C.H. Clepitt's Blog, page 37
December 5, 2015
Sophie’s Shaun Hunt
Bet you thought we’d finished the Shauns, we haven’t…
35. Beach Boy
Round, round, I get around, I get around….. Around Bristol that is
36. Green Poems for a Blue Planet
Music and Lyrics are all you need
38. Life Aquatic
Who’da thought sheep like to swim?
November 26, 2015
Music Review: Ferocious Dog – Live
An eccentric venue for an unusual band; this Friday 13th, Ferocious Dog played the Talking Heads in Southampton. Revolutionary lyrics, punk fury and screaming guitars, drawn into anarchic harmony by an electric violin.
It works. I’ve never actually seen crowd-surfing in a local venue before. An almost Pagan fervour gripped the mosh, culminating with a bare-chested tattooed man with greased spikes in his hair rising aloft on the shoulders of the crowd, upright, arms wide as if crucified on the music.
Ferocious Dog have been compared to The Levellers, Billy Bragg and The Pogues. They’re described variously as punk, modern folk, folk-rock, punk-folk and Celtic-folk-punk. The crowd they drew at the Talking Heads this Friday were no less difficult to categorize; an age-range from 20s to 50s, with enough band T-shirts on show to evidence a dedicated following.
There was a great atmosphere all night. Despite a suitably ferocious mosh, no trouble attended the gig. The Talking Heads is both a local pub and a music venue, two bars adjoining. Pub regulars were friendly and the main bar itself a charmingly eccentric lounge. Deeper in the building, the music venue is a short tangle of corridors leading to a dark cavern. A low stage puts the band directly in the faces of the crowd, the wavelike motion of the moshpit throwing some almost at the lead singer’s feet.
Ferocious Dog comprise Ken Bonsall (lead vocals/guitar), Dan Booth (fiddle), Ellis Waring (guitar, mandolin), Les “Fruitbat” Carter (guitar), John Alexander (bass), and Scott Walters (drums). Their music and lyrics are politically charged, angry at injustice and spotlighting a long history of the same. Their set at the Talking Heads on Friday kicked off with “Gallows Justice” and the lyric “I shall dance a jig of death in the morning…” They closed two hours later to a triple-encore, having called the last song some twenty minutes before the moshing finally abated.
There was a particular energy, live on stage, to “Gallows Justice”. It’s a grim tune and the first one of the band’s I heard on CD; live, they bring an aggressive charm and wry humour to a song about hanged outlaws.
Newsnibbles is delighted to welcome Samuel Z Jones as our latest contributor.
Samuel Z Jones is a prolific Fantasy author with over fifteen novels and numerous other works to his name. He espouses a complex theory of worldbuilding, and maintains that fiction is an exercise in psychological portraiture of people who do not exist.
November 9, 2015
7 Questions
Seven Questions is a section of Newsnibbles where we ask one of our Twitter followers seven questions (duh). Because we do it via email they are free to answer in more that 140 characters, which is nice.
Today we catch up with photographer, pagan and badger fan @WildThing404 to find out a bit more about her life, influences and inspirations.
Like we have to say it, but this photo is copyright to WildThing404, you can look, but don’t touch, and if you really like it you can buy it from Fine Art America
1. How does being a Pagan/Witch/Druid effect your art do you think?
My being a pagan/witch/druid gives me an affinity for the type of photos I take. As I say, my photos are not of grand vistas, mountains, or oceans. I find beauty in the simple beauty that is around me. I use the guidance of the elements that I as a pagan consider sacred, air, fire, water, earth and the universe. I find facets of those in everything I see. Being a pagan allows me to tune into nature so that I can feel it’s energy whether it is a plant, a crick, or a rock.
2. When do you know the time is right to take the perfect photograph?
As I never plan where I’m going to go or what I’m going to take before leaving, I trust that nature & the Universe will guide me. I let myself tap into the energy that is sent to me by the source. Once I connect, it’s like I enter a type of altered sense of being and my awareness heightens. It’s then that I see things and begin to shoot.
If I have to stage a shoot, I have to envision what it is that I want to have the photo say. I touch the objects, feel their energy, arrange them, look at them and feel the synergy they create as a whole. I then look at them from different angles and feel the energy. Then I shoot.
The next step is in editing. Again, I have to feel the energy. Not all photos taken make it into the public eye. I can take up to 1000 photos and only 100 will ever be seen. That doesn’t mean they all won’t ever be seen, it just means that the time isn’t right for them to be seen. And some will remain unseen.
