geckos, and a cyclone that brought 60 inches of rain in just 14 days. It was so wet that we ended up travelling around the island in our swimming costumes, as there was no point wearing clothes; we were completely soaked within seconds.</div><div><div class="wsite-multicol" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin: 0px -15px;"><table class="wsite-multicol-table" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; position: relative; table-layout: fixed; width: 658px;"><tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"><tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"><td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="border: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 15px; vertical-align: top; width: 299px;"><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-8644_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;"></div></div></td><td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="border: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 15px; vertical-align: top; width: 299px;"><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-8643_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">many years ago.......</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br /><br />I am not a fan of heat, or of beach holidays. I am no longer able to lie for hours perfecting an unhealthy tan. I am a restless individual who can cope with no more than 30 minutes lying on a sun bed before craving some action. OH, on the other hand, likes nothing better than to lie for hours reading a good book, barely bothering to swim or to stray from his lounger. We are incompatible in this respect. <br /><br />In the past we have chosen activity holidays such as hiking or sailing. But this was to be a regular beach holiday. The potential for activities was there, but the heat of the tropical sun is more than I can bear on my ageing skin, and I can only be happily active before the sun reaches any significant height in the sky.<br /><br />So, determined to get some daily exercise, I got up at 6.30 every day to walk before sunrise. I left OH in bed and crept out with my camera and a desire to explore. <br /><br />Our first location was a beach hotel. I was not the only one walking very early in the day. The sand was heavily foot-printed, and the beach pleasantly shaded.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/1012661_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Early morning walkers at Flic en Flac, Mauritius.</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"> I searched for things to photograph. Mostly I was drawn to the dead corals, lying on the white sand along with sea urchins and a few shells. <br /><br />Sadly, most of the Mauritian reef coral died after an extreme heatwave a few years ago. Snorkelling over it made me feel very sad, as I have memories of extraordinary beauty just off shore in the shallow waters protected by the outer reef.<br /><br />But the remains of coral washed ashore held me captive with their extraordinary patterns and variety.</div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/1012582-edit_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">remains of coral reef, Flic en Flac, Mauritius</div></div></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/1012711_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;"></div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br />It is illegal to remove coral and shells from the beach, so I took only photographs. <br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/1012560_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">sea urchin and seaweed</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"> Every morning I walked, often passing the same people going in the opposite direction. When i tired of the sand I walked on the road to the village. A village that didn't exist 44 years ago. Everything was so different. A large part of me prefers to remember it as it was rather than how it is now.<br /><br />I passed many coloured food trucks beside the road, closed up for the night. I was thinking of Ed Ruscha's photobook entitled '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentysix_Gasoline_Stations" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">26 gasoline stations'</a>. I envisaged my own version...... '26 food trucks'.....<br />But I never completed the series. I was with OH, and we were on the move, so the opportunity didn't arise.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-8223_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;"></div></div></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-8206_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;"></div></div></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-8209_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;"></div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">After a few days at a beach hotel we moved to an airbnb in a small town.<br /><br />I was beginning to feel restless and frustrated with the heat. My morning walks became even more important. This time, along a busy road with no pavement until I reached the beach.<br /><br />I passed gateways to homes of many types, and tried to avoid being killed by the crazy bus drivers hurtling along the road at break neck speed.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/1012709_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">gateway, Pereybere, Mauritius</div></div></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-8390_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">scene from a morning walk, Pereybere, Mauritius</div></div></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-8391_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">gateway, Pereybere, Mauritius</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">Here was another potential series; the contrast between the old and the new, but I would have needed much more time walking the streets before breakfast., gathering more images. We were only there for 4 days. Not nearly long enough.<br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-8429_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">food outlet, Mon Choisy beach</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">I started taking videos instead of photographs.<br /><br />They seemed more able to capture my mood. The word 'indolence' kept passing through my mind.<br />I was conscious of a slow changing of my mood. Seven days into the trip I was irritable and wishing myself somewhere cooler. But as we settled into a routine of beach visits and snorkelling, people watching and novel devouring, I started to feel calmer. I spent long minutes watching palm trees swaying in the breeze, and the locals standing in the shallow water chatting for what felt like hours. </div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/1012705_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">beach corals, Mauritius</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />We moved on to our final destination; a fancy hotel in the east. Fancy and expensive. This was a birthday treat and another chance to revisit old memories. The son of our B&B hosts all those years ago was a chef at the hotel, and we dined there as his guest as students. I just remember a clean, white modern dining room, far beyond our budget. I have no idea what we ate.<br />This time we were able to stay and make use of the beautiful surroundings, but my morning walks took an unexpected turn for the worse. I could either walk up the long drive of the hotel to the main road in blazing sunshine ( no thank you), or stroll along the local beach , which was not very far. I gave up this option after one day due to encountering a large amount of litter as soon as I left the main hotel grounds, and the distance not being far enough to call it a 'walk'.<br /><br />So I settled into a state of indolence, and carried on making videos and some cyanotypes with paper brought from home. <br /><br />I got better at it day by day. <br /><br />I watched clouds, and the weaver birds building nests. We took a boat to an island beach and lay under the trees drinking ice cold water.<br /><br />And when I got home I made a very short video of calmness. It is far from perfect, but my first photobook course is starting this week, so I wanted to make it while I had time and was fresh from the trip. No more indolence now........<br /><br />OH won't like it, as the music is too melancholy, the sun isn't always shining. there are no pictures of our adventures together, and it isn't a rip roaring ride through 14 days of sun and sand. <br /><br />For that he will have to wait......... patience is a virtue. Some of us have more of it than others!<br /><br /></div><div><div align="center" class="wcustomhtml" id="192177432488244122" style="overflow-y: hidden; width: 628px;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OqTnplB8ESQ?si=8u8OpG_t_NQWvesP" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></div></div><div class="blog-social " style="background-color: white; color: #8e8e8e; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;"><div class="blog-social-item blog-fb-like" style="float: left; margin-right: 33px; position: relative; z-index: 2;"><fb:like action="like" class=" fb_iframe_widget" fb-iframe-plugin-query="action=like&app_id=190291501407&container_width=0&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carolinefraser.org%2F3%2Fpost%2F2024%2F02%2Fon-mastering-the-art-of-indolence-in-a-hot-country.html&layout=button_count&locale=en_US&sdk=joey&share=false&show_faces=false&width=90" fb-xfbml-state="rendered" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/3/post/2024/02/on-mastering-the-art-of-indolence-in-a-hot-country.html" layout="button_count" share="false" show_faces="false" style="display: inline-block; position: relative;" width="90"><span style="display: inline-block; height: 0px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top; width: 0px;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" data-testid="fb:like Facebook Social Plugin" frameborder="0" height="1000px" name="ff6e61ae433cdbe93" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/v2.6/plugins/like.php?action=like&app_id=190291501407&channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df734b1c58b1f16f3b%26domain%3Dwww.carolinefraser.org%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.carolinefraser.org%252Ffbc02ab57025771b2%26relation%3Dparent.parent&container_width=0&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carolinefraser.org%2F3%2Fpost%2F2024%2F02%2Fon-mastering-the-art-of-indolence-in-a-hot-country.html&layout=button_count&locale=en_US&sdk=joey&share=false&show_faces=false&width=90" style="border-style: none; border-width: initial; height: 0px; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 0px;" title="fb:like Facebook Social Plugin" width="90px"></iframe></span></fb:like></div><div class="blog-social-item" style="float: left; margin-right: 33px; position: relative; z-index: 2;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" class="twitter-share-button twitter-share-button-rendered twitter-tweet-button" data-url="https://www.carolinefraser.org/3/post/2024/02/on-mastering-the-art-of-indolence-in-a-hot-country.html" frameborder="0" id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/tweet_button.2f70fb173b9000da126c79afe2098f02.en.html#dnt=false&id=twitter-widget-0&lang=en&original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carolinefraser.org%2Fan-ordinary-life-blog&size=m&text=On%20mastering%20the%20art%20of%20indolence%20in%20a%20hot%20country.%20-%20CAROLINE%20FRASER%20PHOTOGRAPHY&time=1707901952059&type=share&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carolinefraser.org%2F3%2Fpost%2F2024%2F02%2Fon-mastering-the-art-of-indolence-in-a-hot-country.html" style="height: 20px; position: static; visibility: visible; width: 66px;" title="X Post Button"></iframe></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br />caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-47310968565688855742024-01-15T15:15:00.000+00:002024-01-15T15:15:28.126+00:00Taking time out for family...... and looking forward to creating a photobook course in 2024<p>
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<a class="blog-title-link blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/taking-time-out-for-family-and-looking-forward-to-2024">Taking time out for family ..... and looking forward to creating a photobook course in 2024</a>
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28/12/2023
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<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-medium " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img20231211-15014455-1-edit_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">remembering summer days © Caroline Fraser</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /> Christmas
has taken most of my energy for the last three weeks. For the first
time in a number of years, both my children and my daughter's family
were staying for Christmas. One from Vancouver, and one from the French
alps.<br /><br />Recent Christmas's have involved long journeys to the
mountains of Canada, and epic organisation by my daughter. This year she
did the travelling, and I did the epic organisation using a large
spreadsheet of days, activities, meals, ingredients and a shopping list.<br /><br />It
worked. We were ten for lunch on Christmas day, preceded by a
pantomime trip on Christmas Eve, and a visit to more family on Boxing
Day. Two cars, three trips around the M25, 16 people for Boxing Day
lunch, and a lot of lego. No snow, no skiing, but some good muddy walks
and lots of meals.<br /><br />I was prepared. The freezer was stuffed, and I
was able to enjoy the few days without having to do endless cooking. I
even did some knitting in the midst of serving Christmas lunch, to
untangle some dropped stitches for my grandson who was entertaining
himself between courses.</div> <h2 class="wsite-content-title"><br /></h2> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-7929_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"></div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />And
now they are all gone. The house is uncannily quiet. The lego is all
cleared away and there is a pile of washing to work through.<br /><br />It
was a very special time. So special that I didn't stop to take a single
photo. Not one. I will have to rely on my memories, and the new
decorations on the Christmas tree, including a brown bear with a fishing
rod, to remind me of my camping trip in Washington state with family
last May. I was the only adult present on our pitch who was able to set
up a fishing rod. That surprised everyone! A childhood spent casting
endlessly on the River Wey was not wasted. I don't remember ever
catching a fish, but that's not really the point.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/6190865-edit-edit_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">I am bird © Caroline Fraser </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br />The
first thing that I did when the house was officially empty was to go
for a walk in the woods. I left OH ( my other half) pondering the puddle
that keeps appearing in the middle of our kitchen floor during the
night ( AAAARGGGHHHH...........), and escaped.<br />I tramped through the mud, passing many dogs and bobble-hatted children.<br /><br />The
low winter sun was just breaking through, and it felt good to be out
and able to think in peace. I filmed things that caught my eye as I
walked; catkins, leaves, birch bark, the stream, the mud, some crows,
bobble-hatted children, and more mud.<br /><br />You can see all of these on my Instagram feed <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1ZilnPogOU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">here</a><br /><br />I
then returned home, ate some more left overs and chucked the remains of
the Yule log into the food waste bin, as there was no one left to eat
it.<br /><br />It was time to get back to my normal life.<br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/the-dive-caroline-fraser-2023_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">The Dive © Caroline Fraser</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br />So
what next for my creative endeavours? I have been working hard on a
book for my FRPS, and am now awaiting feedback, to see whether it is up
to the required standard. Being all about litter on the beach, it is
somewhat unusual, and I don't want to say too much at the moment. Every
time I look at the layout I seem to change it, so I am leaving it alone
for a week or so.<br /><br />The image below is currently 'IN' the draft book.<br /><br />None
of the images work well as stand alone images, which means that the
book structure is vital to bringing them together. It has made me think
about how and why I make images. Working in a series is, for me, more
satisfying than single stand alone images that might be framed. In the
middle of arranging my book I received notice from the Royal
Photographic Society that a book for submission should only contain 20
or 21 images. That threw me somewhat, as I have never before had to work
to a certain number of images <span>when making a book.</span> I am not
sure that I agree with a restriction for this particular submission
format, but will keep going for now. One way or another, a book will
come out of my months of trawling the beach for litter and items washed
up from the sea.<br /><br />I need to move on. I don't want to spend the
rest of my life photographing litter, even if I do keep picking it up. I
am ready for a new chapter.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/petri-caroline-fraser-2023_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Image made with beach litter© caroline fraser 2023</div> </div></div> <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width: 100%;" /> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div> <h2 class="wsite-content-title" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />So what are my plans for 2024?</span></h2> <div class="paragraph"><br />For
2024 I wish to create a photobook course. I have recently been
procrastinating due to my inner demons and lack of confidence. There are
some aspects of learning that are well suited to online learning, and
others that are much better in real life. My challenge for January is to
sit down and work out what is holding me back, so that I can find ways
to overcome the obstacles that I have created in my head. Giving myself a
time frame is helping. By the end of January I will be ready to launch
my prototype course. <br /><br />I don't create courses to make money; I
make them because I really enjoy teaching, and they allow me to share
what I have learned in my photographic journey. One of the top ways to
stay healthy as one gets older is having a sense of purpose; what the
Japanese call <em>Ikigai</em> ( a life purpose, or a reason to get up in
the morning). I enjoy the challenge that creating a course gives. There
is lots of research to do, and thinking about how to best explain
technical elements to participants. As I work out what to teach I have
to keep learning, and this keeps me entertained and contented. Currently
I am working on how to use <a href="https://padlet.com/" target="_blank">Padlet</a> as a platform for my course. Padlet will allow students to share their ideas, research, and to give me feedback on the lessons.<br /><br />The most important page that I have created at the moment is the '<em>stuff I need to learn properly</em>'
page. It is one thing to be able to use software to make books, but
quite another to be confident to help others use it successfully. I am
feeling excited that I have got this far. <br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/screenshot-2023-12-30-at-12-06-23_orig.png" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">padlet page for photobook course </div> </div></div> <span> So,
as you can see, my mind is fully occupied for now. I have a lesson plan
to work through, with a list of tasks to complete before I go live.</span><br /><br />My
first cohort of students will be my guinea pigs. If you are interested
in being part of my test group; a free course in return for honest and
constructive feedback then please contact me<br />(see below). Participation will involve 5-6 sessions spread over 6-8 weeks on Zoom.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">In the meantime I wish you a happy and creative 2024. </span></strong><br />caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-61660244503868624252023-10-21T12:35:00.001+01:002023-10-21T12:35:19.154+01:00How to apply for an artist residency
<div class="blog-separator"> </div>
<div class="blog-content">
<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/cyanotype-prints-carolinefraser-2_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">cyanotype dandelion layered photographic print</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br />So
many people have told me that they wish they could do an artist
residency. And yet they don't know how to get started, and are afraid to
apply.<br />I used to think that I was not a good enough artist to apply
for a residency. I was also afraid of rejection. But nothing ventured,
nothing gained......<br /><br />As artists we have to learn to live with
rejection. This is just another area where perseverance pays off. Only
today I received two emails. One saying that I hadn't been accepted for a
book exhibition in Scotland, and the other saying that I had had an
image accepted for the <a href="https://www.artcan.org.uk/" target="_blank">Artcan</a> christmas card collection. The roller coaster of emotions that comes with being an artist continues!<br /><br />I
was frightened of the application process, and the need to say what you
plan to do whilst away from home. (Away somewhere that you really would
love to be with no distractions from everyday life). I am not good at
planning projects; they tend to emerge gradually when I have time to
play and experiment. So in my applications I have been honest, and have
described how I work in a responsive way to my environment. That
doesn't seem to have been a problem.<br /><br />I would like to encourage
you to be brave, and to go for it. I can honestly say that the
residencies I have done (three now) have been incredibly productive and
happy experiences.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/cyanotype-prints-carolinefraser-3_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">artists sharing stories at Vashon Island residency</div> </div></div> <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height: 30px;"></div> <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Getting started<br /><br /></h2> <div class="paragraph">So how to start?<br /><br />I
applied for my first residency because it was unusual in that it didn't
require me to say what I would do while I was there. Since then I have
learned that not having an idea isn't necessarily a problem. You know
how you work, what your work is about, and how you go about it. With a
little bit of effort you can come up with a plan that fits the place
where you would like to spend some time.<br /><br />This year I went to
Vashon Island residency. It is on Puget Sound, near Seattle. I chose it
because it is near Vancouver, where my family live, and because it was
by the coast, where I create much of my art. I spent a few hours
learning about the area, the local culture, and the native American
history relating to the island. I then put forward a project that said I
would 'respond to the rhythms of the coast, with the native American
word 'Whulge' in mind. '<em><strong>Whulge</strong></em>' means <strong>sea, salt water, ocean or sound. </strong>I
had no idea how I would spend my time there, aside from saying that I
would experiment with cyanotypes and seaweed. I was basically saying
that I would create something relating to the coast and the rhythms of
the sea, which is what most of my work is about. It was sufficiently
open a brief to allow me to go in any direction that I chose. What I
hadn't expected was that I ended up making prints on paper bags from the
local supermarket!<br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/cyanotype-prints-carolinefraser_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">paper bag cyanotypes</div> </div></div> <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Finding a residency<br /><br /></h2> <div class="paragraph">So how to find a residency? And how much does it cost.?<br /><br />Some
residencies are subsidised, and others require you to pay a fee or
apply for a grant to support your time there. Some are vastly
oversubscribed, and others are less well known and easier to get
accepted for. There are hundreds of opportunities out there, but not all
will be suitable for YOU. Some residencies are only open to locals; you
need to check carefully before spending time preparing an application. I
spent two whole days applying to go to Banff Arts Centre, only to be
rejected for reasons that I will never know. It can be a very time
consuming process! So suggest picking just one or two to start with, and
going for ones where you know your style of work is appropriate to the
location. <br /><br />You need to be clear where you would like to go, what
living arrangements you will be happy with, whether the facilities are
right for your needs, and whether the opportunity is open to you. You
also need to know what your budget is, and how long you have to spare.
Three weeks is long enough to find your feet and settle into your work;
anything less will feel very pressured in my experience.<br /><br />Finding a
residency can be by word of mouth, talking to artists that you know, or
by searching platforms that list opportunities. <br /><br />I have used <a href="http://www.resartis.org/en/" target="_blank">Resartis</a> and <a href="http://www.transartists.org/" target="_blank">TransArtists</a> websites, and also follow the hashtags #artistresidency and #residency on Instagram. <br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/screenshot-2023-10-21-at-08-51-38_orig.png" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">a portfolio page created using Artwork Archive</div> </div></div> <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height: 50px;"></div> <h2 class="wsite-content-title">How to apply<br /></h2> <div class="paragraph"><br />The key to success is in making the best application that you are capable of.<br /><br />Having a portfolio of work ready, with good photos or videos is one element. I use <a href="https://www.artworkarchive.com/" target="_blank">Artwork Archive</a> for my inventory, and can easily create a portfolio at short notice that is specifically chosen for the application in mind. <br /><br />You
will usually require a statement about your work, and a proposal for
how you will spend your time. If you are uncertain about any aspect of
the residency, don't be afraid to contact them and ask. Finding good
friends to write references for you is also important. Choose people who
know you well, and you can do them a favour by writing one for them in
return when they need your help.<br /><br />There is a very helpful article on <a href="https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-9-tips-applying-residencies-grants-creative-opportunities" target="_blank">Artsy</a> with
lots of tips for making an application. I am not going to reinvent the
wheel by listing them all here. But you will need time to prepare before
the deadline, so do plan ahead. It always takes longer than you think
to put an application together.<br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/yoga-carolinefraser_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">finding time for yoga at Trelex residency</div> </div></div> <h2 class="wsite-content-title"><br />Resources for applying<br /></h2> <div class="paragraph"><br />Here are some resources to help you get started........<br /><br /><a href="https://artquest.org.uk/how-to-articles/artist-residencies/" target="_blank">ArtQuest</a> guide to artist residencies<br /><br /><a href="https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-9-tips-applying-residencies-grants-creative-opportunities" target="_blank">Artsy</a> ; how to apply for artist residencies<br /><br /><a href="https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/advice-for-finding-attending-and-applying-for-artist-residencies" target="_blank">Artwork Archive</a> guide to finding, attending and applying for artist residencies<br /><br /><br />and finally, you will be so busy on your residency that you may forget to eat......<br /><br />I
will leave you with a shopping list, to remind you to look after
yourself while away. Ice cream cravings became very strong for us all at
Vashon! I made a small book about that very topic.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/yoga-carolinefraser-2_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">artist residency shopping list</div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/ice-cream-colours-carolinefraser_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">ice cream coloured ink patterns</div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/who-spilt-the-ice-cream-caroline-fraser-2023-rfn9i3_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">'who spilt the ice cream?' artist book © Caroline Fraser 2023</div> </div></div>
</div><p> </p>caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-52130508745004216132023-02-28T08:02:00.002+00:002023-02-28T08:02:19.376+00:00Women with Vision Online Photography Conference 2023<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/kXUcOOFR2_g" width="480"></iframe>caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-24445252148871892322023-02-04T14:48:00.004+00:002023-02-04T14:48:37.861+00:00Coping with a creative lull.... and some other stuff from 2022<table class="wsite-not-footer" id="blogTable" style="border: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: 912px;"><tbody><tr><td style="background-color: white; color: #8e8e8e; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" valign="top"><div class="blog-body" id="239411649373832692-blog" style="float: left; width: 628px;"><div id="wsite-content"><div class="blog-post" id="blog-post-841918067219134105" style="position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="blog-header" style="border: none !important; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; width: 628px;"><h2 class="blog-title" style="border: none !important; color: #484848; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px !important;"><a class="blog-title-link blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/on-the-importance-of-taking-a-creative-break" style="color: #8dc7d3; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">Coping with a creative lull.....</a></h2><p class="blog-date" style="float: left; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><span class="date-text" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; font: inherit !important; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;">2/1/2023</span></p><p class="blog-comments" style="float: right; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 4px !important;"><a class="blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/on-the-importance-of-taking-a-creative-break#comments" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">2 Comments</a></p></div><div class="blog-separator" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); clear: both; font-size: 2px; height: 2px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 2px;"> </div><div class="blog-content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: justify;"><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2309_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Cacti in the snow at Red Rock National Park</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />Happy New Near! <br /><br />I wonder if you felt as jaded as I did at the end of 2022?<br />I had lost my creative mojo, and was struggling to remain positive about my creative endeavours.<br /><br />Having launched my <a href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/say-it-with-books---online-course.html" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">online book making cours</a>e, which had taken many hours of work to create, I simply ran out of steam. And then I caught covid (again), which totally knocked any remaining stuffing out of me. <br /><br />My other half (OH) and I travelled to Canada for Christmas, to see our children. When we left I was still recovering. We had a few days in the desert of Arizona because OH thought it would be a warm and sunny place to get over our jet lag before heading north to Vancouver.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2292_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Sedona, Arizona</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br /><br />It turned out to be below freezing much of the time, with snow on the ground. I never thought to see cacti blanketed with snow. My thermal clothes for the mountains of Vancouver came in very handy. A few days later we headed north, to the snowy mayhem of the mountains.<br /><br />We arrived at our daughter's home in Vancouver a few hours before a snowfall of some 12 inches, stepping out the next morning to a winter wonderland, befitting Narnia.<br /><br />OH spent hours clearing the drive with a shovel, as did everyone else in the neighbourhood. Icy driveways and steep hills do not make for a good mix. Canadian law demands that you keep the sidewalk clear of snow outside your home too. <br /><br />For a couple of days we barely ventured out. Larger branches were breaking and falling in the forest due to the weight of snow, which made for anxious walking.<br /><br />Bears in summer...... snow in winter...... that's Canada for you.</div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/carolinefraser2022-2_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">December snow, Vancouver</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/carolinefraser2022_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Beaver Lake, Vancouver</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />Once we could get out, OH and I made a trip downtown to walk at Beaver Lake.<br /><br />I have never seen it frozen before. Low cloud on the ice made it very atmospheric.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2372_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">The beaver dam, Beaver Lake</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />The beaver dam was clearly visible emerging from the icy water.<br /><br /><br />Then the rain came, and washed all the snow away. <br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2584_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Vancouver rain</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />As the days passed, filled with family activities, card games and shared meals, I began to feel more like my usual self. I reflected on the benefits of taking time out from creative practice, to recharge my batteries, and to take the pressure off for a while. <br /><br /></div><h2 class="wsite-content-title" style="color: #484848; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px auto 0.3em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Creative lulls<br /></span></h2><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">Creative lulls are normal; even when fighting fit. Most artists experience them intermittently. <br /><br />They are hard to predict, but often come after a burst of activity. Recognising this, and finding other ways to pass the time is the best way forward in my experience.<br /><br />Before leaving home I had filled my period of recovery from covid with different activities, that didn't require too much effort, but that still had a creative element.<br /><br />Be kind to yourself. Accept the lack of creativity as normal. Spend time with friends, go to the cinema, listen to poetry podcasts, go for walks. I tried all of these.<br /><br />I visited the Tate to see the beautiful '<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CmMkDE3IZXh/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Dead Forest Quipu' sculptures by Cecilia Vicuna</a>. A quipu is an ancient Inca device for recording information using different ways of knotting coloured threads. Words expressed without writing. <br /><br />I found the work an incredibly moving expression of concern for the future of her native forests. It encouraged me to pursue further my work about the coastal environment.