I visited the Comics Unmasked – Art and Anarchy in the UK exhibition at the British Library yesterday. It’s an interesting and dark catalogue of comics through the decades. Forget The Beano and Whizzer and Chips, this is more Knockabout, Crisis and 2000AD. The photo above is a snapshot of part of the banner advertising the exhibition outside the library. If you are in London, interested in comics and have some spare time before August 19th, it’s worth a look.
I was accompanied by three superhero friends, and on the train journey into London, I drew a calling card for each of them. I made a quick pencil sketch then went over that with an italic nib and used Letraset Promarkers to colour in the cards. It’s great having superhero friends, do you recognise any of them?
It rained hard here yesterday afternoon. Once the rain had passed, Carole suggested that the three of us go for a stroll. We went out hoping to find things that we could photograph to represent the letters in the words, ‘thank you’. As you can see – we had to give nature a helping hand at times, but after an interesting, and very focussed stroll, we found what we were looking for.
Is this art? I guess so – it’s an artistic representation at least. I’ve not shared photography on this site before now, I tend to use Instagram a lot for pictures, and I’m reacquainting myself with Flickr again too. I’ll probably pursue my photography interests over at Instagram and Flickr for the most part – but I found this particular photographic challenge fitted with my art and learning aspirations – so here it is.
These past few days have been an interesting first trip to Riga, the capital of Latvia. I’m heading home today and giving a talk on social media in the workplace in London tomorrow. Shortly after that I’m heading to Louisiana with Neil Morrison before returning here to Latvia again later in April. There’s something about the letter L featuring large in my life just now. Enough already.
Something we have been focussing on in our work here is the importance of visual media, and as I enjoy writing occasional travelog type posts I thought I would use some of my photos to help illustrate my short trip here.
7 Reasons to Visit Riga
Number 1 – The Sun Rise
This is the view out of my bedroom window, taken just after the sun peeked over the horizon. You can see a church tower in the distance and snow on the roves. The temperature had been very mild until this weekend when a sudden cold snap returned.
Number 2 – The Architecture
There are lots of interesting buildings here. This is Riga Cathedral, taken at night. It was built in 1211 and has undergone several modifications since. I was lucky to find a pause in people wandering through the square to get an uninterrupted view.
Number 3 – Design
I spotted lots of interesting design touches when I was out and about. This old door handle really caught my eye, I’m glad I don’t have a screw driver on me otherwise I might be taking a few of these home. And this restaurant chair has lovely curves, it feels good and is comfortable to sit in too. I’m a bit nerdy about these small things, and when done well – they make a difference.
Number Four – The Food
It’s a good job that Riga is an easy city to walk around, I’ve eaten dangerously well here and the subsequent strolls have hopefully prevented me from putting on too much weight.
Scallops
Chocolate and Ice Cream
My Dinner Guest
Number Five – The Art
Riga is the 2014 European Capital of Culture and on this short trip I’ve barely managed to scratch the artistic surface. There is loads to see here and on my next visit I will have more time to explore what Riga has to offer. For now though, here’s a wonderful, modern interpretation of The Venus of Willendorf.
Number 6 – Kronvalda Park
Kronvalda Park is a small open space in the town centre. It has many pathways wandering through it and this pretty canal. I like open space in a city – it’s great for stretching the legs and clearing the mind.
Number 7 – The People
I’ve let the side down here, no picture I’m afraid. Everyone from the border control guy, to the taxi driver, hotel and restaurant staff and particularly the people I’ve worked with, have been lovely. Friendly and attentive, and when we’ve worked together, curious, enthusiastic and helpfully challenging. I enjoy work so much more when it flows, and when we need to rethink and shift our perspectives based on emerging information. Thanks folks.
I’ve enjoyed my short time here and I’m already looking forward to returning. My work with employees of the Latvian Government on smart use of social media is useful and enjoyable, and after I’ve concluded my second visit I will share more of what we’ve been learning about.
