I lost myself...

So things are starting to heat up a little in terms of work, responsibilities and pressures. In only good ways however.

I haven't wrote a blog since August. So really this is the first of the semester. I had a truly excellent crit on Friday. Not just in relation to my work but the whole day (for me) anyway felt so refreshing and helpful. I'm really excited not only about where I'm at but where others are too. In terms of work it seems like this year is gonna be a great one for the degree show.

I've been a bit hesitant this month with uni and art in general. After quite a bad summer and the continuation of several mental blocks I've felt really lost. I kept telling myself to just get on with it, the moments that feel real will come and its then that it will hit me... the feeling of knowing where I'm at and why its so important.

On Friday I felt that.

I truly did lose my drive... for a minute there, I lost myself.

Last week I really got back into the whys. Why am I doing what I'm doing?

Honestly, without it I'd be nothing. I am what I do, above all I really fucking LOVE it!

SO! From now its heating up, and I'm going to prove why I'm here and why its so important I do what I do.

For now, I'm going to enjoy a night of Halloween film with my lady, I'm going to have an absolutely fantastic time in London showing of my arts! And I'll catch up with my abundance of draft blogs!

Free Love - the whole story.

 Last weekend (12-14^th August), was the Aberdeen Alternative-Pride festival.  A weekend that according to their website stated:

  We believe Pride is a political tool. Aberdeen has a long way to go in the fight for liberation; hate crime against the community is not a rare occurrence, neither is discrimination. HIV is still a problem. As a local community we are challenged on a daily basis. On an international level people across the world are attacked and murdered for attending Pride. Pride gives us the opportunity to unite together; to fight for liberation and to celebrate our diversity. 

Pride as a political, social tool, is something which I thoroughly agree with. I pride myself on my art which I believe stands for freedom of expression and sex-positivity.  I believe that art which pushes the envelope and provokes discussion can help change the world for the better and I wish to be on the forefront of this dialogue.  Recently, I was featured in Central Station’s featured work section with this image which was also selected for the exhibition:

All 11 individual pieces, from 4 sets of work, I submitted to the Alternative-Pride committee was selected for exhibition.  The exhibition was hung on Friday 13^th August and all members of Alternative-Pride and the Arts Centre’s own Executive Manager viewed it before opening.  The evening went extremely well with a great turn out.

However, on the following Monday afternoon, I received a phone call from one of the committee members stating my work needed to be moved/removed following complaints.

The work in question included both sculptural/written word work and photographic work:

Both the committee member and I agreed over the phone that this was a complete outrage and we were not to comply with this request.  It seemed to me, to be odd that the arts centre would not stand by work which was already cleared for exhibition and would turn their back on me as soon as anything negative was said.  It became clearer, throughout my communications in the day, that the main issue was funding.  The arts centre seemed to be afraid that if this type of work was visible to patrons and users of the centre then funding could be pulled. 

Shortly after this, I received further communications from the Alternative-Pride committee which retracted any offer of support and was a complete U-turn on what was said previously.

  I am being put in a really difficult position here because i don’t want to risk not having any space for exhibition next year, on the other hand i feel very personally upset about it … we can make enemies – The Arts Centre is closely connected with Aberdeen performing arts I.E Music Hall and Art Gallery and HMT … i am just thinking about other artists as well …  I have to take into consideration the overall well-being of the event.

The committee (who earlier had stated that they were “honoured” to showcase my work said that I should just comply to the Arts Centre’s request to as not to “cause a fuss” and seemed to totally disregard any positive message that visibility of my art was trying to do.  The committee told me that the Arts Centre had threatened to make it very difficult for Alternative-Pride to plan an event next year – in terms of both venue and funding.  I understand the pressure that the Alternative-Pride committee felt at this point.  However, personally, the most devastating part of this whole ordeal is the betrayal of the Alternative-Pride committee.  The same people who proclaimed to be taking “Pride back to the political” and we all about fighting for freedom and liberation; were the same people who would turn their backs on me as soon as any monetary funding was threatened. When I tried to make my point, that compromising the location of my art is detrimental to the entire message, I was asked, “Can you do it just for the sake of the other artists please?”