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2694_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Cecilia Vicuna at Tate Modern</div></div></div><div class="wsite-spacer" style="height: 50px;"></div><div><div align="center" class="wcustomhtml" id="866520025150440895" style="overflow-y: hidden; width: 628px;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JQfvdV3_GJ0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></div><div class="wsite-spacer" style="height: 50px;"></div><div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 628px;"></div><hr class="styled-hr" style="background-color: #d0d0d0; border: 0pt none; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.13); height: 1px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 628px;" /><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 628px;"></div></div><h2 class="wsite-content-title" style="color: #484848; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px auto 0.3em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A paper bag book</span></h2><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />One evening I learnt how to make a paper bag book, using sandwich bags from the supermarket. This was surprisingly therapeutic. Cutting and sticking is something that feels very calming. <br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2180_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">paper bag book</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />I chose random images from old magazines, coupled with words that felt appropriate. It turned into a book about waiting to feel better, and the colour blue. The subconscious has a lot to answer for.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2179_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;"></div></div></div><span class="imgPusher" style="display: block; float: left; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span style="clear: left; display: table; float: left; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2181_orig.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px solid rgb(208, 208, 208); margin: 10px 10px 10px 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative;" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 13.5px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;">'Feeling Blue' - a paper bag book</span></span><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"></div><hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 628px;" /><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">I enjoyed the ability to hide words inside the openings of the bags, making for a more subtle read.<br /><br /></div><div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 628px;"></div><hr class="styled-hr" style="background-color: #d0d0d0; border: 0pt none; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.13); height: 1px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 628px;" /><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 628px;"></div></div><h2 class="wsite-content-title" style="color: #484848; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px auto 0.3em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Learning on-line</span></h2><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br />I also took a very good online course on creating a cinematic look using colour in photography with <a href="https://www.teresacfreitas.com/personal-work" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Teresa Freitas</a> on the website <a href="https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/2930-photography-with-color-create-a-cinematic-look" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Domestika</a>.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/2930-photography-with-color-create-a-cinematic-look" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/teresa-freitas_orig.jpeg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Architectural study by Teresa Freitas</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br /><br />Teresa uses a pastel, slightly dreamlike colour palette in her photographs, and I really enjoyed understanding the theory behind her images. She discusses the role of colour in cinema, and suggests a number of useful tools for approaching colour when processing images and researching locations. <br /><br />I experimented with some earlier images from Spain, trying to emulate her work. Trying to emulate the work of an artist that you admire is a great way to explore new ideas and techniques. <br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2204_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Cordoba, Spain</div></div></div><div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 628px;"></div><hr class="styled-hr" style="background-color: #d0d0d0; border: 0pt none; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.13); height: 1px; margin: 0px auto; text-align: center; width: 628px;" /><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 628px;"></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br />Whilst abroad I didn't attempt to be creative. And that in itself was a good thing. <br /><br />A complete break. Walking and exploring without intent.<br /><br />A total refresh.<br /><br /></div><span class="imgPusher" style="display: block; float: left; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span style="clear: left; display: table; float: left; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2345_orig.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px solid rgb(208, 208, 208); margin: 10px 10px 10px 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative;" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 13.5px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;">Forest stream, Vancouver</span></span><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"></div><hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 628px;" /><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />And now that we are home again I feel ready to jump back onto that creative bandwagon. I don't know what 2023 will bring, but I am hoping to surprise myself with new ideas and goals. <br /><br />I feel another <a href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/books.html" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">dragon book</a> coming on........ what about you?<br /><br /></div></div><div class="blog-social " style="line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;"><div class="blog-social-item blog-fb-like" style="float: left; margin-right: 33px; position: relative; z-index: 2;"><fb:like action="like" class=" fb_iframe_widget" fb-iframe-plugin-query="action=like&app_id=190291501407&container_width=0&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carolinefraser.org%2F3%2Fpost%2F2023%2F01%2Fon-the-importance-of-taking-a-creative-break.html&layout=button_count&locale=en_US&sdk=joey&share=false&show_faces=false&width=90" fb-xfbml-state="rendered" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/3/post/2023/01/on-the-importance-of-taking-a-creative-break.html" layout="button_count" share="false" show_faces="false" style="display: inline-block; 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visibility: visible; width: 73px;" title="Twitter Tweet Button"></iframe></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="blog-comments-bottom" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 40px;"><a class="blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/on-the-importance-of-taking-a-creative-break#comments" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">2 Comments</a></div><div class="blog-post-separator"></div></div><div class="blog-post" id="blog-post-917189566800780298" style="position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="blog-header" style="border: none !important; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; width: 628px;"><h2 class="blog-title" style="border: none !important; color: #484848; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px !important;"><a class="blog-title-link blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/down-a-rabbit-holeto-the-world-of-the-dragon-book" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">Down a rabbit hole...to the world of the dragon book</a></h2><p class="blog-date" style="float: left; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><span class="date-text" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; font: inherit !important; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;">9/11/2022</span></p><p class="blog-comments" style="float: right; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 4px !important;"><a class="blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/down-a-rabbit-holeto-the-world-of-the-dragon-book#comments" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">1 Comment</a></p></div><div class="blog-separator" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); clear: both; font-size: 2px; height: 2px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 2px;"> </div><div class="blog-content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: justify;"><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dragon-scale-book-caroline-fraser-2022-10_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;"></div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">Do you ever get waylaid when planning a creative activity?<br /><br />Disappear down a creative rabbit hole?<br /><br />I recently fell down a long hole into the world of the dragon scale book. I had not even heard of such a book until recently, but as soon as I saw the structure it spoke to me. I had to give it a go.<br /><br />At the time I was trying to make a book about the forest, wishing to express my mixed feelings about being in the forests of British Columbia where my family live. Love and fear, all mixed up in one. Somehow I hoped to reconcile this by writing some words and making a book.<br /></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">But then I came across the dragon scale book, which is an ancient Chinese book structure, over 1000 years old.<br /><br />I found a video on Youtube that described it.<br /><br />I fell in love.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div align="center" class="wcustomhtml" id="302014680896495408" style="overflow-y: hidden; width: 628px;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uih0x7-pM3c?start=5" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br /><br />I had an idea to make a book with a forest running across the pages, and my words inside.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><span class="imgPusher" style="display: block; float: left; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span style="clear: left; display: table; float: left; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-0004-dragon1-edit.jpg?250" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px solid rgb(208, 208, 208); margin: 10px 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative;" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 13.5px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;">sunlit forest, north vancouver</span></span><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"></div><hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 628px;" /><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">I made a book and chopped up the image above to sit on the edge of the pages.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-0541_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">dragon scale with forest image</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />But the pages felt much too heavy and stiff, and ideally the photo needed to be printed onto the page rather than glued on. I went back to the drawing board and popped up to London to explore different paper options, looking for a much lighter printable paper. I am never disappointed by a trip to <a href="https://store.bookbinding.co.uk/store/" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Shepherds</a> near Victoria station.<br /><br />I found some paper that I liked, at just 85 gsm, but the prospect of trying to break my image down and print it across many pages felt daunting. My printer and I do not see eye to eye over working with non standard paper sizes.<br /><br />So I decided to take a little break and try using Japanese calligraphy ink on the folded pages instead.<br /><br />This felt more appropriate for the structure, and allowed me to opt for an abstract style.<br /></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">I glued around 50 pages in by hand, enjoying the repetitiveness and calmness of the process.<br /><br />I felt excited by the outcome, even if it outwardly had nothing to do with a forest (except that the paper probably came from a forest, and at a stretch the pages could represent trees.....<br />Also I was laying the ink in differing widths on the page as a representation of going into the dark forest......<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/editor/dragon-scale-book-caroline-fraser-2022-1.jpg?1667995913" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;"></div></div></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dragon-scale-book-caroline-fraser-2022-3_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">hand inked pages</div></div></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dragon-scale-book-caroline-fraser-2022-4_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Dragon Book 1 - the completed book.</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />Once it was finished and had been rolled up, it took on a new character, with curly pages that allowed a sculptural arrangement.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><span class="imgPusher" style="display: block; float: left; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span style="clear: left; display: table; float: left; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dragon-scale-book-caroline-fraser-2022-9_orig.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px solid rgb(208, 208, 208); margin: 10px 10px 10px 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative;" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 13.5px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;">hand inked dragon scale book</span></span><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"></div><hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 628px;" /><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />I realised that it was not possible to store flat, and having rolled it, it needed a box.<br /><br />Now that was a whole new project. I ordered some card.<br /><br />I made a dummy box from cardboard, and worked out a template.<br /><br />I then made it three times before I got it right. I accidentally cut off tabs, I made a hole in one fold by creasing too hard, I wasted a lot of money with my mistakes, but I learned a lot.<br />I learned about how to correctly crease and fold card. My life is that exciting.....<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dragon-scale-book-caroline-fraser-2022-7_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;"></div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />But on the third attempt I had a black box with a burnt orange sleeve, just the right size for my book.<br /><br />It felt like a major achievement. Never has so much effort been expended on a box!<br /><br /><br /></div><span class="imgPusher" style="display: block; float: left; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span><span style="clear: left; display: table; float: left; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dragon-scale-book-caroline-fraser-2022-8_orig.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px solid rgb(208, 208, 208); margin: 10px 10px 10px 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative;" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 13.5px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;">the box</span></span><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"></div><hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 628px;" /><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/books.html" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">artist books</a>Now that I have made one dragon book, I can't wait to make more.<br /><br />It might be a forest book, but then again, it might not.<br /><br />The possibilities for different sizes, papers, colours and shapes are exciting. I can't wait to get started.<br /><br />And if you would like to own this one, then please <a href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/store/p36/dragon_book_1_caroline_fraser.html" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">click here</a></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dragon-scale-book-caroline-fraser-2022-5_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;"></div></div></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; 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position: static; visibility: visible; width: 73px;" title="Twitter Tweet Button"></iframe></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="blog-comments-bottom" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 40px;"><a class="blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/down-a-rabbit-holeto-the-world-of-the-dragon-book#comments" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">1 Comment</a></div><div class="blog-post-separator"></div></div><div class="blog-page-nav-previous" style="float: left;"><a class="blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/previous/2" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><<Previous</a></div></div></div></td><td class="blog-sidebar" style="background-color: white; color: #8e8e8e; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-left: 60px; width: 215px;" valign="top"><div class="column-blog" id="239411649373832692-sidebar" style="float: right; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 215px;"><div class="blog-sidebar-separator" style="padding: 0px;"><ul class="columnlist-blog" id="239411649373832692-sidebar-list" style="margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><div></div></ul></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br />caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-33887197709083145702022-03-22T09:28:00.002+00:002022-03-22T09:28:31.775+00:00Trees and tiles in Andalucia<p> </p><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-13_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Alhambra palace, Granada</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />One cricis follow another. The world is currrently turned upside down.<br />Creativity, for many, is influenced by the sadness and worry that the news brings.<br /><br />So
it was a welcome break from reality that took me and my other half (OH)
away to Spain for a few days. I tried hard not to be distracted by the
news, and to enjoy the landscape and history that Andalucia has to
offer. The cities of Cordoba, Granada and Seville.<br /><br />Each has its own beauty. Each has a history of invasions and religious battles.<br />Palaces and castles in stunning settings, alongside expansive places of worship , a meld of muslim and catholic architecture.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-1_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Orange tree, Cordoba</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"> <br /><br />We were lucky to be guided from place by Jimmy; a man with a heart of gold.<br /><br />His
knowledge of the local history was not expansive; but he made up for
this in jokes, tall stories and an ability to park in tight underground
carparks that I have never seen matched.<br /><br />I think his best story was the one of an American lady who had never seen a night sky full of stars before.<br /><br />She asked Jimmy '<em>Are the stars closer to Spain than New York</em>'?<br /><br /><br /><br />OH and Jimmy competed in their knowledge of historical facts; they were well matched.<br /><br />We visited the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolmen_of_Menga" target="_blank">Dolmen of Menga</a> site at Antequera; a megalithic burial site. <br />I
forgot to take any photos..... imagine a few enormous stones in the
side of a large hill.... difficult to photograph in any meaningful way. <br /><br />I
was more struck by the Chinaberry tree in the car park, set against the
most vivid blue sky. A masked woman sweeping up the berries to keep the
car park tidy. I cannot imagine a similar scene in the UK, and in times
to come it will remind me of the pandemic.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-5_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Sweeping up Chinaberry tree berries in Antequera</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />In fact, it was interesting to see what I did photograph in the few days that we were away.<br /><br />Being
'on tour' is very different from being away by myself with no
constraints on time or place. We had a very busy trip and walked miles
every day. I carried one very small camera, and mostly used my phone for
photographs, so I was definitely 'snapping'.<br /><br />Jimmy was very surprised when I declined to photograph my churros and chocolate in a famous cafe in Granada.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-2_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Seville oranges</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"> <br /><br />I enjoyed the trees, especially the heavily laden Seville orange trees. They are marmalade oranges; very bitter to eat.<br /><br />The tightly controlled cypress trees in Cordoba were strange and dramatic.<br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-11_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Topiary trees, Royal Alacazar palace, Cordoba</div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-19_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Topiary trees, Royal Alacazar palace, Cordoba</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-18_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">The garden at the Royal Alacazar Palace, Cordoba</div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin: 0 -15px;"> <table class="wsite-multicol-table"> <tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> <tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> <td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="padding: 0 15px; width: 50%;"> <div class="paragraph"></div> <br /></td> <td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="padding: 0 15px; width: 50%;"> <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height: 50px;"></div> <br /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div></div></div> <div class="paragraph">I
am often struck by the act of pollarding, both in London and here in
Cordoba. You can just spot some lemons hanging over the wall in the
photo below.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-22_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">two more trees clipped almost to oblivion</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />Outside the palace gardens was a more wintry scene, but elegant palm trees ascended towards the sky.<br /><br /><br /></div> <span class="imgPusher" style="float: left; height: 0px;"></span><span style="clear: left; display: table; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-4_orig.jpg" style="border-width: 0; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; max-width: 100%;" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 90%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;">Outside the city wall, Cordoba</span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="display: block;"></div> <hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 100%;" /> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />In Seville the oranges were gathered up into a skip to keep the pavements tidy.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-10_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"></div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />The
other striking thing that I loved about our city visits was the colour
and geometry of the tiles adorning the palace walls and floors.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-12_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">tiles of Andalucia</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-6_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"></div> </div></div> <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height: 50px;"></div> <span class="imgPusher" style="float: left; height: 0px;"></span><span style="clear: left; display: table; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-21_orig.jpg" style="border-width: 0; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; max-width: 100%;" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 90%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;"></span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="display: block;"></div> <hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 100%;" /> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-20_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"></div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />There is something very calming about the cool colors and geometry of tile patterns lit by spring sunlight.<br /><br />We
enjoyed our days very much. Perhaps one too many castles for me, but
the thousands of olive trees in the local fields and the typical local
towns were a welcome break from the UK.<br /><br />The highlight was definitely the cool interior of the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba with its myriad of columns.<br /><br />An awe inspiring space that has stayed in my memory since I last visited about 40 years ago.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-15_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Mosque -Cathedral of Cordoba</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />Our flight home was delayed by a day, so we had an unexpected trip to Madrid.<br /><br />I dragged OH to the <a href="https://www.museothyssen.org/en" target="_blank">Thyssen-Bornemiszna</a> National Museum to see some art. We were tired, and wanting to get home after walking around Madrid carrying our valuables.<br /><br />It
was all a bit overwhelming and busy. But one work stopped me in my
tracks and made it all worthwhile. A Rothko, in maroon and green. <br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-17_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Untitled (Green on Maroon) by Rothko 1961</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"> <br /><br />It made me want to paint.<br /><br />More about that another day, perhaps.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I will leave you with an image of Antequera, the lovely peaceful town where we stayed. <br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-9_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Antequera, Spain</div> </div></div> <br />caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0Andalusia, Spain37.5442706 -4.72775289.2340367638211518 -39.8840028 65.854504436178843 30.4284972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-4551087515340684102022-01-03T17:34:00.003+00:002022-01-03T17:34:25.327+00:00Under a Cold North Sky - a book of snow and ice<p><br /></p>
<div class="blog-separator"> </div>
<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dsf1844-icecrop4-2by3-2-edit_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />Long dark winter months, with an absence of the usual diversions.<br /><br />Trying to keep busy. These have not been easy days for many. A short interlude for Christmas, and then back to very quiet times.<br /><br />Covid days.<br /><br />Time to make a book. Always a happy diversion.<br /><br />This one was created for the Instagram <a href="https://www.editions.studio/areyoubookenough" target="_blank">#areyoubookenough challenge</a> on the topic of frozen. The challenge was started in 2017 by the book artist <a href="https://www.inkandawl.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Maker</a>, and brings together book artists from all around the world.<br /><br />I have many images of snow and ice, and many happy memories of trips north, so the topic of 'frozen' had instant appeal.<br /><br />A dive into my hard drive seemed like a good a place to start. <br /><br />I searched for 'ice' and 'snow'. Up popped many images that are long forgotten. <br /><br />Images from Iceland, Greenland, Finland, Yukon and Norway. Some of the places that I am missing the most.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Firstly,
a small fragment of ice from Disko Bay. Ice that has made its way down a
glacier, and then broken into fragments as it fall into the icy water
of Disko Bay; an iceberg graveyard.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dsf1844-icecrop4-2by3_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Greenlandic ice fragment</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />Crystals of watery ice from a glacier.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dsf1851-edit-icecrop-2by3-2_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">glacial ice formation</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />Broken ice from a grassy puddle. This from Lofoten, where I was attracted by the texture of the snow crushed grass.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/m1a2337_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Grassy ice puddle</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br />There are tiny fragments, and wide views. It is the juxtaposition of scale that I enjoyed when making this book.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/m1a2687_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Lofoten mountains</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />Initially I printed out many small images.<br />I then experimented with different combinations and juxtapositions.<br />Some images were rejected, as they didn't work with the others, or were just too ambiguous.<br /><br />Icy reflections from Disko Bay were tempting to include, but the water was not actually frozen, so these were rejected.<br /><br /></div><div class="paragraph"><br /></div><div class="paragraph"><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/m1a1333-2_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Icy water in Disko Bay</div><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"> </div><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"> </div><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"> </div><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"> </div><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"> </div><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"> </div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-medium " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-7242_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">mini prints for layout experiments </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /> </div><div class="paragraph"> </div><div class="paragraph">For the start of the book I chose images of snow falling at night, and a lump of ice. The raw elements of icy landscapes.<br /><br />I
remember vividly standing under a lampost in Finland capturing snow
falling in the early evening, the snow lit by the artificial light;
blowing around wildly in the wind.<br /></div><div class="paragraph"></div><div class="paragraph"></div><div class="paragraph"></div><div class="paragraph"></div><div class="paragraph"></div><div class="paragraph"><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/p1181901-2by3-2_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">falling snow </div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dsf1844-icecrop4-2by3_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">glacial ice </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />Then I moved through gradually larger landscapes, trying to find pairings that complemented each other.<br /><br />Grass and ice. <br /><br />Black on white, white on black.<br /><br /><br /></div> <span class="imgPusher" style="float: right; height: 0px;"></span><span style="clear: right; display: table; float: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/f692f3d0-2833-4715-baeb-3efe6aa684d8_orig.jpg" style="border-width: 0; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; max-width: 100%;" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 90%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;"> </span></span> <hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 100%;" /> <span class="imgPusher" style="float: right; height: 0px;"></span><span style="clear: right; display: table; float: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/ca86d01a-4c4f-4c63-ac02-f34d05518080_orig.jpg" style="border-width: 0; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; max-width: 100%;" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 90%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;"></span></span> <hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 100%;" /> <div class="paragraph">A 'landscape' of ice crystals on snow beside a tree in a field. <br /><br /><br />The
images are printed on bamboo paper 110gsm, made into a concertina. The
hard cover is covered with a Lotka polka dot paper in black and white.
Lotka paper is Nepalese, and is easy to fold around the cover of a book.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-7219_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">'Under a Cold North Sky' - concertina book</div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-7220_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">'Under a Cold North Sky' - front cover </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />I
don't know when spontaneous travel will be possible again. My plans to