3. Describe your artistic style
I have been complimented by one person as a female Ansel Adams and by another as another Margaret Bourke White… but I’m not sure I have a style … I enjoy taking a variety of photos. Nature/wildlife/Sunrise/Sunset/Moon/Black & White/old buildings, barns, abandoned homes are my dominant photos but I also enjoy any oddity that captures my fancy and cemeteries are a passion for me as well. So I guess I would my style is kind of eclectic. Ansel Adams once said, “Every man’s work is always a portrait of himself,” and I think that is really true. My photos are always a reflection of who I am at the time I take the photo. Each photo has a small piece of my heart in it. I truly take them out of love. Love for what I do … love for what I’m taking a photo of … love for who will see it … love for who purchases it.
4. Do you have a favourite badger?
I have 2 favourite badgers! Grumps & Bucky Badger, the mascot for the Wisconsin Badgers! ;)))
5. If you could meet and photograph anyone from history, who would it be and where would you do the shoot?
I would want to photograph Biddy Early, Ireland’s most famous Witch & Faery Friend. And I would want to do the shoot in Tir-na-n-Og, The Land of the Young … where else? ;)))
6. What advice would you give someone who wanted to break into a career in photography?
My advice to beginning photographers is to take as many as you can, listen to other photographers, look at the work of other photographers and experiment. But most importantly, take your time, there’s no rush to do it all at once. Start by taking photos of what you love and follow your heart.
7. Describe your ideal photograph, the one you’ve always wanted to take.
My ideal photograph is the next one I’m going to take!
And you can find WildThing404 all over the internetz, including:
her personal website where you can buy work directly from her. Tell her the badger sent you, you won’t get any discounts, but you might get a funny look.
Facebook – because apparently everyone is there. We certainly are, why haven’t you liked us yet?
Her full portfolio – look, don’t touch
Her new blog – you never know, might feature an interview with a badger… hint hint…
Featured on: www.latenightfootfalls.tumblr.com/ (a beautiful site by Cletis L Stump featuring a combination of Poetry & Images where she has approximately 15 photos featured with poetry from various poets)
And www.downtownlalife.com/ (for the last year she has been a guest artist featured seasonally, but as of January 2, 2016, she will become the Resident Witch & contributing artist on a monthly basis where I will choose various photos to be showcased).
If you would like to answer 7 Questions, then why not give us a tweet?
November 3, 2015
Sophie’s Shaun Hunt
24. BAA-WULF
This one has show biz in it’s blood, all glitz and glamour on Bristol’s on Broadway.
25. King Arthur of Lambelot & Excalibaaar
Do this and we’ll be king of all farms
26. From Dusk ’til Shaun
Eat your heart out Quentin
October 31, 2015
Nibblets
A dog in Seattle has discovered how to use public transport to get herself to the dog park. Eclipse, a black Labrador occasionally rides the bus with her owner, Jeff, but according to KomoNews if he takes too long finishing a cigarette, for example, she is quite happy to meet him there later. She knows which stop to get on, and which stop to get off, and no-one seems to mind. What a nice story.
Annie Butler does not use public transport…
Rat Bomb Hunters
In several places in Africa, they have trained rats to find land mines. Because rats are so light they do not set off the land mines, and have been trained to scratch at the ground when they smell TNT. How clever is that? Maybe you’ll think about that before testing your next lipstick on one?! According to The Globe and Mail rats can find the mines up to 20 times faster than humans, and the video goes on to state that thanks to these “hero rats” Mozambique has announced that it is “free of all known landmines”. Whilst it’s probably the unknown ones you have to worry about, this is still an interesting good news story, and there aren’t many about at the moment, so click here to watch the video.
Ask Us a Question
This is a new section coming soon to Newsnibbles. As you probably know, we don’t really talk about mainstream news, unless it’s to give a fresh perspective on it, as you get enough of that on your radio of tele. However, if there is something you don’t understand, or feel you need clarification on, or just want a Newsnibbles spin on a boring story, then ask us. Do you want “Pig Gate” explained, or want to know the difference between Rue Paul and Rand Paul? Drop us a line. We will do our best to answer you. Just email newsdesk@newsnibbles.co.uk and we will pass your question to a member of our team. Put “Ask a Nibbler” in the subject box.
October 20, 2015
7 Questions
Seven Questions is a section of Newsnibbles where we ask one of our Twitter followers seven questions (duh). Because we do it via email they are free to
answer in more that 140 characters, which is nice.
This week we are catching up with Lisa Borden, or @spoiledfelinesart as we know her, to find out how she gets away burning things for a living!
