Flashy Trash

2011-02-21T14:20:00.000Z

Recreating Children’s Drawings by Yeondoo Jung.

2011-01-30T12:28:00.000Z

Listening to - washed out

Really, really love these beautiful images recreated by Yeondoo Jung, created by today's children and their wild imaginations. Everything is possible.

Post Consumerism.

2011-01-29T12:10:00.000Z

Just a quick update and spam of photos from our meet on thursday, taking about post consumerism.

The term "snap happy" comes to mind.

So i'm the activist.

2011-01-24T19:47:00.001Z

I've done a similar test for finding out my learning style with my work, and turns out, luckily, i'm the same. An Activist learner. I think, the "cooler" of the lot.

Activists:

Activists like to be involved in new experiences and are enthusiastic about new ideas. They enjoy doing things and tend to act first and consider the implications afterwards. They are unlikely to prepare for the learning experience or review their learning afterwards.

Activists learn best when:

involved in new experiences
problems and opportunities
working with others in team tasks or role-playing
being thrown in the deep end with a difficult task
chairing meetings, leading discussions

Activists learn less when:

listening to lectures or long explanations
reading, writing or thinking on their own
absorbing and understanding data
following precise instruction to the letter

Well its true, i thrive on new experiences and get board easily in old. I do enjoy working with others, as it's nice to see what other people are thinking about the same problem or subject. It's always useful to know if i'm going in the right direction! As for the role-playing...i find that a bit too cheesy. So it's not really for me.
I feel i do thrive under-pressure and work hard being thrown in "the deep end" with a difficult task at hand.

Well, it does say "Activist learn less when listening to lectures or long explanations." I must have a short attention span when it comes to those things. As much as i enjoy an interesting lecture, i do get quite restless, and feel i learn more in a smaller environment, one to one and in small group meetings.
Like i said with working in teams, i do like to know if im heading in the right direction and it's nice to have someone there to check with, so im not much of a fan of writing and thinking on my own. Now by thinking, i mean as in dissertation and design studies work, not as in going off in to my own world. I can think for myself!
As for the following precise instructions, lets just say i always mess up when it comes to a new recipe...

Where that £5 top really came from.

2010-10-05T15:29:00.000+01:00

There are many big name brands out there in the fashion world that sadly use sweatshops to produce garments and products very quickly and very, very cheaply to keep up with their consumers demands. The main sweatshop countries are China, India and South America.

Unfortunately we are living in a country where the majority of people are obsessed with “fast fashion”. This means that the garments you see in shops are made within six weeks of being seen on the catwalk. By the turn out being so quick this means that people, who are either fed up with their fairly new garments or who want to “keep in trend” and want the new seasons outfits, can just pop back in to the shops and grab the next up and coming season for a small bargain.
Big supermarkets chains are notorious for using sweatshops, such as Tesco and Asda to obtain their fashion garments and toys. Their workers are severely underpaid ,incredibly under nourished and to top it all off, living in very bad living conditions.

Shops like Primark and most supermarkets are well known for copying catwalk designs, and at very low prices they offer the products at, it is very understandable why the UK loves “Fast Fashion” and the leading retailers choose to ignore ethical trading and human rights.
(John Hilary 2009)

Instead this means that retailers can keep their consumers consuming and very fast rates, in which they continue to buy their inexpensive clothing lines from the big, underpaid factories, which in turn means they can retail at very low prices continually.

Unfortunately the factories which produce our fast fashion steal their workers of their most basic human rights including refusing workers toilet breaks, making workers (mostly woman and often children) work long hours and even locking fire doors and guarding exits to keep them working through the night.
(Calvin Klein, 2000)

There are continual reports of abuse from working over time and with no pay. The over time can be as long as over 80 hours a week.Bangladeshi workers were interviewed by War on Want, mentioned in their report Fashion Victims 2 (How UK Retailers Are Keeping Workers In Poverty) stated that the hours they work barely cover their everyday needs.

“Runa, a young woman worker in her early twenties in a factory producing for both Asda and Tesco, explained: “I work for Tk 2900 (about £24.73) per month. My pay is so meager that I cannot afford to keep my child with me. I have sent my five-month old baby to the village to be cared for by my mother.”
(John Hilary 2009)

Sadly these UK retailers are very reluctant to give up their constant profit for the rights of their overseas workers, who which they probably never have to meet.With not only sweatshops being unethical they are also bad for the environment, with little recycling to none and the carbon footprint is huge. They are having to transport the garments from China, South America and India to the UK. They are transporting these garments all over the world, and you haven’t even had the garment on!

If we were to produce and source our in demand products right here in the UK we could vastly decrease the country’s carbon footprint that is caused by the thousands of miles travelled for a £10 dress.

There will always be a connection between the designer and the consumer but the connection that is lost is between the customer and the maker. The fact that sweatshops are used is sometimes a forgotten thought and you never know who, never mind where, the garment you are about to wear out is made by. It’s not like the label on the dress is going to say “Made in a Sweatshop by a 5 year old Indian girl”.We know where the original idea came from, but not who put the time and effort in to making millions of copies of it.

With new designers coming out, there are more and more of them becoming aware of the problems of a sweatshop and they are making it known to the world what is happening in these unseen sweatshops.They are thinking ethically and also environmentally.

However, what some designers pass off as fairtrade and ethically made may not be true. As seen with the “I am not a Plastic Bag” bag. It was discovered that the £5 bag was actually made in China, then shipped over to Britain causing great carbon emissions. Oh and it’s not organic either!

Chic and cheap: Keira Knightley with one of the Anya Hindmarch bags, which is neither organic nor fair trade.(Sean Poulter)

Martin Hearson, of pressure group Let's Clean Up Fashion, added: "This is bordering on the hypocritical.
"There is an incompatibility in claiming that a product is ethical and then manufacturing it in China."
(Sean Poulter)

However, this all may be all and good, but unfortunately it would create a massive backlash.It would mean that the prices of the garments and products that are selling on the shop floor would have to rise greatly. But there would be the satisfaction of knowing that your garment was “ethically and environmentally friendly produced”.
But, we also have to think about the workers, as there would be a huge amount of fashion houses and textile companies that would stop using the sweatshops if this went through. Therefore the workers would be left without work and then they would not be able to afford basic needs for their families.

It’s a lose, lose situation sadly, that has and should be made in to a win, win situation, by everyone.
Next time, think about how much that £5 t-shirt actually costs.

Hillary, http://www.waronwant.org/attachments/Fashion%20Victims%20II.pdf,
Klein, 2000, No logo: no space, no choice, no jobs, London, Flamingo
McDougall,2007, Child sweatshop shame threatens Gap's ethical image.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/oct/28/ethicalbusiness.india
Poulter, That ‘ethical’ bag is made by Chinese cheap labour (…and it’s not organic either) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-451004/That-ethical-bag-Chinese-cheap-labour---organic-either.html
Rosen,E,2002,The Globalization of the U.S Apparel Industry ,California; University of California Press
http://www.veganpeace.com/

Summer done and dusted.

2010-09-18T11:18:00.001+01:00

Currently getting deaf to: Aeroplane RA Podcast.

I've been cheating on blogger with tumblr. He's more suited to my needs. And displays things more visually than i think blogger does.

I'm not saying goodbye to blogger, just i'll see you soon.

i have a new blogger that i started up for just my work at buttonsandthreads

God i'm indecisive.

The Inverted Colo Colo.

2010-09-13T22:57:00.000+01:00

Colo Colo, or Coca Cola to the none Northern Frenchies, designed this for "out of the box" advertising. Pretty cool idea if i say so myself.

Sound.

2010-09-01T23:29:00.001+01:00

I write like
Kurt Vonnegut

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Just a taster

2010-08-18T18:58:00.002+01:00

Currently getting deaf to: Fenech-Soler Mixtape

Summer project getting underway, if not a little late. But hey, i've been holidaying and romancing.
Totally loving seagulls just now, which is showing. Brave gulls in Dundee beware, i was tempted to pick one up and keep him when i was at the bus station a few weeks ago. Still really want one as a pet.

Back.

2010-08-03T23:00:00.000+01:00

Listening to - Kartell - La Jeunesse Retrouvee

I can't decide if it's good or bad.
Got a couple of ideas and projects to do and get on with. Really looking forward to a photography one in particular.
And the summer project is underway. Shock.
Going to be busy busy this week. But not with work. I'm going to introduce myself to Manchester.

Lates.

Stripes From the Sea.

2010-07-05T21:40:00.000+01:00

I managed to learn how to use the dreaded Adobe Illustrator. I love technology, especially computers. But Adobe does not love me.

Yes, currently i'm having difficulty in saving it as some sort of file i can then upload it on to here with....
Screen shot anyone?

Click to enlarge. I wish there was a cooler way of saying that...cliquez sur pour agrandir?

Deadly Shower Scene.

2010-07-04T22:17:00.000+01:00

Listening to - Brodinski. Duh.

This is an Elisabeth Beucher Green Warrior Shower Curtain.

It inflates as you take a shower. Trying to put an end to those long, water wasting showers.

I know of a few people who need them.

The other one...

Inflates then spikes you. I agree, this could get kinky.

newspage

puff and flock

DSCF3723

2010-06-24T23:38:00.001+01:00

DSCF3723
Originally uploaded by flash-vicky

Suprise.

Guillaume Nery base jumping.

2010-06-07T01:10:00.000+01:00

Just awestruck.

Got that feeling.