return northwards in February are very likely to be thwarted.<br /><br />But as soon as I am able, I will be heading in that direction once more.</div><div class="paragraph"> </div><div class="paragraph">You can see a slideshow of all the images <a href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog">here </a><br /></div> <div> <div class="wslide" id="177031441810276449-slideshow"><table class="wslide-main"><tbody><tr><td class="wslide-link-cell"><div class="wslide-links disable-user-select wslide-links-left wslide-thumbnail-links" style="height: 415px; width: 75px;"><div class="wslide-links-inner" style="top: 0px;"><table><tbody><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail wslide-link-active"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr><tr><td><a class="wslide-link wslide-link-thumbnail"><div class="wslide-link-inner1"><div class="wslide-link-inner2"><br /></div></div></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></td><td><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /></div>caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-51843603985791461332021-11-18T18:51:00.003+00:002021-11-18T18:51:40.703+00:00Salt marsh and sea water - a bit of psychogeography<table class="wsite-not-footer" id="blogTable" style="border: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: 912px;"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><div class="blog-body" id="239411649373832692-blog" style="float: left; width: 628px;"><div id="wsite-content"><div class="blog-post" id="blog-post-935055193916809265" style="position: relative; zoom: 1;"><div class="blog-header" style="border: none !important; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; width: 628px;"><h2 class="blog-title" style="border: none !important; color: #484848; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px !important;"><a class="blog-title-link blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/salt-marsh-and-sea-water-a-bit-of-psychogeography" style="color: #8dc7d3; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">Salt marsh and sea water - a bit of psychogeography</a></h2><p class="blog-date" style="float: left; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><span class="date-text" style="color: rgb(142, 142, 142) !important; cursor: pointer; float: left; font: inherit !important; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;">18/11/2021</span></p><p class="blog-comments" style="float: right; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 4px !important;"><a class="blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/salt-marsh-and-sea-water-a-bit-of-psychogeography#comments" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">0 Comments</a></p></div><div class="blog-separator" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); clear: both; font-size: 2px; height: 2px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 2px;"> </div><div class="blog-content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: justify;"><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/saltwatersky.html" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/salt-water-sky-6-caroline-fraser_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">from the series 'Salt, Water, Sky'</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br /><br />I took a course recently in psychogeography with the <a href="https://www.oca.ac.uk/" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Open College of the Arts</a>.<br /><br /><em style="position: relative;"><strong>Psychogeography</strong> ? </em>I hear you ask.... what on earth is that?<br /><br />Not exactly what I thought it was, it turns out!<br /><br />I had visions of exploring my feelings and thoughts in relation to my photography, but it turns out to be a lot more complex than that. A lot more historical, political and sociological than I imagined.<br /><br />So first, let's get the definitions out of the way.<br /><br />First, from Guy Debord, who first described his urban explorations in 1955 as<br /><br /><em style="position: relative;"><span style="color: #818181;">'the study of the precise laws and specific effects of the geographical environment, consciously organised or not, on the emotions and behaviour of individuals'<br /><br /><br /></span></em><span style="color: #818181;"><br />Hmmmmmm- already the language is getting a bit heavy........</span><em style="position: relative;"><span style="color: #818181;"><br /><br /><br /></span></em></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">Secondly, a little video from Will Self, who describes psychogeography as;<br /><br /><em style="position: relative;">'a whole toybox full of playful, inventive strategies for exploring cities....just about anything that takes pedestrians off their predictable paths and jolts them into a new awareness of the urban landscape'.<br /><br /></em>That is a bit more digestible.</div><div><div align="center" class="wcustomhtml" id="287116820322865260" style="overflow-y: hidden; width: 628px;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yPqTCKtbBBA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">,, <br /><br /><br />We were asked to wander, in an unplanned direction. To take note of what we saw, and to record using photographs, video, sound recordings or any other means that we chose. <br /><br />I started the course in Vancouver, so wandered the suburban streets, turning alternately left and right as I descended towards the city.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6243_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">North Vancouver streets</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />I noticed a number of themes that grabbed my attention, but the most powerful was that of the local waterways and a consideration for the environment for local fish.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6249_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">local school children create a river of dreams and learn about fish habitat.</div></div></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6258_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">creating awareness of wastewater's impact on local fish habitat</div></div></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6263_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">your waste water - my habitat.....</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />It seems that even in the city I am drawn to themes around water, and seek out havens of tranquility. I strolled down mosquito creek, hidden between the suburban houses.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/9162335-edit-edit_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Reflections, Mosquito Creek, Vancouver</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />I could have gone down the road of 'the naming of Canadian streets after men, battles and golf courses in England', but decided to leave that subject well alone. <br /><br />For another day perhaps....<br /></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"> <br /><br />And then suddenly, my trip was over, and I was back in the UK.<br /><br />Traditionally psychogeography is an offshoot of city wandering; getting out of one's comfort zone.<br /><br />But I do not thrive in cities, so I decided to continue my project on the banks of the River Rother in Rye.<br /><br />I chose a part of the river that I had never explored before; the salt marsh and river bank between Rye and Camber Sands.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6496_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Salt marsh and the River Rother</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br /><br />I stuck to my theme of water quality, and then it all turned a bit murky......<br /><br />I was delving into the muddy waters of plastic and sewage pollution of our rivers and beaches.<br /><br /><a href="https://strandliners.org/" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">I joined the Strandliners for a beach survey</a> of microplastics.</div><div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div><div class="imageGallery" id="214471396624395783-gallery" style="line-height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 634.266px;"><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="214471396624395783-imageContainer0" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 316.812px;"><div id="214471396624395783-insideImageContainer0" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 230.109px; position: relative; width: 306.812px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6697_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery214471396624395783]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6697.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: 0px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: -89.4844px; width: 306.812px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="214471396624395783-imageContainer1" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 316.812px;"><div id="214471396624395783-insideImageContainer1" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 230.109px; position: relative; width: 306.812px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6694_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery214471396624395783]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6694.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: 0px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: -89.4844px; width: 306.812px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="214471396624395783-imageContainer2" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 316.812px;"><div id="214471396624395783-insideImageContainer2" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 230.109px; position: relative; width: 306.812px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6691_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery214471396624395783]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6691.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: 0px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: -89.4844px; width: 306.812px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="214471396624395783-imageContainer3" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 316.812px;"><div id="214471396624395783-insideImageContainer3" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 230.109px; position: relative; width: 306.812px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6689_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery214471396624395783]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6689.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: 0px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: -89.4844px; width: 306.812px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><span style="clear: both; display: block; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span></div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />We found biobeads ( filtration beads discharged from sewage treatment plants by Southern Water) and nurdles ( the raw material for plastic production) in their hundreds.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-6776_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">thousands of biobeads on the beach at Camber Sands from sewage outages by Southern Water</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"> <br /><br />All of these issues were having a neagtive effect on my psychological status. I discovered a new word to describe the problem '<em style="position: relative;"><strong>Solastalgia</strong></em>' - a form of emotional distress caused by environmental change.<br /><br />Going out with the Strandliners was a real help ; meeting like minded locals and feeling that I was doing something positive made all the difference.<br /><br />I decided on a way forward for my project that would bring me out of the doom and gloom.<br /><br />I would look at the dark and light sides of my locality, for a project '<em style="position: relative;"><strong>Shore - in darkness and light</strong></em>'.<br /><br /><br /><br />For the light side I would create colourful multiple exposure images from the salt marsh to convey the positive effects of nature.</div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/salt-water-sky-1-caroline-fraser_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Salt, Water, Sky - multiple exposure from the salt marsh</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />For the dark side, I created a series of images of the pollutants in the environment.<br /><br /><br />Wet wipes, tampons, plastic toys and coffee cup lids.</div><div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div><div class="imageGallery" id="513028485690686652-gallery" style="line-height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 634.266px;"><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="513028485690686652-imageContainer0" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 211.078px;"><div id="513028485690686652-insideImageContainer0" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 201.078px; position: relative; width: 201.078px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/1011067-edit-edit_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery513028485690686652]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/1011067-edit-edit.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: 0px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 201.078px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="513028485690686652-imageContainer1" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 211.078px;"><div id="513028485690686652-insideImageContainer1" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 201.078px; position: relative; width: 201.078px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2768-edit-3_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery513028485690686652]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2768-edit-3.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: 0px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 201.078px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="513028485690686652-imageContainer2" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 211.078px;"><div id="513028485690686652-insideImageContainer2" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 201.078px; position: relative; width: 201.078px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/a220865-edit-edit-edit-edit_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery513028485690686652]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/a220865-edit-edit-edit-edit.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: 0px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 201.078px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><span style="clear: both; display: block; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span></div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />items washed up on the salt marsh<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div><div class="imageGallery" id="119724734488084060-gallery" style="line-height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 634.266px;"><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="119724734488084060-imageContainer0" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 211.078px;"><div id="119724734488084060-insideImageContainer0" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 150.797px; position: relative; width: 201.078px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dscf2780_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery119724734488084060]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dscf2780.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: -12.6406px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 226.344px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="119724734488084060-imageContainer1" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 211.078px;"><div id="119724734488084060-insideImageContainer1" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 150.797px; position: relative; width: 201.078px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dscf2759_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery119724734488084060]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dscf2759.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: -12.6406px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 226.344px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="119724734488084060-imageContainer2" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 211.078px;"><div id="119724734488084060-insideImageContainer2" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 150.797px; position: relative; width: 201.078px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dscf2772_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery119724734488084060]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/dscf2772.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: -12.6406px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 226.344px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><span style="clear: both; display: block; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span></div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"> <br /><br />I supported <a href="https://www.sas.org.uk/" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Surfers against Sewage</a> and wrote to my local MP about the environment bill and sewage outages. I got a feeble reply, saying that it was too expensive to stop storm overflows by water companies. But the tide of public opinion is turning and is really making a difference. <br /><br /><br /></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">It has been an interesting experience looking at a locality from new perspectives.<br /><br />The language of psychogeography was a bit impenetrable, but I have found some new tools to express my thoughts on the landscape, and met some very interesting people, as far away as Australia.<br /><br />Now to decide what to do next............. a book perhaps.........<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #8e8e8e; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; height: 20px; overflow: hidden;"></div><div class="imageGallery" id="931229875571048835-gallery" style="background-color: white; color: #8e8e8e; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 634.266px;"><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="931229875571048835-imageContainer0" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 316.812px;"><div id="931229875571048835-insideImageContainer0" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 306.812px; position: relative; width: 306.812px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/salt-water-sky-3-caroline-fraser_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery931229875571048835]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/salt-water-sky-3-caroline-fraser.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: 0px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 306.812px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="931229875571048835-imageContainer1" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 316.812px;"><div id="931229875571048835-insideImageContainer1" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 306.812px; position: relative; width: 306.812px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/salt-water-sky-2-caroline-fraser_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery931229875571048835]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/salt-water-sky-2-caroline-fraser.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: 0px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 306.812px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="931229875571048835-imageContainer2" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 316.812px;"><div id="931229875571048835-insideImageContainer2" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 306.812px; position: relative; width: 306.812px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/salt-water-sky-4-caroline-fraser_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery931229875571048835]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/salt-water-sky-4-caroline-fraser.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: 0px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 306.812px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><div class="fullwidth-mobile" id="931229875571048835-imageContainer3" style="float: left; margin: 0px; width: 316.812px;"><div id="931229875571048835-insideImageContainer3" style="margin: 5px; position: relative;"><div class="galleryImageHolder" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 306.812px; position: relative; width: 306.812px;"><div class="galleryInnerImageHolder"><a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/salt-water-sky-5-caroline-fraser_orig.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery931229875571048835]" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img class="galleryImage" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/salt-water-sky-5-caroline-fraser.jpg" style="border: 0px; left: 0px; max-width: none; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 306.812px;" /></a></div></div></div></div><span style="clear: both; display: block; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br />caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-48099321038646047842021-09-30T18:11:00.003+01:002021-09-30T18:11:38.378+01:00Caroline Fraser - a movie by Alisdair Kitchen for Rye Arts festival digital fringe<div class="blog-header" style="background-color: white; border: none !important; color: #8e8e8e; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px !important; width: 628px;"><h2 class="blog-title" style="border: none !important; color: #484848; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 0px !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px !important;"><a class="blog-title-link blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/caroline-fraser-the-movie" style="color: #8dc7d3; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">Caroline Fraser- the movie</a></h2><p class="blog-date" style="float: left; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;"><span class="date-text" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; font: inherit !important; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;">30/9/2021</span></p><p class="blog-comments" style="float: right; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 4px !important;"><a class="blog-link" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/an-ordinary-life-blog/caroline-fraser-the-movie#comments" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">0 Comments</a></p></div><div class="blog-separator" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); clear: both; color: #8e8e8e; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 2px; height: 2px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 2px;"> </div><div class="blog-content" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #8e8e8e; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: justify;"><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/m1a5468_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Alisdair Kitchen filming Caroline Fraser through a bush....</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />I was asked to make a movie. About my art practice.<br />This request came out of the blue, from a film maker <a href="https://www.alisdairkitchen.com/documentary" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Alisdair Kitchen</a>, who was appointed by <a href="https://box-office.ryeartsfestival.org.uk/sales/2021/50th-annual-festival/digital-fringe" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" target="_blank">Rye Arts Festival Digital Fringe</a>.<br /><br />I did not know of him, but liked what I saw on his website very much; he has worked with opera singers and is himself a musician. His style appealed to me, so I said 'yes'.<br /><br />We arranged to spend a day together, in my studio and out on location.<br /><br />My main worry was what to wear. I am clearly vainer than I realised.....<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/m1a5575_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">A rusty boat at Rye Harbour</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />We talked in the studio, and he watched me sewing a book. The notice board and windowsill featured highly; Alisdair liked the wind blowing papers around. I admired his setup, and realised that I would probably never make a video again.....<br /><br />Then we were off to Rye Harbour. <br /><br />A visual desert for my type of photography. Old buildings and boats. Way out of my normal comfort zone. <br /><br />I walked, he followed. I wondered why I had forgotten a belt to hold my trousers up. <br />I felt acutely self conscious.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/m1a5512_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Seagull. Rye Harbour</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />I saw a seagull on a chimney. <br /><br />Some cracked mud.<br /><br />I pretended to take photos.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/m1a5521-edit_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">parched earth, Rye Harbour</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />But mostly I saw Alisdair, and felt so self conscious that I snapped wildy at anything that I passed. This was for show; except that it was not.<br /><br />Alisdair decided that photos I took were to end up in the film. I was not keen on this idea; I don't make images when being followed closely by a cameraman. I like to be alone, quiet, getting into a rhythm by walking and thinking.</div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/m1a5585_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">The film maker at work</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />The harder I tried, the worse it felt. Alisdair was happy because he was outside, and the wind was blowing my hair.... seems he likes wind.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><a style="color: #5199a8; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/m1a5589_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a><div style="font-size: 13.5px;">Old railway shed, Rye Harbour</div></div></div><div class="paragraph" style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><br /><br />But I should not have worried.<br /><br />Because Alisdair is a pro. The film that he made is gentle and beautiful.<br /><br />Out of all the nonsense that I talked, he picked out the key elements of my story, and put them together in a way that I feel is completely true to my practice.<br /><br />You can watch it here......<br /><br /></div><div><div align="left" class="wcustomhtml" id="377280879256105761" style="overflow-y: hidden; width: 628px;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/607225675?h=510c4aeb6e" width="640"></iframe><p style="line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/607225675" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">Caroline Fraser, photographer</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/alisdairkitchen" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">Alisdair Kitchen</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/" style="color: #5199a8; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;">Vimeo</a>.</p></div></div></div>caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-48074306298355579492021-06-04T12:37:00.003+01:002021-06-04T12:37:48.534+01:00Walking with Fay and Ted - a touch of writer's block on a writer's retreat in Yorkshire<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-1_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Poetry by Ted Hughes and photography by Fay Godwin </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br />I wanted to get away. Somewhere different. To see some new scenery.<br /><br />Somewhere with hills.<br /><br />So where better that Lumb Bank, for a writer's retreat with the <a href="https://www.arvon.org/" target="_blank">Arvon Foundation</a>. Five days of peace. To write.<br /><br />Or not, as the case may be.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-2_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Lumb Bank, Yorkshire </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />Lumb bank is the former home of <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/ted-hughes" target="_blank">Ted Hughes, the poet</a>. His wife, <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/sylvia-plath" target="_blank">Sylvia Plath</a> is buried in the graveyard just up the road. <a href="https://www.onlandscape.co.uk/2011/01/master-photographer-fay-godwin/" target="_blank">Fay Godwin,</a>
the legendary landscape photographer, and Ted Hughes created a book
together 'Remains of Elmet'. Ted Hughes wrote poems in response to
photographs by Fay Godwin.<br /><br />I found the book in the library and was taken by the words and images describing the local landscape.<br /><br />I felt sure I would find inspiration here.<br /><br />With a view like this what could go wrong?<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-3_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">The view from Lumb Bank garden</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />My fellow companions were writers in ernest.<br /><br />Autofiction,
a comic travel novel, a wellness book and the story of a goldfish on
adventures in the Gulf of Mexico were all being worked upon seriously
and diligently.<br /><br />I felt a fraud. I was really there for the scenery.<br />I tried to write.<br /><br />I really did.<br /><br />I wrote some 'morning pages' every day before so much as a cup of tea passed my lips.<br /><br />I
wrote some 'breakfast pages' too. Mainly about how I was not really
enjoying breakfast 'in my room'. Something to do with covid...... and
featuring a banana and a soggy croissant wrapped in plastic.<br /><br />After recording my daily temperature......taken by me, myself and I, I set to work.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-3-2_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">covid daily temperature chart</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />I sat at my tiny writing table with its puritanical hard wood chair, and tried to write.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-3-3_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">a writing table </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />If in doubt. Go for a walk. That is my motto.<br /><br />Something always comes from walking, even if it is just a calmer frame of mind.<br /><br />So I loaded up my OS map onto my phone, and away I went.<br /><br />Up hill and down dale. Along the Rochdale canal and up onto the moor.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-13_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">up on the moor, following the Pennine Way</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />I talked to cows and sheep.<br /><br />Stepped in bog.<br /><br />Walked by lush, peaty rivers.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-10-4_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">moorland sheep</div> </div></div> <span class="imgPusher" style="float: left; height: 0px;"></span><span style="clear: left; display: table; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" height="640" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-19.jpg?250" style="border-width: 0; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; max-width: 100%;" width="640" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 90%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;"></span></span> <hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 100%;" /> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-11_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">ancient stone path </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph">I strolled by the Rochdale canal.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-22_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">towpath, Rochdale canal, with dog.</div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-21_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">back yards beside the rochdale canal</div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-23_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Rochdale Canal </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />And then, when I was completely exhausted, I tried to write.<br /><br />I learned a lot about writer's block. I read self help books for writers.<br />I felt frustrated.<br />I went for more walks.<br /><br />I got my typewriter out.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-10-5_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Olympia Splendid typewriter</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />Eventually I gave up trying and instead made a book about writer's block. The cutting, typing and sewing were very therapeutic.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-10-6_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">artist book - writer's block</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />Having
completed that, I allowed myself to give up trying to write, and to
spend my remaining day beside the river, in the damp beech forest, and
watching cherry blossom drift by on the Rochdale Canal.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There is a moral to this tale......<br /><br />Creativity
cannot be forced...... it comes when it is ready, and while I can work
at it daily, first and foremost I need to feed my soul .<br /><br />I had a wonderful time. And if nothing more comes of it, then at least I am refreshed and ready for my next adventure.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-blog-10-2_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">wild garlic and beeches </div> </div></div> <span style="color: #626262; font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">'<br /><br />In wild places<br /></span></em></span><br /><em>I went on a ‘writer’s retreat’.<br />To Hebden Bridge; the home of Ted Hughes.<br /><br />But really, all that I wanted to do was to see some hills and green fields,<br />running water and moors.<br /><br />To step out in a different landscape,<br />climb on boggy paths and feel the wind on my face.<br /><br />I needed to walk beside rivers and streams;<br />to leave my footprints once more upon the Pennine Way.<br /><br />I didn’t write.<br />No words came.<br /><br />Instead I walked<br />and walked,<br />and walked some more.<br /><br />There, in those wild places,<br />I was reunited<br />with my true self.</em><br /><p> </p>caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-53685841142837000502021-04-10T13:21:00.001+01:002021-04-10T13:22:27.926+01:00 On feathers - words and images in response to a pre-covid photograph <p><br /></p>
<div class="blog-separator"> </div>
<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a class="w-fancybox" href="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/edited/dawn-flight-ua1oua.jpeg"> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/published/dawn-flight-ua1oua.jpeg?1617896804" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Dawn Flight, Camber Sands 2019</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />I belong to the 'photo and text' group of <a href="https://www.londonphotography.org.uk/upcoming/feed-3/" target="_blank">London Independent Photography.</a><br />A group for photographers who also enjoy words, and who value the added meaning that text can bring.<br /><br />At
our last meeting we agreed to respond with words and/or images to a
photograph that I made on a balmy summer's morning in the pre-covid
days. <br /><br />Gulls at dawn, on a gentle high tide. A double exposure with a feather filling the sky.<br /><br />I
decided to respond with words and new photos in the form of a poem. The
following words and images are my thoughts and reflections.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div class="paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="color: #515151; font-size: large;">Dawn flight</span><br /><br /><span><span style="color: black;">A photograph;</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">gulls drifting and rising</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">calling and falling over</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">waves stilled in the windless air.</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">A peachy morning glow<br /></span></span></div> <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height: 50px;"></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser2021-1010479_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Feather | Caroline Fraser 2021</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span><span style="color: black;">A feather....</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="color: black;">its quill still,<br />(no writing today)</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">emerges skywards </span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">from its silica bed.</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">Battered and torn,</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">no longer worn.</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">A feather re-fresh.</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">Self maintenance, gull style.</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">The pre-breeding molt.<br /></span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">A delicate descent</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">of plumage</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">from sky to sand.</span></span><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser2021-2_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"></div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><span><span style="color: black;">Does it hurt when they fall?<br />Why do we never see the descent?</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span><span style="color: black;">How many feathers are needed for a bird to fly?</span></span><br /><br /><i><span style="color: black;">‘The work of <a href="https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/auk/v053n02/p0159-p0169.pdf" target="_blank">feather counting</a> is tedious and exacting, and yields small result relative to the labour involved</span><span style="color: black;">’</span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="color: black;">In 1932 <a href="https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/auk/v049n04/p0461-p0461.pdf" target="_blank">Phoebe Knappen</a> counted 11,903 feathers on an adult female mallard.</span></i><br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser2021_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">feather detail | Caroline Fraser 2021</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><span><span style="color: black;">Rachis and vane.</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">Calamus and barbule.</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">(I am learning the words all over again).</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">Ripped and contorted by the roll and clatter</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">of pebbles on a spring tide,</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">lying in repose amongst fragments </span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">tossed landwards from the deep.</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">The exquisite curls of downy barbs</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">lie abutted as if trees on a windswept hill.</span></span><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser2021-1010478_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">beach debris | Caroline Fraser | 2021</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><span><span style="color: black;">I counted five feathers as I strolled</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">with the photograph in mind</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">The average gull has 5000.</span></span><br /><span><span style="color: black;">Where are the rest?</span></span><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser2021-1010488_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">gull feather | Caroline Fraser | 2021</div> </div></div> <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width: 100%;" /> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div> <br /><br />Thank you for reading...... it has been a while.... I think covid recovery took longer than I realised. <br /><br />I
