Hello, treat treat Katie!! featured in our latest issue, prescription as part of the New Brasil section. It’s the vision of Hisato, who Amelia described as ‘a small portly man with the slightly pallid demeanour of someone who lives for the night”. He’s a very well respected DJ, and I think this says a lot about the key idea behind his latest EP, ‘Girls’.
Opener ‘Don’t Panic (That’s The Way It Is)’ is drenched in the atmosphere of New Order’s ‘Blue Monday’ – famously the highest selling 7″ of all time, purely because of it’s popularity with DJs. Vocals come in the form of some super cool sounding girl, who I imagine to look exactly like the type you see standing in front of DJ booths in the hope of grabbing attention. It’s a song that I guess comes from Hisato’s time spent hanging around the super cool, Djing fashion shows and stuff like that. Considering the band is named in honour of Kate Moss herself, this is perhaps something to be expected.
My favourite track is ‘Female Moustache’. It has the feel of a soundtrack from a high octane action movie, building and plateauing, only to return to its peak moments of drama once again. You can imagine some bald guy with stubble diving between trains to it, or something like that anyway.
It finishes with ‘Today’s Tomorrow’s Breath’, something of a respite compared to the rest of the album. The vocals sound almost scary, sung by Hisato himself in what sounds like a cave.
The EP comes across like a party in your ears. It has all the aspects of really fun party music that has put Brazil on the musical map in recent years.
Having interviewed the girls who will be featuring in issue 10 of Amelia’s mag (keep an eye out for them), click I was keen to make a pit stop to their preview of their exhibition, look ‘in bed with the girls’.
The first thing that hits you as you enter the bubblegum pink Beverly Knowles Gallery in Notting hill is the burst of colour within all the photos. Cramming 12 years worth of staged portrait photography, capsule self portraiture and performance pieces in one smallish room gives their work an intensity. A few faves are the performance piece where a naked lady is adorned with various sweet treats such as: swiss rolls, tarts, custard creams. The performance piece reminded me of the oldsy english countryside picnics that now looks like a novel practice. With a priest sat next to her this set to unnerve the viewer.
Also the smurfette pieces were cute and kitsch.
Most of their work is playful, set with lavish sets, however I also like some of their black and white shots particularly Dungeness which are actually tiny.
With so many different sets designs and images, these reflect two varied, bubbly personalities. They reference pop culture, the idea of Englishness, gender roles, nostalgia and desire in a fun yet also subtly dark way. So there really is something for everyone.
Perhaps you’d like a pair of wizard boots? A caterpillar? some skeleton string? or a monster forest? Inventory of Parlour, ed an Australian designed jewellery label, more about offers treats for the imagination! A range of delectable pieces with intricate and distinctive designs that originate from another realm.
Katia, who studied textile design at RMIT University in Melbourne, was introduced to the wonderful world of jewellery when she spent some time living in London interning with the infamously unique Tatty Devine. The influence is clear – treating jewelry as a piece of art, creating something personal to illustrate the wearer. Katia’s own inspirations draw from the Parlour rooms of the 1800′s and the curious happenings within them. The pieces themselves are made mostly out of collages using text and vintage imagery from periodicals, catalogues and encyclopedias.
“A world of alakazams and abracadabras.. demented delights and a menagerie of oddities..”
Intrigued? Want to see more? Unlock the cabinet of goodies on the their blog and get a new lace for that neck!
Photo: Dan Spinney
Despite my obsession with These New Puritans (we’ve all read the inspiring reviews from music boffs across the globe so its not necessary for me to rationalise this passion), medical neither time nor cash had granted me with a chance to witness them live, prescription until their set at the Amersham Arms. Perhaps it was dangerous levels of excitement which left me doubtful (or the fact that Derv from Amelia’s team wouldn’t stop chatting in my ear), but I couldn’t help but feel that I was left half empty.
There’s something about the intensity of delivery by lead vocalist Jack Barnett which just didn’t hit me as hard as my 5 year old Woolworth’s headphones. Its not that I’m not accusing them of being poor live performers, ‘Colours’, ‘Infinity ytinifnl’ and ‘Swords of truth’ resembled the album versions to a T, but all that intellectual equation and science stuff just seemed that little bit more magical without the hustle and bustle of a pub. Naturally These New Puritans took the opportunity to drop a few new tracks, which if this occasion is anything to go by, prove to be bordering on bland or atmospheric depending on your perspective or the volume of your glass.