1. Why call yourself “spoiled feline”?
It’s a long story … but to make it short … I already had a small following with the handle “spoiledfelines” on etsy … and wanted to make sure that I didn’t lose my following … so I figured embrace the “crazy cat lady” label and go with it – spoiled felines art.
2. We have noticed that a lot of your art is done on wood. What is involved in creating a wooden artwork? Do you work in other mediums too?
It’s actually a family business … my dad has been woodcarving for years, and when I got laid off about 1-1/2 years ago, he suggested that it might keep be busy while looking for another job. Well, I really like woodburning, or as it’s called in the trade – pyro art … I like that … it sounds so deviant! But I also sew, my mom taught me when I was young, and she used to make my clothes … then when I was older, I made my clothes for work.
To do woodburning, which is my fav, I get a flat piece of wood, which I still get my dad’s opinion on whether or not it’s good for burning, … then it needs to be sanded … once sanded … I transfer a design on … once that’s done I can woodburn … turn the machine on and then it’s like painting, except with a hot pen.
3. Whilst we do have some cat readers, the majority are dogs, do you have any art that would appeal to them?
I think the dog’s would love the woodcarved ducks … and I also have a picture of a retriever with a duck in its mouth that I want to do on a plaque … just haven’t gotten to it yet … since it’s all done by hand … it can be time consuming!
4. What are you most proud of?
At the moment … I think would be the decision to walk the road less traveled … being an artist/artisan rather than working a 9 – 5 job … I’m happier because I feel free!
5. You’re throwing a dinner party for
people you have never met, what do you pick as the first topic of conversation, and why?I think I would probably start off with “Hi … I’m Lisa … and I’m a pyro-artist … I love to burn wood” “What do you like to do?” When I get asked what I do now, I say that and people are shocked … I like the shock value because then people laugh and I think it puts them more at ease … that I’m not a snob … I’m a down to earth person!
6. Pet Couture, pro or con?
For cats … no, not if you want to have all 5 fingers!
7. Imagine you have to create a piece of
art that sums up you and your style, what do you create and why?
I write what I call poems and then put them on pictures that I take … it’s hard to pick one … if you want something uplifting I would say “Unconditional Love”, but if you want something that’s rips your heart out, it would be “Lost Loves” and “My Wild Child” …
I have several up on my etsy shop for sale, and have had numerous emails from people who have read them and had to contact me because of them … It’s been said … pain makes great art … and I have been told that they can tell it’s real because they could feel my lived experience – my pain and heartache.
Well, if you’d like to see more from our spoiled feline friend, you can by visiting her etsy shop.
And if you’d like to answer 7 Questions then get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. Well, maybe not love, but we wouldn’t run away screaming, which says something for us, right?
Seasonal Sparkle
The word Halloween derives from All Hallows’ Evening, a day traditionally devoted to honouring the dead. As ancient lore dictates, on Halloween, the barrier that separates the realms of the earthly and supernatural is porous and enchantment is in the air. So, As Halloween approaches, I’m thinking about magic. Specifically, style magic!
Whether you celebrate Halloween or not, everyone needs a little magic in their lives and this week I’m going to show you some excellent ways to wear one of my all-time favourite things – GLITTER!
I love glitter. It’s frivolous, sparkly, eye catching and alluring. But how do you wear it stylishly?
Subtly glittering purple nail polish and some costume jewellery rings make a glamorous style statement especially if your dog’s also wearing glitter. Try this reversible sequin bandana from www.chacharocks.co.uk. It’s machine washable and made from super soft stretch fabric.
The key is to edit. While I don’t believe in restrictive fashion guidelines that dictate what to wear when you’re x age or y shape, unless you’re super confident, a glittery sequinned mini-dress or glitter eye-shadow is hard to pull off for anyone over 40. But never fear. No matter what age, size or shape you happen to be, there are ways to incorporate glitter into your life that will enhance your own unique look without swamping it. Here are some of my favourites:
My absolute top way to wear glitter is on my nails. I like Barry M nail polish (available from any high street chemist) for its huge range of colours and ultra-glittery texture. I recommend starting with a base coat in a similar shade and then applying the glitter polish of your choice on top for maximum effect. If you want something more muted a metallic polish will catch the light without being overly sparkly, or you could try a plain coloured polish with glitter polish French tips. My favourite secret is press on nails for special occasions. They’re easy, fuss-free and won’t chip. Elegant Touch and Perfect 10 are two brands I like, also available from most chemists.
This classic leather dog collar updated with sumptuous gold glitter, from www.chacharocks.co.uk. Available in all sizes.