could add some comments about home life and how my other half has
turned very unexpectedly into a model railway enthusiast, but you
probably don't want to know the finer details of track laying and the
correct angles for smooth running of railway curves.....<br /><br />I
insisted that he purchase a name sign for his station. I wait with bated
breath; the choices are endless. It's a big decision. Suggestions
welcome.<br /><br />Watch this space.....<br /><br /><br /><br />caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-2448839053640768882021-02-07T15:19:00.004+00:002021-02-08T08:40:38.359+00:00Lockdown life and a spot of Covid<p>
</p><div class="blog-body" id="239411649373832692-blog" style="float: left;">
<div id="wsite-content"><div class="blog-post" id="blog-post-768651189979108516"><div class="blog-separator"> </div>
<div class="blog-content">
<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2964_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> </div></div> <div class="paragraph">So I have caught it..... despite being about as careful as it is possible to be without shielding.<br /><br />I
am now a covid survivor, for which I am grateful. OH ( my other half
can also claim this accolade). He caught it from me after I kissed him
before I knew for sure that I had it..... we had had an argument, and it
felt very important to kiss and make up.....<br /><br />It was unpleasant. I am still recovering 4 weeks later.<br />But I am back walking in the woods and up and down my local streets when the mud gets too unbearable.<br /><br />I
have struggled to focus on any one task; vascillating between writing,
drawing and making books. I have decided that just doing something is
better than nothing, and not to put too much pressure on myself for
outcomes.<br /><br />I have been talking with other artists and the advice seems to be '<i>just do something..... it will always lead to something else.....</i>.'<br /><br />Writing
this blog has felt impossible until now. Today I feel that if I can
just get some words down, then I will be back on the road to a regular
post.<br /><br />So here goes.......<br /><br />I have been following a new diary format as suggested by Lynda Barry in her book '<a href="https://drawnandquarterly.com/author/lynda-barry" target="_blank">Syllabus</a>', as a way to draw without feeling inhibited.<br /><br /><br /></div> <span class="imgPusher" style="float: left; height: 0px;"></span><span style="clear: left; display: table; float: left; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/screen-shot-2021-02-07-at-14-14-22_orig.png" style="border-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 10px 10px 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 3px;" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 90%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;"></span></span> <hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 100%;" /> <div class="paragraph"><br />Having
to make a tiny diary drawing daily about something that I had seen is a
great visual trigger for the excitements of lockdown life. The diary
somehow feels much more alive with a few drawings thrown in.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-3171_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />Firstly,
and most importantly, some advice. Don't try and do too much when
recovering from Covid, even when you think it seems like a good idea at
the time.<br /><br />One minute I had the hedge trimmer in my hand to tidy a
small bush that OH declined to touch, and the next I was trying to trim
the whole of one side of the garden. The hedge trimmer felt more heavy
than I can explain, and after a few minutes my arm was shaking , my
fingers were not working and I was wiped out.<br /><br />I have only myself to blame. It took several days to recover.<br /><br />So a daily drawing has been substitued as part of my '<i>take it gently</i>' regime.<br /><br />Here is yesterday's effort. As you can see, I have a very naive style.</div><div class="paragraph"> </div><div class="paragraph"> </div><div class="paragraph"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7v4j68PD_Y/YCD4sKJc7pI/AAAAAAAA-Ck/4LEb2tCNTOY8gNgqMIjDBoeUitZzaCZYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_3173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="623" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7v4j68PD_Y/YCD4sKJc7pI/AAAAAAAA-Ck/4LEb2tCNTOY8gNgqMIjDBoeUitZzaCZYQCLcBGAsYHQ/w498-h640/IMG_3173.jpg" width="498" /></a></div></div><div class="blog-content"></div><div class="blog-content"></div><div class="blog-content"><br /><div class="paragraph"><br /> </div><div class="paragraph"> </div><div class="paragraph">I
have been finding a lot of woodland structures popping up in the local
woods. Lockdown life is limited, and playing in the woods is still
allowed. This can only be a good thing.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-medium" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-winter-notes-1_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-winter-notes-3_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">A solid woodland shelter </div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-winter-notes-2_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Simple camp in my local woods. This one has a good supply of fresh air. </div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-winter-notes-6_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Woodland shelter created during lockdown</div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/caroline-fraser-winter-notes-5_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Woodland shelter created during lockdown, complete with a plentiful supply of mud. </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br />Even the mud has not stopped den building. <br /><br />I
love the variety of shapes and the thought of the pleasure that
creating these structures is giving to adults and children alike.<br /><br />I spent much of my childhood in a 'camp' in some rhododendron bushes. These camps are reminiscent of those days.<br /><br />When the mud gets too much I walk the streets.<br /><br />When the walking gets too tedious I sit at my desk and try to create something.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-2960_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Ink on paper for an artist book</div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/img-3030_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">The Library of your/my life ( artist book).</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph">This
book was created to hold some words that I wrote a while back. I have
been wondering how to apply them to a book, and when I was unwell,
sitting to make this book was very therapeutic. The fact that I gave it
the wrong title on the sleeve is just a reminder that perfection is not
essential, and also a note to myself that it really is myself that I am
writing to. <br /><br />The words are as follows.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 700;">The Library of your Life</span><br /></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">Caress these pages</span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">for they are yours to use</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">as you will.</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">Fill them with your thoughts.</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">Your innermost secrets even</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">or if that’s too hard</span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">compile a list</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">(for shopping perhaps)</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">crowd the page with financial calculations</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">paint</span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">draw</span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">scribble</span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">tear</span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">fold</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">collect words to place upon the page</span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">take up your pen and feel the smooth paper slide </span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">beneath your hand as you forget the world around you.</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">Immerse yourself in this</span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">(your) book.</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">Savour this time alone</span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">between these sheets.</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">Leave your mark in </span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">whatever way you choose.</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">Work quietly</span></i><br /><span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">or in a rush of vigour to create this…..</span></i><br /><span></span><br /><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">the library of your life.</span></i><br /><br /><span></span><br /></div> <div class="paragraph">You can hear me read it <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CKJYTLMnJHl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">in this short video</a>.</div><div class="paragraph"></div><div class="paragraph"></div><div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIdM5OWHKWs/YCAEd-pfgFI/AAAAAAAA-CU/fH_BUQznSuQ_OsaQj2VZ6_ksmhODRHsJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2955.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Library of your life" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIdM5OWHKWs/YCAEd-pfgFI/AAAAAAAA-CU/fH_BUQznSuQ_OsaQj2VZ6_ksmhODRHsJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/IMG_2955.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <div class="wsite-video"><div class="wsite-video-wrapper wsite-video-height-282 wsite-video-align-center" title="Video: library_square_975.mp4"> <div class="wsite-video-container" id="wsite-video-container-820647971715953690" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin: 10px 0px;"> </div> </div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br />So there we are.<br /><br />I am well on the road to recovery, filling the days with what now feels like the new routine of life.<br /><br />Writing, drawing, reading, walking, cooking, cleaning, eating ,creating images and ending the day with a spot of TV.<br /><br />Bath, bed, awake, repeat.<br /><br />You probably do exactly the same....<br />caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.43597329.614425181803679 -38.592223 81.141676818196316 31.720277tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-65199319448452247252021-01-05T09:03:00.000+00:002021-01-05T09:03:33.223+00:00A winter visit to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2020
<div class="blog-separator"> </div>
<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/published/unbearable-20.jpg?1608741739" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Colour notes | paper relief prints| Christopher Le Brun PPRA</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br />Be grateful for small things.<br />That is my new motto. As more and more is taken away from us due to Covid-19, it is the little things that matter.<br /><br />My
other half (OH) and I have been holed up together for a very long time,
and a chance to make a trip to London to see the Summer exhibition at
the Royal Academy was a rare treat.<br /><br />Our tickets had been
previously cancelled due to lockdown, so this trip was all the more
anticipated by our culture starved selves.<br /><br />So on a rainy December
Monday we crept up to London on the quiet mid day train, walked the
empty streets of Picadilly, and made our way around the exhibition in
our masks.<br /><br /><br />The first work that caught my eye was a collage.<br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/unbearable-3_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Untitled | collage with paper pins | Frida Orupabo </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br /><br />Frida Orupabo is a Nigerian-Norwegian; one of several invited black artists on show.<br />I had to do some research to fully understand what Frida was trying to convey. According to her website;<br /><a href="https://fridaorupabo.com/about/" target="_blank">'<i>Frida Orupabo</i></a><i>
is a sociologist and artist living and working in Oslo, Norway. Her
work consists of digital and physical collages in various forms, which
explore questions related to race, family relations, gender, sexuality,
violence and identity</i>.'<br /><br />Heavy stuff for starters. Race and politics. I had been attracted to it as I was thinking about collage, and how so much can be said with a few pieces of paper reaaranged on a page. <br /><br />OH
had already disappeared off to view the galleries at his own pace.
Conscious that 'lunchtime' was the most important item on his agenda I
resolved to move at a reasonable pace, and stop only at those works that
really caught my eye.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/unbearable-8_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Socially distanced viewing at the Royal Academy Summer exhibition 2020 </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />It was a treat to have so much room to view. The galleries never felt crowded, and I felt completely safe.<br /><br />The fact that the following day we were thrown into Tier 4 made me realise how lucky we were to have made the trip. <br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/summer-exhibition-2020-3_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Legs | photographs | Hans Peter Feldmann</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Legs caught my eye next. No frame; just some photos stuck to the wall.<br /><br />As
a conceptual artist Hans-Peter sells similar works for $20,000, so he
is doing something right. Further research about him led me to another
work of his that confirmed a dry sense of humour; something I cannot
resist...<br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.artsy.net/artwork/hans-peter-feldmann-pictures-of-car-radios-taken-while-good-music-was-playing" target="_blank"> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/screen-shot-2020-12-23-at-17-34-10_orig.png" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Hans -Peter Feldmann | Pictures of car radios taken while good music was playing | 2004</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"> <br /><br />In
2010 he won the Guggenheim Hugo Boss art prize. He celebrated by
pinning the £100,000 prize onto the gallery walls as 100,000 $1 notes,
raising questions about the value of art.<br /><br />It was good to see paintings by <a href="https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/name/frederick-cuming-ra" target="_blank">Fred Cuming</a> from the Rye area and Camber Sands.<br />His
work is immediately identifiable to me after getting to know it in
local Rye galleries. He visited my studio on an open studio visit a few
years ago, and is a truly charming gentleman who has a way with
clouds.....<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/unbearable-26_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Paintings by Fred Cuming RA</div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />I particularly enjoyed his painting of a February peasmarsh landscape, with its low wintry light.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/unbearable-12_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">February landscape, Peasmarsh | Fred Cuming RA </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />I also fell in love with a series of works by <a href="https://cristearoberts.com/artists/25-cornelia-parker/" target="_blank">Cornelia Parker RA.</a>
These were a series of polymer gravure etchings based on the shadows of
simple objects such as flowers and household objects, captured on light
senstive paper. <br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/unbearable-15_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Jug full of shadows | Cornelia parker RA | 2020 </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph">OH had 'done' the show in the blink of any eye.<br /><br />His favourite was a work ' where you can see what it is.....'<br /><br />I have no problem with that. It seems a lot of other visitors felt the same way,<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/summer-exhibition-2020-19_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;"> Fuen Seow Cheen | LOST WONDERS OF THE SEA | Etching </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />There were a lot of dogs and portraits.<br /><br />My favourite portraits were pencil drawings of cardboard faces by Russell Herron. <br /><br />I had to get really close to see that thses were drawings and not cardboard collages. Sadly all sold.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/summer-exhibition-2020-15_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Cardboard portrait 12 | Russell Herron</div> </div></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/summer-exhibition-2020-16_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Cardboard portrait 11 | Russell Herron </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />I was also taken with a dog portrait by Ilona Arndt. He had so much more character than the standard labrador poses.<br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/summer-exhibition-2020-22_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Hund NR 2 | Ilona Arndt </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br /><br />But lunch was beckoning.... there was too much to take in, as always.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/summer-exhibition-2020-11_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> <div style="display: block; font-size: 90%;">Too much to take in at the RA Summer Exhibition </div> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />Different galleries had very different characters.<br /><br />I enjoyed this quiet monochrome corner.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;"> <a> <img alt="Picture" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/summer-exhibition-2020-5_orig.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /> </a> </div></div> <div class="paragraph"><br /><br />But if I had been allowed to take one work home it would have been a newspaper boat made of stone.<br /><br />A playful sculpture.<br /><br />A reminder of childhood days spent by the sea. Dreams of adventure.<br /><br />I forgot to record who made it, so apologies for that.<br /><br /><br /></div> <span class="imgPusher" style="float: left; height: 0px;"></span><span style="clear: left; display: table; float: left; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; position: relative; width: auto;"><a><img alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" src="https://www.carolinefraser.org/uploads/2/3/6/8/23680041/unbearable-31.jpg?250" style="border-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 0px; max-width: 100%;" /></a><span class="wsite-caption" style="caption-side: bottom; display: table-caption; font-size: 90%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;"></span></span> <hr style="clear: both; visibility: hidden; width: 100%;" /> Looking at the <a href="https://royalacademy.viewingrooms.com/viewing-room/2-curators-selection-summer-exhibition-2020/" target="_blank">Curator's selection</a> I realise that there is so much work that I didn't even look at.<br /><br />It is an overwhelming exhibition always. <br /><br />But
for one who had not looked at any new art for several months it was a
welcome diversion, and a reminder that everyone has different taste.<br /><br />Lunch was good!caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-12058465289138216442020-11-26T11:23:00.004+00:002020-11-26T11:23:52.250+00:00Lockdown 2 - Make, write, walk, repeat......<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2uBXtmL8ZQ/X79wXjxAVwI/AAAAAAAA904/8yubiBDaE5oUY4gA74TA3rcuB8LIhl7LwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/_1010887.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2uBXtmL8ZQ/X79wXjxAVwI/AAAAAAAA904/8yubiBDaE5oUY4gA74TA3rcuB8LIhl7LwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/_1010887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p> </p><p>Forgive me if I sound a little flat. For flat is how it feels.<br /></p><p>It is lockdown number 2, and I have run out of jobs that need doing that I clearly don't intend to do.</p><p>I realise now that the main goal for these few weeks is to get through them in a reasonable state of mental health.</p><p> And to that aim I have three priorities</p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Make stuff</li><li>write stuff</li><li>walk</li></ol><h2 style="text-align: left;"> </h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Make stuff</span></span><br /></h2><p> </p><p>I joined an on line art class<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">; 'Where Drawing Meets Words'</span></span></span> with <a href="https://www.royaldrawingschool.org/" target="_blank">The Royal Drawing School</a></p><p> I wasn't sure what to expect, but the title felt manageable. </p><p> </p><p>Words and pictures, stories and illustration. </p><p> </p><p>I have long hoped to illustrate a childrens' story that I have written about a mountain, and this class seemed like a good step in the right direction.</p><p><br /></p><p>The book 'Uncommon Genius' was recommended by our tutor as a guide to creativity; I ordered a second hand copy in 'GOOD' condition.</p><p>This is it. You can be the judge with regards the condition.</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0I3MrhB-oQ/X791QZ2s6EI/AAAAAAAA91E/_vEegxhxQ8cZcVfhI787Kul92jFOEChsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0I3MrhB-oQ/X791QZ2s6EI/AAAAAAAA91E/_vEegxhxQ8cZcVfhI787Kul92jFOEChsgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_2512.jpg" title="Uncommon Genius by Denise Sheker" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p><p>It tells me that creative people, amongst other things<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>know where their talent lies and play to it<br /></li><li>make it shine</li><li>stay loose <br /></li><li>are not afraid to fail</li><li>need to know how to facilitate getting into their 'flow' state, where ideas are formed<br /></li><li>often travel<br /></li><li>have lots of projects on the go</li></ul><p>All of these things less easy to achieve when locked down. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We worked on the story of Little Red Riding Hood, making a storyboard as if for a book.<br /></p><p>I had forgotten what a gruesome tale it is. <br /></p><p> </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XF4gnZWKDq8/X794mQ7D1MI/AAAAAAAA91Q/BVT56V_0Ef0r9i8piIur2T2S9Iz9XyxhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2453.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="800" height="636" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XF4gnZWKDq8/X794mQ7D1MI/AAAAAAAA91Q/BVT56V_0Ef0r9i8piIur2T2S9Iz9XyxhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h636/IMG_2453.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dead wolf in cardboard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <br /><p></p><p> '<b><i>Make a cardboard mock-up of one of the scenes, and then draw or paint from that</i></b>' was the point at </p><p>which I realised that I was not working within my 'talent zone'. </p><p>I made a dead wolf, with stones in his belly. </p><p>He is consigned to the bin.</p><p>I never did draw him. </p><p>I did, however see how others in the class were able to make very realistic drawings and to visualise the lighting and shadows for their drawings. </p><p>I am just not there yet....</p><p>I decided to make scenes from my mountain story instead. I was being kind to myself, and avoiding total failure..... putting sanity above risk....<br /></p><p>I was happier playing with ink. I made some very nice stones.....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBuly8axGtA/X795gyJbd_I/AAAAAAAA91Y/chuLkkaT2d0UdeDFYNzbljwfXl11PeSpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2550.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="789" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBuly8axGtA/X795gyJbd_I/AAAAAAAA91Y/chuLkkaT2d0UdeDFYNzbljwfXl11PeSpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w632-h640/IMG_2550.jpg" width="632" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ink 'stone' </td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p><p> My ink rain was a disaster. I blew ink across the paper with a hairdryer. It was a mess.<br /></p><p>So I chopped it up, at which point it became something completely new.</p><p> </p><p>My blown ink became snow scenes. </p><p>I agree with the 'Uncommon Genius' book that every mistake has potential.</p><p>I am also reminded that working in an abstract way is my 'thing'. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqWpFNi5aAE/X796MjcET_I/AAAAAAAA91g/aOLHZOarOBYT42o4UmpQDcfty4CZaamuACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2586.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="800" height="522" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqWpFNi5aAE/X796MjcET_I/AAAAAAAA91g/aOLHZOarOBYT42o4UmpQDcfty4CZaamuACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h522/IMG_2586.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p> </p><p>So for now my story remains without pictures, but I have a direction of travel.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"> </h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Write stuff</span></span><br /></h2><p> </p><p>The writing element of the class was liberating.</p><p>Writing about a picture. </p><p>Cutting out phrases from the writing. </p><p>Turning these phrases into poems. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDTFPuL_diU/X798P4pkl2I/AAAAAAAA91s/3w5WilnGktQXcz95M82OvmJvbWRNdWQGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="800" height="502" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDTFPuL_diU/X798P4pkl2I/AAAAAAAA91s/3w5WilnGktQXcz95M82OvmJvbWRNdWQGgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h502/IMG_2600.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p> </p><p>I chose to write about this painting by Victor Pasmore. We were asked to describe the scene and also repsond to questions posed by the tutor. Taking those written words and cutting them into phrases I formed a poem.</p><p><i><br /></i></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-d69443f1-7fff-970c-a541-c6e250163209" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>A Winter morning</b> ( after Victor Pasmore “A winter morning” 1944)</span></i></p><i><br /><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dawn. </span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A paved garden.</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sun low on the horizon</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">warming the early morning sky</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tangled trees overhang a purple shadowed, dull green lawn.</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fallen leaves spill sideways onto the cold stone path.</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wind whistles in the whip-like branches</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A hum of engines from the river beyond.</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Indistinct grey-white objects hanging at the distant lawn’s edge appear misplaced. </span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sheets masquerading as headstones in the morning mist.</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An upturned terracotta pot lying untidily in the corner wonders </span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“why am I abandoned; </span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">almost invisible in this dark shadowed place?”</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Birds on the clothes line and leafless woody stems perch patiently.</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Waiting for worm time.</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A balustrade enters, stage left</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">wondering who will pass this way today.</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Later, when the warm sky has faded to steely grey</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a man in a long tweed coat descends softly into the garden in brown laced boots,</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">causing the birds to fly away.</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He passes silently through</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the quiet</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the ordinariness</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 252pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the muted simplicity</span></i></p><i><br /><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of just another winters’ day.</span></i></p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;">****************<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A lesson in observation, and ways to find words.</span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Walk</b></span></span> <br /></span></span></h2></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Which brings me to walking; one of the best ways that I know to find my state of flow, where ideas formulate and I can begin to create.</span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I walked in the winter morning light. </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFFJPVVLbLk/X7-BJK_Ol6I/AAAAAAAA918/XkJL4W4ghSwrZUPY9lqlwnYCAT_pcdGIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/_1010945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFFJPVVLbLk/X7-BJK_Ol6I/AAAAAAAA918/XkJL4W4ghSwrZUPY9lqlwnYCAT_pcdGIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/_1010945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seedheads</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWLS_I6CgMQ/X7-BJIH0R9I/AAAAAAAA914/O5k2JL9BTdQg7gmfp16sl9d-gjopHsfawCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/_1010927.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWLS_I6CgMQ/X7-BJIH0R9I/AAAAAAAA914/O5k2JL9BTdQg7gmfp16sl9d-gjopHsfawCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/_1010927.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stems on a winter morning<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I walked the streets picking up litter.</span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I walked on the beach picking up litter.</span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <br /></span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9h1_T10Iu4/X7-BhiMtmyI/AAAAAAAA92M/OQ3hiyDo8f8Vgl5Dlvygk18XSRokxAjxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2563.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9h1_T10Iu4/X7-BhiMtmyI/AAAAAAAA92M/OQ3hiyDo8f8Vgl5Dlvygk18XSRokxAjxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_2563.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beach litter<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgQCTn9E5cU/X7-Bhin2d2I/AAAAAAAA92I/I552XASvJbskDLKCHSSp0-uAxhcXzIx3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2561.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgQCTn9E5cU/X7-Bhin2d2I/AAAAAAAA92I/I552XASvJbskDLKCHSSp0-uAxhcXzIx3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/IMG_2561.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stranded beach plant</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have walked more miles in the last month than in any other month this year.</span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The highlight of my walks was a murmuration of starlings.</span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="292" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aI2JLrR23LM" width="483" youtube-src-id="aI2JLrR23LM"></iframe></div><br /><span><br /></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span> </span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <br /></span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And where is my other half I hear you ask?</span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well he is in trouble..... for leaving me alone in our bubble.....<br /></span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="title-heading" data-v-228ee049="" style="text-align: left;"><br /><p id="docs-internal-guid-b0df046f-7fff-a597-9f48-3777570c985b" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alone in a bubble</span></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am alone in a bubble</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other half’s in trouble</span></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">he’s left me on the shelf</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">all by myself</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">locked down</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in Bromley town</span></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">while he’s on a plane</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">for ‘work’ (again)</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">it’s been so long</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">he’ll no doubt explain</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dubai, no less.</span></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I must confess</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I lack the will</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to lie very still</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">on a posh sun lounger</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in stifling heat</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">looking over my shoulder</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">for covid </span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or corona</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">virus;</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is it worse</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">here or there?</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do I even care?</span></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Either way</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m much better off</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">at home</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">alone</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in this half empty bubble</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Waiting for a needle</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to release us</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">from this overrated story;</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">this year of purgatory.</span></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Roll on 2021.</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">But I have got so much done while he has been away for just a few days.... </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I have nothing to do but make stuff, write stuff and walk......</span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> The art classes are over, but I am filled with new ideas. Christmas is coming and the gold paint is out.</span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtGTlEsQH8Q/X7-Dnwqz4UI/AAAAAAAA92c/5ADhtmAvNxk29epQDqqgiAKHF6BhVV1YACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2566.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtGTlEsQH8Q/X7-Dnwqz4UI/AAAAAAAA92c/5ADhtmAvNxk29epQDqqgiAKHF6BhVV1YACLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/IMG_2566.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I leave you with a poem/drawings based on a work 'Tremolo' by <a href="https://www.moma.org/artists/3787" target="_blank">Agnes Martin</a>, </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Agnes also liked a bit of gold paint, along with her pencils. </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.moma.org/collection/works/38280?artist_id=3787&page=1&sov_referrer=artist" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="https://www.moma.org/collection/works/38280?artist_id=3787&page=1&sov_referrer=artist" border="0" data-original-height="1780" data-original-width="1432" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6RH6gINOj4/X7-MH_zvIbI/AAAAAAAA93E/PdooV-GFA3sdNHEMfWaj4XqlxcTk0eIgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w514-h640/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-11-26%2Bat%2B11.05.43.png" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.moma.org/collection/works/38280?artist_id=3787&page=1&sov_referrer=artist">Agnes Martin| Tremolo| 1962</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UqSHBFCrgs/X7-IjaMqSGI/AAAAAAAA92o/n4aBUGVbtSAU4IMS0Nf6ghmKNR7IQloBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="800" height="496" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UqSHBFCrgs/X7-IjaMqSGI/AAAAAAAA92o/n4aBUGVbtSAU4IMS0Nf6ghmKNR7IQloBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h496/IMG_2594.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tremolo booklet (after Tremolo by Agnes Martin) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-f44b87cd-7fff-d902-e8e2-ecb27dbe9713" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tremolo </span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">after ‘Tremolo’ by Agnes Martin 1962)</span></i></p><i><br /><br /><br /><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">idea</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ruler</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pencil</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mathematical calculation</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and a blank white sheet.</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">evenly spaced graphite journeys</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">with irregular endings</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">minor imperfections</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">unintended gradations</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pencil lifting</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">border shifting</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">stop thinking.</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a vision</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of living</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">above the line</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in happiness and love</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">___________________</span></i></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">________________________</span></i></p><i><br /></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wonder how often she sharpened her pencil?</span></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpr_OF09Xvw/X7-JD_M7Q8I/AAAAAAAA924/c3D7KHJhkLwyuJHjrWbFQ1a3SaMMEPNNACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpr_OF09Xvw/X7-JD_M7Q8I/AAAAAAAA924/c3D7KHJhkLwyuJHjrWbFQ1a3SaMMEPNNACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_2596.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wonder how often she sharpened her pencil?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><h2 class="title-description caption-type" data-v-228ee049=""><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></h2><p> </p><p>Not long until we are unlocked.</p><p>Until then I'll keep walking.....<br /></p><p> <br /></p><p> </p><p> <br /></p></div>caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-36193741369257994582020-10-10T12:32:00.002+01:002020-10-10T13:40:06.790+01:00Quarantine is bad for health
