I've had an interesting morning which started with spraying my daughters' hair red for Comic Relief, I still have red finger nails, it went everywhere!
On the way back from taking the girls to school I put on Radio Four's Desert Island Discs a programme that is always fascinating. I love to hear about people's lives, dreams and how they've overcome difficulties to be who and where they are now.
This morning it was the turn of David Almond, the author of Skellig, The Savage, My Name is Mina et al. David found success at 47 when Skellig won the Carnegie and Whitbread Children's Book Awards, until then he said he had a fan base of around 25! I love to hear about successful people who 'make it' a bit later, its encouraging to me.
I haven't finished the programme yet as I had to walk the dogs but I'll be sitting with it while I continue to paint Debbie after writing this. Actually, before I do that I have to finish making the cakes for the sale for Comic Relief at school this afternoon, but David can keep me company while I do that.
The main thing I wanted to say about the interview is that he spoke of how a story came to him, as though it existed and needed him for it to be told. It struck me that the way in which I spoke of Debbie in my previous post, that we had finally found each other and that I would be getting to know her a little more today, may have confused some of you or it may have seemed contrived. I really related to what David said. As an artist sometimes you have the sense that there is something out there that needs to have its story told, be it with words or in pictures. It can be frustrating knowing its there but not being able to find it, see it, touch it and this is when you get it wrong, the character or whatever you are trying to render just doesn't come out right. When the mists clear and the subject, story, character is there before you and you know how it needs to appear and what you have to do to make it work its such a relief. Its a fantastic feeling actually, not just relief!
I'm looking forward to hearing what David says in the rest of the programme. His books are for older kids and adults alike and can be challenging. The Savage depicts a boy dealing with grief, feeling himself as a wild boy able to confront his feelings and enemies. Dave McKean's raw and edgy illustrations work in tandem with Almond's words; Skellig, about a boy's relationship with a strange creature he finds and nurses and the profound effect this "creature" has on him and those important to him. I feel some downloading coming on....
Lastly, I mentioned yesterday that I wanted some volunteers for something. I know many people who, despite challenging times are pushing forward with their lives true to their principles and beliefs. I've wanted to try some portraiture for a while now. I've thought of travelling around (locally for practical reasons) and studying crafts people doing their thing, and I still want to do that but I think I'd like to open this up and just take photos/draw/paint ordinary-extraordinary people who are just living their lives being true to themselves.
Initially I'd like to do this by taking some photos which I can display on here maybe once a week. I can just display the photos or you can share a bit about yourself, promote a business if you have one or just talk about what makes you tick, your beliefs etc, whatever you want really. If you don't want a photo of your face I can just focus on your hands or what it is you're doing. So, in short, whether your digging your allotment; baking fantastic cakes; making beautiful flower arrangements; taking care of your kids; running a gallery/studio singlehanded because your business partner disappeared off to the other side of the country; running a beautiful shop and other businesses at the same time - you know who you are, I want you! Please! Lets celebrate ordinary-extraordinary people! You never know, I may even search for a publisher!
A lot said here today so here are some photos from today's walk with Betty. I focussed on the tiny details and, that although Spring brings new life there is also decay which will nourish this growth before finally being engulfed by it.
Enjoy you weekend and please volunteer!
Bye for now. xxx
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