2010-05-26T22:31:00.000+01:00

It's a really good feeling when you can say to your friend, who arrives at 11pm :

"Oh we can just dump your stuff then get some beers and snacks and head down to the beach."
I don't have a picture yet. Give me 2 and a bit weeks.

2010-05-25T20:22:00.002+01:00

Record Makers Promo from CreativeApplications.Net on Vimeo.

I Love Sebastian.

The conversation tree

2010-05-10T22:15:00.001+01:00

The conversation tree
Originally uploaded by flash-vicky

Summer is almost here.

Oh Gigi.

2010-05-09T00:55:00.000+01:00

Listening to -

If ever there was a sound to describe whats happening inside me head.

Note to self...Don't ever buy expensive tights and wear out. Then follow your friends over a large, bush infested roundabout. You know what happens next...RIIIIPPP. Yes. R.I.P. Henry Holland tights *insert sad face here*

It's always a stupid decision to listen to techno before bed time. I wouldn't have it any other way.

2010-05-04T01:58:00.002+01:00

Listening to -

One of those songs that gives you an odd feeling. Bring on summer.

In the style of Beyoncé.

2010-05-03T20:03:00.001+01:00

If i was a boy, he would be my style icon.

What is it about the europeans, that make smoking look cool. It's not, but yeah...

I was definitely born in the wrong era and wrong land mass.

Play time.

2010-05-02T20:21:00.000+01:00

Listening to - Brodinski - MADPOD for Le Mouv'

Viktor and Rolf have created these stunning little dollies which are to be on display at studiojob.

Apparently each doll is wearing an outfit to represent each collection Viktor and Rolf have created.

China Dolls have been all done up.

Ooh I would love to get my hands on the top one.

For the Love of Tablet.

2010-04-27T22:27:00.001+01:00

Received this in the post today...

My isn't she just lovely?! However, it will remind me of a sunny day at the DCA drinking and having lunch with close friends. I love david shrigley.

It's weird that she sent that, because i was thinking about sending this in the post to her...

Haha. I love how ugly we are. She is my icon.

nerd boyfriend

Listening to - Aphex Twin - IZ-US

Pimp that Ride

2010-04-27T21:01:00.001+01:00

Found this cracker while looking at Marimekko things...

Isn't it just amazing?! Forget the getto blasters, i'd want Xzibit to pimp my ride out this style.

Vaseline in my eyes.

2010-04-26T14:12:00.002+01:00

Listening to - Toro Y Moi - Freak Love

Charlie, oh Charlie

2010-04-24T13:15:00.000+01:00

Possibly one of the best people in tv. If i knew him, it would be life.

uuuummmm.

He's got a slight Morrissey hair style going on at the moment. Just makes me love him ever more.

Sound.

Sick

2010-04-22T21:56:00.000+01:00

Unicorn Kid has done a remix too. (I'm talking to you.) Not listened yet. But Evil 9 are amazing anyway.
I'm due a good dance soon. God bless my weirdo friends.

Oh Diana.

2010-04-22T20:55:00.000+01:00

Posted elsewhere on the vast space of internet...

I got my ones done in jessops... There was a wee photo shop next to it but it's not there anymore and to be honest, i didn't think it would be £14 for two spools...fucking FOURTEEN quid?! It was £12 to get it done in normal time so just got it in an hour.
I went and picked them up and then had a look through them quickly while walking out the door. Then realised that there was only 1 spool that had been developed so went back in and told the guy.
"Oh but there has been some developed off the 2nd spool." Yeah about 4...
So he gave me a refund and i got £4 back. So essentially £10 for a spool.
Pretty pissed off as i didn't realise it would be that much. And the photos aren't that spectacular either seeing as it was the first time i'd used my Diana.

Anyway, the pictures in question? Here is a selection of a few from a bland bunch...

It's my first try. I've already got another spool in, with some taken already. Just need to find somewhere cheaper to get them developed until i can afford a negative scanner!

80's plastic.

2010-04-21T22:56:00.002+01:00

Play while you read. If anyone does.
Listening to -

I've been listening to a lot of Washed Out recently, "Chillwave" it's described as...

a sound that is dominated by thick/chill synths that feels like it is supposed to sound like something that was playing in the background of an old VHS cassette that you found in your attic from the late 80s/early 90s.

Chillwave makes users feel as if they are in the 80s walking down Miami beach in a cheap button up t-shirt, sandals, and khaki shorts. The same feelings can be conjured by playing GTA: Vice City.

I love how it says "Users feel as if..." It's like it's a drug. Maybe a hit of smack.
Music, ahh I could go on a tangent like Miss Dahl but i'll refrain.
Washed Out is playing in Glasgow on the 28th. Definitely going to see him if i can.
Would be perfect if he played something at Sonar, on the beach. Wow.
I was definitely born in the wrong era. Cassettes and big aviators.With the added boom box. Oh and a pinhole camera.
I'm only sad that his two albums only last 35 minutes together.
Chillwave, you might be my new love.

Who Walks Who?

2010-04-19T18:48:00.000+01:00

Half an hour of my day spent doing that.

It's not got a point as such.

Ahh the life of an artist.

Old Lady Baker.

2010-04-17T22:42:00.000+01:00

My dream would be to grow old baking...Amazingly, seeing as i'm studying textiles.
They go hand in hand i guess. I hate twee things but i want a twee future baking and making nice pinnies.
The idea of a 50's housewife, but i'd probably be addicted to those little "dollies". Think Vally of The Dolls only with the cooking. And living to a ripe old age.

I love the book terribly, time to watch the film i guess.

Anyway, I just baked a "Chocolate Cloud Cake", channelling Nigela.

I caught a clip of miss Dahl, it was horribly sweet. Made my teeth ache actually. Go back to loving your husband that's too short for you.

Anyway, the cake is baking currently and smells amazing. With added grand marnier, to make it adult, as i'm going to a garden party tomorrow. Here's hoping it wont rain!

Ah to have a glamourous life.

I need a half pinnie.

Little Friends.

2010-04-16T15:05:00.000+01:00

Just a taster.

Listening to - People In Planes - Narcoleptic

Kid time Classics

2010-04-13T22:30:00.000+01:00

When i was younger i always wanted the special shoes that lit up when you walked. So so cool and looked amazing. Do they do them in adult sizes? Maybe something for Nike to look in to if not.

Anyway i wouldn't look great with a pair of them on my feet while wearing a dress or skirt. Lilly Alan, thankfully moved away from that look. With the help of Chanel of course.

But, BUT! Thankfully Nicholas Kirkwood has come up with a more fashionable root...

Amazing, aren't they?! Yum Yum.

Someone give me a price so i can start saving.

With Hockeny in Mind

2010-04-12T16:20:00.000+01:00

Like i said earlier, somewhere on here...I said i would do a portrait of myself taking inspiration from Hockeny, a tribute!

I went for putting in tinfoil as my glasses lens as i always get a shine on them, and thought it might be quite interesting instead of eyes. A little twist on an imitation.

Love itself.

2010-04-09T02:50:00.001+01:00

Next year...

All inspiration to come. I love this place more than food,dancing, socialising, people. The air itself.
If i could i would marry the location.

High and Mighty.

2010-04-05T21:42:00.002+01:00

To get me through my work...

I said i didn't want to go out anymore...If i lived in France i would be dead by now. Or famous.

2010-04-04T11:15:00.002+01:00

To redesign a culture. A Romance.

2010-03-31T22:44:00.000+01:00

In my first semester at being a “textile designer” we were given a brief on “Culture”. I decided to go with Romanticism. Looking at the textiles of then and other influences.

Surprisingly, I really disliked this brief, or more my outcome. I felt I did not make the most out of what could have been a great project. It could have been because it was my first taste of what it is actually like to study textiles and also the rush in to it all. And the fact that I didn’t know of the design and research methods.

But I feel, as the year ends, I have learnt not just more techniques in practical work in textiles but a lot of methods of research in my Design Study classes.

Thinking about my design classes I would have tackled it quite differently. With the use of primary and secondary research methods, I think it would have greatly boosted my work.

If it was possible, and I did the brief again I would do it completely differently. Being the obvious, I would make my way to the library and use the dreaded “cross-search” tool in the library, looking up journals, papers and books on the past. Perhaps looking at what it was like in Dundee then, or maybe even more industrial, Glasgow. By doing so this would give me lots of information on what it was like living then, and what the materials looked like. As well as the clothing!

I think I would stick close to home as I feel, “Romanticism” has a very broad spectrum and I was bombarded with information, some of which wasn’t helpful at all and just confused and bogged me down.

If I stayed close to home, this would mean I was able to look closely at the garments that were being worn around the time of Romanticism.

By going to museums in Glasgow and Dundee I could do some source drawing but also ask the museum staff questions about what they knew of the garments and the era.

By then conducting interviews I could ask questions such as; was fashion as big an issue then as it is now? What were the different styles like for different social classes? What fabrics were in high demand and where were they imported from? Were there influences in where the fabric was imported from in their designs?

By finding out these answers, I could look at the difference between then and now in fashion, what has changed? What is still the same? What fabrics do we still use? Have we still got similar designs or are they completely different?

I could ask these questions to the general public, gaining their points of view and seeing what their thoughts were.

While asking these questions I could show them images from the “Romanticism” era, asking what they would think if they saw someone wearing the clothes seen in the pictures. By doing so I could hear their truthful opinion. But I could also let them see the extremes of today’s fashion, asking out of the two, what one they prefer and why? What makes fashion “now”? If they could chop and change, what styles and fabrics would they take from each?