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_9wzCL4ggc/X4F3iDljfrI/AAAAAAAA9tI/sqD5l6epGfY_pWXJxxOSc4wYyNyvXzJkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/_9260542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_9wzCL4ggc/X4F3iDljfrI/AAAAAAAA9tI/sqD5l6epGfY_pWXJxxOSc4wYyNyvXzJkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/_9260542.jpg" title="Vancouver sunset" width="640" /></a></div>Vancouver sunset <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here I am, in quarantine again.... as I am now returned from visiting my family in Vancouver. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To say that this is hard would be an understatement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another 14 days of being confined to quarters, with nothing to do but talk to my other half (OH), weed the garden, and consider my navel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The lack of anticipation of big hugs all round makes this second 14 days feel like a very different experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Quarantine is bad for my health.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not to mention the health of the airlines. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is Calgary airport international terminal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My flight to Gatwick was the only flight listed on the board.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYjJtVKxOy4/X4F3g8r0pQI/AAAAAAAA9s0/x-HIFuvQHBU_YkM2jkJbIumTJn5Oag4sgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2120.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYjJtVKxOy4/X4F3g8r0pQI/AAAAAAAA9s0/x-HIFuvQHBU_YkM2jkJbIumTJn5Oag4sgCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/IMG_2120.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calgary airport in the time of Covid-19<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I left England I wrote to my MP asking why I had to quarantine on my return when there is much less Covid-19 in Canada than in the UK. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He replied saying that he is too busy to reply. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think it is something to do with Brexit.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meanwhile I am quietly losing my marbles and the airlines are quietly going bankrupt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the arrivals area at Gatwick.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0xZWgNQ62o/X4F3hae1XcI/AAAAAAAA9s8/spfbY2wCM0s9r-qBlhiBPRCnvvnT4LerQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2127.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0xZWgNQ62o/X4F3hae1XcI/AAAAAAAA9s8/spfbY2wCM0s9r-qBlhiBPRCnvvnT4LerQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_2127.jpg" title="Gatwick airport in the time of Covid-19" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, apart from being just a tiny bit miffed, I am well and had a wonderful time in Vancouver with my family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All activities were outdoors, and on some days we could almost forget about the pandemic.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OffVzHBMcYo/X4F3k5v5xhI/AAAAAAAA9tg/hduWv752kHw05IUyXurIW_bGSrM69RTKACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/_A030777.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OffVzHBMcYo/X4F3k5v5xhI/AAAAAAAA9tg/hduWv752kHw05IUyXurIW_bGSrM69RTKACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/_A030777.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_Qdr7sOpxI/X4F3lKUzDqI/AAAAAAAA9to/N7nNJfFwS9U1tJuDkESWMyDBchCqeoxyACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/_A030786.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_Qdr7sOpxI/X4F3lKUzDqI/AAAAAAAA9to/N7nNJfFwS9U1tJuDkESWMyDBchCqeoxyACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/_A030786.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /> </p><p> </p><p>We walked the seawall. </p><p>We cycled the seawall.</p><p>We swam in the sea, in mountain lakes and walked in the forest. </p><p>All were cool and refreshing.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG-H9U1wEPs/X4GKHGlXvvI/AAAAAAAA9uM/lsIXuO3f9qoSSXlKnpfRuTupCOW8az46ACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG-H9U1wEPs/X4GKHGlXvvI/AAAAAAAA9uM/lsIXuO3f9qoSSXlKnpfRuTupCOW8az46ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_2036.jpg" /></a></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p>There are a lot of pine trees in Canada. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAF_YYFqRWk/X4F3ib6EvEI/AAAAAAAA9tM/qj0zkKGJB0oEujVf9ws2sguZNDfFtvOKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/_9290583.jpg" width="480" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>And bears...... <br /></p><p>This is classic bear country.</p><p><br /></p><p><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nhJ8Xay-Xc/X4F3jNwSLAI/AAAAAAAA9tY/94gS3AwI4y8bi_T9dnBDsRsfmhA60yqlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/_A010595.jpg" title="bear country" width="640" /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>Not to mention cougars......</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wat3eDNVFKw/X4F3gxWMOLI/AAAAAAAA9s4/B-YvDZUpqeIEjkuR6GrQ4Iacm7URAWCnACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2095.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wat3eDNVFKw/X4F3gxWMOLI/AAAAAAAA9s4/B-YvDZUpqeIEjkuR6GrQ4Iacm7URAWCnACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_2095.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p> </p><p>Canada is a dangerous country.......</p><p>Or so my inner voice tells me whenever I try to walk alone in the forest.</p><p>Best to walk in a group. </p><p>Which makes contemplative landscape photography almost impossible for one who is easily spooked.</p><p>Playing with a snow shovel on the beach and making pirate ships out of driftwood was much more appealing.</p><p><br /></p><p>In Harrison Hot Springs I found the Sasquatch less of a threat.....<br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="586" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olvRJbbA0tA/X4GKHByMpII/AAAAAAAA9uI/JJGyG1I3CKgpNw55Gvz1mBDRE-WjkQLDACLcBGAsYHQ/w468-h640/IMG_2029.jpg" title="sasquatch" width="468" /></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The <a href="https://www.tourismharrison.com/our-sasquatch" target="_blank">Sasquatch</a> is a much revered creature with a conveniently sized 2 metre arm span.<br /></p><p>The hot springs were closed...... not so convenient. </p><p>As were the kayaks and bicycle hire.</p><p><br /></p><p>But my son and I did find ourselves on the set for a new movie 'Solitary'.</p><p>On asking, we were initially told that they were filming '<i>a movie</i>' . </p><div style="text-align: left;">But we were persistent. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We dug deeper... and were told that it is about ' <i>a man who has been in </i><i>solitary </i><i>confinement for 7 years and is </i><i>then released into the world in the grip of a covid-19 pandemic and </i><i>s</i><i>ocial </i><i>isolation</i>'. </div><p><br /></p><p>I for one can't wait. Who needs 007?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCfFl1oVa0g/X4GKHFzoO2I/AAAAAAAA9uQ/MYVdxjwuMyMmLak4dKkY1Sm3ZaxFRWZQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2030.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCfFl1oVa0g/X4GKHFzoO2I/AAAAAAAA9uQ/MYVdxjwuMyMmLak4dKkY1Sm3ZaxFRWZQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_2030.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Social distancing advice from the Sasquatch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>When walking alone I decided to '<i>notice what I notice</i>'.</p><p><br /></p><p>I am known for noticing traffic cones and small things.</p><p><br /></p><p>I cannot be the only person to think that the cones of Vancouver have been renamed for the pandemic.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPv6-vnBdsA/X4GUZ7JUt-I/AAAAAAAA9uk/VORC6bHNFg0pOMoF8untgBjyG6KlhYqtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_1970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPv6-vnBdsA/X4GUZ7JUt-I/AAAAAAAA9uk/VORC6bHNFg0pOMoF8untgBjyG6KlhYqtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/IMG_1970.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiIHeTJCGWQ/X4GUZ4pzwCI/AAAAAAAA9ug/KSWtpOqFI1YzR4q3Fw9qHolM8e75ulWHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_1971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiIHeTJCGWQ/X4GUZ4pzwCI/AAAAAAAA9ug/KSWtpOqFI1YzR4q3Fw9qHolM8e75ulWHQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1971.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The other thing that I notice in Canada is deciduous trees; mainly because there are so few of them.</p><p>I miss them when away from England. They are mostly found only in parks and gardens.</p><p><br /></p><p>I enjoy the changes of autumn. The beauty of a single leaf left on the tip of a branch.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ7-iSbSnIQ/X4F3ic8EFJI/AAAAAAAA9tQ/o18ivbkqxXItOHsGPdZ7auwc6_QFnTD6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/_9300586-Edit-2-Edit.jpg" title="mountain, tree, leaf © caroline fraser 2020" width="640" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Mountain, tree, leaf.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sources of great pleasure.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lblVMNzu2_M/X4F3ikJHDWI/AAAAAAAA9tU/cV_mNjdmdjYeN6vCUHI4gm6DOAMDkm28ACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/_9300586-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lblVMNzu2_M/X4F3ikJHDWI/AAAAAAAA9tU/cV_mNjdmdjYeN6vCUHI4gm6DOAMDkm28ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/_9300586-Edit.jpg" title="mountain , tree, leaf 2 © caroline fraser 2020" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1KOFNol6aE/X4F3kwq_epI/AAAAAAAA9tk/mCROEeJ8ay4hhAO4Bm2reKwbflHWWf7cQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/_A010605-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></div><br /><br /><br />Enough. Time to stop writing.<div><br /></div><div>I am in quarantine and have lots to do.....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>OH has gone out to do real things like sailing and walk on the beach.</div><div><br /></div><div>He has left me with some potatoes. I will feast later.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For now I have just had a delivery from the postman; a new book.</div><div><br /></div><div>'Japanese book binding' by Kojiro Ikegami.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyQ0xnRMP3k/X4GW-yLfqOI/AAAAAAAA9u0/CPsAUSXyPi8bpMo13z_7Yvd0w02mI6jlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/IMG_2158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyQ0xnRMP3k/X4GW-yLfqOI/AAAAAAAA9u0/CPsAUSXyPi8bpMo13z_7Yvd0w02mI6jlgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_2158.jpg" title="Japanese book binding by Kojiro Ikegami" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br />I shall spend the rest of the day learning some different types of Japanese and Chinese bindings.</div><div><br /></div><div><br />I will leave you with my video '14 days'..... from my first quarantine.</div><div><br /></div><div>They really weren't so bad!</div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JwNoYSkDn8c" width="560"></iframe></div></div>caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com3Vancouver, BC, Canada49.2827291 -123.120737520.972495263821152 -158.27698750000002 77.59296293617885 -87.9644875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-10755265236231077792020-09-19T21:54:00.003+01:002020-09-20T00:29:51.941+01:00Confined to quarters in a Canadian Covid-19 quarantine<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c119rFV1x6k/X2ZJHNRBglI/AAAAAAAA9nE/Bop9EjLGa7EKTRkDUbbPuemWSFiOJw5cwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200908-IMG_1567.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c119rFV1x6k/X2ZJHNRBglI/AAAAAAAA9nE/Bop9EjLGa7EKTRkDUbbPuemWSFiOJw5cwCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/20200908-IMG_1567.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calgary airport. a log fire.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Welcome to Canada!</p><p><br /></p><p>A fake log fire and view of Moraine lake at Calgary airport. </p><p><br /></p><p>When I saw this I felt I had arrived. Flying to Vancouver via Calgary to see my family for the first time in many months. </p><p><br /></p><p>But first there must be quarantine. 14 days. No going out. No shopping. No visitors.</p><p>So I set myself up in an air bnb beside the sea, in the belief that being able to see the sea would keep me sane. Which it has. Almost.</p><p><br /></p><p>All flights to Vancouver had been cancelled. So I immigrated through Calgary. I had a tense discussion with the immigration officer as I justified my visit.</p><p>She told I must stay put. </p><p>I told her I knew that I must, and would...... </p><p>She advised me that people would check up on me. Others also advised that officials would check up on me. Twelve days into the endurance test I am still waiting to be checked up upon. Not a peep.</p><p>So while I wait I am being obedient. And not having to wear a mask for 14 days is a treat in itself after wearing it for almost 24 hours on the journey over. </p><p><br /></p><p>The airport was eerily empty.</p><p>Cafes and shops closed.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gi5xvz1kRY/X2ZLIobAZ8I/AAAAAAAA9ng/DT3v5CSXdiY0Er9hG7HqQwhe2EKjbcWawCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200908-IMG_1568.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gi5xvz1kRY/X2ZLIobAZ8I/AAAAAAAA9ng/DT3v5CSXdiY0Er9hG7HqQwhe2EKjbcWawCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/20200908-IMG_1568.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eznCcGyEK5A/X2ZLI3s439I/AAAAAAAA9nk/sh8TCyJ7WBci2nK4cEObtqh1M_HcUDIwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200908-IMG_1569.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eznCcGyEK5A/X2ZLI3s439I/AAAAAAAA9nk/sh8TCyJ7WBci2nK4cEObtqh1M_HcUDIwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20200908-IMG_1569.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calgary airport . a mountain<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>When I finally arrived in Vancouver on a hot sunny evening it too was deserted.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsMAVn5paNk/X2ZL8Joud0I/AAAAAAAA9nw/JGrtEzBZqHUZL3Sj1YaA_LFNNHKnRKWTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200908-IMG_1577.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsMAVn5paNk/X2ZL8Joud0I/AAAAAAAA9nw/JGrtEzBZqHUZL3Sj1YaA_LFNNHKnRKWTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20200908-IMG_1577.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luggage carousel<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I arrived to an early September evening in full sun. </p><p><br /></p><p>The view from my balcony blue and calm.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlLd_Q0BA-4/X2ZMaSnCaVI/AAAAAAAA9n4/-m5C1gwHMscTwFUYOUbTxx0Wgm_BfzO0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200908-IMG_1578.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlLd_Q0BA-4/X2ZMaSnCaVI/AAAAAAAA9n4/-m5C1gwHMscTwFUYOUbTxx0Wgm_BfzO0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200908-IMG_1578.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my balcony<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The quarantine had begun.</p><p>And the smoke from the wildfires had yet to arrive. Two days later everything was grey, visibility poor, and so it has remained for the last 10 days. Apparently the air quality is such that I am smoking the equivalent of three cigarettes daily. Luckily it is not permanent... all we need is some wind and rain, which will come soon enough.</p><p><br /></p><p>So how does one occupy oneself for 14 days when not allowed to go for walks, shopping, talking to friends or visiting the forest that lies tantalisingly around the next bend in the road.</p><p><br /></p><p>I can only say that somehow the days seem to pass.</p><p>Opportunities for photography are very limited. I have never been that interested in photographing indoor scenes.</p><p>I photographed my novel. only because it was brilliant. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OU8KpVkFcvo/X2ZmfrofbFI/AAAAAAAA9oI/n-zbsxRcLs0nqDvtvzyhshhYvx9pDWGmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200910-_9100007.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OU8KpVkFcvo/X2ZmfrofbFI/AAAAAAAA9oI/n-zbsxRcLs0nqDvtvzyhshhYvx9pDWGmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200910-_9100007.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanny; by Max Porter<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>And the light at the window.</p><p>Before the sun disappeared.....</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z29M9gXroZM/X2Zm0NoS4GI/AAAAAAAA9oY/rK-VSAswRLM2X_j1h8n4haMp3JHWyVB_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200909-IMG_1611.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z29M9gXroZM/X2Zm0NoS4GI/AAAAAAAA9oY/rK-VSAswRLM2X_j1h8n4haMp3JHWyVB_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/20200909-IMG_1611.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>But my heart was not in it.</p><p><br /></p><p>I decided to make a daily sculpture.</p><p><br /></p><p>That plan lasted 2 days, as I had no access to materials, and didn't want to use <i>garbage</i> ( when in Canada.....).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X193b3kZpzg/X2ZnGdF-WnI/AAAAAAAA9og/QRF6WyO6YZQFarPVBti3xD09T9VdlkCSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200911-IMG_1647.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X193b3kZpzg/X2ZnGdF-WnI/AAAAAAAA9og/QRF6WyO6YZQFarPVBti3xD09T9VdlkCSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/20200911-IMG_1647.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">berry and driftwood quarantine calendar<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>So I resorted to making small books with paint and ink on paper.</p><p><br /></p><p>I have with me a supply of paper, a few tubes of paint and a couple of bottles of ink.</p><p>They have sustained me through a selection of dodgy creations, all looking remarkably similar; lines, dots, grey and red..... I am stuck in a rut.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djMalzY5NrI/X2Zn__T2x-I/AAAAAAAA9ow/K8pVKc3fyv0F6xPH-vq9i0oDWQz-HuiaACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200913-IMG_1721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djMalzY5NrI/X2Zn__T2x-I/AAAAAAAA9ow/K8pVKc3fyv0F6xPH-vq9i0oDWQz-HuiaACLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/20200913-IMG_1721.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6HDhkaUX-k/X2Zn_qUxPUI/AAAAAAAA9os/xPhNjlwYFgojv3iN1jjhxAhpjWZk-g56gCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200915-IMG_1766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6HDhkaUX-k/X2Zn_qUxPUI/AAAAAAAA9os/xPhNjlwYFgojv3iN1jjhxAhpjWZk-g56gCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/20200915-IMG_1766.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yal62Irccl0/X2Zn_93ERfI/AAAAAAAA9o0/Qt_TF4eWFBkIWr4GoOZg9cM7pKnKfn93gCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200917-IMG_1849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yal62Irccl0/X2Zn_93ERfI/AAAAAAAA9o0/Qt_TF4eWFBkIWr4GoOZg9cM7pKnKfn93gCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/20200917-IMG_1849.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>And when not making books I am keeping fit . Thanks to Youtube I can take classes in ballet, yoga, meditation, cardio work outs and for a mad 10 minutes some good old fashioned line dancing.</p><p><br /></p><p>My food delivery turned up, and I am now eeking out my rations for the last three days. Breakfast is taken on the cutting mat, surrounded by paper and glue.</p><p>Lunch is a picnic on the balcony with my book, and dinner a Netflix TV affair. </p><p>I have learned that some things on my 'to do' list are never going to get done. </p><p>And if they don't get done here, they will NEVER GET DONE. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I have photographed some prints from book pages and worked them into imagined landscapes.</p><p>It all seems quite dark.... the pandemic lurking behind every corner. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOY6NtW7bkQ/X2ZqTPZHJ5I/AAAAAAAA9pQ/Q7A-eRcXS1svbK8X9eBvSdoTH3EHPFhrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200915-IMG_1771.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOY6NtW7bkQ/X2ZqTPZHJ5I/AAAAAAAA9pQ/Q7A-eRcXS1svbK8X9eBvSdoTH3EHPFhrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20200915-IMG_1771.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horizon book<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIwi3VccqW8/X2ZqU1AKlFI/AAAAAAAA9pc/SxoKN2RYUB0qkGfOrfAYLwQu5ie94AcTACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200916-_9160271-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIwi3VccqW8/X2ZqU1AKlFI/AAAAAAAA9pc/SxoKN2RYUB0qkGfOrfAYLwQu5ie94AcTACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20200916-_9160271-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagined landscape 1<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DX76HRbetyg/X2ZqTH0MH2I/AAAAAAAA9pU/JCtyt3IC7LgIe9ovwvV5fDP9sbdY-XFbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/20200916-P9160251-Edit-Edit-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DX76HRbetyg/X2ZqTH0MH2I/AAAAAAAA9pU/JCtyt3IC7LgIe9ovwvV5fDP9sbdY-XFbwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20200916-P9160251-Edit-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagined landscape 2<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>I have tried to write a daily Haiku, without much success. </p><p>I have drawn a picture of a cave with pack rats for my grandson.</p><p><br /></p><p>I made a video on how to make a book..... but couldn't sum up the energy for episode 2.</p><p>You can view it here..</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFGRMiYHgVt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFGRMiYHgVt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div></a> <p style="margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFGRMiYHgVt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">how to fold a sheet of paper into a small book #bookart #paperfolding #bookmaking #quarantinelife #papercrafts #bookish #bookstagram #isolationartschool</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carolinefraserphotography/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> abstract landscapes & bookart</a> (@carolinefraserphotography) on <time datetime="2020-09-14T01:29:35+00:00" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 13, 2020 at 6:29pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>I have also created a video for yesterday's book "You are the Sky".</p><p>I came across these words by Pema Chodron on a yoga video, and they resonated strongly with my isolation situation and changing moods. </p><p>"<i>You are the sky. Everything else- it's just the weather</i>"</p><p><br /></p> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFSUFnhHgRQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFSUFnhHgRQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div></a> <p style="margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFSUFnhHgRQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">“You are the sky -everything else - it’s just the weather”. an artist book made during quarantine in Vancouver. The last 7 days have been grey and hazy due to the smoke from wildfires. I heard the quote by @anipemachodron while doing some yoga... it resonated strongly with my current situation and so I made this book. Hand printed on Arches Vellin paper, with a simple sewn binding.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carolinefraserphotography/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> abstract landscapes & bookart</a> (@carolinefraserphotography) on <time datetime="2020-09-18T17:32:02+00:00" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 18, 2020 at 10:32am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>Anyway, the time is passing and I am still well. If I were quarantining in some other other countries I would have been allowed out for a walk, or even to buy food. </p><p>But I am in Canada so I am not.</p><p>14 days it is, even though the incubation period of covid-19 is much less than this.</p><p>And don't get me started on the need to quarantine when I return home....</p><p><br /></p><p>Next time you hear from me I will be having an all Canadian Covid pandemic adventure. </p><p><br /></p><p>I can't wait!!</p><p><br /></p> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-76722787606207558502020-08-12T11:09:00.001+01:002020-08-15T09:53:04.412+01:00The shape of water and some other good things in Wales.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmozXSageY8/XzO6dSKhR_I/AAAAAAAA9iE/rRJVCVesGZcSGfJXU3MJfwJ6iiaT_qstgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-17-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmozXSageY8/XzO6dSKhR_I/AAAAAAAA9iE/rRJVCVesGZcSGfJXU3MJfwJ6iiaT_qstgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-17-2.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I am back in Wales. In the tiny village of Y Ferwig at <a href="https://createspacewales.com/" target="_blank">Createspace Wales</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p>Feeling very lucky to be here, keeping cool while the south east swelters.</p><p>Trying to think positively while all around me the world struggles with Covid-19.</p><p>Finding it hard.</p><p><br /></p><p>So this morning I typed a list of positive words about this place. Things to be grateful for.</p><p>One of the traits of resilient people is to be able to identify good things around them, however small. </p><p> </p><p>I found this TED talk about resilience a helpful reminder of how to keep going when the going gets tough.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWH8N-BvhAw" width="320" youtube-src-id="NWH8N-BvhAw"></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The words that came to my mind mostly relate to nature. I have been walking down single track lanes to the coast, marvelling at the abundance of plants in the hedgerows. Feasting on blackberries and swimming in the bracing sea at Mwnt beach.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here is my list.</p><p><br /></p><p>HEDGEROW</p><p>BLACKBERRIES</p><p>SEA</p><p>SUNLIGHT</p><p>QUIET</p><p>BIRDSONG</p><p>SWALLOW</p><p>DEW LADEN GRASS</p><p>PINK STRING</p><p>COBWEBS IN THE MORNING SUN</p><p>SEA MIST</p><p>COLD SEA SWIMMING</p><p>THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER</p><p>COWS CHEWING </p><p>GNOME PARTY</p><p>VERDANT</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Most self explanatory. <i>Gnome party</i> is happening right now in the polytunnel at the top of the garden. </p><p>It is a signal of hope.</p><p>Of how the imagination allows freedom, particularly if you are a child.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdBPerIvgQg/XzO1THwkN-I/AAAAAAAA9fc/fziXEdtq4TE6rmIHU5VDH6c6J_gfCQ5fQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="571" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdBPerIvgQg/XzO1THwkN-I/AAAAAAAA9fc/fziXEdtq4TE6rmIHU5VDH6c6J_gfCQ5fQCLcBGAsYHQ/w458-h640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-11.jpg" title="gnome party" width="458" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gnome party in the poly tunnel</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Pink string; a cheerful choice. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVErSIeAVAY/XzO2LtubENI/AAAAAAAA9g8/XV2nTnXeQx40xvWizO7aolj-Y4wQzbzygCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVErSIeAVAY/XzO2LtubENI/AAAAAAAA9g8/XV2nTnXeQx40xvWizO7aolj-Y4wQzbzygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-5.jpg" title="pink string" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pink string<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Talking to cows is always worthwhile.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpX6slv_RKs/XzO2MTji18I/AAAAAAAA9hM/4Zan67hNk9ANYu0dLWEujxQg6KD0jmYwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpX6slv_RKs/XzO2MTji18I/AAAAAAAA9hM/4Zan67hNk9ANYu0dLWEujxQg6KD0jmYwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-7.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inquisitive cow<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Late afternoon sun on the roadside flora.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LAvvwfkEkI/XzO2MhGiYuI/AAAAAAAA9hQ/RU_PQEuoB64MsrSUue-RswfcwbR7zk8QACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LAvvwfkEkI/XzO2MhGiYuI/AAAAAAAA9hQ/RU_PQEuoB64MsrSUue-RswfcwbR7zk8QACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-9.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hedgerow<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Some paths are a little too lush. Nettles and brambles in abundance.</div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKdUQD1YjDY/XzO2K1WBwnI/AAAAAAAA9g0/O3O9EUeMbeoRrBO9i5Kw-9aH_CKAm4tfACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKdUQD1YjDY/XzO2K1WBwnI/AAAAAAAA9g0/O3O9EUeMbeoRrBO9i5Kw-9aH_CKAm4tfACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">verdant pathway<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And of course there are the campers.</div><div><br /></div><div>With a view of the sea from the top of a field.</div><div><br /></div><div>All very tidy and organised.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is the sound of happy holiday makers rising up onto the cliff top from the beach below that I refer to in '<i>the sounds of summer</i>'.</div><div><br /></div><div>A hundred happy people's voices melded into one characteristic soundtrack.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFZjKT3eO0A/XzO2LR6MO7I/AAAAAAAA9g4/c-R3ReG254oes1MZruBfgoiymq2sXKZLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFZjKT3eO0A/XzO2LR6MO7I/AAAAAAAA9g4/c-R3ReG254oes1MZruBfgoiymq2sXKZLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a room with a view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVlz6PDCd9w/XzO2LiOaG0I/AAAAAAAA9hA/yU7xPcpSV8wSq5JMfVnL0EUze0UPQddbACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVlz6PDCd9w/XzO2LiOaG0I/AAAAAAAA9hA/yU7xPcpSV8wSq5JMfVnL0EUze0UPQddbACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tidy campers<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I have collected some leaves and flowers and had a go at mono printing.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXQIRmnRQUw/XzO4gmUESoI/AAAAAAAA9hw/imMNxSR0IMgzAZr1bSJ4V3o_FSuLvmUQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXQIRmnRQUw/XzO4gmUESoI/AAAAAAAA9hw/imMNxSR0IMgzAZr1bSJ4V3o_FSuLvmUQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-14.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hedgerow monoprint<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QU6iJZ1v5UU/XzO4gm7HziI/AAAAAAAA9hs/W_fTH45p21Aeq-tDPbF_x-03oTjzha5jgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QU6iJZ1v5UU/XzO4gm7HziI/AAAAAAAA9hs/W_fTH45p21Aeq-tDPbF_x-03oTjzha5jgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-13.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">leaves from the hedgerow</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Finding inspiration is a struggle right now.</p><p>I am uncertain where all of this is leading. </p><p><br /></p><p>So I keep reminding myself that inspiration comes when it is ready. It is OK not to have a plan.</p><p><br /></p><p>I'll just keep walking, and occasionally come across moments of magic that set me free.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Like the sight of sunlight on the sea at Mwnt from the top of the cliff.</p><p><br /></p><p>A meditative moment that will linger long in my memory.</p><p><br /></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m_VWCHQH0_Q" width="560"></iframe></div></div>
caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0Y Ferwig, UK52.112282099999987 -4.600262127.389550519743377 -39.7565121 76.8350136802566 30.555987899999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-37183047770346605932020-07-28T16:56:00.001+01:002020-07-28T16:56:17.977+01:00Whale Song - a new book<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQWjy_SjWX8/Xx8Gd-g1MhI/AAAAAAAA9P0/-HoiSBX3i5MYkP9t8jMe0iAd8eegKauoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-1-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="351" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQWjy_SjWX8/Xx8Gd-g1MhI/AAAAAAAA9P0/-HoiSBX3i5MYkP9t8jMe0iAd8eegKauoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h351/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-1-3.jpg" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whale Song <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">So here we are.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">Partly unlocked. <br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">Waiting for the world to adjust and recuperate.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">A difficult time for many.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">All that I wish to do is to visit my children in Canada. Which will require me to quarantine for 2 weeks in each direction.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">And so I will. In a few weeks time.<br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">And while I am waiting I have been thinking about the ocean, and whales. Freedom and space....</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">Journeys across the water.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">In ink.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">On paper.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">Drawn with a birch twig, an automatic pen and a plastic out of date Tate Modern card.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slaWiR21xUw/Xx8HKDIZTqI/AAAAAAAA9P8/Mgdlx5EkH4cL2SmE-CujNvI8bQcJWcmLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-1-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slaWiR21xUw/Xx8HKDIZTqI/AAAAAAAA9P8/Mgdlx5EkH4cL2SmE-CujNvI8bQcJWcmLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w469-h625/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-1-4.jpg" width="469" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ink drawing tools<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3">I started with waves, and ended with whales.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grhbDWrxm1I/Xx8EC_joX2I/AAAAAAAA9PE/1L6rrm2_rKksv9pEhOuaXHvtUMQQHd8DACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Whale Song" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grhbDWrxm1I/Xx8EC_joX2I/AAAAAAAA9PE/1L6rrm2_rKksv9pEhOuaXHvtUMQQHd8DACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h469/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-1.jpg" title="Whale Song" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whale Song <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHE_FWdYN9I/Xx8ECgFEchI/AAAAAAAA9PA/4bE4QWuXSj0BPIF6BftFxRBqFCAadhLywCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHE_FWdYN9I/Xx8ECgFEchI/AAAAAAAA9PA/4bE4QWuXSj0BPIF6BftFxRBqFCAadhLywCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h469/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-2.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7XApWjDm0o/Xx8EC3dJcVI/AAAAAAAA9PI/zZD4qOwqCu8BNggIzWRGQ0kU1K935sLawCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7XApWjDm0o/Xx8EC3dJcVI/AAAAAAAA9PI/zZD4qOwqCu8BNggIzWRGQ0kU1K935sLawCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h469/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-3.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl7qe2UX0UE/Xx8EDVC3gdI/AAAAAAAA9PM/0rE-w1-lV7o2BCP7mylYwBHfD6gnNxX2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl7qe2UX0UE/Xx8EDVC3gdI/AAAAAAAA9PM/0rE-w1-lV7o2BCP7mylYwBHfD6gnNxX2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h469/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-4.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfN0fU6hMVI/Xx8ED99eUUI/AAAAAAAA9PQ/jNLKsTwm0t0WBiUDUMUgrmaS3syCrROoACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfN0fU6hMVI/Xx8ED99eUUI/AAAAAAAA9PQ/jNLKsTwm0t0WBiUDUMUgrmaS3syCrROoACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h469/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-5.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DraQNnO_wHY/Xx8EEeLhGrI/AAAAAAAA9PU/EcjdZFYXg8gRyIUDNfeC5dBLPYycAZRTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DraQNnO_wHY/Xx8EEeLhGrI/AAAAAAAA9PU/EcjdZFYXg8gRyIUDNfeC5dBLPYycAZRTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h469/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-6.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pages that turned into a book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAEg7VF-6AI/Xx8FE_qjc9I/AAAAAAAA9Po/VCME7PUe4YM2pWS_MSFZ3vsIU61hSEB6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-1-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAEg7VF-6AI/Xx8FE_qjc9I/AAAAAAAA9Po/VCME7PUe4YM2pWS_MSFZ3vsIU61hSEB6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h469/whale%2Bsong%25C2%25A9carolinefraser-1-2.jpg" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whale Song - a book<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there we have it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A Japanese stab binding. Arches Rives paper, black ink and vermillion ink. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think there will be more to come.....<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here it is, '<i>Whale Song</i>' set to music. A video.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="438" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o1voGKju4TM" width="481" youtube-src-id="o1voGKju4TM"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wonder where this new camera-less journey is going to lead me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Time will tell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meanwhile, there is vegetarian lasagne on the menu tonight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OH will probably starve......<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-9522166313991166292020-06-30T13:57:00.000+01:002020-06-30T13:57:10.038+01:00lock down life.... part three.... playing at printmaking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udLQh3jcQrU/Xvm-Ae4MsAI/AAAAAAAA8Og/9v6m50cHXnUWhM9FOqIxyorvQRbrc_d7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="645" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udLQh3jcQrU/Xvm-Ae4MsAI/AAAAAAAA8Og/9v6m50cHXnUWhM9FOqIxyorvQRbrc_d7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-18.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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We have survived more than 100 days.<br />
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OH ( my other half) and I. Together, like never before.<br />
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Day after day.<br />
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Meal after meal. Walk after walk. Episode after episode of Breaking Bad.<br />
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Waking when the birds wake us.<br />
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Sleeping when the day has been worked through, minute after minute, hour after hour.<br />
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We are still here. Still friends. <br />
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Easing out of lockdown carefully.<br />
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OH itching to fly south to see sun and the Mediterranean. Cold beer and a pool.<br />
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Me itching to fly to Vancouver to see my children, but unwilling after all this time to spend two whole weeks in enforced isolation in a hotel room before being reunited. Not to mention travel insurance issues.<br />
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We have explored Kent.<br />
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Taken long walks in the countryside.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zmcqc6VS68w/Xvm_r6bujBI/AAAAAAAA8Pk/9VJT2dNohXkwyWlHE_QMzgkRdpwpATChACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zmcqc6VS68w/Xvm_r6bujBI/AAAAAAAA8Pk/9VJT2dNohXkwyWlHE_QMzgkRdpwpATChACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">strawberry farm, kent</td></tr>
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Seen apple and cherry orchards and soft fruit growing in huge greenhouses.<br />
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Who knew that strawberries no longer grow in the ground?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hodmSyOSJh0/XvnAzz2AyZI/AAAAAAAA8Qg/aJc8ga2n1qUeR8lrMGjjXfy-WDSORS8awCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hodmSyOSJh0/XvnAzz2AyZI/AAAAAAAA8Qg/aJc8ga2n1qUeR8lrMGjjXfy-WDSORS8awCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">strawberrry farm</td></tr>
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We found quiet corners away from the perambulating suburban crowds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLTAZ4l8grk/XvnBP0jvIYI/AAAAAAAA8Rc/of199iCp6h4JntUrJ92OVFp5e3uwitpqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLTAZ4l8grk/XvnBP0jvIYI/AAAAAAAA8Rc/of199iCp6h4JntUrJ92OVFp5e3uwitpqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-21.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a quiet corner of Kent</td></tr>
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And last week even found a pub selling real ale, to be consumed on a grassy field across the road.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPxOUWL7vJI/XvnBy3Epi8I/AAAAAAAA8Rk/-rjV5AktnhQrv3IRAsxpmmJ1eGS0hhFSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="800" height="488" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPxOUWL7vJI/XvnBy3Epi8I/AAAAAAAA8Rk/-rjV5AktnhQrv3IRAsxpmmJ1eGS0hhFSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Things are looking up.<br />
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So what has been achieved, artistically, in the last 4 weeks of lockdown?<br />
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Mostly very little, with a couple of forays into monoprint and chine colle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaYJESvQ9Js/XvrvQqSWVaI/AAAAAAAA8R8/KsHQhOyghNwBxwXmuOWWgKJenouSuC4_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaYJESvQ9Js/XvrvQqSWVaI/AAAAAAAA8R8/KsHQhOyghNwBxwXmuOWWgKJenouSuC4_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> monoprinting in the garden</td></tr>
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With the encouragement of <a href="http://nicholasarcher.com/" target="_blank">Nick Archer</a>'s on-line art classes I tried making monoprints using oil paint, a roller, an acetate sheet and some A4 paper.<br />
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Paint is rolled onto acetate or glass, then marked by drawing in the paint, masking it with paper, or pressing on the reverse of the A4 paper once it is placed over the inky acetate sheet.<br />
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Messy, unpredictable and mostly fun.<br />
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I soon had a large number of inky prints around me , and nowhere sensible to dry them.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oia9KPDhWlk/XvrwtLaWtQI/AAAAAAAA8Tk/-rEuaJLyk-gwwDtDkU7iL4A0OkA0nDsLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oia9KPDhWlk/XvrwtLaWtQI/AAAAAAAA8Tk/-rEuaJLyk-gwwDtDkU7iL4A0OkA0nDsLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It started to rain. The wind was blowing them around the garden.<br />
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So they ended up on the floor of my home studio.<br />
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Filling it completely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMqKZ4uxtPU/XvrxHM69M9I/AAAAAAAA8Tw/wwWb8C0TabQedA2zOJ3hxC8EKF5cbeAvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMqKZ4uxtPU/XvrxHM69M9I/AAAAAAAA8Tw/wwWb8C0TabQedA2zOJ3hxC8EKF5cbeAvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">monoprints drying on the floor</td></tr>
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These being oil paint, they take a good week to dry.<br />
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More time than I could tolerate really. I had wanted to chop them up immediately and make little books with them.<br />
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I ended up with just a couple that I really liked.<br />
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The one below I called 'pointless'.<br />
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Because that was how I was feeling.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GnNxCc8FCZU/Xvrxfgu7W3I/AAAAAAAA8T4/aUGfvOIRTFgHU8dofrOwEmtg4KYI9mjWACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="584" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GnNxCc8FCZU/Xvrxfgu7W3I/AAAAAAAA8T4/aUGfvOIRTFgHU8dofrOwEmtg4KYI9mjWACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-4.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'pointless' monoprint</td></tr>
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I would like to make a series of 'pointless' prints.<br />
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That really appeals to me now that I have given up work and am locked down, doing nothing of great use.<br />
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The following week's lesson was monoprint with chine colle.<br />
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Chine colle is a form of collage where fine paper is bonded to a print during the pressure process. In traditional printing the pressure of the print creates a seamless transition. For the purpose of this class, and in the absence of a press, we were to use glue and hand pressure.<br />
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Here is an example of a print with red tissue chine colle<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="635" scrolling="no" src="https://assets.pinterest.com/ext/embed.html?id=488429522083855428" width="345"></iframe>
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I wanted to add some sea creatures and fossils to my prints.<br />
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I sourced some public domain images from the Harvard University, Ernst Mayr library <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66257786@N03/albums/72157634888071763" target="_blank">archives</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LF6V1OMV4S4/Xvr0HH_zJoI/AAAAAAAA8UI/5p6iWxzccmAOMSjPBa55dYHB2fkDjNgcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="493" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LF6V1OMV4S4/Xvr0HH_zJoI/AAAAAAAA8UI/5p6iWxzccmAOMSjPBa55dYHB2fkDjNgcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-8.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPp6iglKB7U/Xvr0HAf1cSI/AAAAAAAA8UE/JHZ0nlqUv0Qzuz_DE7k4yondgG78Qw8TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="493" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPp6iglKB7U/Xvr0HAf1cSI/AAAAAAAA8UE/JHZ0nlqUv0Qzuz_DE7k4yondgG78Qw8TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-7.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>
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I printed these on thin paper and cut out some shapes, along with some birds from my own archive.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huFCZZ4lJOY/Xvr14M2CnOI/AAAAAAAA8UY/KzlKvuwZtQ8BD-vZqxNEGFhkPSdoqsiJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="626" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huFCZZ4lJOY/Xvr14M2CnOI/AAAAAAAA8UY/KzlKvuwZtQ8BD-vZqxNEGFhkPSdoqsiJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-12.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">monoprint with chine colle</td></tr>
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Mostly the fossil shapes disappeared into the ink, as in the image above.<br />
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The birds were a bit more successful when their wings didn't tear off as I tried to apply the glue.<br />
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I need a lot more practice, and a real printing press (of course....).<br />
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So I tried simple landscapes. Masking areas of the paper with torn newspaper.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxNnHR8Hls8/Xvr2g4Y73sI/AAAAAAAA8Ug/hkwAvSUD9xU7jYxDoJM5ntlufKlcx5RMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxNnHR8Hls8/Xvr2g4Y73sI/AAAAAAAA8Ug/hkwAvSUD9xU7jYxDoJM5ntlufKlcx5RMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just a monoprint</td></tr>
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Later I cheated by adding a bird digitally.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nymb3slh7o/Xvr2g5Rvb2I/AAAAAAAA8Uk/l1oKeiC_vzEBtTybUHAFL8OWPOpZ9eVKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="800" height="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nymb3slh7o/Xvr2g5Rvb2I/AAAAAAAA8Uk/l1oKeiC_vzEBtTybUHAFL8OWPOpZ9eVKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">monoprint with bird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Next I tried two crows chosen from my photographs from India. Crows seem to be everywhere that I go.<br />
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I dropped them into a scene as if landing on rocks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AGNkaejMCU/Xvr2zNjkLfI/AAAAAAAA8Uw/VJPzl3IF2x05iryHsJrD8SLZ0F-xs4JowCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="599" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AGNkaejMCU/Xvr2zNjkLfI/AAAAAAAA8Uw/VJPzl3IF2x05iryHsJrD8SLZ0F-xs4JowCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-11.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the landing | monoprint</td></tr>
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I was happier with this one, so printed it onto Kozo paper, mounted it onto a board, and coated it with beeswax.<br />
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The wax coat is a risky process involving melted wax and a hotplate in an upstairs bedroom. I was VERY careful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XW-qnowOlQ/Xvr3kOKjkTI/AAAAAAAA8VA/igbGePh0BJIdClQ-VqUiNHInO1Ab1DvhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XW-qnowOlQ/Xvr3kOKjkTI/AAAAAAAA8VA/igbGePh0BJIdClQ-VqUiNHInO1Ab1DvhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-14.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">melting beeswax for wax encaustic overlay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kx7CEhR8Cqc/Xvr3kWw4JFI/AAAAAAAA8VE/URhj34tV7YoQ2jjYx42SadjU33aIc7xnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kx7CEhR8Cqc/Xvr3kWw4JFI/AAAAAAAA8VE/URhj34tV7YoQ2jjYx42SadjU33aIc7xnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-15.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baking tray waxing station</td></tr>
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The final product is now waiting for a frame.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RE2PbvY0z0/Xvr3MUQqZpI/AAAAAAAA8U4/ybwPvsBAL246qNutxXofcAjNpp2pFOhagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RE2PbvY0z0/Xvr3MUQqZpI/AAAAAAAA8U4/ybwPvsBAL246qNutxXofcAjNpp2pFOhagCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-17.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the landing | a waxed print</td></tr>
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Lastly I went a bit experimental in Photoshop with another print.<br />
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This time I layered it digitally and added some colour.<br />
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It is no longer a real monoprint.<br />
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But as I am now 'an artist', I have decided that I can create work in the way that works best for me.<br />
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And if others enjoy it, then I won't feel quite so 'pointless'.<br />
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And that will be a good thing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SiAmUsGwr14/Xvr4Mw1WAoI/AAAAAAAA8VU/aH-0NpV5pnsZWeeJ5DhMoGjI1z_xgyp3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SiAmUsGwr14/Xvr4Mw1WAoI/AAAAAAAA8VU/aH-0NpV5pnsZWeeJ5DhMoGjI1z_xgyp3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lockdownlife_%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the dive | a layered monoprint</td></tr>
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caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-32203497338419585992020-06-02T10:26:00.000+01:002020-06-02T10:26:26.748+01:00Lock down life - part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mytk6ePejdM/XtYHdIf2yuI/AAAAAAAA8E4/BV5FdyF5yUodaPWoelVh7-7tIaGvBXAbwCEwYBhgLKtQDAL1Ocqwcbz0FjGhICE00ox_YuLOpMHQlqPgD_xPsbl-MnpYVeXZqyb0Z1dQZg8KEAVp8EhhL_FuNWTtZMMdiM7aAdf8QjAtEddJKB4BujGcttXREl4Bz6i2tfbN_784SO8sgl27DpZhGCjXILbtNMMGmB_7TQRudchYxzWqChFEe4eMZui4PZIbRqI5C5fa9EKHWD5feUoNKSVcuQ5C_Cbk_ozi47PvX9J45QRz5Z_mOtMvv3SO2W3gZXxO1-NZp1qZbQlk5RHZLSoL7VBwPkFPim_ArI3js9x_CJwp_ZkIZNWJJ7O90O4KDS8-ZbjEkiqD9wHhOepyWImYjALytVVI0h1xMj1oWFAfAiWwpW0-IjSjcTsEJo5qcJlexXScLFJH0uDNqH1GZd5-NHb7_o3B9jUqYw2uB__dIbuIN-kgN59LAZjIEVNG_uk1EXFa3gXS4n1KsBM8_XpJJlfBTmmnBQpbJRu-QbvxPP5VluDnci-7afwHZ6zACLK2Efx1R47DxWF8LJqBS93ODXx8yadxtrFuTBVhSC8nITkHM1T07VxhmfNlFhcQ_2jfZh8bFMR6wYEZfZtXoexnAFo7jSBdJ0P5qupgyx3iJRAAVnWlr6wAJMO2T2PYF/s1600/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mytk6ePejdM/XtYHdIf2yuI/AAAAAAAA8E4/BV5FdyF5yUodaPWoelVh7-7tIaGvBXAbwCEwYBhgLKtQDAL1Ocqwcbz0FjGhICE00ox_YuLOpMHQlqPgD_xPsbl-MnpYVeXZqyb0Z1dQZg8KEAVp8EhhL_FuNWTtZMMdiM7aAdf8QjAtEddJKB4BujGcttXREl4Bz6i2tfbN_784SO8sgl27DpZhGCjXILbtNMMGmB_7TQRudchYxzWqChFEe4eMZui4PZIbRqI5C5fa9EKHWD5feUoNKSVcuQ5C_Cbk_ozi47PvX9J45QRz5Z_mOtMvv3SO2W3gZXxO1-NZp1qZbQlk5RHZLSoL7VBwPkFPim_ArI3js9x_CJwp_ZkIZNWJJ7O90O4KDS8-ZbjEkiqD9wHhOepyWImYjALytVVI0h1xMj1oWFAfAiWwpW0-IjSjcTsEJo5qcJlexXScLFJH0uDNqH1GZd5-NHb7_o3B9jUqYw2uB__dIbuIN-kgN59LAZjIEVNG_uk1EXFa3gXS4n1KsBM8_XpJJlfBTmmnBQpbJRu-QbvxPP5VluDnci-7afwHZ6zACLK2Efx1R47DxWF8LJqBS93ODXx8yadxtrFuTBVhSC8nITkHM1T07VxhmfNlFhcQ_2jfZh8bFMR6wYEZfZtXoexnAFo7jSBdJ0P5qupgyx3iJRAAVnWlr6wAJMO2T2PYF/s640/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rain dance 5 | © Caroline fraser 2020</td></tr>
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So, we reach week 10 of lockdown, and this weekend, for the first time, I have been into a shop. </div>
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I won't say that I enjoyed it.</div>
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I found it intensely depressing; the fear of getting too close to real people, the not being able to touch, the worry about paying using a touch screen. </div>
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OH ( my other half) has been doing all the shopping for the last 10 weeks.</div>
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For which I thank him. But there are drawbacks......</div>
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Here are some pros and cons of having all my shopping done by OH....</div>
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<li> the house is full of meat. ( By house I mean the fridge and the freezer). There are black puddings from Stornaway in every drawer of the freezer, and a supply of sausages sufficient for a large garden party, except that we are not allowerd one of those any time soon).</li>
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<li>There are secret foods that I am not told about, and don't realise they are there until I see the packaging in the bin ( strawberries and smoked salmon for example ). I am told that I '<i>only have to look</i> <i>in the fridge</i>'. But I can't see past all the meat..... </li>
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<li> there are 10 tins of tinned tomoatoes in the not very large larder cupboard. No wonder I can't see what else is in there.</li>
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<li>I am given 2 minutes to decide what ingredients I require for the meals that I am cooking for the next few days. I have never had to plan meals ahead with such precision.</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1F4lBqyU5ec/XtYHdJUCWqI/AAAAAAAA8Fs/hJuoch8Va1QJpZO4SXct8mJVadhJS9oaACEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqzuOBht0Dtt0sV2LfVolbXdz-TcMLRo_6PDYJgIokC7gvhF8ZIFhcx3d33v8hPo4y0O61RsOHq7T9mjaxjkglWeXuwPngbH_RlVyZmJ3ClHVOHOWEa4RcAXLzFU3QyGjG75pJpIPQAy1l_SH6KYjkSQ6mGKre4cDRtBLLfRzsGZK07s_CoUtbIH1zE9nZmepqSOT7-Y1odK1zi-J3yarF31LDUeKgDu5BbCzq8YZAKgB6G8Ez1sPqbq0-QbZQjqBE339ewouxL24UPSMJAdBIc3qBOWu4AjVRfom6Im3yI-27IIh-TbbF-QtWGG4mrCzwpqWJebbpYdEC4DquU5jm_5g6aNHcjgT2WqwcRxeGiOrV4250JzqvpChNl38SNnB82xO9JRXoMzdpeNq1BOb2yXlVzko3Eoe--O8gYV1XKL66bfZPMhllM9LrnWpreAH7FoLdaBaiMaUpmpAtXbnT6xsj4A3YIK5jyEuOk-uwSaf2qXI_BAVhpJ5Sx04ANQm8nWhpeXWCy63-1AM0IwLvK_D-846oz-gClE5xN2SGKx06EyNfc1B5AcohqDfDgNTKow2dEaNovX8KU-0_pd_vmvP_U_rRX-uO6_MMeZ2PYF/s1600/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1F4lBqyU5ec/XtYHdJUCWqI/AAAAAAAA8Fs/hJuoch8Va1QJpZO4SXct8mJVadhJS9oaACEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqzuOBht0Dtt0sV2LfVolbXdz-TcMLRo_6PDYJgIokC7gvhF8ZIFhcx3d33v8hPo4y0O61RsOHq7T9mjaxjkglWeXuwPngbH_RlVyZmJ3ClHVOHOWEa4RcAXLzFU3QyGjG75pJpIPQAy1l_SH6KYjkSQ6mGKre4cDRtBLLfRzsGZK07s_CoUtbIH1zE9nZmepqSOT7-Y1odK1zi-J3yarF31LDUeKgDu5BbCzq8YZAKgB6G8Ez1sPqbq0-QbZQjqBE339ewouxL24UPSMJAdBIc3qBOWu4AjVRfom6Im3yI-27IIh-TbbF-QtWGG4mrCzwpqWJebbpYdEC4DquU5jm_5g6aNHcjgT2WqwcRxeGiOrV4250JzqvpChNl38SNnB82xO9JRXoMzdpeNq1BOb2yXlVzko3Eoe--O8gYV1XKL66bfZPMhllM9LrnWpreAH7FoLdaBaiMaUpmpAtXbnT6xsj4A3YIK5jyEuOk-uwSaf2qXI_BAVhpJ5Sx04ANQm8nWhpeXWCy63-1AM0IwLvK_D-846oz-gClE5xN2SGKx06EyNfc1B5AcohqDfDgNTKow2dEaNovX8KU-0_pd_vmvP_U_rRX-uO6_MMeZ2PYF/s640/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rain dance 2 | © Caroline fraser 2020</td></tr>
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As you can see, I am not easy to please.</div>
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But then nor is OH. My attempts to introduce a one night a week vegetarian night have not gone well.</div>
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I wouldn't mind, but given that OH eats meat at all three meals <b>every day</b>, then you might think that one veggy meal was going to be tolerated. Not so. </div>
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I have resorted to using fish as a vegetarian option.....</div>
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Life is full of compromises.... </div>
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I choose my own breakfast and lunch from the non meat options available ( muesli, porrige, bread, cheese, salad).</div>
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You get the picture.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfdK2tFBwlI/XtYHdErEJAI/AAAAAAAA8Fk/EbhB6iJ71oYSOUpAfotzpUhvb0wRJGUKwCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqxbWmcUgXJQwhbVuXoqwY1tnmPdbv6PfEfrt0cRObG7oMz2yvGxHqnDnkBaDYwyCTBSLYOOt1KzgNSw5g-Ebsfy6XUFKx647rpTHdEDcOsbnkdEu3QRo5pJLLKrG5XskX47uvPRumelJDkbiLNhjDIEfwTue6H06SFByJWSzNXs5k2HqWj0QDYMV8dTWEtp4e5lXFX553r-oFaGV0i1rb3uSs5s0DJ7HEvOUgtu5KiUj-nrtqfrLc3yTUPHKci1OjZ8U84JG6AUTmVej0ksoduY1u5K1Fp6jhiPsaG5JSeCo5MIRQH0DmqnYDD6A6SX4y8CRtTXj7ELAUAcssn55yuSEXThB77CulJiGyzfej9XunkKlc3qxJ1mk5jPQBS0YpP3MqrDnaEHTeTLCe8hoLtrKQRBzclNlqCUQfvPIVyOAY-px7i_L06oNdIjrBjGWnthWjlJrj6C3xYQcDEKF6p5wl7spr93_GFglATpN1-pdNZ_B4elBNAkrNBrhsDdCUHetG2o8lMG47BQRPN12yBf0P5lVGdCktpaoQOAobzl6R_C7vN6uvdtGJH6djRsw7nHkBGrmMoB10MvKTNoLB32BenrTITX6Fb-MIOq2PYF/s1600/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfdK2tFBwlI/XtYHdErEJAI/AAAAAAAA8Fk/EbhB6iJ71oYSOUpAfotzpUhvb0wRJGUKwCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqxbWmcUgXJQwhbVuXoqwY1tnmPdbv6PfEfrt0cRObG7oMz2yvGxHqnDnkBaDYwyCTBSLYOOt1KzgNSw5g-Ebsfy6XUFKx647rpTHdEDcOsbnkdEu3QRo5pJLLKrG5XskX47uvPRumelJDkbiLNhjDIEfwTue6H06SFByJWSzNXs5k2HqWj0QDYMV8dTWEtp4e5lXFX553r-oFaGV0i1rb3uSs5s0DJ7HEvOUgtu5KiUj-nrtqfrLc3yTUPHKci1OjZ8U84JG6AUTmVej0ksoduY1u5K1Fp6jhiPsaG5JSeCo5MIRQH0DmqnYDD6A6SX4y8CRtTXj7ELAUAcssn55yuSEXThB77CulJiGyzfej9XunkKlc3qxJ1mk5jPQBS0YpP3MqrDnaEHTeTLCe8hoLtrKQRBzclNlqCUQfvPIVyOAY-px7i_L06oNdIjrBjGWnthWjlJrj6C3xYQcDEKF6p5wl7spr93_GFglATpN1-pdNZ_B4elBNAkrNBrhsDdCUHetG2o8lMG47BQRPN12yBf0P5lVGdCktpaoQOAobzl6R_C7vN6uvdtGJH6djRsw7nHkBGrmMoB10MvKTNoLB32BenrTITX6Fb-MIOq2PYF/s640/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the pros?</div>
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<li>I get to make new images during the time that I would have been queieng at the supermarket.</li>
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<li>I can do my meditation Youtube video without interruption half way through from OH asking me '<i>do you want to watch Boris on TV</i> '. To which the answer, of course, is NO.</li>
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While OH is shopping I fiddle around on the computer trying to create new images from my local walks and from old images from my travels.</div>
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I am experimenting with layering of photos and paintings. </div>
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Some work better than others.</div>
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Here is a Scandi style window from Finland. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wknHExOJ-xY/XtYHeddiemI/AAAAAAAA8Fw/d5Xxh6j5TGMCjqXfJDqET8oaiHzCo8p8wCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqxuhMfQgIDQhkjYn_6nXKn-oeNxpxjF4NqEQyE2Lr9jYo7sNQw1YAapFkl6mqJ1679WvCPbIzKLGVM73Z0oKVZs135DOsTjOXzP0nOzjJ24Qi5YQ-YhlwY8715yjJwITqCfn7pqf76qypDwx6X_gkrOxYUoPsC26hSjZZgXkqeOakwkIF85dyAhUAS7PHIYG9mapXm1ofLzHC4swOZpEDIh_qx0yXvTe53FZio02h2jR3KE0ImL6ht_-1YlmQJpUKimt3_rNYgfCn9Dhy8y7s8GOAUkowD8sgLWRAHJA05Z6b_D526mXLYs3AGsgQ0ZeQEso5xjvnkn9QafhrENYnXSK7C5Kww5ba6mOzpyO2tx_ZLcx3hiQnr6bTJ7os0HKV0TNU67nyxntvgvNHDYDUXQWZ0ZoRQr5SGJvfyt_IS2iN5vdJL-ik_eAnLRcd2Ii9MEVQZYPtZSCCSKZ3A6aLuVzszmStEFqJwRZmO9iH0ERjP3QC9JbkMKSgLC7X5fTRI_Ow83f4GAMXqGhGvDKkTRTUtltZEWPzN6F4qivRdruZmrH4noCFI_YCcY4rVuYslyCG5MIi9CfKWTurWb2pRXs323AdOSwzcTMOOd2PYF/s1600/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wknHExOJ-xY/XtYHeddiemI/AAAAAAAA8Fw/d5Xxh6j5TGMCjqXfJDqET8oaiHzCo8p8wCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqxuhMfQgIDQhkjYn_6nXKn-oeNxpxjF4NqEQyE2Lr9jYo7sNQw1YAapFkl6mqJ1679WvCPbIzKLGVM73Z0oKVZs135DOsTjOXzP0nOzjJ24Qi5YQ-YhlwY8715yjJwITqCfn7pqf76qypDwx6X_gkrOxYUoPsC26hSjZZgXkqeOakwkIF85dyAhUAS7PHIYG9mapXm1ofLzHC4swOZpEDIh_qx0yXvTe53FZio02h2jR3KE0ImL6ht_-1YlmQJpUKimt3_rNYgfCn9Dhy8y7s8GOAUkowD8sgLWRAHJA05Z6b_D526mXLYs3AGsgQ0ZeQEso5xjvnkn9QafhrENYnXSK7C5Kww5ba6mOzpyO2tx_ZLcx3hiQnr6bTJ7os0HKV0TNU67nyxntvgvNHDYDUXQWZ0ZoRQr5SGJvfyt_IS2iN5vdJL-ik_eAnLRcd2Ii9MEVQZYPtZSCCSKZ3A6aLuVzszmStEFqJwRZmO9iH0ERjP3QC9JbkMKSgLC7X5fTRI_Ow83f4GAMXqGhGvDKkTRTUtltZEWPzN6F4qivRdruZmrH4noCFI_YCcY4rVuYslyCG5MIi9CfKWTurWb2pRXs323AdOSwzcTMOOd2PYF/s640/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">playing with layers and warp tool in Photoshop</td></tr>
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And here is a tree from Lofoten with some starlings from Wales.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--InthH4nZu4/XtYHfr8qJ_I/AAAAAAAA8F4/Ca3NtE6K_JUTJe4ZX0MDu1M2JUAR4QcwQCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqxuhMfQgIDQhkjYn_6nXKn-oeNxpxjF4NqEQyE2Lr9jYo7sNQw1YAapFkl6mqJ1679WvCPbIzKLGVM73Z0oKVZs135DOsTjOXzP0nOzjJ24Qi5YQ-YhlwY8715yjJwITqCfn7pqf76qypDwx6X_gkrOxYUoPsC26hSjZZgXkqeOakwkIF85dyAhUAS7PHIYG9mapXm1ofLzHC4swOZpEDIh_qx0yXvTe53FZio02h2jR3KE0ImL6ht_-1YlmQJpUKimt3_rNYgfCn9Dhy8y7s8GOAUkowD8sgLWRAHJA05Z6b_D526mXLYs3AGsgQ0ZeQEso5xjvnkn9QafhrENYnXSK7C5Kww5ba6mOzpyO2tx_ZLcx3hiQnr6bTJ7os0HKV0TNU67nyxntvgvNHDYDUXQWZ0ZoRQr5SGJvfyt_IS2iN5vdJL-ik_eAnLRcd2Ii9MEVQZYPtZSCCSKZ3A6aLuVzszmStEFqJwRZmO9iH0ERjP3QC9JbkMKSgLC7X5fTRI_Ow83f4GAMXqGhGvDKkTRTUtltZEWPzN6F4qivRdruZmrH4noCFI_YCcY4rVuYslyCG5MIi9CfKWTurWb2pRXs323AdOSwzcTMOOd2PYF/s1600/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--InthH4nZu4/XtYHfr8qJ_I/AAAAAAAA8F4/Ca3NtE6K_JUTJe4ZX0MDu1M2JUAR4QcwQCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqxuhMfQgIDQhkjYn_6nXKn-oeNxpxjF4NqEQyE2Lr9jYo7sNQw1YAapFkl6mqJ1679WvCPbIzKLGVM73Z0oKVZs135DOsTjOXzP0nOzjJ24Qi5YQ-YhlwY8715yjJwITqCfn7pqf76qypDwx6X_gkrOxYUoPsC26hSjZZgXkqeOakwkIF85dyAhUAS7PHIYG9mapXm1ofLzHC4swOZpEDIh_qx0yXvTe53FZio02h2jR3KE0ImL6ht_-1YlmQJpUKimt3_rNYgfCn9Dhy8y7s8GOAUkowD8sgLWRAHJA05Z6b_D526mXLYs3AGsgQ0ZeQEso5xjvnkn9QafhrENYnXSK7C5Kww5ba6mOzpyO2tx_ZLcx3hiQnr6bTJ7os0HKV0TNU67nyxntvgvNHDYDUXQWZ0ZoRQr5SGJvfyt_IS2iN5vdJL-ik_eAnLRcd2Ii9MEVQZYPtZSCCSKZ3A6aLuVzszmStEFqJwRZmO9iH0ERjP3QC9JbkMKSgLC7X5fTRI_Ow83f4GAMXqGhGvDKkTRTUtltZEWPzN6F4qivRdruZmrH4noCFI_YCcY4rVuYslyCG5MIi9CfKWTurWb2pRXs323AdOSwzcTMOOd2PYF/s640/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">playing with photographic layers</td></tr>
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I seem to return to trees time after time.<br />
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These dead branches from Vancouver.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbCXphTHua0/XtYOCQX5dVI/AAAAAAAA8GA/FKKPUCOh4-YY8GHTJlMQZJ6JP9Tq2yDnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/tree%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="662" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbCXphTHua0/XtYOCQX5dVI/AAAAAAAA8GA/FKKPUCOh4-YY8GHTJlMQZJ6JP9Tq2yDnACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/tree%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-1.jpg" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">towards the sky | © Caroline fraser 2020</td></tr>
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And these graceful fallen branches from a woodland in Kent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEWnb3Os5gY/XtYOCTFXpoI/AAAAAAAA8GE/x5KZRdMn47stT0IqQu0_EfNHMeBMC2f0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/tree%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEWnb3Os5gY/XtYOCTFXpoI/AAAAAAAA8GE/x5KZRdMn47stT0IqQu0_EfNHMeBMC2f0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/tree%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tree dance | © Caroline Fraser 2020</td></tr>
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But it is the images from my local pond that please me most.</div>
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I have found the shapes of the leaves reflected in the water to be an endless source of work over the past 10 years.</div>
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Raindrops falling just add to the fun. </div>
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The ripples create an added dimension. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSI6ReIzr1E/XtYHd321xcI/AAAAAAAA8Fs/j7mlWiEL7LoKH43I1swGmgdHCzHhkDiIgCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqwKuVZXobjpgxUth_Iqre1HRkwMTZsvdq5P54sIlCbrtKP_i_tjvsr3jMLXRILyl-pd2cLeiwAfuHkg4dNdPJJPu2apo9X7Gis0QPmLtLxMdf8lvABoW_aa4rujg0Qzx2rMRM25l9vXWC81sqrPVD6XHdFVOoCjNSoEOYuULKTCsckPhJjhvGBfIFnDcZ2NAU4_x5BkVP-IKEKXba16XrCieQ8EIFHu2joqWqr133FHxZH6Js6NNqNOwvD9itjthF2VYt9L9SD_wTWIPLCx-cnKwDw_d8dvFM-YfyWXVkjUgnzc4_hjNS9qA7vUqx2BXdapQ0SAmNTvMZdr7GSleFH6RcS5N7qIZgYCP7upeF-265ZDqtT4C3IAxBNsEQn_P7aZ1pqNMqf9Q4x4j1KXr82-k0-bjsNXuDJvW9dYne8SIrEsEP0IE59J94JLQVbSTg6Too7GbuU0_cWyJMYatg_1xzcH8MujYNo9hLujBxXtwa1k9UTjBx2lPH7B9LTJAOuwF_CBuJFlDIAWDTTo--hDB0eh82ODyte4KMIL6QrsdbayOwhgxsj7pmCsuWhxOaz4IxpFWq0lzdStZkKmKmS0TXck-sQ1O_aKMOqj2PYF/s1600/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSI6ReIzr1E/XtYHd321xcI/AAAAAAAA8Fs/j7mlWiEL7LoKH43I1swGmgdHCzHhkDiIgCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqwKuVZXobjpgxUth_Iqre1HRkwMTZsvdq5P54sIlCbrtKP_i_tjvsr3jMLXRILyl-pd2cLeiwAfuHkg4dNdPJJPu2apo9X7Gis0QPmLtLxMdf8lvABoW_aa4rujg0Qzx2rMRM25l9vXWC81sqrPVD6XHdFVOoCjNSoEOYuULKTCsckPhJjhvGBfIFnDcZ2NAU4_x5BkVP-IKEKXba16XrCieQ8EIFHu2joqWqr133FHxZH6Js6NNqNOwvD9itjthF2VYt9L9SD_wTWIPLCx-cnKwDw_d8dvFM-YfyWXVkjUgnzc4_hjNS9qA7vUqx2BXdapQ0SAmNTvMZdr7GSleFH6RcS5N7qIZgYCP7upeF-265ZDqtT4C3IAxBNsEQn_P7aZ1pqNMqf9Q4x4j1KXr82-k0-bjsNXuDJvW9dYne8SIrEsEP0IE59J94JLQVbSTg6Too7GbuU0_cWyJMYatg_1xzcH8MujYNo9hLujBxXtwa1k9UTjBx2lPH7B9LTJAOuwF_CBuJFlDIAWDTTo--hDB0eh82ODyte4KMIL6QrsdbayOwhgxsj7pmCsuWhxOaz4IxpFWq0lzdStZkKmKmS0TXck-sQ1O_aKMOqj2PYF/s640/raindance%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rain dance 14 | © Caroline fraser 2020</td></tr>
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But we have had no rain since I took these photos on 28th April. </div>
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Hopefully some will come again soon, and I can extend the series a little further.</div>
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Light and water, light on water. Water falling on water . I don't have to go far to find a place to capture my favourite subject matter.</div>