Accessories. A sparkling clutch, jewellery or shoes always look great. Remember, glitter catches the light and draws attention so if you’re holding a clutch or wearing jewellery make sure your hands, and face, are well groomed. It will make a difference. Glittery high heeled pumps can look fabulous if you wear them with confidence. If you want something more toned down consider glitter ankle boots; with a pair of black jeans and a simple white shirt you have a chic and timeless outfit with just the right amount of rock star edge that will translate effortlessly from day to night.
Doris in a chacharocks bandana, demonstrating how to wear glitter with style and poise
Glitter makeup. The key is to apply sparingly and use high quality products. Try a glitter cream eye pencil like under your eyes or, if you want to use eyeshadow, rather than cover your entire eyelid, apply a tiny dab of cream eyeshadow in a shade that’s lighter than your skin tone to the inside corners of your eyes and go over it with a dab of makeup quality glitter (Barry M does excellent glitter pots); you’ll get a sparkling pop that widens your eyes.
I hope I’ve shown you that you can be adult and sophisticated in glitter. Whether you go for a bold statement or subtle detail, have fun trying out my tips and remember to keep it sparkling!
Aline Duriaud has had a varied career as an artist and writer in New York City and has also worked as a support worker for vulnerable adults. She also loves animals and, when her Pomeranian passed away in 2013, took the plunge to start her London based online dog accessory company chacharocks, purveyor of fierce, ethically made canine couture with a glitter-tastic twist.
October 18, 2015
Sophie’s Shaun Hunt
60. Woolly Wonderland
This one is dangerous, hence the fence
61. Honey
The bees are coming run!
52. Maisy and Friends
You know I think a Shaun has followed me, shhhhh! We might frighten it.
October 11, 2015
Thinking Pink for Winter
When you think of pink, what comes to mind? Fluffy cotton candy? Rose bouquets? Gender stereotypes? Love it or hate it, pink is big news this autumn and winter and the good news is anyone can wear it. The key is choosing a shade that complements your skin tone and, unless you’re not afraid to cover yourself in pink from head to toe, use it sparingly to freshen up your existing wardrobe.
If head-to-toe pink isn’t your thing use it sparingly
The easiest way to incorporate pink into your look is by adding jewellery or a scarf in a shade that works for you; fuchsia looks great on dark and olive skin while peachier, coral tones work well for fair complexions. Baby pink can wash out paler skin so unless you’re wearing it with contrasting colours or a bright lipstick stick with richer shades.
Rich berry and magenta shades are a great way to wear pink without looking like cake icing.
Dog lover? A glam dog collar like this leather and crystal one from chacharocks is another great way to bring pink into your life.
If you want to try something more adventurous without looking girlish here are five ways to wear pink this season:
A pink A-line or fitted skirt with a black sweater. Unless you’re sixteen go for a knee-length skirt.
Pink trainers with jeans.
A wool blazer in baby pink looks fresh and modern with just about anything. The contrast between shape and colour will stop you looking sugary
Add pink streaks to your hair – either try a temporary dye you can apply yourself or for permanent colour see a professional.
A rose quartz necklace or earrings
Here you see the Newsnibbles travel correspondent sporting a pair of pink shoes.
Pink ombre highlights can be subtle and sophisticated and work well on blonde hair
Although Annie isn’t blonde you can see here that pink highlights are the way forward.
This dyed pink freshwater pearl necklace by chacharocks is so pretty you could wear it yourself
Finally, if you don’t have a work dress code or you’re going to an event and want to make a statement, wearing pink ironically is a way to get noticed. Be warned, this isn’t easy to pull off without looking like a clown. The key is to work with your body shape and stick to clean, vintage style silhouettes.
Here pink laces in trainers add a touch of pink.
However you decide to incorporate pink into your wardrobe the essential ingredient is confidence. It’s all about owning your outfit and wearing it like you mean it.
Until next time,
Fabulously yours,
Aline
info@chacharocks.co.uk
NB. Click the photographs of the fabulous chacharocks products to see where you can get your own. The links on sentences take you to photographic examples of what Aline is describing, if the ones provided here by our editorial team are not enough.
Aline Duriaud has had a varied career as an artist and writer in New York City and has also worked as a support worker for vulnerable adults. She also loves animals and, when her Pomeranian passed away in 2013, took the plunge to start her London based online dog accessory company chacharocks, purveyor of fierce, ethically made canine couture with a glitter-tastic twist.
October 1, 2015
Sophie’s Shaun Hunt
57. Bagpuss Shaun
I don’t see any bags…
58. Lily
I think I’ve seen a painting with these flowers on it
59. Knitwit
Most sheep have lost their woolly coats, this one has been shopping to buy it back.