I was hurt at the attempt of emotional blackmail and my argument was, and always will be that my refusing to compromise my artistic beliefs IS for the sake of other artists.  I am taking a stand that I will not be pressured into contradicting the message of my work in any way and I firmly believe that by taking a stand, I am helping artists, both that I have exhibited with and artists to come.

That evening, a decision was reached that both myself, and the Alternative-Pride committee would meet at the Arts Centre to discuss with the Executive Manager, the future of my work in the exhibition.  I know at this point that if I was going to be made to move my work to a less visible area, I would rather remove myself from the exhibition completely.

While all this was going on, my partner Stephanie Torrance set up a Facebook event “Free Love” to rally support and spread awareness to the censorship of my works.  This “Free Love” image was used as the face of the event and supportive Facebook users started to change their profile picture to “Free Love” to show their support.

Several debates erupted online with regards to the actions of the Arts Centre, the most prolific being one with Terrance Higgins Trust employee Alan Parker.  I was shocked that someone from a gay sexual health charity would try and attack me as much as he did – until I found out that Mr Parker was also on the board of the Aberdeen Arts Centre. I found these attacks both hurtful and unprofessional. Unfortunately I cannot quote Mr Parker as all subsequent comments have been removed.

Feminist and literary academic (and also staunch “Free Love” supporter Jennifer Bowes replied with this:

 I suggest that the arts centre reads its Foucault and consider what happens when you try to de-sexualise children in a sexualised world.  Then I suggest it plans better; maybe some educational information for parents and children, a sign, a quick warning so that there is choice…? Lastly, how professional is it that Mr. Parker is discussing this on Facebook? Maybe not a good idea if the thought of public opprobrium is not to your liking. Although I think the real point is that you’re inviting LBGT artists to present themselves as part of the main artistic narrative and then sending out completely mixed messages to both these children and their parents, whose issues may or may not just be with what their children see, and then moving them back onto the margins. Communication and education would probably be a better way to present things next year, and prevent as many uneducated, backlash responses to work that needs to be seen.

I had a feeling at this point, that “Free Love” was stirring up much more feeling than I had anticipated!

 

On Tuesday 16^th, at 9.30am, my partner; a few supporters; the Alt-Pride committee and I met Executive Manager – Paula Gibson at the arts centre.

Paula and I talked professionally and calmly about the situation. As much as I don’t agree with the arts centre actions and views, I’m a reasonable person and understood where she was coming from and how her job is to protect and listen to the views of her patriots, as well as find a balance in pleasing visitors and exhibitors/performers.  Apparently there were more than a handful of complaints from mothers concerned for the protection of their children due to the ‘offensive’ nature of my work. What was also apparent was that although Paula is just as strong in her convictions as I am, she did not know where I was coming from at all in my argument. She, like many others including Alan Parker and the rest of the AAC committee fail to understand the importance of art, in these respects. They also fail to follow through on support as well as sticking to the one story.

Deceptively, the go between prior to this meeting had crossed a lot of wires according to Paula, some of which I agree with – I was told my work was to be removed at one point, moved to less visible wall, it included most of my work,  etc.

The final compromise offered was to have the sculptures moved to a less visible wall, out of sight and especially out with the eye level of children.

The outcome being my work was removed, as I failed to comply too the revised ‘compromise’ set by the arts centre committee, who among others chopped and changed their minds about how they wanted to handle the situation and what pieces were actually deemed ‘safe’. By moving work to a ‘less visible’ wall negates the entire message of my work. I will not compromise on my beliefs, nor will I admit my work is dangerous or offensive.

 My argument is the only one that’s been consistently held here. I’m passionate about the arts and very dedicated to my work. Removing my work is only the start of what I’m prepared to stand for as I join the censorship crusade.

We are urging people to join out page over on Facebook to help combat against censorship in the arts and show your support for myself and other artists, such as Dani Marti who was censored in 2009 as part of the LGBT exhibition at GoMA.

If you can please also change your default photo to the free love image, although Facebook have been removing them and have this to say:

“You uploaded a profile picture that violates our Terms of Use and this picture has been removed. Facebook does not allow photos that attack an individual or group, or that contain nudity, drug use, violence or other violations of the Terms of Use.”