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Here is a video made beside my local stream, a few yards away from the pond. </div>
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A place of peace. </div>
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caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-70144951541146956292020-05-03T10:41:00.001+01:002020-05-03T10:41:11.796+01:00lockdown life <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Springtime in suburbia..... I once made a book about it.<br />
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Endless days of sunshine in April.<br />
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Unusual. Enjoyable. Surreal.<br />
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For last time we had weather like this in April I was studyimg at Central St Martins for a PG cert in photography.<br />
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This time I am locked down. Day after day. Week after week.<br />
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My other half (OH) and I confined to quarters, together in a way that we have not been together for many years.<br />
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Normally OH is travelling for work, and I am travelling for photography or to visit family in Canada, or both.<br />
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I am not going to go into details of the pandemic..... you know about that.<br />
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I am going to share some good things that have come out of this time instead.<br />
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Firstly, we have gone mad in the garden. Ripping up lawn to plant vegetables.<br />
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Digging for sanity.<br />
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The kitchen floor a mass of dodgy looking seedlings. <br />
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Secondly, OH has tidied 20 years worth of papers from his study.<br />
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You have no idea how happy that makes me.<br />
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OH has also become bread maker and soup maker extraordinaire. When I enquired of his plans for today he advised that he was going to be 'very busy'. He has bread and soup to make, and dinner to cook.<br />
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I will have to amuse myself writing, and watching my seedlings grow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFO6aOlY1zk/Xq5-WbTW4KI/AAAAAAAA73o/c5ApHc67_8cgYIm6rg3UMqvLvuWELdJdQCEwYBhgL/s1600/%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020-9781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFO6aOlY1zk/Xq5-WbTW4KI/AAAAAAAA73o/c5ApHc67_8cgYIm6rg3UMqvLvuWELdJdQCEwYBhgL/s640/%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020-9781.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">messages in the woods</td></tr>
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The house is a lot cleaner than it ever has been. The only items in my once busy diary are a daily instruction for which room to clean today ( somehow I can only make myself do housework if it is in my diary).<br />
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Later today my phone will beep to remind me to put the garden waste bin out for collection. Who would have dreamed that we could all be so excited by a waste and recycling collection. Some of our neighbours have had boxes out for days......<br />
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Secrets of a lockdown life revealed.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">recycling</td></tr>
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There are no secrets when the recycling doesn't get collected.<br />
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And duck for a dog? <br />
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Then there is the simple pleasure of 'drying socks on the garden table'..... so much time saved by just throwing them all down in the sunshine.<br />
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It would be fair to say that we have had our moments.....<br />
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but we have overcome these with vigorous amounts of walking and cycling. OH disappears off on his bicycle while I walk to the woods, or dance in my front room gymnasium.<br />
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Youtube exercise videos have kept me sane. My favourite is a short burst of total exhaustion with <i>Train like a ballerina</i>. <br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eCe-a7eN9YE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eCe-a7eN9YE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Here is my gymn.<br />
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But what of creativity I hear you ask.<br />
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It has been a time of feeling unsettled and that has impacted on my making.<br />
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So I have been incredibly grateful to join a zoom painting class with Nick Archer of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artclassesinrye/" target="_blank">@artclassesinrye</a><br />
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I find it a welcome distraction and a way to connect with friends at <a href="http://ryecreativecentre.co.uk/artists/" target="_blank">Rye Creative Centre</a>.<br />
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I have never painted with acrylics, and it is a love / hate relationship, but I have so enjoyed learning about colour, how to mix colours, and the discipline of not being satisfied with a colour that isn't right.<br />
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I started painting a piece of white paper on a white background.<br />
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It turns out to be all about greys and shadows, and I got so frustrated with it in the end that I painted it all over in black with a view to starting again.<br />
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I have rediscovered how much I hate getting charcoal all over everything, and how it is hard to know when 'enough is enough'. <br />
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Next week we are looking at mark making. A chance to go a bit wild....<br />
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After watching the Royal Academy film "P<a href="https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/article/exhibition-on-screen-documentary-painting-the-modern-garden-monet-matisse" target="_blank">ainting the modern garden; Monet to Matisse</a>" I am raring to go.<br />
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This documentary is an absolute delight, and I now see the pond in my local woods as akin to Monet's waterlily garden; a bit of an obsession. Monet became obsessed with the reflections in the water, just as I do.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pavement selfie</td></tr>
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Every day I walk, and mostly I go to the woods.<br />
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There have been some lovely surprises...<br />
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another good thing that has come from this time.<br />
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When the sun shines, the spring leaves are vibrant and fresh. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the stream</td></tr>
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But to capture the wild garlic requires softer light.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyyDVPdcVDk/Xq6Le9kXrGI/AAAAAAAA74g/a5n-9j6ZdZADdVhPGtEzA1gymcqAgg-iACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020-0057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyyDVPdcVDk/Xq6Le9kXrGI/AAAAAAAA74g/a5n-9j6ZdZADdVhPGtEzA1gymcqAgg-iACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020-0057.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wild garlic, hawkwood</td></tr>
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And the highlight of this week has been the rain; so welcome after all those endless dry sunny days. </div>
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The woodland refreshed, and watery ripples on the pond.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMj9EHjGwC8/Xq6LgcvEUMI/AAAAAAAA75I/Disq7sHMa8s86i7LnJC0EeTP16KvCMcugCEwYBhgL/s1600/%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020-4281029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMj9EHjGwC8/Xq6LgcvEUMI/AAAAAAAA75I/Disq7sHMa8s86i7LnJC0EeTP16KvCMcugCEwYBhgL/s640/%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020-4281029.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rain drops on the pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-L_SMikJ-Y/Xq6LgMTpMyI/AAAAAAAA75E/YLxN7kLwmLIoWUH_YWCoO_9et0jTjWzygCEwYBhgL/s1600/%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020-4281018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-L_SMikJ-Y/Xq6LgMTpMyI/AAAAAAAA75E/YLxN7kLwmLIoWUH_YWCoO_9et0jTjWzygCEwYBhgL/s640/%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020-4281018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pond reflections</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEdUjT1nLFM/Xq6LfinNthI/AAAAAAAA75I/Ey9OseI3yUYgMd_QrDQnITDS8WNIT3UIgCEwYBhgL/s1600/%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020-4280998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEdUjT1nLFM/Xq6LfinNthI/AAAAAAAA75I/Ey9OseI3yUYgMd_QrDQnITDS8WNIT3UIgCEwYBhgL/s640/%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020-4280998.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
So we have settled into a fairly content routine.<br />
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And I am beginning to be able to get back my creative mojo.<br />
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Here is one from the pond, inspired by Monet. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6oiYC1W7Wc/Xq6PWthY9yI/AAAAAAAA75Q/HJenWZ-bprg1d7h4iixUDDAQ4OOtF-B1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/rain%2Bdance%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6oiYC1W7Wc/Xq6PWthY9yI/AAAAAAAA75Q/HJenWZ-bprg1d7h4iixUDDAQ4OOtF-B1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/rain%2Bdance%2B%25C2%25A9%2Bcaroline%2Bfraser%2B2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain dance 7 © Caroline Fraser 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-21843046371500176012020-03-31T11:38:00.000+01:002020-03-31T13:38:22.080+01:00These different days..... on making art during the corona virus pandemic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKuytzcfKyw/XoMEWsBO8KI/AAAAAAAA7w4/KnOG4v9GMHQHa5Nknp5IFMlfnLdLg_PLwCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBpADXbmURxDPrF4JXVoat63g4_C1Evsu9icllMLfgOcLn6kQHPrlRXMUq2UxJZxKtTx0Vy-meE3-fzf-EaDCGXsjwuDmX2ztEfIufL-c0BmuWm8ybNESm-7vmGyA2rWy39tgV_twg4Xf21GkKKKJgVHDKBz90SKDV5fMrb6u_XsPXobnXNGGR9RVGaZi6fPY71zNbh1U8w4LZe5YVvhuoLYijHgJ6BeKDZE47HM5TkxpQONfDAx9GpHEyLE7WuWvrjQKYIQ-kR9RzZ7WAybSKZWo87BWlV6DzD_-Eqqh-cdjmviGLrqNj76lCYYTWwxz1EdoVinEi8dO9mJFPQIMT2i_U4Y52838t_7_bJvXTnvsM5nleIv9cDvD_jP_W7v4js8H10OiHXc-_8XGBABjDCg0z6d45nKo1zawuPhXWRp4FX0GK3RzmkfHMmH5fJnomX1CqnFxQuikcbU2KBOajQ5cPyQNk5fnx5jufmBwdSipBPZ16I9vqcYCZRBzksqw4sbHUCX67m184HePdz4BeAxTU0Jt5EpPhErrimJTom-Ljj9UzAb0HC-aoe7nVR4aQJ1UVgGexAyVUByscv6Tl4fbBblHIQ0-UcMOCNjPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKuytzcfKyw/XoMEWsBO8KI/AAAAAAAA7w4/KnOG4v9GMHQHa5Nknp5IFMlfnLdLg_PLwCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBpADXbmURxDPrF4JXVoat63g4_C1Evsu9icllMLfgOcLn6kQHPrlRXMUq2UxJZxKtTx0Vy-meE3-fzf-EaDCGXsjwuDmX2ztEfIufL-c0BmuWm8ybNESm-7vmGyA2rWy39tgV_twg4Xf21GkKKKJgVHDKBz90SKDV5fMrb6u_XsPXobnXNGGR9RVGaZi6fPY71zNbh1U8w4LZe5YVvhuoLYijHgJ6BeKDZE47HM5TkxpQONfDAx9GpHEyLE7WuWvrjQKYIQ-kR9RzZ7WAybSKZWo87BWlV6DzD_-Eqqh-cdjmviGLrqNj76lCYYTWwxz1EdoVinEi8dO9mJFPQIMT2i_U4Y52838t_7_bJvXTnvsM5nleIv9cDvD_jP_W7v4js8H10OiHXc-_8XGBABjDCg0z6d45nKo1zawuPhXWRp4FX0GK3RzmkfHMmH5fJnomX1CqnFxQuikcbU2KBOajQ5cPyQNk5fnx5jufmBwdSipBPZ16I9vqcYCZRBzksqw4sbHUCX67m184HePdz4BeAxTU0Jt5EpPhErrimJTom-Ljj9UzAb0HC-aoe7nVR4aQJ1UVgGexAyVUByscv6Tl4fbBblHIQ0-UcMOCNjPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these different days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Week one of self isolation is over.<br />
<br />
A frantic, tiring week of getting used to be home all day and locked in with OH ( my other half).<br />
<br />
We usually keep very busy out and about. Going our different ways much of the time.<br />
<br />
So how to adjust to being together all day every day?<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>gardening like maniacs, digging up lawn to create a vegetable patch.... digging for sanity - DFS</li>
<li>watching Breaking Bad from the beginning... one episode a day</li>
<li>walking up and down a big hill every day ( me)</li>
<li>cycling up and down a big hill every day (OH) </li>
<li>making soup (OH)</li>
<li>eating soup (me)</li>
<li>You tube exercise videos ( me)</li>
<li>making books ( not OH obviously.....)</li>
</ol>
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We made it into week 2, and who knows what that will bring.<br />
<br />
So what was the book?<br />
<br />
I am a member of an Instagram group <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/areyoubookenough/" target="_blank">#areyoubookenough</a> , started by Sarah Maker of <a href="https://www.editions.studio/areyoubookenough" target="_blank">Editions Studio</a> in Seattle.<br />
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Each month there is a given subject, and if you wish to join in then you make a book themed to the subject.<br />
It is an incredibly friendly group of like minded book loving creatives, and the ideas that people come up with never cease to amaze.<br />
<br />
So for March we had 'Hexagon'.<br />
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Very mathematical , geometric.....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arGSS34R2zk/XoMEVOtqXKI/AAAAAAAA7xU/Y1JS0eciB7UH0ItLwR29wPbMWqZsAkMswCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoD1fpRtgvyygEjgcs40FtBOBa-8HhOjQGjlCd8TgZBbv4ZvylqHX9gqA4yZ4ZwYpo_4cPnGJLG7nEdgHA0G67ayYMIVyDN2oy5iOvBJL6avllSxbMjbzwHqD_Vgw85n9eLpuLHlUD7gWFakd34O6HxkFumWI9-3Reibje-ScVg4r_M0YQ6X5GMbtTMd__xXwiNdkUaCQrW6d241ZesGYsxg5g7BrvJliMhHHkA5NLQw2rb8bU404q_9s-HRoDG3GKw_5AgzHE9eVvaFaFcsOa4IOglk8ubtLqBrB8aOtbFhlfA0nodeeZW3pBTrZ7qXd9ma0TZf1lhF-iCKH8YaS74jOlhMm1xSMS-zEXmD-QpQzHzMnXOWlC1eeMaItKGvbF7trHBVEDpH8MPM1a8GoGAnNnJ6IYBT1iI6IDFTmqtfyxNft9yeDC0YZA6-XR8-iBoimuFvy2xRKHImtV0gFGFzhY0I0-hCnrKdnGy6RVemqCFdnlhroXt9tAg9ERtXA9YLmZqgoPyXsCtgMd9yha-hGOHWBifctDe8ixw39Cs7vTDTZ_VB7QRuNksZ5o4UHThnxt-LLNpaOFgLDPPutNR58tEjYgahko6CMMWUjPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arGSS34R2zk/XoMEVOtqXKI/AAAAAAAA7xU/Y1JS0eciB7UH0ItLwR29wPbMWqZsAkMswCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoD1fpRtgvyygEjgcs40FtBOBa-8HhOjQGjlCd8TgZBbv4ZvylqHX9gqA4yZ4ZwYpo_4cPnGJLG7nEdgHA0G67ayYMIVyDN2oy5iOvBJL6avllSxbMjbzwHqD_Vgw85n9eLpuLHlUD7gWFakd34O6HxkFumWI9-3Reibje-ScVg4r_M0YQ6X5GMbtTMd__xXwiNdkUaCQrW6d241ZesGYsxg5g7BrvJliMhHHkA5NLQw2rb8bU404q_9s-HRoDG3GKw_5AgzHE9eVvaFaFcsOa4IOglk8ubtLqBrB8aOtbFhlfA0nodeeZW3pBTrZ7qXd9ma0TZf1lhF-iCKH8YaS74jOlhMm1xSMS-zEXmD-QpQzHzMnXOWlC1eeMaItKGvbF7trHBVEDpH8MPM1a8GoGAnNnJ6IYBT1iI6IDFTmqtfyxNft9yeDC0YZA6-XR8-iBoimuFvy2xRKHImtV0gFGFzhY0I0-hCnrKdnGy6RVemqCFdnlhroXt9tAg9ERtXA9YLmZqgoPyXsCtgMd9yha-hGOHWBifctDe8ixw39Cs7vTDTZ_VB7QRuNksZ5o4UHThnxt-LLNpaOFgLDPPutNR58tEjYgahko6CMMWUjPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these different days©caroline fraser2020</td></tr>
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<br />
I got out a pencil and compass, and re-learned how to draw a hexagon. I have forgotten all my maths.<br />
<br />
I googled hexagons in nature<br />
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I couldn't get inspired.<br />
<br />
I played with shapes. Still nothing.<br />
<br />
I definately didn't want to make a book about bees and honeycombs, or turtles.<br />
<br />
I learned that pencils are hexagonal so they don't run off the table.....<br />
<br />
I was getting nowhere fast.<br />
<br />
And then I discovered a template in Photoshop that contains geometric shapes.<br />
<br />
I used it to make shapes with images from my computer; old images that felt suitable for a graphic creation. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkMtNkQR1XE/XoMIY9f6QVI/AAAAAAAA7xw/Vd66rCEpPwQLRSCohdBBvA7Qr_qBgR5egCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-03-31%2Bat%2B10.07.16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkMtNkQR1XE/XoMIY9f6QVI/AAAAAAAA7xw/Vd66rCEpPwQLRSCohdBBvA7Qr_qBgR5egCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-03-31%2Bat%2B10.07.16.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I went a bit crazy for the next few days, playing and experimenting. Layering and blending.<br />
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I used images from the sea wall at Camber sands .<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUeT5m1Ka2s/XoMEW_vxpGI/AAAAAAAA7xY/KqueF8vjUpEJYY3l34tcihLWExDHxb1zQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBTuRXGJ6RQXcecxXQMu3oR9Jj0dvFJepdW3sQ718eRbumYjtj3No_kMmyRdsKa-lt-y9WbtdgM-IG_mIECt39AsxIphID1xgd848abQeGD8QdtprhMUmT9pHiJL34fR3sOf1jBMX8zl0pasgwW84WmOcS4nkparfX3o4qqmK68TVUfAZwHXY-ncqlQQEEXKF1dpLV3DNcz5w_bTDs-CAL8FLuyLrJqq2c8xPHzcEaxYhz86Zpa4fIZbLSul5uZbtiL9hLfPF0N7j9LK9hSS5ztJsQp_dXz-U6jpc6qgA5sQyxL0tmGbdHKXPPooZN3wI9ygHP-HrB-5JpcLx_CiB3oD0okrDeMr51LyavzMoFx147C2egor50MRUFYv0by7kAPsAMiPWcoR2-nAVaEZ1lmFXmYfYkYEqmQTAhZswY0KU14BxjL5dDegIRnl2dt89-XooWiHjqCZHJWHGiOywVLvC_PSm8r7R8dtOBxGShaRTpv0HW_jfeUHi2sSgJoq1iwUrpvWBB3hKH88U1VPmDSErY3dpXNRQOy7Uo4iK6h_QkJajWYNkbKOKtDkGXKe1rwsw5bEXlhPGhYcbwFqbhdt8fCxspj8T3HMJSWjPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUeT5m1Ka2s/XoMEW_vxpGI/AAAAAAAA7xY/KqueF8vjUpEJYY3l34tcihLWExDHxb1zQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBTuRXGJ6RQXcecxXQMu3oR9Jj0dvFJepdW3sQ718eRbumYjtj3No_kMmyRdsKa-lt-y9WbtdgM-IG_mIECt39AsxIphID1xgd848abQeGD8QdtprhMUmT9pHiJL34fR3sOf1jBMX8zl0pasgwW84WmOcS4nkparfX3o4qqmK68TVUfAZwHXY-ncqlQQEEXKF1dpLV3DNcz5w_bTDs-CAL8FLuyLrJqq2c8xPHzcEaxYhz86Zpa4fIZbLSul5uZbtiL9hLfPF0N7j9LK9hSS5ztJsQp_dXz-U6jpc6qgA5sQyxL0tmGbdHKXPPooZN3wI9ygHP-HrB-5JpcLx_CiB3oD0okrDeMr51LyavzMoFx147C2egor50MRUFYv0by7kAPsAMiPWcoR2-nAVaEZ1lmFXmYfYkYEqmQTAhZswY0KU14BxjL5dDegIRnl2dt89-XooWiHjqCZHJWHGiOywVLvC_PSm8r7R8dtOBxGShaRTpv0HW_jfeUHi2sSgJoq1iwUrpvWBB3hKH88U1VPmDSErY3dpXNRQOy7Uo4iK6h_QkJajWYNkbKOKtDkGXKe1rwsw5bEXlhPGhYcbwFqbhdt8fCxspj8T3HMJSWjPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these different days © Caroline Fraser 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
I used mountains from Norway<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYYncaH6IHQ/XoMEXTLHyfI/AAAAAAAA7xk/trH08pmHXqoejfxVRk9ySI9kSH8jEL2VgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBJ0xw6uPVORRtmPnaow5sdwR8-3iBT5rLxLbrKdBVKcGsqnFG4FR9GOJVvpPcUc3o46oXi65ApN7zzy7Kkq07cAMwtO9OFmX1q1XSCF0I8EqkI3gjwBRU08KMdM5DBJkqQfgT28jrD5aL8UY3fTc5XNKrl8seJU3wyQ1zNgn6kUCco5R7oHxXsLxKGEjjCOODyTUduPHPiBL8TVGfRnlCvGYT7onBFpqxjM7tMfxecveIxCZjsI4mbwCTzt8GF6iLmnZTj_W_lvanmKfyNaSRX53loprx_bvQfRDNptmprjy11JyNrLWi_1qmJuDNTDIe1t1AsADrpJm-REmx1Jcwbrld4T09spmNDnClyr3p7FpZKKYKdsjeJOxb94YuIUYIMnVCuLmG2fgKpUlj33_r7RVvSYphZ6M6ROyGMUbKzkDz2Qjba3VDyfJUeXaY39ianVNFUOHAHyeoBjSVIthSPxn8VX5lasea2gEac-4T0xwE3tHbbdvWLg_z3nLLSWkt5MUamQVMJK9ubScHG9txodWeTYDjTbZBYExua-izT8hGaVeFH9Lz3_r9GuxYshHQs2BMNRIJqMLXDx7WRg8JriysfPRbQ2RMtMMyWjPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="730" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYYncaH6IHQ/XoMEXTLHyfI/AAAAAAAA7xk/trH08pmHXqoejfxVRk9ySI9kSH8jEL2VgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBJ0xw6uPVORRtmPnaow5sdwR8-3iBT5rLxLbrKdBVKcGsqnFG4FR9GOJVvpPcUc3o46oXi65ApN7zzy7Kkq07cAMwtO9OFmX1q1XSCF0I8EqkI3gjwBRU08KMdM5DBJkqQfgT28jrD5aL8UY3fTc5XNKrl8seJU3wyQ1zNgn6kUCco5R7oHxXsLxKGEjjCOODyTUduPHPiBL8TVGfRnlCvGYT7onBFpqxjM7tMfxecveIxCZjsI4mbwCTzt8GF6iLmnZTj_W_lvanmKfyNaSRX53loprx_bvQfRDNptmprjy11JyNrLWi_1qmJuDNTDIe1t1AsADrpJm-REmx1Jcwbrld4T09spmNDnClyr3p7FpZKKYKdsjeJOxb94YuIUYIMnVCuLmG2fgKpUlj33_r7RVvSYphZ6M6ROyGMUbKzkDz2Qjba3VDyfJUeXaY39ianVNFUOHAHyeoBjSVIthSPxn8VX5lasea2gEac-4T0xwE3tHbbdvWLg_z3nLLSWkt5MUamQVMJK9ubScHG9txodWeTYDjTbZBYExua-izT8hGaVeFH9Lz3_r9GuxYshHQs2BMNRIJqMLXDx7WRg8JriysfPRbQ2RMtMMyWjPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-8.jpg" width="584" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These different days © Caroline Fraser 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Birds from Aberystwyth<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NiUsdmaOw0/XoMEXO3cgbI/AAAAAAAA7xg/Hpg_O0VmnO0Z_OV-7iWocuMv7sPMhh0lQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBfviSM9XaSUC5sWiM8H-X1TI2z7OMisRB3ywODiPnAHQrWoQJ3iDGskQR0c9kKZv6H5PxIsyElrgD_n59VUcFU0hr7uavM5jnszJ3SFmDpA0OeRGyZExsJY2gO6cKZDfoOz6eaAHIJ8Rh4J1Zz2eW2KXhm_9IOaFeJnB2rRjrIKmQttKgSqEwn2hyLrwVPILqvtVTbPBIx_ZSHkwxD-hvObIQg-FU28Hx-VY3Ku0NvdO0hFm8heTp1ViO5b9_Zqn1wQQSuyG0eSyfceuGsLkNyu7_Or4QetaTnjXMUvOMWmsoiCdp72ERbk_61rRRwVYo3oXBNy7RQNSIf4Kr2NlfPcJKH2Xi66aZoFJc8MDMK_HBAzCmcToU71I17tWYnjK-BOZQeQmuBQhgmM9OGu6L5CTVngHr1gi_Alwc4AqZeyvYIh0XhJEvKElrYIEJE-R89xk1CZ3E0ni5dSUynAlwVPjnArC66zMrklHjc1xgCM74DUQm7EL1tdImM5CFzzylr2h6R22T5evC5V1_ScR7dXKQ1GIIfkJmwRTTnurftGP21l9DuF87Cc8zpY2U8GFm0Z8p9AwNhyalRVEmBXU6Qf601TNBPK5R5MPuWjPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="800" height="628" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NiUsdmaOw0/XoMEXO3cgbI/AAAAAAAA7xg/Hpg_O0VmnO0Z_OV-7iWocuMv7sPMhh0lQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBfviSM9XaSUC5sWiM8H-X1TI2z7OMisRB3ywODiPnAHQrWoQJ3iDGskQR0c9kKZv6H5PxIsyElrgD_n59VUcFU0hr7uavM5jnszJ3SFmDpA0OeRGyZExsJY2gO6cKZDfoOz6eaAHIJ8Rh4J1Zz2eW2KXhm_9IOaFeJnB2rRjrIKmQttKgSqEwn2hyLrwVPILqvtVTbPBIx_ZSHkwxD-hvObIQg-FU28Hx-VY3Ku0NvdO0hFm8heTp1ViO5b9_Zqn1wQQSuyG0eSyfceuGsLkNyu7_Or4QetaTnjXMUvOMWmsoiCdp72ERbk_61rRRwVYo3oXBNy7RQNSIf4Kr2NlfPcJKH2Xi66aZoFJc8MDMK_HBAzCmcToU71I17tWYnjK-BOZQeQmuBQhgmM9OGu6L5CTVngHr1gi_Alwc4AqZeyvYIh0XhJEvKElrYIEJE-R89xk1CZ3E0ni5dSUynAlwVPjnArC66zMrklHjc1xgCM74DUQm7EL1tdImM5CFzzylr2h6R22T5evC5V1_ScR7dXKQ1GIIfkJmwRTTnurftGP21l9DuF87Cc8zpY2U8GFm0Z8p9AwNhyalRVEmBXU6Qf601TNBPK5R5MPuWjPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These different days © Caroline Fraser 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
and trees from an ancient oak forest inWales<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Khrsbu3XKQ/XoMEXt8HWuI/AAAAAAAA7xo/-4n5_xPShmwC-5XsVuYeTe39D3Fy3rJVwCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDWcasDiJMa3kTU7Wrikad6XiH5-QL3k7VrAlwdbO4XkCx6X6qg6lOt0gETJKOC4lywOJ_u5NNTiAbXG2aDOiMCgai_EdcrBeR9gZzVHHrjGvu5VikKF8ot7GOzzzO1OcrWeCRfKi5BkTL5q5ZgI12yiisgfkHer_f14H-DEiKkhJunSt3Br47TODGGEil_2SbSBxUGzUW7AY3r7393ITseH9xMDK4lxYe9srZsEgzzWt5-20v3EQy5A3xBKqcTBeV91n3HU-sAxJ2zv-K9DyaWVOjN6IFBwmpMQCFlzNtmKBELG28F0TK-GzKYzlDMdjLA28cl-xrHBq9VqCYkAmkkGU0iNf1Y2v3FgljCRACHjlmoU6Zsd6l_mKyLlncrlfkBhZYmFJQb4sKgGcyS5V_9sd8vTXYhdERg523_4opGFcfXbl3npKZGoFEWZHl79QdSO7hpq4gdSHzzk17JCLphvwwWW6l-p9sn6qg6jw4FY0ZCCJmDoXjB0jIURObqvXSdz12Z-tCamOSdy0kDoKCIC7eKTNJV9cSTyyCX37zEop2xwVECk-Tdo8pChXVlhjUH1aj0lNI6H36hhJj_yRNEK5QnM4R8Ry3GMNKXjPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Khrsbu3XKQ/XoMEXt8HWuI/AAAAAAAA7xo/-4n5_xPShmwC-5XsVuYeTe39D3Fy3rJVwCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDWcasDiJMa3kTU7Wrikad6XiH5-QL3k7VrAlwdbO4XkCx6X6qg6lOt0gETJKOC4lywOJ_u5NNTiAbXG2aDOiMCgai_EdcrBeR9gZzVHHrjGvu5VikKF8ot7GOzzzO1OcrWeCRfKi5BkTL5q5ZgI12yiisgfkHer_f14H-DEiKkhJunSt3Br47TODGGEil_2SbSBxUGzUW7AY3r7393ITseH9xMDK4lxYe9srZsEgzzWt5-20v3EQy5A3xBKqcTBeV91n3HU-sAxJ2zv-K9DyaWVOjN6IFBwmpMQCFlzNtmKBELG28F0TK-GzKYzlDMdjLA28cl-xrHBq9VqCYkAmkkGU0iNf1Y2v3FgljCRACHjlmoU6Zsd6l_mKyLlncrlfkBhZYmFJQb4sKgGcyS5V_9sd8vTXYhdERg523_4opGFcfXbl3npKZGoFEWZHl79QdSO7hpq4gdSHzzk17JCLphvwwWW6l-p9sn6qg6jw4FY0ZCCJmDoXjB0jIURObqvXSdz12Z-tCamOSdy0kDoKCIC7eKTNJV9cSTyyCX37zEop2xwVECk-Tdo8pChXVlhjUH1aj0lNI6H36hhJj_yRNEK5QnM4R8Ry3GMNKXjPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These different days © Caroline Fraser 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZTeM0_SR4c/XoMEVHPtJxI/AAAAAAAA7xo/O-YkRTUhm_QhGZ8r7hNc3wZmVkY9nmhhQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDWcasDiJMa3kTU7Wrikad6XiH5-QL3k7VrAlwdbO4XkCx6X6qg6lOt0gETJKOC4lywOJ_u5NNTiAbXG2aDOiMCgai_EdcrBeR9gZzVHHrjGvu5VikKF8ot7GOzzzO1OcrWeCRfKi5BkTL5q5ZgI12yiisgfkHer_f14H-DEiKkhJunSt3Br47TODGGEil_2SbSBxUGzUW7AY3r7393ITseH9xMDK4lxYe9srZsEgzzWt5-20v3EQy5A3xBKqcTBeV91n3HU-sAxJ2zv-K9DyaWVOjN6IFBwmpMQCFlzNtmKBELG28F0TK-GzKYzlDMdjLA28cl-xrHBq9VqCYkAmkkGU0iNf1Y2v3FgljCRACHjlmoU6Zsd6l_mKyLlncrlfkBhZYmFJQb4sKgGcyS5V_9sd8vTXYhdERg523_4opGFcfXbl3npKZGoFEWZHl79QdSO7hpq4gdSHzzk17JCLphvwwWW6l-p9sn6qg6jw4FY0ZCCJmDoXjB0jIURObqvXSdz12Z-tCamOSdy0kDoKCIC7eKTNJV9cSTyyCX37zEop2xwVECk-Tdo8pChXVlhjUH1aj0lNI6H36hhJj_yRNEK5QnM4R8Ry3GMNKXjPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZTeM0_SR4c/XoMEVHPtJxI/AAAAAAAA7xo/O-YkRTUhm_QhGZ8r7hNc3wZmVkY9nmhhQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDWcasDiJMa3kTU7Wrikad6XiH5-QL3k7VrAlwdbO4XkCx6X6qg6lOt0gETJKOC4lywOJ_u5NNTiAbXG2aDOiMCgai_EdcrBeR9gZzVHHrjGvu5VikKF8ot7GOzzzO1OcrWeCRfKi5BkTL5q5ZgI12yiisgfkHer_f14H-DEiKkhJunSt3Br47TODGGEil_2SbSBxUGzUW7AY3r7393ITseH9xMDK4lxYe9srZsEgzzWt5-20v3EQy5A3xBKqcTBeV91n3HU-sAxJ2zv-K9DyaWVOjN6IFBwmpMQCFlzNtmKBELG28F0TK-GzKYzlDMdjLA28cl-xrHBq9VqCYkAmkkGU0iNf1Y2v3FgljCRACHjlmoU6Zsd6l_mKyLlncrlfkBhZYmFJQb4sKgGcyS5V_9sd8vTXYhdERg523_4opGFcfXbl3npKZGoFEWZHl79QdSO7hpq4gdSHzzk17JCLphvwwWW6l-p9sn6qg6jw4FY0ZCCJmDoXjB0jIURObqvXSdz12Z-tCamOSdy0kDoKCIC7eKTNJV9cSTyyCX37zEop2xwVECk-Tdo8pChXVlhjUH1aj0lNI6H36hhJj_yRNEK5QnM4R8Ry3GMNKXjPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These different days © Caroline Fraser 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And when I had finished I had a motley collection of images that didn't all work together.<br />
<br />
Next I wrote some words.<br />
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e9176c47-7fff-f26b-f801-da8ed990fce4" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">These different days</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">They asked me to make a book;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">‘Hexagon’</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">but all around the world was changing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I thought of honeycombs and basalt columns</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">turtle shells and snowflakes</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Saturn’s hexagonal clouds.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">But they matter not.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">For outside in the brilliant sunshine</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">while spring is doing its thing,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">inside there is darkness, </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">anxiety and apprehension.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">How to create work in these different days?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Hexagons of no relevance right now.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">As the anxiety rose I turned to my library of images</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and began to work.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Layering and sifting,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">mixing and blending,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">cutting and pasting,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">sequencing and printing.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Circles, triangles (and hexagons too).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I kept working until time ran out</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and I realised that what mattered was not the book</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">but the thinking, distraction and experimentation</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">that had buffered my thoughts,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and kept me going </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">through these different days.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
And once I had the words then the book had to be constructed.<br />
<br />
I printed out images and sequenced them, quickly realising that I needed to limit the colour palette for it to work.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-br32CTX7oQg/XoMPg33Nh_I/AAAAAAAA7yA/2zEgWsIKl5sWuQz8gMklKfdRANFaRkodQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBZQdg9VvO_cXkkH60mU-rfSB_016hWQsCdoCq_jSrz-tZjFj8v_7w4pjlVuzKxUhfMXu7JewaqI3hp9pziF2QGdI0hR-0PQaMMc4ia_vlx6yKqntZYsYIdpkJGhTPTDfDasE5ucxVF9oh1K8p2K9AT9v8sR86xCj2wFp3wMssNqVy5qyvOt8FKpCmPt4pGFqhVWqihdqxC63OEadFW3X23zgrQfKiH9GQHAL1HNsb8sfhY_FUSYJ-9o2xkRpmLng1NzT-qQQYLCOkygp2UG8E3LQt7bhyxTUKPDUE8IvuSRCp3prfkHQpvr9OZ7fCBCTb68LUzIWK1DPO3oTSALcH1PVIIo-qPfTAcNvb05Z3UGTbf8L7tLl3XufuBa9y1p-YzS-ALkslOMzNK-wcSWfWgwonow63u3im6hmRGn1yz6St5wW796utrY6sdP3Gbfo6y87UXyVkLGBKkGGm9RW73I97KAjodjg9SXun8JYZgjFLGa0I_WVoIFFKfuS81wS5sHXI8CWdpUwVvnPQWuUOfKii77DZiR_BtPdyfp_uQDqVD-VGZTFF0B2dxt5SnEJkZMj7Bfm9PvapbM7_6HaQjB8Xdc8_E6uDKMN6kjPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="800" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-br32CTX7oQg/XoMPg33Nh_I/AAAAAAAA7yA/2zEgWsIKl5sWuQz8gMklKfdRANFaRkodQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBZQdg9VvO_cXkkH60mU-rfSB_016hWQsCdoCq_jSrz-tZjFj8v_7w4pjlVuzKxUhfMXu7JewaqI3hp9pziF2QGdI0hR-0PQaMMc4ia_vlx6yKqntZYsYIdpkJGhTPTDfDasE5ucxVF9oh1K8p2K9AT9v8sR86xCj2wFp3wMssNqVy5qyvOt8FKpCmPt4pGFqhVWqihdqxC63OEadFW3X23zgrQfKiH9GQHAL1HNsb8sfhY_FUSYJ-9o2xkRpmLng1NzT-qQQYLCOkygp2UG8E3LQt7bhyxTUKPDUE8IvuSRCp3prfkHQpvr9OZ7fCBCTb68LUzIWK1DPO3oTSALcH1PVIIo-qPfTAcNvb05Z3UGTbf8L7tLl3XufuBa9y1p-YzS-ALkslOMzNK-wcSWfWgwonow63u3im6hmRGn1yz6St5wW796utrY6sdP3Gbfo6y87UXyVkLGBKkGGm9RW73I97KAjodjg9SXun8JYZgjFLGa0I_WVoIFFKfuS81wS5sHXI8CWdpUwVvnPQWuUOfKii77DZiR_BtPdyfp_uQDqVD-VGZTFF0B2dxt5SnEJkZMj7Bfm9PvapbM7_6HaQjB8Xdc8_E6uDKMN6kjPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-12-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I chose orange, grey and turquoise.....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9SRsquckY4/XoMP6nUaH5I/AAAAAAAA7yI/Q_ER_6FAM7c2n1aALNbacEoSRBRtta7fgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBZx_lLBEe_yh0T_rJM6bLJwv9V55jx0aFtrLhmvFLwC4Kg6auyaubgYcBuydr2xLyb9ow0MoZg20uwQP4aIirhqNJr0OOE2dpEfcZKH2mGDQkC0qdxh5rtkQeDWW833FlT_PGEWGCwAM1HRSAkIaY3CPG5oN4AApMqjADh1DVnHRsNg4s9VvUWhdkm6ABujQJF2QANPVLUk0B3bVvhoNUTWhgnE8IlFpsafc2qabsww8-F1R01OXb2TqrepGLiCHm6RQHYIDlGOFcPrh9MVLYJRPgjyW8G-UW9IalXpivW0Ui-FlnzUyWcjIPpnOP_woWvttBjmSWbjJuMD8vwkqmxuNga8ZkdzSDpgGzVOVq-FAotkYFQqz55-1D5ucLvzNmSMlcDfUaaPetbK15rWMIRFStyUl3zXqa8nLei8fhbJFS9V8GUYmPP9JkBsOHOUBBdlc-ssEN6Hhxc4KDcTNIP8pbE8brj20a3NYNJ7lRU03PoRgfap0ap5qHGdttzo2JZAOGXqdtysr-VEUBBSkgbniagGcPxULKcZH13oLUhyBLqXKqXgsEiuMNhqRv_blmfRY-adIxBrGUrs8L3U-xaSRGy4s7sW4jxMOykjPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-12-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9SRsquckY4/XoMP6nUaH5I/AAAAAAAA7yI/Q_ER_6FAM7c2n1aALNbacEoSRBRtta7fgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBZx_lLBEe_yh0T_rJM6bLJwv9V55jx0aFtrLhmvFLwC4Kg6auyaubgYcBuydr2xLyb9ow0MoZg20uwQP4aIirhqNJr0OOE2dpEfcZKH2mGDQkC0qdxh5rtkQeDWW833FlT_PGEWGCwAM1HRSAkIaY3CPG5oN4AApMqjADh1DVnHRsNg4s9VvUWhdkm6ABujQJF2QANPVLUk0B3bVvhoNUTWhgnE8IlFpsafc2qabsww8-F1R01OXb2TqrepGLiCHm6RQHYIDlGOFcPrh9MVLYJRPgjyW8G-UW9IalXpivW0Ui-FlnzUyWcjIPpnOP_woWvttBjmSWbjJuMD8vwkqmxuNga8ZkdzSDpgGzVOVq-FAotkYFQqz55-1D5ucLvzNmSMlcDfUaaPetbK15rWMIRFStyUl3zXqa8nLei8fhbJFS9V8GUYmPP9JkBsOHOUBBdlc-ssEN6Hhxc4KDcTNIP8pbE8brj20a3NYNJ7lRU03PoRgfap0ap5qHGdttzo2JZAOGXqdtysr-VEUBBSkgbniagGcPxULKcZH13oLUhyBLqXKqXgsEiuMNhqRv_blmfRY-adIxBrGUrs8L3U-xaSRGy4s7sW4jxMOykjPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-12-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">orange, grey and turquoise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xIAKAPF3xHI/XoMEV-0xwII/AAAAAAAA7xU/ck8asxxDJ4wMeaT5mDpUZEPJOFboyj34QCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBGy6tZbJBNXPup9JqVHsKqatUnMTrJi2QHal_SVjcriWRKFC7HyBtP4fIcuq9zCgtNNSty4Wr3HXjCqLIsUXQB03LLQdR53xh_xPi4dTS8Xv0fs-r6mgCvM-PkpJzBDOZXAvrBzo7tYtIH5tqfxoYbMI22eBk7sEHm3ffHB9MKoKF16NmhYPDC81o41EkKqNPMp8ZxLJQ-fZg6l627EeLVvE7QwXc8f4i1ejO__oPqPef-7uXQZQ7MK5stG50NGf8I0tIwBBwKAywyt5AyYStop2Wm2GSel6ED16ad6ZR6JTB9N8TL3IXIAL1ngnHq53m_y0dcHyT8HCMvIWcUPrK0NLuQfX7oo8LtdwjLuCAtiriRwHvZsLW7H2Vj8U0O90WaRbaieLgnxMSQh1kpWiP3F6jIKDwkIHtAqtfUctdhgQLiG_ITMh0dr1_pLRCILoK5sKqUN6401cHVRRafd1BAlpe24jwSsHxlSAY9enlQpD7HSly5PppIIz3Uctr5mFCMafOzMJL8zyViL9gHQCoum5e3QSJyNfIXuEnm97HLw6CnxCxlD5Fmgzhi4svtQakIQomKikXlsutI_22JznpIlIFVrE0llg2LMLuZjPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xIAKAPF3xHI/XoMEV-0xwII/AAAAAAAA7xU/ck8asxxDJ4wMeaT5mDpUZEPJOFboyj34QCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBGy6tZbJBNXPup9JqVHsKqatUnMTrJi2QHal_SVjcriWRKFC7HyBtP4fIcuq9zCgtNNSty4Wr3HXjCqLIsUXQB03LLQdR53xh_xPi4dTS8Xv0fs-r6mgCvM-PkpJzBDOZXAvrBzo7tYtIH5tqfxoYbMI22eBk7sEHm3ffHB9MKoKF16NmhYPDC81o41EkKqNPMp8ZxLJQ-fZg6l627EeLVvE7QwXc8f4i1ejO__oPqPef-7uXQZQ7MK5stG50NGf8I0tIwBBwKAywyt5AyYStop2Wm2GSel6ED16ad6ZR6JTB9N8TL3IXIAL1ngnHq53m_y0dcHyT8HCMvIWcUPrK0NLuQfX7oo8LtdwjLuCAtiriRwHvZsLW7H2Vj8U0O90WaRbaieLgnxMSQh1kpWiP3F6jIKDwkIHtAqtfUctdhgQLiG_ITMh0dr1_pLRCILoK5sKqUN6401cHVRRafd1BAlpe24jwSsHxlSAY9enlQpD7HSly5PppIIz3Uctr5mFCMafOzMJL8zyViL9gHQCoum5e3QSJyNfIXuEnm97HLw6CnxCxlD5Fmgzhi4svtQakIQomKikXlsutI_22JznpIlIFVrE0llg2LMLuZjPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These different days © Caroline Fraser 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
I printed the words onto one sheet of paper, and made a concertina with the abstract images.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkQGHeq3p4k/XoMEVKEPI5I/AAAAAAAA7xQ/vS1Tpb-jDFEEAhlsNZk_kytxEy5Aw0x1gCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoD2-fyEMgDedSMU1lDQN7vhhL03nzPqCMFqacoTGXCLw5_7Jh0bYn_iRg2r_kMoy1fXDVwd8P4AxzXgEVWZJVeLrE78UVctNEpyUuuGAm5CQeWuVu4QLH-F4-4LULLxmvcUVK9yoZ_iEoMH5KyX2GKL882tfCsWf1y47wOPBaeEIniHh4jJdC2j-Q45pcYcMFzSg09Gr-eHbNKgTgOjN0BGcGvtMkOSmGpQRkGgkP6h4Z56sKu_xO2pDtX39ozLbuqTwkItx2JkR3kavZurdwLLy4PtI4de_mlyjOuUK1JiWr4r0G1kBLAp_AmJGlhw35obPzJL6e7fvTao27OMGMnNxv998PPOIF5I0EqVrVKW4isnRBhOciYKegrEbWcuWDrUkj6wqy3Of3Rsv73N4FDkCawE-F5BzIEebA33kP8koBoLccdv50gNdKsoxFkWtcCZBa2BLNpxIMGQrufmnbOWATwPCy92c7dzr-cn6kdl4p449nY5j5s_9w9xOXzIvcz4GueJ_-HiKzIDr3z_f9u0ZjVR5My2CHrHzLZZ-EU2HPxqAJ3BpoyU3sxB_ZeRhZ2R4yNG4jwwa-LDrYnAsIWA7SANjvldCO8nMJ6ajPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="800" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CkQGHeq3p4k/XoMEVKEPI5I/AAAAAAAA7xQ/vS1Tpb-jDFEEAhlsNZk_kytxEy5Aw0x1gCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoD2-fyEMgDedSMU1lDQN7vhhL03nzPqCMFqacoTGXCLw5_7Jh0bYn_iRg2r_kMoy1fXDVwd8P4AxzXgEVWZJVeLrE78UVctNEpyUuuGAm5CQeWuVu4QLH-F4-4LULLxmvcUVK9yoZ_iEoMH5KyX2GKL882tfCsWf1y47wOPBaeEIniHh4jJdC2j-Q45pcYcMFzSg09Gr-eHbNKgTgOjN0BGcGvtMkOSmGpQRkGgkP6h4Z56sKu_xO2pDtX39ozLbuqTwkItx2JkR3kavZurdwLLy4PtI4de_mlyjOuUK1JiWr4r0G1kBLAp_AmJGlhw35obPzJL6e7fvTao27OMGMnNxv998PPOIF5I0EqVrVKW4isnRBhOciYKegrEbWcuWDrUkj6wqy3Of3Rsv73N4FDkCawE-F5BzIEebA33kP8koBoLccdv50gNdKsoxFkWtcCZBa2BLNpxIMGQrufmnbOWATwPCy92c7dzr-cn6kdl4p449nY5j5s_9w9xOXzIvcz4GueJ_-HiKzIDr3z_f9u0ZjVR5My2CHrHzLZZ-EU2HPxqAJ3BpoyU3sxB_ZeRhZ2R4yNG4jwwa-LDrYnAsIWA7SANjvldCO8nMJ6ajPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The final book was completed on the 7th day of the first week.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YOOEsa5ZXME/XoMP4mYnq4I/AAAAAAAA7yM/9zl82leqFYkgtKH7iIqbFYZahDIMcbZbACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDvHaArbNeAlrk73xlYHPmT-cm6ATmpEaw_I2Z21n19m9-7JlHBSgVj8g_-oCsiPs9lzrONC4Erj78i4ULazY6_GZKULEoG85VP6CJGWo106ZgzZM0n78fnWCDhSJA35SZQYyYSDd4WpfWAdhIOIP4t-heS-D0C7icEjnCUL8urrH1Jq0CJ1Y2HQjx4P7xXLzxpQ1m23Qs_SwWO5xoqh8cL9IcTeJBDUsRhr2U18viJCwzngqA4YendevRbo9myBihx2uxyjDB5uujGNhv-WztrIF-fdUE4gQrPCsgguJ27o2Vt9czBujGX6xPg10i6uaJZBa6foN9wtZiOdKICxwrjUIiITmkpm0XV8HAXROAMGguAGkZpyfOWs8BYM0MPrUDNyEhiHRa6G5eOXqfm3wROWjt3v9wvzX2Dqc2QM74R88zVbUL3r60xSmSjdw_Bkre4QSkIRH6on3_-OVES-eiWrt9iLZw4S6ipsRn9LYBDnCsIkoB6u4PGXWrOIR1GtrL1ggQkmMQJRO7JdYAiOzN-pUfLuoH4onWFV57XmN2gnFV4I_MWkYi8jNPLgkYHFd-TXummGLorj09Kdy73xOy-Uz1hW-zTXdjtMJOljPQF/s1600/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YOOEsa5ZXME/XoMP4mYnq4I/AAAAAAAA7yM/9zl82leqFYkgtKH7iIqbFYZahDIMcbZbACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDvHaArbNeAlrk73xlYHPmT-cm6ATmpEaw_I2Z21n19m9-7JlHBSgVj8g_-oCsiPs9lzrONC4Erj78i4ULazY6_GZKULEoG85VP6CJGWo106ZgzZM0n78fnWCDhSJA35SZQYyYSDd4WpfWAdhIOIP4t-heS-D0C7icEjnCUL8urrH1Jq0CJ1Y2HQjx4P7xXLzxpQ1m23Qs_SwWO5xoqh8cL9IcTeJBDUsRhr2U18viJCwzngqA4YendevRbo9myBihx2uxyjDB5uujGNhv-WztrIF-fdUE4gQrPCsgguJ27o2Vt9czBujGX6xPg10i6uaJZBa6foN9wtZiOdKICxwrjUIiITmkpm0XV8HAXROAMGguAGkZpyfOWs8BYM0MPrUDNyEhiHRa6G5eOXqfm3wROWjt3v9wvzX2Dqc2QM74R88zVbUL3r60xSmSjdw_Bkre4QSkIRH6on3_-OVES-eiWrt9iLZw4S6ipsRn9LYBDnCsIkoB6u4PGXWrOIR1GtrL1ggQkmMQJRO7JdYAiOzN-pUfLuoH4onWFV57XmN2gnFV4I_MWkYi8jNPLgkYHFd-TXummGLorj09Kdy73xOy-Uz1hW-zTXdjtMJOljPQF/s640/these%2Bdifferent%2Bdays%25C2%25A9carolinefraser2020-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And here is the final product with yours truly reading the words in a very serious voice.....<br />