I would then look at photographs and paintings of that era. Taking the “snoop” tactic, and looking closely to what they were influenced by, what made them want to be extravagant in their attire, their clothing, fabrics and hairstyles? What possessions did they have to let others know what their social status was to others? Did their social status change their taste in what they bought, how they decorated their environment around them and why?

Then again, comparing then and now. Looking at what people buy to let others know of their social status. But also thinking, that maybe lower class buy what they think upper classes may buy, to look like they are upper class? Would people in the lower class in the Romanticism era have been punished for imitating the upper class? Or would the upper class just find something more extravagant to wear? Is that how fashion progresses?

So many questions! I believe a historian would come in helpful as a “tool” for my findings!

I could also look at plays in theaters, looking at ones based around the Romanticism era, observing how the actors hold themselves in the attire and also how easily they move. I could take quick sketches of them, seeing how the clothing sits on the body. Is it comfortable? Is it flattering for the body? What ideas could we incorporate in to designs now to make them similar but more updated?

Another research method I could do, would be to go to an old historic building, with the original décor of the time. Looking at what colours and patterns appear in the designs and in the upholstery. Is there a huge difference between patterns and fabrics used in the interiors and the garments? Taking photographs and comparing between the fabrics and interior designs now and then. Are there similarities? What designs aren’t used any more and why not? Could they be brought back, “recycle” design elements?

By learning about these research methods I want to push them further in to my studies, making the most of asking questions, closely observing and gathering important information.

I’ll raise my hands up and admit, that when we started design studies I wondered what on earth it had to do with being a textile designer but thinking about what I could have done in my project with the help of the research methods, it just makes me wish I had known sooner!

It just shows you, looks can be deceiving!

To probe a culture - an essay.

2010-03-30T14:07:00.001+01:00

During semester one last year, while taking part in Design Studies, I looked in to the problems of graffiti on trains. Looking at the trains in American where they seemed to be most attacked. I used various research methods that included papers, books and journals on the problems and also the advantages.

The secondary source reading was incredibly helpful on gaining ideas and opinions from others but they were mostly very bias towards their point of view. And most were against graffiti.

Wanting to get a balanced opinion, I would undertake a research study and use various methods in gaining more information about graffiti.

Seeing as I would not quite be able to make it to America to see the trains in question I guess the first place I would start would be in Dundee, perhaps even Glasgow or further afield and go to London.

These three cities all have train stations and Glasgow and London both having Undergrounds.

Firstly I would document the graffiti by observing. Taking photos of what has been done on and around the trains. Seeing if there was a connecting factor, be it by the same person if tagged or a similar style.

This would also give me the chance to observe the people on the train and how they react with one another and the graffiti or vandalism, depending on how they see it.

I do not think drawing what I’m seeing would help as tackling graffiti is more about opinion and how people are reacting with and towards it. I would not gain much from this research method.

By taking photos I could cross-examine them and see what the linking factors between Dundee, Glasgow and London are. Are Glasgow and London similar in the amount of graffiti, as Dundee is a smaller city?

Are local trains more affected or is it the sleepers and longer train journeys that are worse?

I would have to take in to account the times as well, rush hour being a major issue, as perhaps children going to school may become bored and restless on the trains. What could prevent mindless scrawl on the trains tables and upholstery? Is it “just mindless scrawl”?

I would then take a look at the actual train station. Is it appealing to the eye? Perhaps the “vandals” are just bored with the same old, beige, brown stonewalls they are having to look at. Do they just want to brighten the place up? Bring some colour in to the dreary world of commuting.

Questions need to be answered, so I would take my research to the people!

By conducting interviews I would experience peoples first reaction to a question, the bare truth of what they think of the graffiti or “vandalism”. This could be conducted on the trains, I could also ask the people doing it, if I catch them! Though they may take this as an attack on themselves rather than research in to helping them, so this may not be the best method.

I could write up questionnaires by asking what people though of the graffiti; is it vandalism or art? What makes people do it? Is it out of boredom? What can be done to prevent such boredom on train journeys?

By asking questions like these, I can gain valuable information from the public. The public may also have questions for the “vandals” that could be answered.

These could be left on trains, in the train stations and maybe even handed out. Though I think the safer option would be to leave questionnaires in the trains, at the tables and on the backs of the seats, with a pen next to it. Giving them something to do when they are waiting to reach their destination. And they wont be filled out then lost if handed out to them at the stations.

This also means I would get information back from different age groups, back grounds and social groups. Making it a wide selection of opinions.

By taking these questions and answers from the public I could then hold a focus group, asking graffiti artists and perhaps some school children who take regular train journeys too and from school the reasons why they do this. I could also ask the city mayor or city council to join in and see what their ideas were on tackling the “problem”. And of course asking the general public, perhaps the ones who had questions to ask, to put towards the graffiti artists.

These focus groups may help with controlling the graffiti too, as it could lead to a mural being painted in the stations, with help from graffiti artists and the school children, so there is less desire to “deface” the boring walls around.

Also asking the questions; how can we prevent the mindless scrawl that so often happens? Could classes in graffiti art be the answer? Does the layout and design of the trains and stations need to be changed so it is more appealing and interactive with the public?

I feel that using these methods I could gain incredibly important information and views on graffiti in the train stations and on trains.

Although the journals and papers are very informative, they have very bias opinions. By using these methods I can gather a range of views from a range of ages, I think the generational issues would be particularly important. Is there a huge difference? Are the generations today more likely to “deface” something as an artistic output?

Could there be pads of paper and pens put on the tables for people to doodle on? Thinking of recycled paper too!

By getting information from graffiti artist, this, although a bias approach, could influence the school children, and for the better. As they may encourage them to peruse in art related subjects, to take pen and paper with them wherever they go so they can keep their ideas.

Would it be better to encourage the art of graffiti, rather than to smother it? If you say, “don’t touch” you automatically want to touch. Perhaps it’s the same with “don’t draw here”?

[dot]com

Bibliography

Austin, J, 2001, Taking The Train: How Graffiti Art became An Urban Crisis in New York City, Columbia University Press.

Bryan, J, 1996, “Ganja Graffiti: The Legacy of Stay High 149.” High Times.

Brewer, Devon D, 1992, “Hip-Hop Graffiti Writers' Evaluation of Strategies to Control Illegal Graffiti.”

Bushnell, J,1990, “Moscow Graffiti: Language and Subculture.” Boston: Unwin Hyman.

Calvin, I. M, 2005, Graffiti, the Ultimate Realia : Meeting the Standards Through An Unconventional Cultural Lesson, Journal Devoted to the teachings of Spanish and Portuguese.

Castleman, C, 1982, “Getting up: Subway Graffiti in New York. Cambridge: MIT Press.

Dennant, P,1997, "Urban Expression...Urban Assault...Urban

Wildstyle...New York City Graffiti." Art Crimes.

Dowd,M,1984, “Visiting Hoteliers Savor New York”, New York Times.

Ferrell, J.1993, Crimes of Style: urban graffiti and the politics of criminality. New York: Garland.

Stewart, J, 1989, “Subway Graffiti: An Aesthetic Study of Graffiti on the Subway System of New York City, 1970-1978”, PH.D.diss, New York University.

Werwath, T, 2006, The Culture And Politics of Graffiti Art, Independent Research paper - Wilde Lake High School, Columbia, MD, USA

2010-03-28T04:51:00.000+01:00

I'm all up for old music being remixed but this is something else...Todays music made classical .It's absolutely stunning and makes me wish i played the piano.

maxen cecyrin
The justice and pixie covers are lovely. But so are they all.

United States of Tara

2010-03-24T22:55:00.000Z

Found out about United States of Tara on Sunday and have just finished watching season 1. Away to start the 2nd season that is still being released.

The opening title is amazing and should be watched and appreciated by all. Then watch and appreciate Toni Collette and John Corbett. And the "alters". It's up there with Six Feet Under.

Bugs From School

2010-03-21T22:58:00.002Z

Bug project is well underway. Really enjoying it and the floods of ideas coming to me. Just upset it couldn't have been this inspiring with my last two projects. Ah we live and learn.
Anyway, i've been doing some drawing and photo taking of my lovelies.

And that's only a hand full of what's been done! I'm not sure if i should just stick with beetles at the moment, and if we can, pursue more bugs and insects next year. As the tray i was drawing from was only one of at least 20 with different kinds of insects in each! Amazing!

We have a photomontage class tomorrow where i think i will feel the need to channel David Hockney . Hurrah!

Listening to -

Tongue in Chip

2010-03-17T22:07:00.000Z

So Peter Serafinowicz has directed Hot Chip's new video.

Hot Chip - I Feel Better

Hot Chip | MySpace Music Videos

Just watch it, I can't say anymore. Other than it's genius.

Ouft, I love a man with a gid beard. And such humour.

I'm off to watch Blowup because i was routed somehow to David Hemmings and I forgot how much i loved him and his eyebrows.

Listening to - People In Planes - Fire.

Invisible World

2010-03-16T22:46:00.000Z

I've just finished watching Richard Hammond's Invisible World. It's a series of 3 programs, and tonight's was about speed. They were using high speed cameras to show the viewers things that happen every day that we miss e.g. a fly flying, an explosion's shock wave, water behaving like stretchy plastic etc.