This level of censorship as we fight censorship is unacceptable. Surely we cannot take on the giant of Facebook and Google’s YouTube, but we will stand strong in solidarity.

Free Love <-- join the cause.

The censorship continues... on Facebook!

Today I arrived home to this message from a friend:

 "Got this message and no profile pic - "You uploaded a profile picture that violates our Terms of Use and this picture has been removed. Facebook does not allow photos that attack an individual or group, or that contain nudity, drug use, violence or other violations of the Terms of Use."  "

The image in question is no other than this:

created be myself, exhibited in an LGBT pride show, only to be removed this morning due to its provocative nature and is now the face of my very own censorship campaign Free Love created by Stephanie Torrance to rally support and raise awareness.

The message has shocks and saddens me but doesn't surprise me. Two of the supporters have had there images removed and warned by Facebook. The likely cause is complaint by other users deeming it too offensive for public viewing, (Or as FB puts it, 'attacks' other users.)


This morning went as smoothly as it possibly could, despite some peoples attempts to fire off abuse to me via FB last night (which was all documented). I dealt with everything in a very calm and professional manner, stuck to my original belief and firmly stood by my work. The outcome being my work was removed, as I failed to comply to the revised compromise set by the art centre staff. Who among other chopped and changed their minds about how they wanted to handle the situation and what pieces were actually deemed 'safe'. By moving work to 'less visible' wall negates the entire message of my work. I will not compromise on my beliefs nor will I admit that my work is dangerous.  I shall be adding all the detail to this later, as well as photos and conversations had discussing this matter.

As for this facebook matter, I'm stuck for where to go from here. It's obviously not something I wanted to happen but it has. The support has continued despite the images being removed and there are quite a few people who missed the show who want to see it. We might look at getting a alternative show at a small independent venue for those who want to join in, show work or come see some.

"I think the best thing in cases of censorship or things like this is to get as much media as possible."  - Kathy Acker.

Censorship in Aberdeen

Its been a while and I have some draft blogs ready to post but an urgent matter came to me today and it needs to be public.


I just received a call from the organiser of this past weekends 'Alternative LGBT pride in Aberdeen. A quick look at what was on offer:

)

She informed me that the 'Arts' Centre want my work moved/removed from the Exhibition as its too provocative and children can see it! I'm livid and disheartened. What an absolute joke - to be an arts centre, host an LGBT arts events, then strip the alt-pride team and myself of our freedom of expression. We're meant to be moving forwards aren't we? The LGBT community and in the arts. Words can't explain really.




The images in question:

Further more, as supportive as the Alternative pride committee are they've been put into quite the position as they risk losing venues and money for next years events if they are to protest the censorship with me. A position they've told me is difficult due to the threats from the Art Centre is we are to "make a fuss".


Over the course of a few hours this has unfolded quite a bit. I've found myself losing the support from the group, only to regain it, but at what cost. 


Tomorrow morning 9.30am I will be going along to the art centre to talk with the management and pride committee and I guess remove, move or censor my work. This will not be the end of it.


There is no just in this at all . More shall follow once I know more that has gone on, including the works (yes plural) in question. Please offer my any feedback, encouragement or past experiences - I need them.

keywords...

Found this rather funny from todays stats

Is pretty much the exact sentence I wrote about a month ago... except I think I wrote killing or dying instead of abondoning :S

My dream twin is out there. I wish people would say 'hi' when ever they type something into google and end up on my blog.  Very funny the things people type into a search engine. I might have a look for some more.

SCOPE art London

So I entered a photo that could be selected for SCOPE art in London. Chances are slim and I only have enough money to enter the one. There is however a peoples vote  -  so please please if you can spare a wee second click here to 5 Star Rate me :)

It looks like this and you can click the faaaar right star here -----------------------------v

P.S. You can vote once every day ;)

It's Friday I'm in Love.

Another great day filled with good news, opportunities and steady (but sharply done) progress.

Today I saw the light at the end of another large project. This time a collaboration with Steph which involves found hardback books, written word and sculpture. The project isn't complete but having all the elements complete allowed me to arrange them how I'd like it. I've chosen to take extra time with this one in order to let it organically come together and not put to much pressure on both Steph and myself.