Micachu and The Shape’s set wasn’t as enthralling as it should have been, mainly due to the venues poor sound. Teamed with a crowd that seemed preoccupied with having a chin wag, their music almost seemed to take a back seat. When I’ve seen them before, crowds are usually silenced by their magnificent performances, but I think most people were too preoccupied with drinking at that stage of the night. ‘Golden Phone’ did seem to divert people’s attention, and it’s definately still her standout track. She’s an artist destined for much bigger events this time next year.
Next we headed over to The Tavern to finish our night with sets from Loefah and Benga, and were subjected to some very garage heavy selections, which delighted some, but for me it just wasn’t too exciting. Soon after they had taken to the decks though, the speakers blew. It was announced that the line-up would be moved to the nearby Goldsmith’s Student Union Bar.
Photo: Louis Hartnoll
We followed the crowds round the corner to where there was already a sizeable queue forming. I hate situations like this, when a mass of people is trying to get into a venue and the venue’s security sees it as an excuse to exercise their power by just being weird and annoying. Eventually they decided everybody had waited long enough an allowed us in. The choice of venue was strange, and didn’t really suit the music. Nevertheless, everyone was there to have a good time, and it’s difficult not to enjoy yourself in that type of environment.
So this morning I received an email shouting about NOISE, erectile an online arts showcase funded by the Arts Council & NWDA. The idea is to showcase art, ask music and fashion all conjured up by creative beings under 25. The curators include acclaimed industry professionals such as Badly Drawn Boy for music and Norman Rosenthal for fine arts. This month NOISE festival will cherry pick the crème de la crème for your viewing pleasure. Here’s a few things I spotted:
The talented miss amy brown, prescription who designed the cover of amelia’s mag issue 8 has her portfolio on here. She says that an average day consists of replying to e-mails, tea drinking, drawing, and wiping paint off my kitten Millie-Rad. She also comments that she has always loved drawing and just hope that people get as much enjoyment from looking at [her] work as [she]does making it! Have a peek at her work.
patrick gildersleeves, aka wowow is inspired by the people of the world, patterns, paper, animals and plants. He likes to work with a pencil, felt tips and paint. His biggest influences are Inuit art, Ancient South American culture and drawings from the Far East.
heres a cool image of promo shots for the electric circus band by ‘paul’
6 by rae:
clockface by chimere:
brunch from brunch series by shauba:
So if you want to inject a little brightness to your day or are seeking some inspiration go and check it out.
It’s been a busy few days – I’ve been up early again with the Suffragettes to try and persuade city commuters that they should join the Climate Rush on Monday.
getting ready in the station
Tamsin sandwiched by commuters
I’ve learnt that the amount of technical devices attached to your body is a direct indicator of whether you are likely to engage with a piece of paper coming your way. Commuters plugged into ipods are in their own little world and noone is going to disrupt that other place… and if you also have a mobile in your other hand you are doubly likely to ignore anyone else. Interesting, this site how we disassociate from the real world around us. Also a trend I have noticed that disheartens me – people with bikes are also more likely to ignore people who are flyering. Very saddening that – all the more I think because as a fellow bike rider I always expect people who ride to be on our side.
flyering aplenty
That said, remedy many flyers were given out and since then the Suffragettes have been out every day all over town to try and raise awareness. I will be joining them on Friday afternoon in Soho (5.30pm in Soho Square if you fancy coming along) The more the merrier – we’re quite an arresting sight amongst all that grey.
On Saturday we’re going to be making more sashes at my house – if you fancy joining in email us. I am in east London and we plan to go out on the town afterwards dressed as Suffragettes, so come meet us and join in the fun!
shaking a fist for the cameras
Then yesterday I hotfooted it over to Newham town hall in East London (well, more like District line slowfooted it. How slow is that tube line?!) to meet up with the Flashmob, there to oppose plans to expand City Airport.
