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.

More Messager

The Secret Room

The Messengers

Casino


Annette Messager

At the Hayward Gallery in London from March until May 2009 there is an extraordinary retrospective exhibition called The Messengers by Annette Messager.
I have been interested in her work for the past 30 years since I first met her in Paris. She is a gentle, bright woman with a humbleness which when you see her work almost surprises you. The work is so powerful, going into the darkest places with humour and exploring any materials regardless of any fashion of the time.
For me Louise Bourgeois and Annette Messager are two of the most gripping artists working today. They pull me in each time into a world created by them but taking off to become almost anything. The work works. I still have the exhibition whirling around inside.
Casino was first shown at the Venice Biennale in 2005 when Annette Messager represented France. We sat for a long long time with Casino. I recommend having time when you go to the show. It defies words. Casino is experience.