The one that really interested was the bit about lightening sprites. Absolutely fascinating, something that we never see because it happens above the storm, which normally last between 10 and 100 milliseconds! They are triggered by the discharges of positive lightning between the thundercloud and the ground.

But there is a lot more going on up there...

The sprites remind me of jellyfish, i have to admit, when i saw them happen on the program i got goose-bumps[/geek]

I'm off to watch Animals in The Womb. I seem to be on an education binge.

Go watch the Invisible World.

Rings, Medals and Xboxes - assignment.

2010-03-16T20:33:00.003Z

Rings by Kiley Granberg

I decided to take the route of pen and paper for my interview, I felt it was a lot more personal and also meant I took in more information instead of recording it, nodding where needed and glazing over dreaming of other things while the interviewee told me their live stories, well, favourite possessions.

I asked them these questions while conducting my interview:

1.If your house were on fire, what possession would you save?
2. How old were you when you got this possession?
3. How long have you had it for?
4.Does it have a retail value, how much did it cost?

5. Was it given to you as a gift or self bought?

6. What does it mean to you?

7. Is it replaceable, how would you feel if it got broken or lost?

8. Is it one of a kind?

9. How does it make you feel?

10. Would you ever let anyone use/borrow/have it?

I decided to ask men and women at different ranges of age to see if there was a link or not.

I noticed that women instantly chose a piece of jewellery, mostly a ring, be it a wedding ring or a ring passed down through their family.

I noticed that their opposite hand instantly went to their ring and played with it. As if to check it was still there and had not slipped off.

The women that had chosen their wedding ring were obviously still married, and a woman I asked who was divorced answered that a ring, given to her by her mother was her “chosen possession” Though it was a wedding ring, it held a different meaning of love, but her family’s love and the bond between her mother and father.

Asking the women who answered with their wedding ring, I then asked what would happen if it got lost or stolen. Their faces instantly fell, and again they twisted their wedding ring about their finger. I got varied answers that all basically said that they would be devastated but they could always get a new ring, as the meaning of a wedding ring was still with them, being their husband.

However, the lady who answered, her mother’s wedding ring, face fell like the others except she clutched her hand instead of just twisting the ring. She said she would be utterly devastated as her mother and father had both passed away, and it was almost as if it was her last, touchable memory of them.

With this type of possession it was a lot more sentimental than a wedding ring, I thought. As the other women stated, they could always get a new ring, their husbands and the rings meaning would always be there, as long as the marriage lasted, but completely the opposite for the other lady. She could never get the same ring or her mother and father back.

They were worth sentimental value rather than retail value.

The men however chose other things. Young teenage boys tended to go for a piece of technology, like an xbox or a playstation. With technology these days, people are able to communicate through online gaming, so their choice of possession has a social aspect to it. They could loose all their “status points, medals and friends” on it if they lost their console.

Although a virtual possession, they had still worked hard for them. Almost like the saving of money to buy a wedding ring.

Their possessions didn’t have as much of a sentimental value, more a retail value. But I think this is because they are still “young” and living their lives. They haven’t encountered marriage yet or any other “big” thing to happen in their life, like a war…

Which brings me to my next point. I asked a man what his chosen possession would be, and he said it was a medal from his grandfather from the 1^st world war. Obviously a more “masculine” piece of jewellery similar to the lady who had her mothers wedding ring.

I asked him what would he do if he lost it and he shook his head and said that it would be possibly one of the worst things to happen. He said that it meant to much to him and that it made him so proud that his grandfather had helped fight in The Great War.

Though not on display like the other jewellery pieces that were chosen, it still meant a great deal to him, if not possibly more. Again, a huge sentimental piece, that although it would be worth a good deal of money, he wanted it to be passed down generations in his family so his grandfathers story could be told, and also so people wouldn’t forget about the wars in time.

These jewellery pieces may not have been one of a kind (least some were not) but they all held a completely different story and meaning to their owners.

I don’t think they were pieces to be borrowed as no one can really wear someone else’s ring unless it is given to them. So these pieces would be handed down generations I feel.

Unless we are talking about the xbox and playstations, where you might be given one, if they had a spare!

Roulette in chat form

2010-03-15T22:10:00.001Z

Ok, so i'm a bit of an internet geek and i've been pointed in the direction of Chatroulette. It's pretty cool and there is a load of stuff on youtube about it and videos from it.
One guy decided to play the piano for conversations and improvise...

Amazing! He reminds me of Ben Folds...

Aaah technology today.
Warning, if you do venture on to chatroulette, some people think it's hilarious and god knows what else to put themselves fully out there. If you catch my drift. It's not for the light hearted.

Hockney inspired.

2010-03-15T16:26:00.000Z

I've been looking a lot at David Hockney's work recently and i really love his self portrait he did when he was 17, that he handed in as an English paper and still got away with!

It's really inspired me to do one of myself in the same style. I particularly like the background of pages of a book or newspaper, perhaps a joke about how it was meant to be an english paper instead. Plus i love ripping up newspaper and old books as part of my work.

I know it's an old photo but i just love him!

He has even gone with technology and is painting with his iphone using an app called brushes! Bless. He say's that he paints and sends his friends flowers from it so they "get fresh flowers that never die."

Love it.

Wonders of The Solar System

2010-03-15T00:00:00.001Z

I've been watching Professor Brian Cox's Wonders Of The Solar System on BBC2 these past two weeks and it blows me away. I can't wait for more.

I'm continually amazed by what Earth offers us, and its mystery, history and life upon it. But space...I actually cannot find the words.

It overwhelms me constantly, the thought of it being infinite and expanding. And that's just taking space as a whole, not looking at the stars, planets, solar systems, galaxies and more!

This program is taking bits of our solar system and more, and telling us incredibly interesting facts.

I was amazed to find out that on earth we have the best solar eclipses out of all our solar system because of the distance between our moon and the sun. How amazing is that?! And the fact that we can witness and experience it just renders me speechless. Really, what are the chances?

Then the fact that these pictures of a solar eclipse...

have been taken on mars. That's another planets solar eclipse! Baffling.

Another thing is the ice geysers that are on one of Saturn's 61 moons...Enceladus. Bursting up out of it's atmosphere creating one of the most beautiful sights...

It's incredibly bewildering.

I have so much more to say on this subject. Sadly I won't get to learn everything about space in my life time though.

It's a very humble feeling, I'm such a small part of Space, smaller than an atom if you think about it.

Alice

2010-03-12T21:11:00.000Z

First ever production of Alice In Wonderland...

So quaint.

Seafood.

2010-03-12T00:21:00.000Z

One of the most underrated bands of all time. I forgot how much i loved them.
I once saw a boy in waterstones wearing a t-shirt of theirs and almost peed my pants. I then congratulated him on what excellent taste in music he had.

Jelly

2010-03-10T23:23:00.000Z

I love Mac, the best thing about him is his Jelly. (Itunes visulizer) I sometimes get caught out and accidently press the apple key and T, for opening a new tab but i'm still on itunes. I could sit and stare at it for hours.
I know i had more to say but i've forgotten because i'm sleepy.

Enjoy this...

It's lovely.

Johnny and Zim

2010-03-09T20:54:00.001Z

I've been re-watching a bit of Invader Zim recently and someone reminded me that Johnny the Homicidal Maniac was by the same cartoonist, Jhonen Vasquez. He also did an art rendition of Bioshock2 "The Sisters". Ticking all the boxes.
I used to really love Johnny and i think it's time to re-read them. Ah if only he were real.

Oh and Zim, you'd definitely recognise Gur if anything...

Gur

And

Zim.

Yeah, maybe "Geek Alert" would make a better title for this post...

Listening to -

Shoes related bigotry

2010-03-09T16:27:00.000Z

I forgot how much of an addiction i have for shoes...More wants to add to the list then...

I will have at least the last 3. The bottom ones to start off with. I sometimes hate how tallish i am. But i absolutely adore the bottom ones.

Imelda Marcos, I love you. I have a future project with her face on a tshirt to conjure up.

It's a bugs life.

2010-03-09T14:48:00.000Z

Hurrah. Success, I'm going to go with bugs on this project. Really excited about it. About to write up my brief and get some stuff printed off.
A trip to Edinburgh Zoo will be on the agenda!

Also, really wanting a projector that links up with my computer just now. I have the perfect wall space and think it would look great. Especially with Itunes visulizer on jelly mode.
But at £200..i've got a bit of saving to do. And i'll have to wait till after Sonar.

Bill Withers

2010-03-08T22:46:00.000Z

I've been going back in to my "beginnings" of music lately. And the release of Peggy Lee's remix (or ruinmix, depending on taste! ) it got me looking, and i found a decent remix of good old Bill Withers -Lovely Day.

Definitely going to be getting played a lot this coming summer. I'm really not a winter person.

The original is definitely a morning song. Never fails to put me in a good mood.

New project.

2010-03-08T19:51:00.000Z

Really excited about our new project coming up. Already got a load of stuff to put up here and print off. But you'll just have to wait till i get the go ahead. I really hope i do. Otherwise i might just breakdown.

Stylist Slap.

2010-03-07T22:33:00.000Z

What did the five fingers say to the face? Slllaaaap.
This is what I'd like to do to The Saturdays stylists. I don't particularly like them but some of them are pretty girls who deserve nice clothes.
I'm not sure who has styled the latest "Impulse" advert that they appear in but they obviously don't have a sense of what they are apparently making a living out of. Bad Design one might say.
The idea of full cat suits made out of skin tight, wet look plastic is just f**king awful.