I love this golden light…
The council was meeting to make the final decision on whether expansion goes ahead and local group Fight the Flights directed a flashmob of about 30 people in a chant for the ITV cameras. Everyone was wearing distinctive STOP AIRPORT EXPANSION t-shirts. It was all over very quickly and I then had to slowfoot it back into town to do my jewelery class for the evening.
flashmobbers still need lipstick
Unfortunately I have since found out that the council has given the go ahead to the expansion, but the evening was not without its drama. I’ve just spoken with Leo from Plane Stupid, who was one of some 25 people to present objections during the meeting, and it sounds like the locals put up a great fight. There were about 75 objectors in the audience who were “kicking off left, right and centre,” so that by the time the meeting drew to a close some hours later a lot of people had been removed for causing a ruckus. Leo was eventually removed for throwing paper airplanes.
looks like Ken, of Barbie and Ken fame. is actually a highly groomed ITV reporter.
Apparently the local group will be taking the council to court on the grounds that there was no proper consultation – even though up to 13,000 people will be affected by increased noise pollution there have been no new measurements of noise since the year 2000, and only 10,000 letters have been sent out as part of a mandatory consultation.
A local teacher explained that his students had been processing field data which showed that the noise levels are frequently reaching 85-95 decibels, and not the declared 57 decibels, over which the government considers noise to be a nuisance. Funny then, that the airport owners have forgotten to take new measurements in the past 8 years.
Leo described the yellow tie wearing owner as being totally complacent, safe in the knowledge that his plans would get the go ahead. In fact he was looking so smug that the locals even had a pop at him about it. I wasn’t there, but I can picture him in my mind’s eye. I bet he would have wound me up too.
The airport expansion may be mooted to go ahead, but don’t expect it to happen without a fight…
sporting an E.On F.Off badge in a hairband. Lovin the look
We think we may just have sparked a bit of a trend with the USB we gave away free with our last issue. Mr. Scruff has made a pretty tasty looking; tuna shaped stick that has his new album ‘Ninja Tuna’ on it – and it’s the first thing we’ve seen similar to what we did in the UK.
Now you may think that such fancy packaging may be compensating for something, look but I assure you that the album is equally as good. It has all the jazzy hip hop stylings you expect from Mr. Scruff, but with a few forward thinking surprises thrown in for good measure.
The high point of the album for me has to be Roots Manuva’s cameo on ‘Nice Up The Function’. It’s a far cry from their previous collaboration ‘Jus Jus’ on Scruff’s second album ‘Keep It Unreal’ – something of a standard Roots Manuva tune (if that’s possible).
Scruff has a philosophy behind his music, in which ‘drinking tea holds mythological status and where it’s always music that gets you high’ – which lead me to believe that perhaps he’s just a little bit too much free time lately to be thinking about these things. It did mean however that a tin of organic tea bags was also sent to us. I’ve now listened to the album when drinking tea, and when I have not been drinking tea. My verdict is that the tea makes no difference to your listening pleasure, but is quite nice.
Every year at two different creative cities in Europe, buy more about Illustrative International Art Forum displays the best in graphics and illustrative arts. This year is happening at Zurich and displays over 400 works from more than 60 artists. This two week long festival aims to exchange ideas, treatment promote emerging new talent as well as rediscovering current trends. With conferences, film programs, book art, illustration and concept art added to the mix, the festival promises to titillate the creative senses. At the end of the festival a Young Illustrators award will be presented to the best young talent. Why not have a peek at the talented bunch’s work. You might even pick up some inspiration. Here’s a few bits of art that tickled my fancy:
heiko windisch:
dave prosser:
olaf hajek:
keith jones:
andrew hem:
tara gschwend:
I walked along to this gig not expecting anything particularly unusual, viagra little was I to know that I would walk away from it wondering whether it may have actually been the best thing I had seen all year.
It was the last night of the tour, which always kind of suggests that you’re in for something special. Jape take to the stage and announce that they’re most excited about the fact that they’ll soon be able to go home and wash their clothes. Their set however suggests they’re a bit more excited than they let on. The singer is literally leaping as he thrashes his drum machine.