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<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hoJ1iNDnJyc" width="560"></iframe>
<br /></div>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<br />
<br />
The next topic is <i>machine </i><br />
<br />
I think my typewriter Olympia will want to be in on that one.<br />
<br />
Let's see what tomorrow brings....</div>
caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-20120290923815377302020-02-16T11:31:00.000+00:002020-02-16T11:31:10.895+00:00thinking about rain and making books as artist in residence at createspace wales<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4ct1hidygQ/XkVwcd3EdHI/AAAAAAAA7ok/YCJLR4egN5Iwkwfcgtr2b68bXv7_H7-_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4ct1hidygQ/XkVwcd3EdHI/AAAAAAAA7ok/YCJLR4egN5Iwkwfcgtr2b68bXv7_H7-_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8994.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hand made books </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am returned from Wales.<br />
<br />
Many people thought it was a foolish decision to set foot into the country where 'it always rains....'.<br />
<br />
I, however, could think of nothing better than two weeks in the countryside, beside the west wales coast, as an artist in residence at <a href="https://createspacewales.com/" target="_blank">Createspace Wales</a>.<br />
<br />
If it rained, I would be an artist. If the sun came out, I would go out for a walk with my camera.<br />
<br />
I arrived in the land of Ceridigion ( Cardiganshire) and was struck by the many signs in a foreign language. So many consonants, and so few vowels. I wondered what Dim Parcio meant ( no parking- it transpired- dim if you do.....)<br />
<br />
<br />
I settled into my palatial studio<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrUt47s2E-A/XkV07RQZmyI/AAAAAAAA7pU/M44MQXJNqSgfzMR0tkn0Gzb4Ta5E1i-SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrUt47s2E-A/XkV07RQZmyI/AAAAAAAA7pU/M44MQXJNqSgfzMR0tkn0Gzb4Ta5E1i-SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">createspace wales</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Set my typewriter on my dining table<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6DS2OWq42E/XkV07Cr3xBI/AAAAAAAA7pQ/k74CFVEWiBg61JDNQz_lzKKzWsuEZVpTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6DS2OWq42E/XkV07Cr3xBI/AAAAAAAA7pQ/k74CFVEWiBg61JDNQz_lzKKzWsuEZVpTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8666.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olympia Splendid typewriter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And went out to look for some rain.<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-pjvYARw9U/XkV09IqQh5I/AAAAAAAA7pY/Y6W_DiP4-i8z1o-cXeYEhYHnJhdYlOoagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-pjvYARw9U/XkV09IqQh5I/AAAAAAAA7pY/Y6W_DiP4-i8z1o-cXeYEhYHnJhdYlOoagCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8882.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardigan, Wales</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How wrong all those folk were. How little it rained.<br />
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<br />
What magnificent cliff top walks I had.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPgMzC5RGfQ/XkVvL3ovgUI/AAAAAAAA7oM/ZKR50-tbc5kR2OlH1b_Py8in7RMi2MOvgCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPgMzC5RGfQ/XkVvL3ovgUI/AAAAAAAA7oM/ZKR50-tbc5kR2OlH1b_Py8in7RMi2MOvgCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8734.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnF6h1T9UoE/XkVvMo6x_ZI/AAAAAAAA7n8/DT0WmSLaCuoogAr20TOocbf9TjGNsgtlwCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnF6h1T9UoE/XkVvMo6x_ZI/AAAAAAAA7n8/DT0WmSLaCuoogAr20TOocbf9TjGNsgtlwCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8739.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<br />
What wild moorland and ancient woodlands I explored.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHsKiWKOhec/XkVvDYqjnMI/AAAAAAAA7oA/8kT8uuQ6ZR0KGVKFfObjp7euKSBvGMjlwCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHsKiWKOhec/XkVvDYqjnMI/AAAAAAAA7oA/8kT8uuQ6ZR0KGVKFfObjp7euKSBvGMjlwCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8696.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coed ty Canol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsyRvPTMhg0/XkVvH_p4XhI/AAAAAAAA7oI/w3cBHXD_2ecSjKC-mDbfwwySpIp1AE8_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsyRvPTMhg0/XkVvH_p4XhI/AAAAAAAA7oI/w3cBHXD_2ecSjKC-mDbfwwySpIp1AE8_QCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8704.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient oaks at Coed ty Canol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And because of all the pessimists that I encountered before I left home, I kept on thinking about rain.<br />
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I found that the Welsh have many words for rain<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkGoFkPpP7k/XkVvGyIZtqI/AAAAAAAA7n0/rUtjwRB9YFYiPBOAxLOTyIXHXe5CXOSKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkGoFkPpP7k/XkVvGyIZtqI/AAAAAAAA7n0/rUtjwRB9YFYiPBOAxLOTyIXHXe5CXOSKgCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8720.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">welsh words for rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Such beautiful words. So unpronounceable to one ignorant of the language.<br />
<br />
Pistyllio - fountain rain.<br />
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What does that look like?<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0B0ru0WbNI/XkVvISQ2mYI/AAAAAAAA7oE/L5ES4eSqsQUMqcY0h9CCkJkbsVJ3lTE7QCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0B0ru0WbNI/XkVvISQ2mYI/AAAAAAAA7oE/L5ES4eSqsQUMqcY0h9CCkJkbsVJ3lTE7QCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8725.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">raindrops of ink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I played with book structures and inks.<br />
<br />
I had no printer , so no choice but to make work without photographs. My choice.<br />
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<br />
<br />
I made a fish bone structure from <a href="https://www.artofthefold.com/" target="_blank">Hedi Kyle</a>'s book The Art of the Fold.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1dda2eH87c/XkVvSASfAoI/AAAAAAAA7oI/ayqX0wYh9KMxvKh6kqwJTYg3CsoI_HfYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1dda2eH87c/XkVvSASfAoI/AAAAAAAA7oI/ayqX0wYh9KMxvKh6kqwJTYg3CsoI_HfYQCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8794.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fishbone book structure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I added typewritten rain words.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcvt_TFrEVk/XkVvQshmoTI/AAAAAAAA7oA/jKCH75B6On4gn8jHVyqu5nL5ht-I6XU6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcvt_TFrEVk/XkVvQshmoTI/AAAAAAAA7oA/jKCH75B6On4gn8jHVyqu5nL5ht-I6XU6gCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8793.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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and a rain splattered cover<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jpV8CWfOfE/XkVvQtwoWlI/AAAAAAAA7oQ/e3fwO6ktytsCikEKYB1gjS0zeKz_VAzmQCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jpV8CWfOfE/XkVvQtwoWlI/AAAAAAAA7oQ/e3fwO6ktytsCikEKYB1gjS0zeKz_VAzmQCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8753.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">glaw - rain book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<br />
I came across a reference to ink and bleach art.<br />
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I became and ink and bleach art student, experimenting with different papers and wetness of my inks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sn2ATWpVC0/XkVwZ6qZPmI/AAAAAAAA7o4/Anb3lGY8il0i9YTV7mmuGjw-IIojsT5xgCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sn2ATWpVC0/XkVwZ6qZPmI/AAAAAAAA7o4/Anb3lGY8il0i9YTV7mmuGjw-IIojsT5xgCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ink and bleach experiments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I made some ink and bleach rain books.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySpUdr8giXo/XkVvWCkruII/AAAAAAAA7oM/wmHWGv8X0SE_ZoLf6abpm0Q3jB_CnQFWACEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySpUdr8giXo/XkVvWCkruII/AAAAAAAA7oM/wmHWGv8X0SE_ZoLf6abpm0Q3jB_CnQFWACEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8977.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pistyllio - fountain rain- ink and bleach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQVXx3UYZQk/XkVvXrv289I/AAAAAAAA7oQ/g9kVH4Ac1yQYuJd4rpQQ2nFK7rs_fWymQCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQVXx3UYZQk/XkVvXrv289I/AAAAAAAA7oQ/g9kVH4Ac1yQYuJd4rpQQ2nFK7rs_fWymQCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8982.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ink and bleach on somerset satin 300gsm paper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
I made books every day. No prevarication allowed.<br />
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My rule for the residency.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnZ3WSUrfb0/XkVwdhTvzuI/AAAAAAAA7pA/jvxR4Hp5LMgrjzyq-mW3HlwjvKfmH9oOACEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnZ3WSUrfb0/XkVwdhTvzuI/AAAAAAAA7pA/jvxR4Hp5LMgrjzyq-mW3HlwjvKfmH9oOACEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8996.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crown structure book made with greaseproof paper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
And sometimes I got stuck for ideas, so made books about sheep and how to overcome creative block.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGnLOZx16Ns/XkV06a5rx8I/AAAAAAAA7pk/Dz3N3drkauUb3gwqMek5ylNK30myx-R_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-15795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGnLOZx16Ns/XkV06a5rx8I/AAAAAAAA7pk/Dz3N3drkauUb3gwqMek5ylNK30myx-R_QCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-15795.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the grass is always greener...... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It turns out that the best cure for creative block is a walk up a windy hill with my camera.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcaCOM62lYo/XkV6h0nJ03I/AAAAAAAA7ps/EMy8zGs1a9UDFXbARdbM9juT2m8144wiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcaCOM62lYo/XkV6h0nJ03I/AAAAAAAA7ps/EMy8zGs1a9UDFXbARdbM9juT2m8144wiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-2-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where the wind blows © Caroline Fraser 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You will be wondering what I ate in Wales.... it being so remote, and there being no proper shops.</div>
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I ate very healthy food from the local superstore.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4A29B8OSNA/XkVwZA2WpWI/AAAAAAAA7o8/SSptpbD_t5Mgwau-Be7-xz22DAdPL0cPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4A29B8OSNA/XkVwZA2WpWI/AAAAAAAA7o8/SSptpbD_t5Mgwau-Be7-xz22DAdPL0cPgCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-8941.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what I ate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
All plastic free.....<br />
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<br />
Nothing made me happier than seeing startlings mumurating in local fields and on Aberystwyth pier at dusk.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPovXh-pIeM/XkVu23aO9UI/AAAAAAAA7ng/9OZ-uLVh-iUJczxcjJva-uHAd-xb8mGwACEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-1270590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPovXh-pIeM/XkVu23aO9UI/AAAAAAAA7ng/9OZ-uLVh-iUJczxcjJva-uHAd-xb8mGwACEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-1270590.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">local starlings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsrzTbOl5jU/XkVvBRKZlxI/AAAAAAAA7ng/kORfJbrzo88XSLn5xQYJzE1utAZi6LKQACEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-4877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsrzTbOl5jU/XkVvBRKZlxI/AAAAAAAA7ng/kORfJbrzo88XSLn5xQYJzE1utAZi6LKQACEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9carolinefraser_createspace_wales_2020-4877.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aberystwyth starlings at dusk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When I wasn't thinking about rain words I thought about lichen words. I learned a lot about lichens; there are a significant number of endangered species on the <a href="https://www.plantlife.org.uk/wales/our-work-w/plantlife-library/lichen-red-data-list-wales" target="_blank">Lichen Red Data List</a> for wales . </div>
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Therein lies a future project.</div>
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Who could not fall in love with a lichen named <i>Strigula Stigmatella var stigmatella</i></div>
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Lichens on rocks. Lichens on trees. I find them very appealing. I see maps and imaginary creatures.</div>
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A lady dancing with a duck....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lady dancing with duck</td></tr>
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A shy smile....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shy smile lichen</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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At the end of two weeks I had a collection of small books.<br />
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And quite a lot of sticks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">books made at Createspace wales</td></tr>
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It is suprising how much can be achieved in the right circumstances.<br />
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I am incredibly grateful to the artist <a href="http://rosesanderson.com/" target="_blank">Rose Sanderson</a> for allowing me the opportunity to stay at her beautiful residency.<br />
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One day I hope to return.<br />
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For now I need to get back to mopping up the mess from all the suburban rain.......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ttUwS2wPKU/Xkg4ns01g_I/AAAAAAAA7qA/EqP7Q7IJbJwwZrXXUATeYHv57_cQLJITwCEwYBhgL/s1600/aberystwyth-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="800" height="624" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ttUwS2wPKU/Xkg4ns01g_I/AAAAAAAA7qA/EqP7Q7IJbJwwZrXXUATeYHv57_cQLJITwCEwYBhgL/s640/aberystwyth-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the ancient trees at Coed ty Canol</td></tr>
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caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-50349442714230258892020-01-21T11:30:00.000+00:002020-01-22T07:03:05.611+00:00Working towards a Japanese aesthetic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEUCYD5cuVQ/XiWNYqZ3uSI/AAAAAAAA7aM/jdE0or9rff4tnb-ryyW3zT8rC_06RGHhACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/autumn_caroline_fraser_japan_%25C2%25A92019--3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEUCYD5cuVQ/XiWNYqZ3uSI/AAAAAAAA7aM/jdE0or9rff4tnb-ryyW3zT8rC_06RGHhACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/autumn_caroline_fraser_japan_%25C2%25A92019--3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Too many weeks have passed since I posted here.<br />
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Serious jet lag after Japan followed by Christmas with family, followed by the taking on of writing a blog for <a href="https://www.artspringgallery.co.uk/wp/art-matters-blog/" target="_blank">Artspring Gallery</a>, followed by cutting my head whilst putting away the Christmas decorations, followed by a mysterious ankle injury, followed by being unable to decide whether I am retired or not have all made it difficult to write.<br />
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But enough is enough. Two things happened this week that made me realise that I need to put words to screen....<br />
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Firstly....<br />
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OH (my other half ) told me a fib.<br />
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This should not go unrecorded.<br />
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He advised me that he had to go to London for a 'snack lunch' with a business colleague.<br />
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You and I might think that a snack lunch would be a sandwich or a bowl of soup.<br />
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Not so, dear reader. After a little gentle probing I discovered that said snack is '<i>one or two courses in a mediterranean restaurant</i>'.<br />
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I presume the snack part is the olives that are eaten before the one or two courses.<br />
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Secondly, we received a round-robin email informing us that the 'rogue' waste bin left accidentally by the refuse collectors at the bottom of the road is being used by members of the public for '<i>all sorts of rubbish</i>'.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P5MC0ctxPE/XibcY6vmoII/AAAAAAAA7ck/UW-wWYEjzDAsEJaeDdF9I3GbW4FOV6E_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P5MC0ctxPE/XibcY6vmoII/AAAAAAAA7ck/UW-wWYEjzDAsEJaeDdF9I3GbW4FOV6E_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/bins.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Action is being taken. This is a road where things get sorted. For which I am very grateful.....<br />
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but........<br />
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personally I was quite glad that a real bin was being used for the rubbish that is normally left by the public in the gutter and behind the telephone substation.<br />
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That way I don't have to pick it up.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wu3QiHtyFTk/XiWdZJL7mCI/AAAAAAAA7cY/radAlBM3Rbg68CAiS1EKxTavGB0sEz-sQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wu3QiHtyFTk/XiWdZJL7mCI/AAAAAAAA7cY/radAlBM3Rbg68CAiS1EKxTavGB0sEz-sQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-19.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">litter from my street</td></tr>
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Now that I have got those facts off my chest I would like to share some images from Japan.<br />
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Travelling with OH on a whirlwind tour meant that I came back with very few images that I love. So much to see, and so little time to linger....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKGx1lLMvsw/XiWNbbHse3I/AAAAAAAA7bU/biPcOvn5hAE-VsP3hI0fnBgoIn1UBndxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKGx1lLMvsw/XiWNbbHse3I/AAAAAAAA7bU/biPcOvn5hAE-VsP3hI0fnBgoIn1UBndxwCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-12.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from Kumano Nachi Taisha grand shrine</td></tr>
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The ones that I love are all of trees. What a surprise.<br />
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Trees lovingly clipped into exquisite shapes. And some more natural.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lph5emM56LM/XiWNeelbRYI/AAAAAAAA7bk/2HN95DPmD-U66giRp9Xcp5nvVK9trCwOwCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lph5emM56LM/XiWNeelbRYI/AAAAAAAA7bk/2HN95DPmD-U66giRp9Xcp5nvVK9trCwOwCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gardener at ritsurin garden, Takamatsu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VF95sHUSJkg/XiWNe0rZe_I/AAAAAAAA7bs/-LHhn8zK_mU4FFdNCuV3oWYK49D3UgZPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VF95sHUSJkg/XiWNe0rZe_I/AAAAAAAA7bs/-LHhn8zK_mU4FFdNCuV3oWYK49D3UgZPwCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-9.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gardener at ritsurin garden, Takamatsu</td></tr>
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The tree forms at <a href="https://www.my-kagawa.jp/ritsuringarden" target="_blank">Ritsurin gardens</a> would have kept me busy with my camera for hours.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEUCYD5cuVQ/XiWNYqZ3uSI/AAAAAAAA7bo/jZ6xOpmJ-TAX122LbQ3nHZWvQ0RvcwmXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/autumn_caroline_fraser_japan_%25C2%25A92019--3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEUCYD5cuVQ/XiWNYqZ3uSI/AAAAAAAA7bo/jZ6xOpmJ-TAX122LbQ3nHZWvQ0RvcwmXQCEwYBhgL/s640/autumn_caroline_fraser_japan_%25C2%25A92019--3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trees at Ritsurin garden, Takamatsu</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WB1GSOrL4N8/XiWNbwMJknI/AAAAAAAA7bo/ff_R_k6V6r096OIOEOUhApa0vHbyLLPrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WB1GSOrL4N8/XiWNbwMJknI/AAAAAAAA7bo/ff_R_k6V6r096OIOEOUhApa0vHbyLLPrgCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trees at Ritsurin garden, Takamatsu</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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Sadly it got dark and our time was limited.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThOCPaN-viI/XiWNb_lXq5I/AAAAAAAA7bs/tJ8hCqk16iwXIMBLsdKmk7-m_chXsoIewCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThOCPaN-viI/XiWNb_lXq5I/AAAAAAAA7bs/tJ8hCqk16iwXIMBLsdKmk7-m_chXsoIewCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trees at Ritsurin garden, Takamatsu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-naFsNouKCSc/XiWNclVOhaI/AAAAAAAA7bY/f-nd_Io8wao_ZRt7914ywlKBfhIoMzcVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-naFsNouKCSc/XiWNclVOhaI/AAAAAAAA7bY/f-nd_Io8wao_ZRt7914ywlKBfhIoMzcVQCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tree at Ritsurin garden, Takamatsu</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRZeNX7djSA/XiWNc1DDxpI/AAAAAAAA7bc/R3z_5Jaf2OIPM1BxXvOsFUp0v-EzEORCACEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRZeNX7djSA/XiWNc1DDxpI/AAAAAAAA7bc/R3z_5Jaf2OIPM1BxXvOsFUp0v-EzEORCACEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-5.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pine tree at Ritsurin garden, Takamatsu</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiMxQJJzUsY/XiWNaHoiUWI/AAAAAAAA7bg/wJePENb7hD4vEBeOD2B3bcvXV26IWmS2wCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiMxQJJzUsY/XiWNaHoiUWI/AAAAAAAA7bg/wJePENb7hD4vEBeOD2B3bcvXV26IWmS2wCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pine tree at Ritsurin garden, Takamatsu</td></tr>
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These shapes come from years of pruning. I have never seen anything like it in an English garden.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvvQfd30PjE/XiWNdNsNQFI/AAAAAAAA7bg/Oh_72wo0cvYgfnAVzduHt6qZpBY9thDcgCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvvQfd30PjE/XiWNdNsNQFI/AAAAAAAA7bg/Oh_72wo0cvYgfnAVzduHt6qZpBY9thDcgCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-6.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trees at Ritsurin garden, Takamatsu</td></tr>
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We also spent time away from formal gardens on the <a href="http://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/" target="_blank">Kumano Kodo</a> pilgrimage trail. This is ancient pigrims trail is mainly through pine forest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-on29fSb99uI/XiWNap6IwwI/AAAAAAAA7bk/88FsoNu_bzQyb8xIbMpB3IDKddPu4Va8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-on29fSb99uI/XiWNap6IwwI/AAAAAAAA7bk/88FsoNu_bzQyb8xIbMpB3IDKddPu4Va8wCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kumano kodo trail</td></tr>
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The hiking was very peaceful after the city crowds.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djayE3DI9V4/XiWX9SHACaI/AAAAAAAA7cA/9_z2MZ_E7LMK6L2WfnWRQTHbEMHTC-avACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djayE3DI9V4/XiWX9SHACaI/AAAAAAAA7cA/9_z2MZ_E7LMK6L2WfnWRQTHbEMHTC-avACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the Kumano kodo trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2JCQUv24rc/XiWX8_3IEuI/AAAAAAAA7b4/k9ZC_2DsapIN-y2ArDZgqBkOq1BIrMzGwCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2JCQUv24rc/XiWX8_3IEuI/AAAAAAAA7b4/k9ZC_2DsapIN-y2ArDZgqBkOq1BIrMzGwCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-14.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kumano kodo trail</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYL5F4LuhGw/XiWX9IrwH0I/AAAAAAAA7cM/73poqpT681EhVRcxLFiFRXAQrBlxsIoAQCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYL5F4LuhGw/XiWX9IrwH0I/AAAAAAAA7cM/73poqpT681EhVRcxLFiFRXAQrBlxsIoAQCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kumano hongu taisha shrine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QMFL2j2jVzs/XiWX863jkrI/AAAAAAAA7cI/bzjNpkb5bvgVMluhrhdxLzcsRV7hVgNwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QMFL2j2jVzs/XiWX863jkrI/AAAAAAAA7cI/bzjNpkb5bvgVMluhrhdxLzcsRV7hVgNwgCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kumano hongu taisha shrine</td></tr>
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Autumn leaves added a little magic to the temples and shrines that we passed along the way.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIYM2M_aPOQ/XiWNZSGwhsI/AAAAAAAA7bg/J8pQTHv4YwwYUiPeKPtuYY1UuFehtGdyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/autumn_caroline_fraser_japan_%25C2%25A92019-250279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIYM2M_aPOQ/XiWNZSGwhsI/AAAAAAAA7bg/J8pQTHv4YwwYUiPeKPtuYY1UuFehtGdyQCEwYBhgL/s640/autumn_caroline_fraser_japan_%25C2%25A92019-250279.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Occasional acers amongst the pine trees created pockets of colour.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91rAAB0aNJo/XiWX9vI2I2I/AAAAAAAA7cQ/jMebWIpN0ZQwZsU9zWhVXT80BI4Ze7TFgCEwYBhgL/s1600/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91rAAB0aNJo/XiWX9vI2I2I/AAAAAAAA7cQ/jMebWIpN0ZQwZsU9zWhVXT80BI4Ze7TFgCEwYBhgL/s640/%25C2%25A9caroline%2Bfraser2019-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes I feel that less is more. I am trying to work towards a more Japanese aesthetic.<br />
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And sometimes nature without the pruning is just perfect.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lWM870VAGs/XiWNZQi1HPI/AAAAAAAA7bU/_vpe5kRf_VonpWxZPuiLfpaegXmlkt5JwCEwYBhgL/s1600/autumn_caroline_fraser_japan_%25C2%25A92019-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="800" height="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lWM870VAGs/XiWNZQi1HPI/AAAAAAAA7bU/_vpe5kRf_VonpWxZPuiLfpaegXmlkt5JwCEwYBhgL/s640/autumn_caroline_fraser_japan_%25C2%25A92019-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese acer in autumn</td></tr>
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After all writing it must be time for a snack.</div>
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Fish and chips followed by sticky toffee pudding will do nicely. </div>
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caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179803918911483044.post-51617729023425492582019-12-09T10:28:00.000+00:002019-12-09T10:28:05.758+00:00Sunday afternoon selfies in Kyoto - on ancient and modern traditions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Late November is autumn in Japan</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E07dtz5Pmao/XeynBc0SfcI/AAAAAAAA6qI/Y8fcDt6PU08InGKqI5FeajPhfnf_bfbHACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/800-7137IMG_7137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E07dtz5Pmao/XeynBc0SfcI/AAAAAAAA6qI/Y8fcDt6PU08InGKqI5FeajPhfnf_bfbHACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/800-7137IMG_7137.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese acer</td></tr>
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OH ( my other half) and I didn't realise what a big thing the atumn leaves are to the Japanese until we arrived at our first world heritage temple in Kyoto.<br />
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It is BIG.<br />
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Four star big....<br />
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On a par with cherry blossom season. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_SZPsJKuJw/XeyljXB25hI/AAAAAAAA6p0/zwxni9NzsBgnDRCgI4ITt2RanCO1LjirACEwYBhgL/s1600/800-7532IMG_7532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_SZPsJKuJw/XeyljXB25hI/AAAAAAAA6p0/zwxni9NzsBgnDRCgI4ITt2RanCO1LjirACEwYBhgL/s640/800-7532IMG_7532.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">autumn colour forecast</td></tr>
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Time for dressing up and taking selfies under the acers.<br />
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Kimono hire and selfies is the way to go. Mixing the traditions of the past with those of the present.<br />
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But you will have to wait your tun for the best tree.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvskybasCPQ/XeylhfUEv1I/AAAAAAAA6ps/F4Om63Ch3K83YN222c-R-Q-8d_PFsNmIgCEwYBhgL/s1600/800-230130_B230130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvskybasCPQ/XeylhfUEv1I/AAAAAAAA6ps/F4Om63Ch3K83YN222c-R-Q-8d_PFsNmIgCEwYBhgL/s640/800-230130_B230130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While you are waiting for the best branch, you can practice your selfie pose.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCUshNZVyZM/XeyjRwkgjOI/AAAAAAAA6oo/GAeJygZEvFoqdFKqxfhGXz_OCm1DrVbqQCEwYBhgL/s1600/800-223570_B223570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCUshNZVyZM/XeyjRwkgjOI/AAAAAAAA6oo/GAeJygZEvFoqdFKqxfhGXz_OCm1DrVbqQCEwYBhgL/s640/800-223570_B223570.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then compare notes with your friends<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxdW_-dPyGY/Xe4hWsMC9AI/AAAAAAAA6rI/SJ1A_ACpBZwgc9rXj8pFj6tc2EMOini1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/800-223563_B223563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxdW_-dPyGY/Xe4hWsMC9AI/AAAAAAAA6rI/SJ1A_ACpBZwgc9rXj8pFj6tc2EMOini1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/800-223563_B223563.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kimono selfies</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvZrMUSnXq0/XeyjQddYpXI/AAAAAAAA6o4/COoSR9w0aUUmXjac4h29KOvBoYX3qzvIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/800-223560_B223560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvZrMUSnXq0/XeyjQddYpXI/AAAAAAAA6o4/COoSR9w0aUUmXjac4h29KOvBoYX3qzvIwCEwYBhgL/s640/800-223560_B223560.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Watching these antics lead me to a degree of hair envy.<br />
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I realised that I just couldn't compete with the young Japanese.<br />
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Jeans and hiking shoes don't cut the mustard.<br />
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Grey hairs and an absence of adornment shows a lack of self respect.<br />
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I needed a make over. <br />
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But didn't get one.<br />
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I could not compete with these beauties. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">traditional hair style for kimono</td></tr>
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Elegant and poised.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kimono and parasol</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">traditions, old and new</td></tr>
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No way was OH going to look on adoringly as I posed in the autumn sun.<br />
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He would probably adopt an expression a bit more like this guy (below), who seems less impressed with the game.<br />
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No leaf selfies for us. For we had work to do.<br />
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Temples to visit. Trains and buses to catch.<br />
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Crowds to negotiate.<br />
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Sites to see.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday afternoon in Kyoto</td></tr>
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And I mean real crowds.<br />
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There are a lot of people in Japan. Especially on a Sunday afternoon in Kyoto.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VT0tm8At4FE/Xeylij_c0hI/AAAAAAAA6pw/ZnOCGQkJsR0VpKoVlASgr950VF4yY7DggCEwYBhgL/s1600/800-7215IMG_7215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VT0tm8At4FE/Xeylij_c0hI/AAAAAAAA6pw/ZnOCGQkJsR0VpKoVlASgr950VF4yY7DggCEwYBhgL/s640/800-7215IMG_7215.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arashiyama bridge, Kyoto</td></tr>
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No time to sit and ponder.<br />
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This is a land of wonder. Crowds or not.<br />
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And we were here to see it all....( well most of it, anyway) .<br />
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The fancy clothes and hair would have to wait.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">paying respect at Kiyumizodera temple, Kyoto, Japan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady with chrysanthemum </td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uU8M2ILwR8/XeymwExfOwI/AAAAAAAA6qM/PjS7PWzT828lkQ5l2A5VlafSqHn7dA23ACEwYBhgL/s1600/800-7117IMG_7117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uU8M2ILwR8/XeymwExfOwI/AAAAAAAA6qM/PjS7PWzT828lkQ5l2A5VlafSqHn7dA23ACEwYBhgL/s640/800-7117IMG_7117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The trees were a riot of colour for the whole of our trip, and my camera/phone was mostly pointed skywards.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese acers</td></tr>
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As usual, my holiday snaps don't give a really good impression of where I have been.<br />
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These trees could be almost anywhere..... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFJJSCoA79M/Xe4ft331wXI/AAAAAAAA6q8/t_FL0UulfH0gsnbfN1Ij6TvS4Z183jMLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/800-_C020430-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFJJSCoA79M/Xe4ft331wXI/AAAAAAAA6q8/t_FL0UulfH0gsnbfN1Ij6TvS4Z183jMLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/800-_C020430-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese maple in autumn</td></tr>
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OH has promised to buy me a selfie stick for Christmas. He can see that I have stick and hair envy....<br />
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Who knows what might transpire.<br />
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I might get some images of myself that are better than the one that he took of me, posing in front of the Pacific Ocean, wearing impossibly dull clothing....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I jest.....<br />
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but you already know that.<br />
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caroline fraser - an ordinary lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961911033002123997noreply@blogger.com0