Avert your eyes if you are easily offended...

I really hate their twee "my own colour" crap as well.

They will never be Girls Aloud.

Ruth Flowers

2010-03-06T13:47:00.000Z

I stumbled upon 69 year old Ruth Flowers from a music blog i follow. You're thinking, why is a 69 year old being mentioned here and in a music blog? Well she's actually a DJ! She's played at the Cannes Film Festival already and has apparently got some more shows to come.

You really should read this.

Brilliant. My faith in growing old has been restored.

I totally want her head phones.

ITunes Signature.

2010-03-06T01:00:00.000Z

Obviously I would love this gem that Jonathan mentioned in our lecture today(well yesterday) Which i have a lot to say about, but have you noticed the time?!

What goes on in my head music wise.

Lovely.

Bugs.

2010-03-05T16:26:00.000Z

I'm thinking about bugs for our self briefed project...some videos for your pleasure.

Peggy Lee

2010-03-05T12:26:00.000Z

It's always nice when an old song is made new...

I do love peggy.

Babe, and style icon.

Paris Fashion Week.

2010-03-04T16:36:00.000Z

Two pieces caught my eye in the quick look over on the guardian website today...
First up is Devastee.

"French designers Francois Alary and Ophelie Klere are the forces behind the Devastee label, which is very popular in Japan. They are also known for their gothic vibe, somewhat offset in this case by the 80s librarian eyewear"

Loving the simple black and white of this piece with the full on pattern.

Again keeping it simple and focusing on the pattern, with faces a big element in this design. Looking fresh and quirky.

With a matching skirt!

Then something else caught my eye...Fish fins...

Luís Buchinho looks like he has been focusing on raw edges in this collection, I love his teaming up for thick strapped heels and leg cuffs that have a ruffle up them that appear quite "fish fin like" Really unique.

Very cool. I wonder when i can get a pair of my own...

The queuing etiquette.

2010-03-04T15:17:00.000Z

So my computer decided to fall ill yesterday, and it came back from the doctors this morning. A bit better but it needs an extra memory i think. Hence why this is late, as it was all written up on Mac. Anyway..

Observing Humanity.

I absolutely love nothing more than sitting watching people, like most. It’s the whole “Big Brother” state of mind. And I mean that in the Orwell sense, not channel 4.

There is something so relaxing just watching people go about their everyday life. To imagine what they are thinking and how their life is going.

I decided to take my research to the bus stop as it’s something I do almost everyday, getting on a bus.

I have to say, I don’t have a problem with “public transport” (maybe just the price and how often it rises!).

So it started off just like any other time I wait to get on a bus, a couple and an old lady wait on the bus arriving and I walk in to the shelter to sit on the hard, cold metal benches that the council “provide”. I sometimes wonder if people have suffered from piles because of them…anyway! The couple scoot over a bit to let me sit down, leaving enough space for another person to sit in between, with ample room either side.

The old lady is sitting on a separate bench from us, with lots of room for about 4 more people to sit next to her.

I found myself thinking why I hadn’t sat next to the old lady. Yes the bench that the couple was sitting on was nearer to where I came in to the bus shelter, but also because I didn’t want to seem like I was “skipping” in front of them. Had I sat next to the old lady I would have let the couple on the bus before me, but only I knew that.

As I sat there contently listening to my music, while the couple sat and laughed and talked a few more people came in to the shelter, a woman with a pram and a group of 3 young girls in their early 20’s.

The lady with the pram came in to the shelter first, and moved down towards the old lady but stopped just before her. Instead of sitting down next to the lady she stood leaning against the back of the shelter with one hand on the pram.

The group of girls then stood at the back of the shelter, near where I was sitting. I had seen them before and thought to myself “Will they? Wont they?” They stood and laughed and talked. Maybe a bit too loud? They seemed quite boisterous too.

Eventually the bus came. Now for the good part!

Shockingly and expected the group of 3 girls watched the bus approach and sauntered on down to the front of the “queue”. I sat there in disbelief. Again, they did this. They have done it before in front of me and I feel it’s the height of bad manners. Considering there was 6(including the baby in the pram) to get on before them. Still no one said anything, though you could see the irritation on their faces. I was glad it wasn’t just me then!

Next the old lady got on, as expected. Then the lady with the pram. At first I didn’t think anything of it, then I thought “Wait a minute, there were 3 people waiting before.”

I know this sounds horribly mean and grumpy but I thought it just seemed a bit rude. The couple didn’t say anything but I could see what they were thinking.

I know I would have said for the lady to go on ahead if she had hesitated and I’m sure the couple would have too, least I hope so! But it was the way she just expected and took it for granted.

And so I got on after the couple, last. Even though I had been sitting (worried I would get piles) for a good 10 minutes before the bus arrived, before 4 people who got on the bus before me.

I must sound like a complete grump, but really I have no problem with letting someone else on before me, if I initiate it. It has a lot to do with manners and I really don’t think they should be taken lightly. Especially with complete strangers.

I have said it before and I stick by it, the British invented the queuing etiquette, therefore let it be used!

I might just say something next time!

Underskin by Sam Loman

2010-03-01T23:27:00.000Z

kick ass movie

2010-03-01T19:23:00.000Z

Kick-Ass
So psyched for this coming out.

Glory

2010-02-28T17:44:00.000Z

I've always wanted you...

It's a shame you cost £600. Why am I doomed with expensive taste? One day my sweet.

Needs more money.

2010-02-27T21:10:00.000Z

David Wyatt knows how to make me salivate over shoes. I really love the unique style and twists these have.

I just need over a thousand pounds for them all...

Listening to -

Get my head on fire.

2010-02-23T20:12:00.000Z

I can't stand textile computer work. I don't know how to use photoshop or adobe illustrator. And i don't want to. My friend in 4th year illustration has never used adobe illustrator....

Listening to -

No Really, Everything's Fine.

2010-02-22T23:45:00.000Z

Listening to -

I hate this clip but it was the only one on youtube.
I forgot how much I loved Aereogramme. I feel incredibly lucky to have seen them live a few times.
I just love Craigs voice so much. Fucking amazing band.

Along with Chikinki

They don't have "lick your ticket" on youtube. *sad face*

Then watch a Tool video...

They have some of the best music videos out there. Very disturbing. Think "Heart Shaped Box" by Nirvana only on a really bad acid trip.
Enjoy your nightmares tonight.

I'm Rick James.

2010-02-22T20:59:00.000Z

Absolute tune.
It was a really clever idea to go out with 4 strapping young lads last night and dance in fat bams... I'm so glad i didn't have to pay.
I think i've done pretty well this weekend, considering i've only had £20 on me the whole weekend. And i was at a popcorn party and the union on saturday.
Gamble Gamble. It's a win win situation right now.
I need to grow up.

Animation

2010-02-22T17:00:00.001Z

Work related devilry

2010-02-18T18:32:00.002Z

So, I went against all odds and dived in to printing, despite the debacle I had last semester.

Seems I'm slowly but surely learning my lessons. Well I'd forgotten.

Now i can coat and expose a screen (eventually) and mix up dyes. Whoop whoop kapow. I'm not really worried about asking someone what to do, I'm not worried about looking stupid, i want to get it right.

Anyway, my project is on stripes from the sea and i got some really nice line out of the landscape from Broughty Ferry, and put that in to my print.

The bottom one is a pattern i found on an old coconut which i really like. Hmmm seems to be going ok...

The 4th Picture.

2010-02-17T20:07:00.000Z

I really liked what Jez wrote and decided to go with his so picked a picture of an old man to see what people had to say with that being an influence.

Unfortunately no one came out with anything like Jez's story! There was a mention of horses(?!) and French men with baguettes but nothing about an old man. Maybe i should have chosen an older looking man.

Seems I possibly wont be very good at advertising!

I found this experiment really interesting as i got to look at how other people saw and interpreted the images.

And how a few of my friends seem to have a flare for writing!

Pictures and Stories.

2010-02-17T19:57:00.002Z

Using the Image randomiser I came across these images...

And from those three images i got the following from a few friends...

James, 21, English Student.

"One hour?" thought Bill, as he parked outside the old church. He knew that it was more than enough for what he needed to do. Leaving his car he headed inside, running towards the old spiral staircase, heading for the roof. He stared out towards the river; he imagined he could see her on the boat. "I'm sorry!" he screamed, hoping she could hear him. He only heard his echo respond.

Jez, 23, Landscape Gardner

"We used to be able to park here all day" thought Trevor as he exited the side road where his car was now left dormant. He looked outward of the lane, his old eyes blurred and broken but still good enough to see the walk way across the road, with its iron railings leading forever down. His crumpled, tattered overcoat shivered in the breeze as he approached the leaf-littered entrance and his wrinkled hands followed those rails down. He decended for what seemed an age, before coming to a door. His feet felt crushed, his spirit broken. As he opened the door, a long forgotten scene flitted into his mind. With a sigh, he felt himself drift away as if down that very river, out to sea.

Allan, 25, Mental Health Student.

Every time I see a staircase I really just want to slide down the banister, but only really do so on the ones where the likelihood of me being killed is small, which is kind of daft really because if I died falling down several floors from a spiral staircase it'd be far more dignified than toppling backwards, falling three feet and dying from a brain haemorrhage caused by the relatively mild blow of landing on the back of my head.

Allan actually did this “wrong”, by only choosing one image, the spiral stair case. But I found his story really interesting anyway because of his explanation after saying that although it was a story it was a factual statement.