As a support band they more than fit the bill. They’re a band not a lot of the people in the room would have known of before the gig, but they manage to get a pretty good reaction. I can’t help but think that their songs don’t seem to have quite enough body to them though. They make Tom Vek styled electronica that could be brought to life by laying off with the use of backing tracks and adding a couple of band members. In my opinion you just can’t beat doing things live. Obviously some bands are great using purely electronics and sampler, but I think Jape’s style of music just doesn’t quite suit it.
Friendly Fires have been a real favourite of mine for quite some time. They have the same chic, funk sound LCD Soundsystem mastered, but with a little more swagger and panache. Lead singer Ed Macfarlane demonstrates some of this panache by strutting and wriggling around the stage like a man possessed.
They open with ‘Photobooth’; one of their songs that I think is slightly overlooked. Out of all their songs I think it has to be the best demonstation of their songwriting skills. But then it was the song that first got me interested in them. So perhaps I’m a little biased.
I expected the crowd to be standing through their album tracks, waiting for them to play the hits. I was sorely mistaken though. Not that they have any bad album tracks, I just thought they would be hard to make enjoyable live. I was sorely, sorely mistaken. ‘White Diamonds’ and ‘Strobe’ were perhaps some of the highlights from their set. The band took them to whole new levels, and the light shows that went along with it more nothing short of dazzling.
Understandably ‘Paris’ and ‘On Board’ seem to kick the crowd into a frenzy, and it’s at this point that they let off confetti launchers. Usually I’d say this was pretty gimmicky, but I’ll let it pass, it was the last night of their tour.
They finish their set with recent single ‘Jump In The Pool’, and about half way through some Brazilian drummers and carnival dancers appear on stage. From then on the song just builds and builds until everyone in the crowd’s faces are awestruck. Ending your tour with a miniature carnival works, and as the stampeed of everybody trying to leave the building began, the only words on people’s lips were “Wow!”
The Climate Rush is tomorrow, for sale Monday 13th October, order and the modern day Suffragettes have been busy preparing.
getting ready in Soho Square
Alice in Old Compton Street
discussing tactics outside Les Mis
We flyered the Friday night drinkers in Soho Square, buy information pills culminating in some chalking outside the Private Eye offices and the offer of a free haircut for Alice from The Soho Salon. I managed to wangle myself a complimentary up-do for my appearance as emcee at the Climate Rush, and a quick look at their website also tells me that they specialise in ‘boyzillians’ – that’s male waxing to you and me! Boyzillions are described as a “must for every discerning man” – so now you know! (or maybe not… what are they talking about?) Anyway, I anticipate a suitably Edwardian pin-tucked hairstyle to go with my not very suitable cobbled together probably a bit too plunging neckline and ruffled petticoat Suffragette get-up.
now who would like a free haircut?!
what kind of haircut would madam require?!
foxy Alice modelling her new do from the Soho Salon (done in remarkably quick time)
On Saturday I frantically tidied up my house in anticipation of a Suffragette beer-swilling bake-off.
Anna mixing up vegan glories
It was a roaring success – we knocked out dozens of colourful fairy cakes, coconut yoghurt cake and vegan banana bread. Expect these lovingly baked delights to be handed out at the rally with a nice cup of tea. With ten suffragettes in the house we also made light work of pinning all the sashes, which are going to look absolutely magical.
messy red food colouring…
Tamsin and I double icing
ooh, look at them colours!
Aside from the odd paranoia dream where hardly anyone turns up to the Climate Rush – and those who do have forgotten to wear period dress – I’m now really looking forward to tomorrow.
pinning sashes
I hope it will be the start of a new era of direct action, so please do come along to Parliament Square from 5.30pm and remember, Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History
Monday 13th:
Tate Modern, ‘Cildo Meireles‘: Until Jan 09
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Cildo Meireles creates mysterious and atmostpheric installations which invite the audience. A new version of Fontes that includes 6,000 carpenter’s rulers hanging from the ceiling, a thousand clocks and thousands of vinyl numbers is included.