Steph worked really hard in between her two jobs to come up with three separate writing pieces that connect to one another and also my work. Although she worked to my concept, what she wrote about and in what style was entirely up to her. I find that the most exciting part of working with someone else. I couldn't be more thrilled with what she handed me last night - The final piece of writing. It included a line she wrote when we first met 4 years ago:

"Not with lust, not reckless impulse overlapping with regret, she kissed me. With the tender rhythm of affection and a history we don't remember, yet."

I haven't had time to take photos of it at this stage but here is a basic idea of my first experimenting:

This is extremely loose in comparison to any final work. The final piece will be in three and is initial aim was to compliment my photography in the first part of the semester - this piece:

Today was also a day of good news for myself, Marianne and Amy. We, as a collective were awarded the residency opportunity at Limousine bull.

I'm really really excited and actually quite proud that in the midst of all our work we came together and wrote a killer proposal. I'm sure in time we shall divulge information on our plans, but for now I'll hold on until we're all together and ready. All I can say is fourth year is going to be a very very busy time, but an extra exciting time!

Good Day.

Well good days all round today - Osama Bin Laden has finally been brought to justice, and I finished all my video editing before noon. Insomnia has its perks at times. Now Its time for some Tomato soup and a wee nap before getting stuck into finishing my other projects and workbooks.

As a treat to you and I, one and all, I present: Heart (70's style) and FYI I can admit that Nancy Wilson in this video is indeed my dream woman of the 70's! Mostly for that guitar playing at the start, wow!

Progress

After 4 full days of painting latex, pealing latex, placing latex, matching latex, dreaming latex, stopping the cat from eating latex, hoovering latex, crying at the latex I'm finally finished the coat of latex for the structure.

I think it's worth it alone just for this image:

I also like these ones:

 

And this is the final structure - ready for the video to be matched to. I feel its been worth it, it seems to have turned our exactly how I imagined it would. However it has been a huge pain and taking soo long. Fingers crossed the video can do it justice.

sunshine

The other day My sister came to Aberdeen and we took Hayden and Baby Sofia to the beach. It was Sofia's first beach experience, which was too cute. So glad to have them in my life. I was also super glad to have a day away from all my study.

Oh dear

I week and a half its been. I'm so so busy that I'm finding it hard to keep up with myself. And its not even the good kinda busy, I've hit panic mode.

Even though I know I always get finished for a deadline I cant help but be totally stressed out. My projects are going to plan but I feel overwhelmed with the many components that make them up. I think I can safely admit defeat in that I took to much on at once. Silly Laura. If I pull this off, it wont only be worth it, It'll be a miracle.

I'm sort of humbled by the fact I'm not put off completing knowing fine well I might not even get to sit my final year. I think I've numbed myself of the thought because I really really really want to complete my degree. I think I've worked hard enough to deserve too. I hate money. I really really fucking hate it.

Steph's pretty sure she wont be doing her MLitt in creative writing. We cant afford it. plain and simple but it fills me with such disgust that the things we want most, the things that can further us, complete us and make us happy are the things we cant have. I fully believe she doesn't need the MLitt to make her a better writer. She just needs the time and focus and a community to actually get a decent amount down on paper.  It makes me sad that we cant just live how we want to live.

I think We should go live on an eco farm and work for ourselves and write and make art and just escape our impending doom.

Not really, we have the best super duper awesome idea ever and I really think we could get funding for it if we really tried. It would mean work on top of everything we're doing but we're gonna try. I wont say too much, but I think very soon I'll be getting really stuck into making our ideas possibilities .

For now though, I have about 4 projects to finish off in only 10 days, including this hot mess:

 Oh dear.

really don't know how I found the time but I did. I updated my website! cleared out lots of old stuff. Kept a bunch of old stuff and added lots of new stuff. Really just want to represent myself a little better. Not sure how long this site will be 'me' but I like it. Its a good balance of all the elements that make me up.

It was also a light relief from reading such heavy texts by John Milton, Susan Sontag and Julia Kristeva. I think my essay is coming together very nicely. I'm glad I took my time to work our exactly what needed to  come through and not just run with all my floating thoughts and grand essay ideas. In the end it's all relating and I think, I just think I have an argument I believe in, think about and makes logical sense to the rest of the world.