Scott, 21, Accounting Hons Student.

Ever since that stupid fine for parking out with the 1 hour restriction my life has spiralled out of control. I've lost my job, my girlfriend, my family, what’s next? I stand here on top of a bridge. The river flowing uncontrollably. My life.

Scott gave an interesting explanation..

“Feeling under pressure with dissertation work. Not enough to make me feel suicidal though... yet. Ha!”

Lauren, 21, Business Student.

Running down the staircase ,“ SHIT!Shit,shit.” I screamed, “The parking!” I realised I’d been longer than an hour, and I’d already had a parking ticket this year. And I’d never realised how dangerous the beautiful spiral staircase was when running down them.

I got outside to see the white packet on my windscreen. “This is the LAST thing I need.” I had to take a walk, I was close to kicking something.

Raging, I walked along the bridge and stood looking out along the river. The scene calmed me down, a bit.

It would do for now. Until I had something to kick.

Chris, 29, Civil Servant.

The young writer hurtled down the stairs, manuscripts fluttering and every step like a gunshot, rapid-fire. Fleeing, fleeing his feelings and the signs that told him that every footfall was an act of denial. Under, under the river, it flowed over his head, asphyxiating and drowing, held back by creaking walls of steel and mud that would flow back and back in time, unifying the entropy. He tripped over the words in his mind as they spilled from his pen, mind and the stairs separated by distance, safe in his office. Leans back in his chair, now that he’s almost done. Time for tea.

(coincidentally Chris is currently writing a book!)

Thanks guys!

The Rhetoric of the Image by Roland Barthes.

2010-02-17T19:49:00.001Z

Through reading the The Rhetoric of the Image by Roland Barthes I have found out a few things.

· The study of signs and symbols is the semiotic theory.
· Sadly photography has changed the way we see things
· Epistemology is the study of nature, origin, methods and the limits of the human knowledge.
· The form can’t be recreated and therefore everything else is a copy and by taking a photo we are changing it.
· When we look at something, then take a photo of it we will never see it in the photo as we see it in real life, as the naked eye.
· When we look at images our personality, upbringing, opinions etc affect what we see in those images.
· We cannot look at an image without giving it a meaning automatically.
· The meaning to an image depends on who the person is and what mood they are in, or what’s happening in their life currently.
· An image had many different connotations.
· We have both image and text, never by themselves.
· Adverts are a deceiving product as the producers of them use both the image and text to manipulate our thoughts, and they make us see what they want us to see.

Being a textiles student this information is very useful as it has made me realise that what I see is not necessarily what others see (so my work could actually be good, in someone else’s eyes!) . Therefore the client is never going to see my end product the way I do. However this could prove to be difficult. And so I will have to compromise with the client. As I may interpret the clients needs differently.

Ooouf. That’s a bit of a brain screw!

2010-02-14T10:01:00.002Z

I lost my phone, again.

Don't talk to me.

quick note for me

2010-02-10T23:04:00.001Z

futurama
dna
chair
conversation
interaction
material.

I don't have a pen on me so here will do until i do. I know what i'm on about.

Typography.

2010-02-08T16:53:00.001Z

Typophile Film Festival 5 Opening Titles from Brent Barson on Vimeo.

Costume Designing

2010-02-07T20:28:00.000Z

I've recently been thinking a lot about costume designing and how amazing it would be. Absolutely NO boundaries...
I've been inspired by the likes of Barbarella and Flash Gordon, which are two of my favourite movies. Cheesetastic and heavy on the bling.

I just love all of those outfits. Definitely something to think about for the future i think. Might just go and watch Blade Runner now...

2010-02-07T18:55:00.000Z

Aye, so with a lot of effort I've moved my music stuff to here.
I'm in two minds about it. But it's done. Flash-Trash just isn't as Flash anymore.

2010-02-07T15:38:00.000Z

Riiigghht. So i have to change some stuff.
I'm going to have a blog for just my music stuff and another for uni and work.
My "work" only can be found here.
I might just have my music stuff on tumblr but i'm not sure yet.
I should be taking things more seriously. But it's not in my nature.

The photo swap with conner pops.

2010-02-02T22:07:00.001Z

So, we had an assignment to do with our course where we had to look at photos of a person we didn't really know and who was in another discipline. I chose Connor from Graphics.

Through looking through his photographs i came to the conclusion that his mum and dad must have had him when they were fairly young, or at least his mother was, as there is a photo of him when he was just a wee baby and a fairly young woman looking over at him to check if he's ok. I think so anyway! As he's obviously had an accident and his leg is broken as it's in a cast. There are also photographs that look very professional in the back ground, could they be photos of him and his sister when they were babies?
I think Connor may have an older and younger sister as there is a family photo with perhaps his cousins in it too? His older sister may have a child herself? I also think he's the only boy in his family as there are a few photographs with just him in them, it's that whole "boy wonder" thing, ha!
An obvious trait i could tell from Connors photos is that he clearly enjoys the female attention, along with the good things in life; Sun,drink and ice cream. And so coming to the conclusion that Connor is a bit of a party animal!
There is a photograph of him sitting at a table and the surroundings look to be that they are away on a family(?) holiday, and he's sitting with is phone in hand as if he's mid text. So clearly likes to keep up to date with his friends and values them a lot, as i can also see in other pictures he has where he is surrounded by friends.

I think Connor is a great friend to have and knows how to have a good time. He values the friendships he has and is keen to gain more. I think he has strong family values as well and appears to be close to them all.

Though obviously you can't tell everything from photographs!

Haha, that was fun!

Fashion Trends........

2010-02-02T20:13:00.000Z

So this semester we've to look at fashion forecasting... I'm a bit iffy about it as i'm not really wanting to do fashion so to speak but I guess it will come in handy with future projects. (?)

BUUUT. I decided to do it on "stripes of the sea" but not so much the stripes and shizzle. Wanting to look more at what's on the beach and stuff.

I've been doing a bit of drawing and have had some encouraging compliments about them.

Went to Broughty Ferry beach today and took Naala and Lauren for a run (haha) and had an ice cream too! Though there wasn't much in colour wise as it's still quite cold so I'm guessing they don't have all the flavours out in the winter! So I'll need to have a look in St Andrews and Ice cream shops.

Got some good snaps too...

Eye Candy

2010-01-21T15:05:00.000Z

I'm just going to whore out Josh Beech for this post. Fantastic model, who's name i've just found out after having him as my back ground on my computer all last summer and now on my phone...

The picture in question...

I love that editorial, really smert photography and concept. Think it's a Dazed ane.

The bottom one is definitely my favourite. I love a bit of a mad man. ( and Mad Men )

Oooft.

Listening to -

How can he be bothered wearing the head gear?! Would be amazing to see live though.

2009-12-29T16:47:00.002Z

something to watch

2009-12-22T00:20:00.000Z

Only really want to watch it because Robert Sheehan is in it...

I'd like to think he's quite like his character in Misfits, i don't care that he's a prick in it.

Oh and upon watching that trailer, it really annoys me that they all look about 12 acting as though they are in their 30's...

Said.

Listening to - 80Kidz - This Is My Shit.

All Things Wanted

2009-12-18T00:04:00.001Z

avant-garde
noun (usu. the avant-garde)
new and unusual or experimental ideas, esp. in the arts, or the people introducing them : works by artists of the Russian avant-garde.

adjective
favoring or introducing such new ideas : a controversial avant-garde composer.

Lauren has that bra, she found it in a strippers shop in New York. She always has nice things...

Shamelessly loving Lace, Velvet and Mesh...Uh Oh.

Oh and Scott...

Thanks to...

2009-12-04T18:35:00.002Z

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the following...
Austin and Werwath.
Cavemen.
Graffiti writers.
The Dewaele brothers.
Florence.
Pascal.
Alexander Ridha.
Bowie.
The XX.
Clippers Decaffeinated Tea.
Santana.
Snap. Yes, i HAVE the power.
Bat for Lashes.
Slugabed.
Mr Oizo.
Carl Cox.
Flunk.
Explosions in The Sky.

There are more but this is what comes to mind first.

Oh and OBVIOUSLY "mom and dad".I couldn't have done it without you. *sob sob*.

Bibliography

2009-12-04T18:26:00.001Z

Bibliography

Austin, J, 2001, Taking The Train: How Graffiti Art became An Urban Crisis in New York City, Columbia University Press.

Bryan, J, 1996, “Ganja Graffiti: The Legacy of Stay High 149.” High Times.

Brewer, Devon D, 1992, “Hip-Hop Graffiti Writers' Evaluation of Strategies to Control Illegal Graffiti.”

Bushnell, J,1990, “Moscow Graffiti: Language and Subculture.” Boston: Unwin Hyman.

Calvin, I. M, 2005, Graffiti, the Ultimate Realia : Meeting the Standards Through An Unconventional Cultural Lesson, Journal Devoted to the teachings of Spanish and Portuguese.

Castleman, C, 1982, “Getting up: Subway Graffiti in New York. Cambridge: MIT Press.

Dennant, P,1997, "Urban Expression...Urban Assault...Urban

Wildstyle...New York City Graffiti." Art Crimes.

Dowd,M,1984, “Visiting Hoteliers Savor New York”, New York Times.

Ferrell, J.1993, Crimes of Style: urban graffiti and the politics of criminality. New York: Garland.

Stewart, J, 1989, “Subway Graffiti: An Aesthetic Study of Graffiti on the Subway System of New York City, 1970-1978”, PH.D.diss, New York University.