Tuesday 14th:
YFBS gallery, Pivot Points: Turkey England Turkey, New Photography by Helen Sheehan: 15th-18th October 08
207 Whitecross St, London, EC1 8QP: 15-18 October, 930-5pm
In ‘Pivot Points’ Sheehan showacases narrative photomontage work which focuses on two individuals James and Zehra. James comes from a well-off background yet his value systems ensure he is involved in campaigning on oil and social justice. Sehra’s family have been persecuted for political reasons in Turkey. Sheehan explores the intensely delicate territory of integration, loyalty, longing, alienations and belonging across two landscapes that shape her subject’s realities.
Wednesday 15th:
Bournemouth, ‘Postcards’: ‘Ishihara’: Emily Draper, Charlie Gates, Rebecca Johnson etc: All day-12pm
An all day exhibition of instillations, video, interactive and
wall-based artwork, accompanied with live elctronica and djs in the evening.
Ishihara is here to feed your eyes, ears and dancing feet with the talent of
current students and recent graduates, as well as music from Bournemouth’s
best kept secrets. Ishihara doesn’t end when the bar closes, with
afterparties and opportunities for all of you to get involved and exhibit in
future Ishihara shows.
The old brewery, ‘NEW SENSATIONS’:
The old Truman brewery, T2 Space, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL: 15th-19th October:11am-6pm
Taking part in the Frieze Week in October are 20 shortlisted artists as well as four finalists chosen by judges in this exhibition showcasing new exciting talent. The four finalists of the competition will be given £1000 bursury to make new work. There will be 2 winners of the new sensations 08 competition- one will be decided by the public and one by the panel of judges. So if you want to check out the latest and newest ‘sensation’ then stroll along for this free show.
Thursday 16th:
Regents Park, ‘FRIEZE ART FAIR’: 16th-19th Octobe
Frieze Art Fair focuses on contemporary living artists with a line up that is packed with talks, artists’ commissions and film projects, many of which are intereactive or performative and encourage visitors to engage with art and artists directly. 11 commisions curated by Neville Wakefield, a New York based curator, critic and editor. With talks including ‘passages of light’ by yoko ono, and ‘the aesthetic responsibility’ by Boris Groys, this is one to write in your diary. Tickets from £21.75
Brown mountain Festival of Performing Arts at Slade Research Centre, ‘Brown Mountain Festival’: the dolly mixtures, goodipal, grand theft impro, emma hart and others: 16th-18th October
Slade Research Centre, Woburn Square, London WC1
Why not indulge in your drama queen tendencies for a bit of performance art action. With collaborations between artists, producers the range of pieces promises satire, wit and optical ingenuity.
Friday 17th:
The Hayward, Robin Rhode: Until 7th December
Southbank Centre, London SE1 8EZ
South African artist Robin Rhode presents inventive performances, photographs and drawings. Charcoal drawings and witty performances as well asanimations makes him a jack of all trades. Animations include two-dimensional representations of everyday objects; he draws a candle and tries to blow it out. His work comments on urban poverty, the politics of leisure and the commodification of youth culture.
Saturday 18th:
V&A,’Cold War Modern’: Until Jan 11
Cromwell Rd, London, SW7 2RL
The Cold War is the cite for inspiration for an exhibition which shows over 300 objects that reflect both the fears of nuclear devestation and the fantasies of space flight (an Apollo Mision suit). All this characterises an anxious era, from brutalist architecture of the Eastern bloc to the futuristic designs of Dierter Rams.
