Movers and Shakers

Human Dynamos

AARON ROSE deserves a mention under this category. His name keeps cropping up in connection with some of my favourite artists and he seems to have his fingers in many juicy pies...Alleged Press being a current project.

He was right at the heart of the Beautiful Losers art movement and his film of the same name has some precious footage of the wonderful MARGARET KILGALLEN at work and play.

Margaret Kilgallen
 cover of In the Sweet Bye & Bye

I also discovered a documentary he has made on SISTER CORITA KENT, Become a Microscope, of which there is a short clip, Breaking A Habit on  NOWNESS a video channel launched in 2010 and described as showcasing contemporary culture through film. A site with a youthful edge and also worth taking a roam around.

Observation

Taking the time to notice.

Falling into the category of someone who rushes around everywhere, taking those few extra moments to stop and take in a scene, is something I know would be of great benefit to me creatively.

Sketching, irrelevant as to whether you are a good at drawing or not, is probably the best way of forcing yourself to really look and get immersed in a scene but obviously has it's moment. A quick photo could do the trick or some hastily scribbled notes could serve as a reminder.

 Van Gogh's Letters are an incredible example of someone who took the time to look at the world and so importantly, recognised the worth of capturing those every day scenes. Luckily he also had the writing and drawing skills to do justice to what he saw and fortunately for us, those receiving the letters appreciated their true value and preserved them.

Soul Music

When one's spirit creaks and groans and is in need of feelgood replenishment there is nothing better than a hefty dose of music to lift it out of the doldrums and get it back in finely tuned working order.

The great thing about radio is that you can get on with things whilst it plays away in the background and BBC Radio 6 has a great supply of cutting edge and iconic music from the past 40 years to tap into. 

Craig Charles and his Funk and Soul Show gets a special mention for his much appreciated contribution in lightening (and grooving) up the world.

However, you WILL want to stop and watch if you sign on to Jazz on the Tube. The joy of seeing musical geniuses at work is enough to forget all your woes.

A word of warning, don't sign up for the daily dose if you don't want your inbox inundated with the best of the coolest jazz clips around!