I still haven't discussed any more about my time away nor went through the photos, but all in good time, not exactly a priority. I feel really busy, I am really busy and it doesn't scare me, I actually quite like it. Mostly because all the things I need to do are things I enjoy. Well  maybe I can say that once this essay is in.

I'm very happy to be home and see Steph on a daily bases, even if it is just for a few hours (hard to believe that's all it, when we live together). London in June will be a such a nice break away, phew!

My sleeping is really bad right now. Last night in particular. I didn't get some sleep until 5am. Which would be fine if I didn't have to be up today. I need to find a way to fix it - without relying on concoctions of night nurse, tramadol and anything else lying about.

Anyway "great pate, but I gotta motor" if I'm going to get anything else done today.

OH and click!

Miranda July

One more reason to love Miranda July (as if we needed one).

These images are kids activity pages that she made for the magazine "Apartmento".

Miranda july says:

'Apartamento means “apartment” in the spanish language. A child living in an apartment might get bored, as children everywhere do, and might therefore need an activity to do. Please print out these pages and give them to the bored child immediately, before he gets into any more trouble.'

On the subject of Miranda July. I have her CD '10 mIllion hours a mile'.  Every so often in the 4 years of owning it I get crazy insanely jealous that I didn't make it. Its totally totally amazing. Its not music, its just pure amazing Miranda July-ness. I'm also lucky enough to have one of her early videos on VHS - t'was one of the best gifts I've received.

Fuck yes!

 Amanda Palmer - In My Mind.

I think I love the video, just as much as the lyrics. Quite beautiful. I miss Amanda Palmer.

In my mind
In a future five years from now
I'm a hundred and twenty pounds
And I never get hungover
Because I
Will be the picture of discipline
Never minding what state I'm in
And I will be someone I admire
And it's funny how I imagined
That I would be that person now
But it does not seem to have happened
Maybe I've just forgotten how
To see
That I'm not exactly the person that I thought I'd be.

And in my mind
In the far-away here-and-now
I've become in-control somehow
And I never lose my wallet
Because I
Will be the picture of discipline
Never fucking-up anything
And I'll be a good defensive driver

And it's funny how I imagined
That I would be that person now
But it does not seem to have happened
Maybe I've just forgotten how
To see
That I'll never be the person that I thought I'd be.

And in my mind
When I'm old I am beautiful,
Planting tulips and vegetables
Which I will mindfully watch over

Not like me now
I'm so busy with everything
That I don't look at anything
But I'm sure I'll look when I am older

And it's funny how I imagined
That I could be that person now
That that's not what I want
But that's what I wanted
That I'd be giving up somehow
How strange to see
That I don't want to be the person that I want to be.

And in my mind
I imagine so many things
Things that aren't really happening
And when they put me in the ground

I'll start pounding the lid,
Saying, "I haven't finished yet,
I still have a tattoo to get,
It says, 'I'm living in the moment'".

And it's funny how I imagined
That I could win this win-less fight
Maybe it isn't all that funny
That I've been fighting all my life
But maybe I have to think it's funny
If I want to live before I die
And maybe it's funniest of all
To think I'll die before I actually
See
That I am exactly the person that I want to be.

Fuck yes.

I am exactly the person that I want to be.

Home for the weekend

and I'm totally exhausted.

Walks taking this week: 1.
Hours working away in the studio per day: +10.
Work complete: 0.

It's only the end of week one so having no actual work doesn't phase me, its not why I'm there, but I do know I'll have some things completed my next week, so that's an exciting bonus. I'm working on something fairly big, my 'Some of her parts' project. I'm so super excited about how its going.  I have tons of documenting photos, but not the means nor time to put them up yet. Any spare time, mostly pre-bedtime, I've spent reading and preparing for this essay. I'm happy with my question and my research. My plan is a bit sketchy but I'm almost sure with all the prep in place, the writing wont be too hard. we shall see next week. Mostly I've been enjoying reading the amazingly big books on Louise Bourgeois I got. She's my new favourite favourite. I also learnt that Cindy Sherman made a movie. I've been trying to Download it but no such luck.