Tuesday 14th October
The Aliens and Sisters Of Transistors – Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, cialis 40mg London
Beggars – 100 Club, London
Shred Yr Face – No Age, Los Campesinos and Times New Viking – The Portland Arms, Cambridge
The Chap, Barringtone, Nattcu – White Heat at Madame Jo Jo’s, London
José Gonzalez, Horse Feathers and Wildbirds and Peacedrums – ULU, London
Cut Off Your Hands, Divisions Of Laura Lee, Sounds Like Violence and When Gravity Falls – Monto Water Rats, London
The Streets – 53 Degrees, Preston
Maps and Atlases and This Town Needs Guns – Barden’s Boudoir, London
Jeremy Warmsley – Night and Day Cafe, London
Esser – ICA, London
Dirty Pretty Things – The Roundhouse, London
Wednesday 15th October
Indian Jewelry and Gentle Friendly – The Luminaire, London
Blood Red Shoes – Cockpit, Leeds
Holy Fuck – Bodega Social Club, Nottingham
Styrofoam, Sportsday Megaphone and Artha and Martha – Club Fandango at 229, London
Hot Club De Paris – The Other Rooms, Newcastle
Screaming Tea Party and Collapsing Cities – The Barfly, London
Thursday 16th October
Towers of London and The Pack A.D – ULU, London
Dead Kids, Math Class and Pre – Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London
of Montreal, Eugene McGuinness and Wave Machines – Koko, London
The Rivers, The Situationists and Toy! Toy! – The Fly, London
Foals, Holy Fuck and Dananananaykroyd – Brixton Academy, London
Friday 17th October
Hot Chip, Kate Nash, Tilly and The Wall, Florence and The Machine, James Yuill and Slow Club – Matter, London
Johnny Flynn – Nice N Sleazy’s, Glasgow
The Pipettes
Golden Silvers – Bronze Club, London
Saturday 18th October
Selfish Cunt and SCUM – The Enterprise, London
Roots Manuva – Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
The Correspondants, Disappears and Man Like Me – Sassoon Gallery, London
Maths Class, Messengers and The Reunionists – Artful at New Cross Inn, London
Chas & Dave – Broadway Theatre, London
Sunday 19th October
Blood Red Shoes – Cafe Drummond, Aberdeen
James Yorkston – Joiners, Southampton
No Age, Los Campesinos and Times New Viking – Rough Trade East, London
Well, this we did it. 100 years after the Suffragettes bravely confronted a government that was failing them, sildenafil we have done the same! Last night was as brilliant as we dreamed it could be. Chanting “Deeds Not Words” almost 1000 people marched up to the gates of parliament and demanded to be let in. Of course we weren’t allowed, sildenafil but we made our presence felt.
The crowds started to gather in Parliament Square from 5pm – with most people, women and men, young and old – having made an admirable effort to dress for the occasion. Once everyone had donned a red sash we certainly looked a colourful and formidable presence. Tamsin arrived even earlier than expected, having left her MA exam an hour early. I don’t know how she could possibly have concentrated anyway! I came into Westminster on my bike via the Soho Salon, who had kindly been volunteered (by me, cheekily, on our Friday night flyering mission) to construct an Edwardian type updo.
We started off the proceedings with some music from Mark and Theo Bard (accompanied by a random and somewhat out-of-time bongo player) and then I climbed atop our rickety stage to introduce the four speakers, all of whom gave hugely inspiring speeches. Just briefly, feminist Rosie Boycott spoke of the importance of women standing up for what they believe in. She was followed by the pink-lipped, pink-suited Joy Greasley of the WI (apparently the Women’s Institute has undergone a bit of re-branding where its name is concerned!) I think that it is a real sign of the times that the WI are willing to lend a voice to direct action. And am I sure they approved of all our beautiful cakes. Solicitor Ismet Rawat spoke of her concerns about our future for the sake of her children and then lastly the wonderful Caroline Lucas took to the podium.
Caroline is now leader of the green party, and she spoke of how our government is failing us. How our government is willing to spend a fortune bailing out the banks (who in their folly have been lending money that does not exist) and yet it can’t see fit to invest in renewables. A government that pays lip service to Climate Action whilst still planning airport expansion and new coal power stations.
As Caroline finished her speech the crowd began to filter out past the crowd barriers towards the entrance to the Houses of Parliament. And we kept right on walking until we were practically at the doors, at which point the police started to play their usual aggressive games. I was standing right next to Caroline Lucas as they pushed and shoved to the extent that the crash barriers fell, crushing one of my fellow Suffragette’s foot. It is now broken in three places and she must take time off work while she recovers. As usual we were there to peacefully protest and the only violence was perpetrated by the police. Caroline was utterly shocked by their brutality. I could see that Tamsin was pinned up against the doors of Parliament and then she vanished from sight – arrested for breaking bail by standing on the steps.
My interns had carefully boxed up and brought along all the wonderful cakes we made at the weekend, and I hear that they were enjoyed by those who were lucky enough to eat them. Unfortunately I never saw them again!