Werwath, T, 2006, The Culture And Politics of Graffiti Art, Independent Research paper - Wilde Lake High School, Columbia, MD, USA

Taking the Train to Graffiti Land - an essay.

2009-12-04T17:05:00.002Z

Ok, so let’s see how this goes…
I’ve been asked to write a “small” essay on two of my chosen books/journals that have helped me research into my Graffiti on Trains “problems”.
I have chosen “Taking the Train” by Joe Austin and also Timothy Werwath’s paper on “The Culture and Politics of Graffiti Art”.
I will be referring to the graffiti artists as writers, as essentially that’s what they are, only instead of paper or a canvas they are using the urban landscape.

Taking the Train by Joe Austin is an incredibly good read, if you’re interested in the history of New York City’s battle with graffiti and the politics behind it. It is a lot more than just about the fight between the “authority figures” and the “writers” as I had originally thought.
I have taken most of my notes from the prologue and it’s two stories, as these interested me the greatest.
Austin tells two different stories in the Prologue, one about “writers” and their fight against the local authorities and the second about businessmen from Europe and the cover up of the “grime” of New York City, to round them up shortly!
The first story talks about “three” writers called “CAINE”, “MAD 103” and “FLAME ONE” who proceeded to celebrate the forthcoming 4th of July celebrations by “decorating” a full subway train, all eleven carriages, from top to bottom. The newly decorated subway train was scheduled to fly through the city on its designated route. The writers worked in a “coordinated bicentennial theme”. By choosing the subway they wanted it to be in full view of the people of New York City, as a patriotic gesture on the nations 200th birthday. Almost as a gift to their city. Sadly the MTA (the Metropolitan Transportation Authority) had a problem with it:

“The Metropolitan Transportation Authority steadfastly refused to be upstaged by what they felt was vandalism – no matter what the work’s patriotic appeal – they would not risk the public mistaking the Freedom Train (as it was called) as part of the officially sanctioned celebration” (Austin,Taking the Train, 2001:2)

They then proceeded to take the train out of service, destroy the paintings and then arrested the writers.

In the second story Austin talks about a large group of successful hotel managers from Europe and the Middle East that were asked to go on a free weekend trip to New York City, by a London based touring agency, in celebration of the number of U.S. citizens that had travelled abroad that year as it had reached a record number.
As expected they went on their merry way, “sight seeing” all of New York City’s attractions. Unbeknownst to them, a subway carriage had been renovated and repainted, at the cost of $4,000, which had been arranged and paid for especially by the touring agency to cart them to the World Trade Center. Just to divert the “dirty and dangerous” image of New York City. Funnily enough the businessmen did notice!

“[The Businessmen] wanted to know what had happened to the “real” New York City they had come to see…”It’s very disappointing not to have something that’s part of the local colour.” Remarked a German.” (Austin, Taking the Train, 2001:3)

The businessmen’s views and opinions were noted and put in to a newspaper article about their visit, only to get the reply of the New York Times’ editor…

“Dear Deprived Hoteliers…Let us fill you in…you didn’t miss a thing. The trains are an unsightly mess and imply that no one’s in charge and no one cares enough except to shield distinguished visitors. Serves ‘em right, in a way, that you should feel deprived.” (Editorial, New York Times, 1984:22)

I can’t help but feel he’s lashing out at the wrong people, surely he should be angry at the Tour company who forked out the money to spruce up just one subway train for the only purpose of making the visitors feel “safe”.

Austin helps gain the sympathy towards the “writers” by stating that it is a “sophisticated and Illegal art” which is practiced on subways, where everyone will see it. The writers seem to have a powerful desire to “speak to the city” through their illegal art. Almost like they are giving something back. Why is this a problem? Is it because they have merely “upstaged” the council’s work, in celebrating the 4th of July? Should it not be a public activity?

Now for Werwath, I found his paper quite interesting also as it talks a lot to do with graffiti and where it originated from, but also a lot to do with the “selling out” of graffiti artists who have their work displayed and paid for in galleries, which defeats the purpose of graffiti as “as art” as it was originally the lower class shouting out to be noticed and to tell the rest of the world their repudiation towards the working-class environment they were apart of.

“Most who worked in menial, low class jobs felt that they had no individuality in the work place; that they were just part of the city’s life-blood and could not be distinguished from the next worker.” (Werwath, Art Crimes: The Culture And Politics of Graffiti Art, 2006:5)

They wanted to be noticed and recognized and show the world they were still alive and kicking.

“How many people can walk through a city and prove they were there? It’s a sign I was here, my hand made this mark. I’m fucking alive!” – Omar” (Werwath, Art Crimes: The Culture And Politics of Graffiti Art, 2006:5)

I particularly like this quote as it’s from a New York Graffiti writer and you can tell just from this quote he is proud and does feel alive and “apart of it”.

Werwath also talks about how there is a fine line between graffiti and vandalism, yet they come from completely different motives. I know that when I see someone’s scrawled “ I love Lucy” on a seat or wall, it actually does irritate me, but if I were to see a nicely designed and thought out “I love Lucy” design it wouldn’t bother me. As surly that’s art? Something that makes you notice it, and see beauty in it. Sadly a lot of people put graffiti and vandalism together as they both originate from being bored. Only writers put more effort in to their design than vandals.
Werwath also talks about how graffiti is now used commercially, so some boundaries have been broken down as time goes on. We now have magazines we can get our hands on to read about and look at graffiti in the modern world, we also have well known and prestigious “graffiti artists” which I’m sure most of us will have heard of at least one.

“Many multinational corporations have selected graffiti writers to spay their logos and ad campaigns onto city streets in return for a pay check. Companies that have practiced this include Coca-Cola, Nike, McDonalds, Am General Corp, IBM and TIME magazine.” (Werwath, Art Crimes: The Culture And Politics of Graffiti Art, 2006:11)

These example corporations are all seemingly “young” and are continually reinventing themselves to keep “up to date” with the youth of today and it works! So taking from these examples perhaps the graffiti subway trains could work.

But using graffiti for commercialization could arise some arguments, as graffiti was originally used to shout out and be noticed against the boring urban city where the people were just workers, helping to “pump the city’s life-blood”.
Like all things, when money is involved it becomes a lot more complicated.

The fight against authority is a prominent subject between these two pieces of work, as this drive for individuality and to be noticed is where graffiti as an art came from. It is the difference between that and vandalism. It has steamed from boredom but the satisfaction has driven it further. And perhaps the thrill of it being illegal and just to “piss off” local authority they put their heart and soul in to it.

Austin and Werwath both talk about the writer’s desire, and Werwath states “Graffiti has been around since men first started drawing pictures in caves.” (Werwath, Art Crime, 2006:2) There were no authoritative figures then like we have today but still there was this desire to draw. To make a simple cave in to their own space.

The question arises “Could graffiti be a way in marking ones territory?” and the answer in some cases would be yes, think of the gangs in New York City, making other gangs aware of whose territory they were in.
Both pieces touch on New York City’s near-bankruptcy in the mid 1970’s but instead of focusing on what was the real problem the local authorities blamed it upon the graffiti in and about the city. A hierarchy system of authority at its worst.
The use for graffiti in advertising and commercialization again links both pieces of text but also has a link with a journal I read about unconventional cultural lessons by I.M, Calvin. In where Calvin talks about graffiti being an ”unconventional advertisement billboard that is created by students and their peer group to attract attention from and to one another. It demonstrates the use of graffiti and how it can be a “truly academic exercise” for lessons in language and culture.

Calvin, I. M, 2005, Graffiti, the Ultimate Realia: Meeting the Standards Through An Unconventional Cultural Lesson, Journal devoted to the teachings of Spanish and Portuguese.

It is said “ If you place an artist in a blank room with nothing but paints they will make it a masterpiece.”
The same thing can be said about the urban landscape, as it really is a blank canvas.
Perhaps the architects could collaborate with graffiti writers and make something completely new and different. If the writers and given the right to write it would become under control and not so much of an “irritation”.
Graffiti writers are rebelling because they cannot express themselves and don’t want to live in a gray “same old” world.

I’m going to end on a quote as I think it sums this whole essay up perfectly.

“The ultimate point seems to be: What kind of city do people want to live in? The stone gray and earth colours that we’ve erected around us, the vast labyrinths of monolithic structures that dwarf the scale of man set the tone for daily lives of city dwellers. It’s the natural impulse of people who are very alive to decorate their environment, make it beautiful. The ultimate question raised by graffiti is: What would a wildly decorated city look like?” (Jamie Bryan, High Times, 1996:52)

The stuff dreams are made of...

2009-12-01T22:42:00.000Z

This is an ongoing project...

Listening to -

The week so far...

2009-11-24T18:13:00.000Z

I think it's a record...Started off with a parking ticket on Sunday, private residence and absolutely NOWHERE to park,couldn't move it in the morning because i had alcohol in my system and got it at about 12 on a SUNDAY morning, do these arse-holes have nothing else to do? It was in a safe and out of way place. But that's just another way the ever crumbling city council can get more money for the methadone...
Then my sewing machine decided to stop working...I have shit loads to finish. I'll just have to give it an hour or so and if it's not working I'm officially FCUKed.
Oh and i have yet another shitty sore throat, with my neck feeling stiff and a wonky stomach that wont settle.
I'm doing well.
Listening to -

Moon

2009-11-23T22:59:00.001Z

Thoughts on the said film?...
Absolutely fucking brilliant. I can't believe it was only shot in 33 days. Urgh it's so good, but that could be because it's mostly Sam Rockwell that you see with the added bonus of Kevin Spacey as the voice of Gerty. Hurrah, a film you MUST watch.