I've got a lot to do this weekend, re-shooting most of the footage today and also I've got some alginate home to play with. Got to have these things ready for next week, as I'll be super busy. Luckily I have 24 hour access to the studios so when my insomnia kicks I can just keep working. I hope people know I do this for no other reason than I love it. With the deepest of passions, I just want to make, remake, invent, re-invent, work, love, inspire and be inspired. If I Wasn't so lucky to get this opportunity, I would be doing the exact same thing... just without the facilities. I don't know why I care what others think. sometimes I think I sit on the fence even when it comes to my own arguments and life. I'm getting better at the whole confidence thing though and I trust myself and believe in my art. I really do value the opinions of others and maybe I just care so much because I want to hear them, and then I can do the not caring afterwards, perhaps.

I'll admit, there have been moments this week where I just wanted to come home... curl up in my own makeshift (pathetic) bedroom studio and wallow in my own self pity. I've felt so out of my depth and totally out of comfort zone. Its been a challenge, A real challenge, but one I'm glad to be doing. I've had to reassure myself so much: I do belong; I can make good things; I am intelligent. It's getting easier.

Anyway getting over most of that, I really knuckled down. Got a lot done on a structure I visualised using with the video (which is also going to be completely re-shot). I've learnt a wee bit about this and that and I'm feeling a lot more happier in myself. I've spent a lot of hours in my studio/on site/in workshops. Which is a complete turn around to the maybe 4 hours I'd sit at my desk in uni. Obviously its not that I don't work, its just my working methods. I don't like to be seen when in the 'making' process. I don't often show the real me either, but when I'm in that moment in my own space, I'm just entirely comfortable and free. A bit like in the Wizard of OZ, when the wizard is never seen, until the curtain is pulled back and its just this wee man, who's all scared and embarrassed like. He doesn't believe that such a wee man can be taking seriously to be the "great and powerful, wizard of OZ". Now I'm not saying I'm comparing myself to such a legend but in that moment with the curtain, sometimes I feel like that man: scared;waiting for the reaction and/or acceptance, but secretly knowing - I'm fucking doing this, I'm actually doing this (and in his case, "yeah so? I'm still the wizard of OZ... just in small man form and not big scary green firey thingy").

We're all just people, who share the same human emotions, needs, wants, what have you.

Anyway it's been good so say a few thoughts and check in, now I have to do some filming before Steph comes home from work. We're going to have a picnic in the garden :) and I'm just so happy to see her. She always knows the right thing to say.

Day 1 - SSW

The other night I woke myself crying, quite hysterically. I had dreamt that my (unborn, non existent) baby had died, I was holding it my arms. Later, in the dream, I found myself entering a house where my grandmother (who passed away a few years ago) was, she was singing a baby to sleep. the dream has lingered this passed few days, much like all my dreams do, but never with this strange mystery.

Last night I dreamt I made a film just like a 'Gregg Araki' film. It was short but to the point, but with a sudden burst of extreme violence. I awoke with major tummy ache. There was a huge amount of detail in all the rooms, with bright colors and crazy 80's patterns. I think I'll write a screenplay and try film it in the summer.

Today is day 1 of my 'Scottish sculpture workshops' residency. Lumsden is quite pretty, despite it only being one street. I'm very happy to see greens again and have some fresh air. I think I'll be taking a few walks this week. In particular to see some old abandoned cottages up the hill.

I'm staying in a nice housie up the road with a few staff that work here. Everyone seems really nice so I'm feeling more relaxed. There are also 4 french students just started so that's also nice. I've got my own studio, which is massive and also an extra dark space just off it for my video work. It still feels really strange but I guess with only two weeks here, I'd best shake that fast.

I had my first meeting this morning, which went great. I feel a bit more excited about my ideas and past work, as it was received well, and they seem excited about it all. Perhaps I need to work a bit more on my articulation though. In fact I know I need too. It's a wonder anyone understand what the hell I'm on about.

I find it funny that my work is so out there sometimes and I'm so um... awkward?! Socially I totally am, until I get to know people. I never used to be this way and I don't really know why I am. I can be confident though and change myself to suit a situation... it's just not entirely comfortable. I don't want to be anyone I'm not, but I also don't want to be like this anymore. I think this residency will be good for more than making and developing my practice.

Oh the sun has come out again, so on that note.