For an hour we chanted and sung, and demanded that our government listen to us. And the media certainly have – even though they have struggled to pinpoint just who or what Climate Rush is. What they fail to understand is that we are no one thing – Plane Stupid, Climate Camp, Stop Stanstead Expansion, Wise Women, WI members and many other campaign groups took part in this event – for we are all united in our desire to be tackle Climate Change. And we know that direct action is necessary in times of crisis – for as the Suffragettes proved it can influence crucial decisions.
Many more people will have become radicalised by this event, which is brilliant because we can make a difference before it is too late: before we descend into Climate Chaos.
The protest ended peacefully with a rousing song and a great little speech from Leila. Then we all went to the pub.
Well, information pills we did it. 100 years after the Suffragettes bravely confronted a government that was failing them, we have done the same! Last night was as brilliant as we dreamed it could be. Chanting “Deeds Not Words” almost 1000 people marched up to the gates of parliament and demanded to be let in. Of course we weren’t allowed, but we made our presence felt.
The crowds started to gather in Parliament Square from 5pm – with most people, women and men, young and old – having made an admirable effort to dress for the occasion.
young
and old…
Once everyone had donned a red sash we certainly looked a colourful and formidable presence. Tamsin arrived even earlier than expected, having left her MA exam an hour early. I don’t know how she could possibly have concentrated anyway!
Tamsin with her mum. Tamsin’s mum wears spotty pink socks. She rocks
I came into Westminster on my bike via the Soho Salon, who had kindly been volunteered (by me, cheekily, on our Friday night flyering mission) to construct an Edwardian type updo.
the up-do!
and another sort of up-do! not sure if it’s strictly Suffragette but I’m likin it alot
matching red lippy, oh yea
what a couple!!! really too odd for words…
organising the stewards
Jody rocks the Suffragette meets 40s war widow look
Leo Murray from Plane Stupid
Olivia Chessell from Plane Stupid
We started off the proceedings with some music from Mark and Theo Bard (accompanied by a random and somewhat out-of-time bongo player) and then I climbed atop our rickety stage to introduce the four speakers, all of whom gave hugely inspiring speeches.
Mark
Theo. He’s not posing, honest.
Just briefly, feminist Rosie Boycott spoke of the importance of women standing up for what they believe in. She was followed by the pink-lipped, pink-suited Joy Greasley of the WI (apparently the Women’s Institute has undergone a bit of re-branding where its name is concerned!) I think that it is a real sign of the times that the WI are willing to lend a voice to direct action. And am I sure they approved of all our beautiful cakes.
Rosie Boycott
Joy Greasley
these beautiful creations really put ours to shame!
Solicitor Ismet Rawat spoke of her concerns about our future for the sake of her children and then lastly the wonderful Caroline Lucas took to the podium.
Ismet Rawat
Caroline Lucas
Caroline is now leader of the green party, and she spoke of how our government is failing us. How our government is willing to spend a fortune bailing out the banks (who in their folly have been lending money that does not exist) and yet it can’t see fit to invest in renewables. A government that pays lip service to Climate Action whilst still planning airport expansion and new coal power stations.
As Caroline finished her speech the crowd began to filter out past the crowd barriers towards the entrance to the Houses of Parliament.
the crowd heads towards Parliament
And we kept right on walking until we were practically at the doors, at which point the police started to play their usual aggressive games.
I was standing right next to Caroline Lucas as they pushed and shoved to the extent that the crash barriers fell, crushing one of my fellow Suffragette’s foot. It is now broken in three places and she must take time off work while she recovers. As usual we were there to peacefully protest and the only violence was perpetrated by the police. Caroline was utterly shocked by their brutality. I could see that Tamsin was pinned up against the doors of Parliament and then she vanished from sight – arrested for breaking bail by standing on the steps.
a girl tries to reason with police
Caroline, just before she got jostled by the police
flying the flag for Climate Camp
My interns had carefully boxed up and brought along all the wonderful cakes we made at the weekend, and I hear that they were enjoyed by those who were lucky enough to eat them. Unfortunately I never saw them again!
remnants of tea and cake!
