Trilogies

Oh I quite agree.

Wrestling dinosaurs in the snow

A good mucker of mine advises that the unofficial rule of blogging is 'don't think, just blog'. I haven't been taken by writing much of late, but the mood has taken me so here we go...

Snow, snow, wonderful snow. What an amazing blanket of white chilly fun has descended on our Isles. The last time I can remember being 'snowed in' was in Yorkshire when I was about 10, so to be in the same situation in London (urban hear island remember) at 35 was quite a treat! I worked from home on Monday and Tuesday as transport was crippled and work requested a no-show for all of us. I am always more productive working from home, though miss the banter of my fellow team-chums. I couldn't resist a few reckies down to the common to partake in en-mass snow ball fights, snow-person building and take some photos. There was at least 6 inches on the ground on Monday and it was great to see the young nippers enjoying it - most of which will have never seen more than a scattering in the past. Now of course it's all ice and more lethal than fun - good to back working with other peeps though, as I was starting to get cabin fever.

Given my new situation I have been keeping myself busy, rediscovering things, finding new interests and trying not to spend too much time on my own (despite having always been comfortable with it). Friends (and family) have been amazing and some who were more distant before have quickly brought me in closer which has been so much appreciated. I have been diving into troughs and leaping out into peeks rapidly emotion-wise, which is nothing new for me unfortunately, but something I have resented for a long time for the consequences it yields. Some dark places have been visited, but exited eventually - it's very hard work and my thoughts are very much with others who are riding the same and different waves in their own way. 

Anyhow, here's a wee round-up of the past week:

Mark - A night in Soho with my old chum from home. Japanese nosh, waffle, twitter and flickr fun. He never ceases to amaze me with his creativity, wit and intelligence.

Neil - Pints, designer talk and cud chewing with my one time mentor and predecessor. A top bloke, true Scouser and spoke spinner.

Dinosaur Pile-Up - Went to Koko with Maria and Rus to see top new (and very young) band. Clearly borrowed a few of their older sibling's worn Nirvana albums and added their own unique ingredients. Was down the front for all of it, felt 10 years too old, but loved it. Check them out.

The Wrestler - My now weekly Sunday night solo jaunt to the flicks. Great film and a return to form for Mickey Rourke. A man whose career is killing him, but is all he knows and loves, whilst trying to hold on to the threads of his fragmented family life. Great film. 8/10.

Chris and Lou - A few pints, chats and footy on the telly in a proper London boozer in Warren St. Lovely, lovely people.

Aside from that it's head first into work and the usual. Looking forward to the next few weekends out of London and celebrating, commiserating and contemplating passing my mid-thirties and helping others celebrate less vintage years. Deep breath and on we go...

Oh, whilst I'm really trying not to be too self obsessed at the moment, this seemed relevant given our (as in all of us) current situation. Puts it all into perspective really.

Until next time.

The end of the old Republic

One of our country's most influential, innovative and copied design agencies is dead. Even the mighty Designer's Republic was not safe in these uncertain economic times and after a few key clients have fled and untimely tax bills have dropped on the table, they have decided to close shop. Its founder Ian Anderson has spoken about the decision in this weeks Creative Review and mentions that maybe this was a natural end and a blessing in disguise, as the agency had become more account management based, instead of the original off the wall creative ethos. It's a shame, but I suspect Pheonix's will rise from the ashes.

The Designers Republic have had a huge influence on me from even their earliest years and along with a select few others (Peter Saville, Saul Bass, Julian Opie) encouraged me to follow an education and career (eventually) in Graphic Design. Their exposure in the youth culture I was immersed in at the time i.e. indie/electro music; console games; packaging; cultural magazines; festivals, were so perfectly timed for me. Waiting for the next PWEI record to come out was nearly as exciting for the cover artwork as the music - I loved it...and don't get me started on the T-Shirts - I can't look at a Pepsi logo without seeing my more favoured DR bastardisation! The sleek fluid post-fonts, bold tracking forms and layering, elegant detailing, vivid palette, love of symmetry, rotation and movement - all of it is such a visual feast. If you aren't familiar with their stuff I strongly recommend spending 20mins looking at an amazing body of work.

On to other things. Well, I'm sort of hibernating a bit, and sort of keeping busy and getting back out there at the same time - looking after myself, but also very much thinking of others. Friends and family have been and continue to be brilliant and I am so grateful I can't say. No need to say too much more, mainly out of respect for others and secondly because it won't be productive, cathartic or interesting for anyone else to read. Maybe at a date in the future I will return to all this and feel the need to talk about it on this blog - maybe not. 

Bad Film Club

Had to blog a top night that was shared with myself, da Maria, Rus and Richard yesterday. Trotted down to The Barbican after work for Bad Film Club. A simple concept really - show a really terrible film, have two comedians (Nicko and Joe) sit at the front with laser pointers ripping it to shreds, get the audience to join in, pass round free sweets and let everyone drink booze as well. Genius. Basic Instinct 2 was on the menu tonight, and it is indeed unspeakably rubbish, so much so they even let Stan Collymore have a cameo (possibly the most unconvincing screen death ever). Great night and I laughed...a lot... for probably the first time in a couple of months. Felt better and got to work at 8am with a heavy head, but a wee skip in my step. A long day of rush-designing (wow factor according to the brief) exhibition stands took the skip slightly out of my step, but I still kept chuckling to myself. A bit sad face again tonight, but tomorrow is Friday which is officially a good thing.

Che - Part One

Last night I went to the flicks on my own for the first time in longer than I can remember - a bit weird at first as was probably the only person there 'unaccompanied', but quite enjoyed zoning out and losing myself in the visual treat that awaited. Che - Part One is Stephen Soderbergh's fantastic story (the first part anyway) of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara's journey from young politically conscious Argentine Doctor to iconic revolutionary and freedom fighter. What a brilliant film - peppered with so much detail, absorbing cinematography and passionate, inspiring characters. Benicio Del Toro is just brilliant, as is Demian Bichir as the hyper-driven Fidel Castro. The strength of spirit and belief in a cause for the common good of a people I have rarely seen in a film. I loved the huge sweeping shots of the Cuban jungle (hmm...itchy feet) and Che's commanding, yet humbling address at the UN. A life affirming and heart warming story of a collective dream becoming reality through self believe, sacrifice, fight and passion. Amazing stuff - 9/10.

2008

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times;

It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness;

It was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light;

It was the season of darkness, it was the season of hope;

It was the winter of despair, we had everything before us...

Charles Dickens, A tale of two cities.

The section of the above passage neatly sums up my year. Those who know me will also know the score. Those who don't will be spared the tedium of reading about it. 

Onward into 2009 and a Happy New Year to you and yours.

Verona Exposure

The lovely people at Schmap have asked to use one of my photos for the sixth edition of their Verona Guide. Thanks for the exposure guys!