Guernica

Heard on the news that a tapestry of Guernica is coming to London to be on show. I hope I get to see it.
When I was young girl I saw Guernica and it made the deepest impression on me. In fact the work inhabited my nightmares and daymares for years and years.
We lived in Spain for a while and it seeped into my being. The light, the scents, the flavours, the warmth and dry air on my skin, the kindness of people to kids, the language and the colours which were so vivid to me. I enjoyed the time spent there immensely. I had a freedom I had not had before. Free to roam and make friends and explore on my own. I used to go to the cloisters and spend time in the gardens helping out.
I learned how to swim there, but I also had a a near drowning experience which still makes me unhappy about having water over my head although I LOVE swimming.
The Gaudi architecture seemed to be designed just for the pleasure of us young folk.
I was very happy there and yet the nightmares that haunted me for years in my youth were also acquired there. Guernica for one and going to a bull fight the other. It was the most traumatic experience of my life for a long while. I was identifying with the bull and screamed when he died, thick blood pouring out of his mouth. This image was impossible to eradicate.
This living in Spain was very much about life and death and the intensity of living with those dualities.
I feel grateful to my parents for brining us there to live.

Condolences and empathy

This is my favourite photo of the family it looks like a painting!

As I heard the very sad news of Nicholas Hughes' death in Alaska yesterday my heart goes out to those who loved and knew him.
Depression is very difficult to live with and is often "invisible" from the outside.
My sympathy goes out to all sufferers and I wish that the support and understanding was more acute and present for those with depression.
Be kind to yourself, breathe and self-care. Every day is another new day.

Vernal Equinox

I want to pay attention today to the fact that the sun is up for exactly 12 hours. It is the equinox. Twice a year that happens.
It is a turning point, a fulcrum of sorts. A new beginning.
I received 4 fruit trees to plant in my garden today. I am so happy and will plant them with joy. A cherry, a pear, a plum and an apple.
Wishing you all a Happy Spring!

Natasha Richardson 1963 - 2009

As Blanche Dubois in Streetcar...


In Asylum

Natasha in the White Countess 2005


Natasha Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson.

Life is Immense

Again!
I have a few days to get some good work done on editing Life is Immense visiting Samuel Menashe.
I need a chunk of unbroken and undisturbed time to make real headway.
The deadline is in April and I want it to be as good as possible. It is a daunting task because of all the footage of Samuel reciting poetry and talking. Most of it really interesting! It needs to be a length which does him and his work justice but not too long to watch. Fine balance.
Meanwhile the last couple of days have been spring like, warmish and sunny, young lambs in the fields, pussy willows, forsythia, snowdrops drooping, daffodils trying, primroses, buds appearing everywhere...
It is an exciting time! I LOVE SPRING. It is my season. My birth season but also the one in which I feel most alive and positive. Creative impulses come in waves constantly lapping on to the shore.

Day in Durham

Yesterday I spent the day going to Durham University and had a very good time. Thanks to Hazel!
I went to show my film IMAGO Meret Oppenheim and have a seminar with the students on Surrealism. They were a lively group and it was very stimulating. Good questions! I always love that! Something to work with.
The drive there was okay, the promised sunny weather was no where to be seen. The drive back was more tiring and so I took a break in Hexham visiting Noah for tea which became dinner! He is an amazing cook!
Durham is a beautiful town. It wraps itself around the river and up high stand the Cathedral and Castle with University buildings scattered all over.I really felt compelled to bring Noah there on a day trip.
I find I enjoy teaching immensely. Being in touch with young persons and learning a great deal through their curiosity.
If you ever have a chance to visit Durham. Do!

and Kiki Smith of course!

Even while I was writing about Louise Bourgeois and Annette Messager and how they were some of the most compelling artists working now for me I realised I wanted to add Kiki Smith too of course.
So above I show some of her work and how she looks.
Her work like the other two HAS to be seen in person.
I just want to inspire you to go and search it out.