the police get overexcited
and Robbie gets a big old cut under his eye
For an hour we chanted and sung, and demanded that our government listen to us. And the media certainly have – even though they have struggled to pinpoint just who or what Climate Rush is. What they fail to understand is that we are no one thing – Plane Stupid, Climate Camp, Stop Stanstead Expansion, Wise Women, WI members and many other campaign groups took part in this event – for we are all united in our desire to be tackle Climate Change. And we know that direct action is necessary in times of crisis – for as the Suffragettes proved it can influence crucial decisions.
this police officer looks absolutely petrified. I have no idea why, maybe he’s scared of his fellow officers. I feel sorry for him, perhaps he should be on our side – after all, we don’t condone or practice aggression.
maybe he should hang with this happy fella! although I think that might be a fist raised there.
the FIT team filming us…
cos that’s how scary we are!
Many more people will have become radicalised by this event, which is brilliant because we can make a difference before it is too late: before we descend into Climate Chaos.
The protest ended peacefully with a rousing song and a great little speech from Leila. Then we all went to the pub.
what a beautiful sight!
It was to be the first gig TV On The Radio gig in the UK for two years, and which was to coincide with the first ever Concrete and Glass festival (a multi-venue art and music event). Everybody was expecting something extra special. After all why had they been avoiding our shores? What the Dickens have they been up to? Why have they returned for this Concrete and Glass festival thing?
The queue outside of Cargo was almost biblical in size. It took us over an hour to get in, viagra 60mg but we were safe in the knowledge that it would be well worth it. The crowd inside was pretty ridiculous. The gig had been scheduled to be held in a nearby car park, buy but had been moved to a smaller venue at the last minute. Cargo’s back room was so full once you were in the crowd, getting out just wasn’t on the cards.
They appear on stage and receive an almost deafening welcome. They seem almost too relaxed to begin with; I think it’s to be expected though. If any band fits the bill of New York cool it’s TV On The Radio.
The one thing I was hoping for most about this show was that they wouldn’t play a load of tracks from their new album ‘Dear Science’. Guess what they did. They played it pretty much in full. Which was kind of great, they played brilliantly and sounded fantastic. The wait for something recognisable in such a cramped, sweaty venue made it kind of hard to enjoy. Though when ‘Wolf Like Me’ started up you really wouldn’t have wanted to be in any other situation. The crowd was literally writhing.
The biggest disappointment was the lack of ‘Higher Than The Sun’. Honestly, it was the reason I stuck out the queue for so long. A fantastic rendition of ‘Dreams’ kind of made up for it, but for a crowd that was obviously of people who had been desperate to see them, it seems a little odd not to play what is obviously their best song.
I walked away almost wondering whether it had been worth it. Frankly they were pretty good, nothing more though. I don’t know whether I felt like this because of how much effort it had all been, or if I had just expected too much from them.
Good wives and warriors, advice the multi faceted and creative duo of Louise Chappell and Becky Bolton, have been nominated for the Young Illustrators Award at the Illustrative International in Zurich (that you may have remembered me writing a blog about last week). Their mind bogglingly beautiful pieces have graced previous issues of Amelia’s mag and we at Amelia’s heart their designs.
The girls first met at the Glasgow School of Art and since their early start they have continued to garner praise. Curating and exhibiting their way around Sweden, Scotland, Belgium, the US and South America has allowed them to amass a cult following. As such, GWW have recently been selected by an international jury to feature in the final 20 for the Young Illustrators Award (YIA) at Illustrative Zurich October 2008.
Illustrative Zurich 08 displays the best of contemporary illustration and graphic arts with more that 400 works and 60 artists. The winning works will present their art separately, representing the best of the latest trends and styles.
For the international exhibition, Louise and Becky are packing their bags and traveling to Zurich to make a large-scale wall drawing to exhibit their work. The winner of the YIA will be commissioned to design a range of watches for Swatch. From all of us here, we wish Good Wives and Warriors a very good luck!
Written by Tanya Geddes on Wednesday October 15th, 2008 1:47 pm
Categories ,Good Wives and Warriors, ,Illustrative International, ,Illustrators, ,Zurich
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