Where Children Sleep.

I Came across this wonderful collection of photographs by James Mollison, 'Where Children Sleep'.

Over 2 years Mollison photographed the bedrooms of children from all across the world. Accompanying them are portraits of the children and a small paragraph about there lives. Taking with a large format camera, these images are striking, both for their quality value and most importantly for their thought-provoking and more than often heart-breaking insight. I found the images to be incredibly moving and captivating - an instant add to the wish-list of Amazon books.

Some examples:

Indira, seven, lives with her parents, brother and sister near Kathmandu in Nepal. Her house has only one room, with one bed and one mattress. At bedtime, the children share the mattress on the floor. Indira has worked at the local granite quarry since she was three. The family is very poor so everyone has to work. There are 150 other children working at the quarry. Indira works six hours a day and then helps her mother with household chores. She also attends school, 30 minutes’ walk away. Her favourite food is noodles. She would like to be a dancer when she grows up.

Kaya, four, lives with her parents in a small apartment in Tokyo, Japan. Her bedroom is lined from floor to ceiling with clothes and dolls. Kaya’s mother makes all her dresses – Kaya has 30 dresses and coats, 30 pairs of shoes and numerous wigs. When she goes to school, she has to wear a school uniform. Her favourite foods are meat, potatoes, strawberries and peaches. She wants to be a cartoonist when she grows up.

 Roathy, eight, lives on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. His home sits on a huge rubbish dump. Roathy’s mattress is made from old tyres. Five thousand people live and work here. At six every morning, Roathy and hundreds of other children are given a shower at a local charity centre before they start work, scavenging for cans and plastic bottles, which are sold to a recycling company. Breakfast is often the only meal of the day.

 Home for this boy and his family is a mattress in a field on the outskirts of Rome, Italy. The family came from Romania by bus, after begging for money to pay for their tickets. When they arrived in Rome, they camped on private land, but the police threw them off. They have no identity papers, so cannot obtain legal work. The boy’s parents clean car windscreens at traffic lights. No one from his family has ever been to school.

You can look at more examples here: Telegraph article
and buy the book here: Amazon

Word Festival

The Programme for this years, Word festival was announced today! The Word festival is a chance for people of Aberdeen to get some yummy culture without travelling out of the city. Wins all round.

For those not in the know, Word is a writers festival hosted by The university of Aberdeen. Each year a mixed bag of poets, writers and musicians come together and do talks, readings, performances. The likes of Carol Ann Duffy and  Jackie Kay have been involved (to name but a few lesbian writers :p)

The festival runs from 13-15 May. Just in time for the end of semester.

Last year's line up wasn't much to write home about, but this year looks pretty pretty good. I'm excited to see Margaret Atwood's name on the programme. I recently bought 'Year of the flood' but have yet to read it. Atwood is known for her feminism and mythological themes and her novels can be classified as science fiction. She writes beautiful things like this:

"I would like to be the air that inhabits you for a moment only. I would like to be that unnoticed and that necessary."
—Margaret Atwood.

Alasdair Gray is another exciting name to see. Not only because he's one of Scotland's best literature writers but because he is a man of many talents. I remember Steph Studying Lanark a few years ago, its huge and she spent like 3 whole days reading it. I mostly liked the artwork to be fair and haven't quite finished the book. None the less it will be interesting to hear him talk. He also has an exhibition of his artwork through out May in the Old Town house (Aberdeen uni campus/Old Aberdeen).

His art looks like this:

Lovely.

Another point of interest, but perhaps a personal one is Wayne Price. Wayne was Steph's creative writing lecturer at uni. He was the first person (barr me, of course) to take to Steph's writing and really pushed her to create and believe she could be a writer.  He also pushed us to start Epershand (our zine for local writers and artsits) and still insists now that when we have the time, we should make a proper go of it. He really is a lovely chap and apparently writes some great short stories (according to the Bridport Prize). He will be talking along side Billy O'Callaghan on the Saturday.
 
There really is so much on this year that's so great for Aberdeen to have: Ian Banks; Dermot Healy and Paul Trynka: David Bowie Night :D

I think I might check out these two things as well:

 

 These are the exhibitions that are on too:

Website HERE

Programme HERE