Manchester City Library Closure



Last Friday 19th March I attended the public closure of the Manchester City Library, which will be under renovation until 2013. It was a moving evening and I felt like I was a part of the heartbeat of this city. I was asked to do a reading in the beautiful circular main hall. I read, wobbly voiced, lump in throat in the acoustically challenging space, in hope of representing some of the thoughts of the wonderful library staff I had talked to about the closure.
I hope to make a publication from the photographs and words I've collected.

Wish you were here in Hong Kong





My 'wish you were here' series of letterpress printed postcards has taken flight to Hong Kong for a group exhibition at the Para/Site Gallery, entitled 'Fugue in the key of Understanding',  after being spotted at the Bristol Artist's Book Event (BABE). The work was created during train journeys between London and Manchester, each 'wish you were here' ending with a yearning plea to a lover. The limited edition sentiments will now no longer be available to purchase in the UK and only available through the gallery for the duration of the exhibition. Farewell to a love lost.

Springtime signs


A Sunday in Fletcher Moss park bathed in late winter sunshine is as good as it gets. Accompanied by gentle conversation a doctor seuss tree picnic pineapple a vintage cashmere sweater and a bicycle boundary-less line.

nabokov



I thought I'd passed the threshold. Lo-li-ta read aloud just as I could see the finish line. Racing to meet the ribbon greet my waist I stumbled, tripping back into dangerous ground. She recovered me, fed, watered, coldly reminded me to sprint on. Run rabbit run.

The Story of Things




Belongings

Sylvia Waltering and I delivered our 'performative paper' at the Story of Things conference: Reading Narrative in the Visual at MMU's Special Collections on Friday 29th January. It was a well attended day filling us with inspiration, knowledge as well as healthy dose of nerves. Our project 'Belongings' raised many questions regarding the object used as catalyst for narrative possibilities. We read our newly formed narratives aloud to the audience of delegates without much stumbling, vulnerability soon gave way to relief. We have a lot of work still to do on our 'work in progress' but it's fair to say that I've so far loved every minute of the collaboration.

snow way




A blue moon then height of hand thick snow makes it easier to love. Egg reward for a slow snow day. Wondering where my winter coat arms live to give that long warm exhale embrace.

Feather down feeling


The brimful optimism I have for the new year and all it holds anchors me as I lay pinned to the mattress by a heavy eiderdown with a gloomy cold condition . Feeling blessed by the nurturing, hot soups and good will of countless hearts that surround me. A moment to myself today showed signs of recovery. Illness makes wellness all the more alluring. Time for a change of air, a test-drive, a letting go of what no longer fits and the means to make this work. a happy new year to all.

sense of belonging



'Belongings' begins to shape. Objects form narratives. Words gather in the tiny vacant pools in my thought stream. Stories are a long way off but within the oncoming seas.

day keys



Pensive madness - - -quick exits 
damp communication - - flat (dry)
Piaf pin curls - silent broom - lust/caution
long goodbye - the pulse of him
the rude awakening
failure to staystilljuststoprest.

a message for you, if you insist/persist.





I feel the warp of wood before me. You know that force.
Did you expect it wouldn't be this hard. It's damp and will stay that way.
The conversation ended. Your silence was the nail.
The right you had has no more right/left.
I ended my  bending towards the light. 
I learnt to live in the dark. I made it dusky pink.

Your poetic fascination is tiresome. 
The overuse of language.
The abuse of hope.
There's no more real left in us. 
 

Derby day



A day of making at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery with fourteen lovely locals. They made delicious books and developed a newfound love of bone folders. 

inky



An intriguing project created by my neighbors 'United Holding Company' opens tonight at Chapel Street. I bound their skin-like book for the exhibition loaded with exquisite endangered species drawings. Come and book yourself in for a tattoo. The Manchester Christmas lights are also due to be turned on tonight (how is it that time already?).  A night for fireworks I feel.