Well done David Bowie, you bring great music to the earth, then a talented son who makes fantastic films.

Maurizio Anzeri

2009-11-23T19:57:00.000Z

I meant to bring up Maurizio Anzeri a while ago but i totally forgot to post about him until now.
A recent visit to my friends house brought back the memories of how much i love him because her flat
mate is doing something similar with her work just now using embroidery.
He has a lot of other work but my favourite is his embroidered vintage photos and how he manipulates
the photographs with stitch,making a seemingly sweet and innocent picture something that can appear
quite creepy!

I actually just LOVE his work. Especially the bottom one, she looks like she has a balaclava on and appears quite threatening but by just seeing the face behind the embroidery you know that she's quite innocent.

I like the initial shock factor of the pieces.

I've got Moon on the agenda to watch tonight...

*Drool*

But I think I'm going to watch a quick screenwipe with another of my favourite men, Brooker.

Because he is king.

Listening to -

Websites

2009-11-22T21:51:00.000Z

Trendhunter So i'm on this one almost every day, for a good hour or so just trawling through everything. Really good for new designs and for inspiration.

Saatchi online is also really good for art and just having a trawl through peoples work. You can upload and sell your own stuff on it commission free if you're a student. I've seen some Duncan of Jordanstone people on it!

Art Collaboration  is a candy shop for photography. With links to artists that have collaborated which is always a bonus.

Juxtapoz yum, and an amazing magazine to get your hands on too. This has lots of links to blogs that tend to be pretty interesting.

And 2sleep   ok,so it does have a fair bit of crap on it but it's link after link after link, and you sometimes tend to get lost in all the information it gives you. A lot of design and technology through out it.

RCRDLBL, free to download, whoooo! Seriously good though because it has a lot of up and coming music on it.

Homotography kinda does what it says on the tin. The tag line is " Photography with homosexual tendencies" but it's so good. They are mostly fashion photography, but with BEAUTIFUL men. And interesting articles and links to if you want to look further than the men.

Channel4  for the news, and for the good television.

The Guardian  for a good interesting read and it's always nice to keep up to date with current affairs.

And Lastly the youtube factor.Obviously.

Fix up. Look sharp.

Listening to -

edit

2009-11-22T04:18:00.001Z

Never good to post when you're intoxicated...

Fix up. Look sharp.

Assignment 3edit

2009-11-19T21:35:00.001Z

I'm late with this (as previously stated) because I'm a "Div" and was having slight problems. I digress...
We were asked to look up on Cross-Search (an absolute nightmare might i add) stuff about our previous thoughts, mine being the Graffiti "problems". It was a bit of a stressful "activity" that made me want to puke a few times with sheer frustration and worry. But here goes...( I bet you I've done it all wrong)

Austin,J,2001, Taking The Train : How Graffiti Art became An Urban Crisis in New York City, Columbia University Press.

I was quite shocked by this article as it talks about how in the 1960's and early 1970's in New York City, a city short on funds, at the time, wanted to "wipe out" graffiti and so this was an expensive priority and other needs went unnoticed and unfunded!

The "epidemic" started as the city youths were being greatly influenced by the wide spread use of famous names that were displayed everywhere, on billboards, sides of buses,trains etc.

It tracks how graffiti assumed crisis level importance as so the Bureaucracy and Public Relations in New York City AND the Metropolitan Transport Authority took notice and tried to prevent and clean it up for almost 2 decades!

Bemused by the slight idiocy of wasting 2 decades on something that can't really be stopped, an interesting read about the dumb...

Calvin, I. M, 2005, Graffiti, the Ultimate Realia : Meeting the Standards Through An Unconventional Cultural Lesson, Journal Devoted to the teachings of Spanish and Portuguese.

This journal talks about graffiti being and unconventional advertisement, billboard, created by students and their peer group to attract attention.

Since it is a learning journal, it talks about language teachers and how they should use the graffiti as teaching tools rather than banishing them completely. It demonstrates the use of graffiti and how it can be a "truly academic exercise" for lessons in language and culture.

It gives procedures for lessons and graffiti samples to show to the class as well as possible extensions of the topic if interested for the language teachers.

Halsey,M, 2006, "Our Desires are Ungovernable" - Writing Graffiti in Urban Space.

I found this book interesting as it seemed like it "sat on the fence" in the debate of good or bad graffiti.It considers the hidden aspects of graffiti in the cultures today along with detailed interviews with graffiti writers or artists, which again was another interesting point of view.

It covered 4 main themes throughout it; the motivation for carrying out graffiti, the threshold of dividing "vandalism" and "art" with graffiti, the reactions of the graffiti artists to a "blank" surface and what makes them want to graffiti in a certain place and lastly and perhaps most important, how graffiti is perceived in relation to other types of vandalism.

Martinez,S, 2009, Graff: The Art and Technique of Graffiti, IMPACT books.

This book was VERY interesting to have a scope through. It actually helps you to create, legally, graffiti It talks in depth about the techniques used buy graffiti artists and gives real instructions on hoe to create sketching of work and the basics of developing letter forms etc.

On a more serious note to the book it discussed the roots of graffiti and its roots in vandalism, but also talks about it as an art form.

I thought this was a great book as it helps the reader differentiate between the "vandalism" side and the "art" side of graffiti.

Werwath, T, 2006, The Culture And Politics of Graffiti Art, Independent Research paper - Wilde Lake High School, Columbia, MD, USA.

I found this article interesting as it was from someone younger who talked about graffiti's politics as well as the culture behind it. Werwath writes about the history, again, behind the art of graffiti and how graffiti had a social significance and the intentional or unintentional goal of it.

He describes the 3 major types of modern graffiti; "tag", "throw-up" and "piece" and also how there are motives behind producing graffiti, is it a mass communication / cultural frustration i.e war, or is it for an individual to express themselves e.g Blu?

Whitford.M.J, 1991, Getting Rid of Graffiti: Practical Guide to Graffiti Removal and Anti-Graffiti Protection, Spoon Press.

I decided to look at this book because it was an "anti-graffiti" book and was the opposite of what i was wanting really. It made some interesting points on todays effectiveness with modern chemical systems and the economic benefits of the approach.
It goes in to great detail in techniques on how to get rid of graffiti and gives practical references. It also helps in helping to identify and understand the surface of the affected area before helping the reader choose what removal methods would be best suited to it.
It also talks about protecting surfaces against graffiti which is what i had originally thought about when i first started out with the "graffiti" problem until i realised it wasn't actually one.
The book is very interesting as the whole book is based on the first hand experiences of the people at London Underground and what they are doing to prevent and remove the graffiti.

Finished? Phew...

Fix up. Look sharp.

Listening to -

I'm late...

2009-11-19T20:28:00.003Z

Fix up. Look sharp.

Listening to -

Weaving

2009-11-16T17:54:00.000Z

Needing to get in to the habit of "recording" what i'm doing with my days.
These are from our week of weaving, which i did enjoy, although not sure it's for me.

I need to separate them so i'll be doing that soon and perhaps more photos up.

Got knitting tomorrow, dunno if i'm looking forward to it or not. There have been mixed reviews!

Fix up. Look sharp.

Listening to -

The Tipping Point ideas.

2009-11-16T17:32:00.001Z

I didn't make a poster or anything because i wasn't sure if i was doing it right or not so i stored it in the empty space of my mind and sort of ran with it at our seminar when we were talking about it in the group.
I thought about the part in the book where Gladwell talks about the graffiti on the trains and subways as it is a well known "annoyance" that happens everywhere.
At first i thought about a special paint that would be used on the train and subway carriages instead of the normal coating they receive, one that would stop the spray paint or foreign ink from sticking to the paint and there for the carrage. Stopping the graffiti. But then i thought that surely with technology these days the graffiti "artists" would work round the paint not sticking and compose something else up. As there is always a flaw with most things.
So i started looking at the actual "crime"

I don't think it looks that bad! So then i thought about how the city council could get the "culprits" actually involved to "stop" them from defacing the public transport.
I thought they could arrange competitions to get the graffiti artists to design work for the carriages and so then have their work on the train/ subway and so no one would be defacing anything.
Ok, so someone might graffiti over it but at least it's not going to be as obvious!
The council could advertise in the paper, on tv, have posters put up over the city, the internet etc explaining that they want graffiti artists for the purpose of designing for the carriages. Giving a postal address for where to send their ideas, or having a site where they could hand them in or even have a full day event where artists could collaborate.
I thought this could happen every 3-4 years with a new lick of paint and new spray of ink and competition to keep it "fresh".
Obvious people to get in touch with would be the city council and the heads of the railway companies. They could be a bit old fashioned and stiff but if they know what's best and more cost efficient they would go with this sort of idea.
Run the costs by them and i'm sure they would find it hard to pass by.

Fix up. Look sharp.

Listening to -

M.I.A.

2009-11-16T16:48:00.000Z

Ok so i've been a bit "M.I.A" recently, lack of brian cells and internet. It's up and working and the few brain cells i have left are finally hitting a spark.
Away to pop up my thoughts on The Tipping Point assignment we had for our seminar...

Fix up. Look sharp.
Watched The Crow last night...amazing film. Beats the dark knight any day, but Heath...

Believe in curses?

Listening to -