Issue 1 4 - July/August 201 3
The Ark We take a look at Beth Derbyshire's fantastic creation for Pennine Lancahire
KAART See what happens when a group of African influenced artists come to town The Pendle Sculpture Trail Colne Grand Prix Cycle Race and all the news from Pennine Lancashire Photography world and beyond!
About Pixel Pixel is an e-magazine that aims to promote photography and art in the Pennine Lancashire area. The magazine is staffed and published completely by volunteers and volunteer contributors.
Contact Us Editorial Staff Editor - Lee Johnson Sub-Editor - Bob Singleton Email us: Editor: editor@pixelmag.co.uk
The magazine is offered as a free download via Picture Desk: third party hosting site Issuu. It is envisaged that picturedesk@pixelmag.co.uk Pixel will remain a non-profit making venture. If, in the future, Pixel does make a profit this will be returned to fund Pennine Lancashire photography Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PixelMagazine and arts projects. Join our Flickr Group: www.flickr.com/groups/pixelmagazine/ Visit our Website: www.pixelmag.co.uk Currently, there is no charge made for advertising Pennine Lancashire photography and art related businesses. There will never be a charge This months covershot by: made for arts and photography organisations that are run by volunteers such as camera clubs. Lee Johnson We do not offer or take payment for any contributions to Pixel.
Contents July/August 2013 7 Editors Note 8 News 1 4 A Spell in the Woods 21 The Ark 29 KAART 41 Capturing Spills & Thrills 45 Pixel Directory
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Editors Note
It’s hard being a volunteer!
Meet the Team
Pixel Staff
Editor Lee Johnson Sub Editor Bob Singleton Editorial Assistant Barry Noon Editorial Assistant Liam Loughlin
Contributors
Sarah Lee Sophie Skellern
At Pixel we’re really beginning to realise this. There are four people that sit on the editorial staff (including myself) here at Pixel HQ. We do this because we are passionate about photography, about art, about Pennine Lancashire. We do it because we want all photographers in the area to have a platform whether you’re a dedicated professional, a camera club member or simply someone who shoots with their mobile and posts to Flickr or the like. We’re here to give you the opportunity to say ‘Hey, this is what I’m doing!’ or to say ‘Look, you can take photographs here, if you want’ but we’re also here to point you in the direction of great pictures. It’s fair to say things have been a little mental to the point where we missed an issue. For this we can only apologise and hope that you, our readers won’t wag your fingers too much at us. The four of us have all hit busy periods in our lives whether that be with work, families, fitting holidays in or whatever. We’ve just all been all over the place. That being said, it’s been quite an interesting time and I’m sure that this has been reflected in this issue. Firstly, we’ve had the Festival of Wonders events that have taken place in libraries, museums and heritage venues throughout Pennine Lancashire. This was a fantastic series of events and Pixel staff were very pleased to be included as the official photographers. We’ve also had the very intelligent and creative Beth Derbyshire who created the visually stunning Ark which came out the Exploring Landscapes project that we featured last year. One of the major happenings in the area is the opening of a small but lovely little gallery in Colne. La Galleria is situated about La Dolce Vita Italian deli on Albert Road in Colne and is hoping to specialise in photography. At the moment I have my Remnants show in there and I have to admit, I love the space! As photographers we should want this to succeed so please give it as much support as you can. Go and visit grab a coffee and look at some nice pictures! Just before I go, I have to say my thank yous. The team here work exceptionally hard to bring Pixel to life so thanks to our editorial team. I really can’t do it without them. Thank you also to our contributors in particular, for this issue, Sarah Lee. Finally, thanks to the members of Creativity Works for their help with the Ark. Onward to the next issue!!! Page 7
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News
Former Magnum President, Wayne Miller Dies American street photographer Wayne Miller, who served as president of Magnum Photos from 1 962-1 968, has died Magnum has announced.
Picture credit: Wayne Miller/Magnum Photos, courtesy Joan B Miller
Magnum Photos president Alex Majoli said 94 year old Miller's legendary images of Chicago ‘paved the ground for the rest of us who tried to depict the streets, the real life. He was a pioneer'. The photographer worked as a member of Edward Steichen's US Navy Combat Photo Unit during the Second World War, and later as associate curator of Steichen's exhibition ‘The Family of Man'. ‘But, arguably, his career defining work was made in Chicago's South Side, where he covered the social, cultural and economic manifestations of the greatest internal migration in American history that saw thousands of black American families arriving in Chicago on a weekly basis,' adds Magnum in a statement posted on its website. Chicago born Miller, would often photograph his own family, and was once asked about his artistic ambition. He replied: ‘To photograph mankind and explain man to man.' ‘He certainly did both, and did so at the absolute highest level.' Magnum said. Wayne Miller joined Magnum in 1 958. He is survived by his wife Joan, four children, nine grandchildren and a great grandchild.
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Worlds First Consumer Light Field Camera Hits British Shores
The worlds first consumer light field camera is set to hit British shores this month. First announced in 2011 the Lytro camera allows the user to capture an image then tailor it to their needs in post production. However, unlike conventional cameras the Lytro allows the user to even edit the point of focus and perspective in post production software. The camera's light field sensor records the colour, intensity and direction of every light ray entering the camera and thus offers users unprecedented ways with which to control their images. Lytro CEO Jason Rosenthal told Amateur Photographer Magazine, ‘With light field technology there is a huge opportunity for creativity in photography that hasn't been possible in the past.' The camera features just two buttons, power and shutter, and a touchscreen, with which users can adjust and refocus images in-camera. The Lytro camera will be available in 8 and 1 6GB models and a variety of colours. Both models will be available from July 22 priced at £399 and £469 respectively. To find out more about the camera visit www.lytro.com.
Ilford Imaging Switzerland in Trouble
Swiss company Ilford Imaging Switzerland is facing financial difficulties it has been announced. The company that produces the ‘Galerie’ brand of photographic ink jet paper is totally separate from the Cheshire based Ilford Photo that produces film and is not affected. A court hearing is set to take place in August.
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Pennine Lancashire Camera Retailer Branches Out
The former Jessops store in Liverpool has been taken over by North West photographic chain Wilkinson Cameras and is set to reopen on 1 August, according to reports in Amateur Photographer Magazine. The outlet - at 51 Lord Street - shut down in January when Jessops' previous owners went into administration.
shops this year, Parkinson says he will look to expand into other northern cities once he has gauged the success of the Liverpool venture. In a separate statement Parkinson said: ‘The new Wilkinson Cameras store in Liverpool is a great step for us - for a long time we've looked at having a presence in the city - and the demise of Jessops has only increased the importance of having an experienced photo retailer in town to support the photographic community.' He said the store will reflect Wilkinson's core value of ‘expert knowledge, first-class customer service and comprehensive product range'.
The Liverpool outlet will be the first Wilkinson store to open in a major city, but its boss tells AP he is eyeing up other locations where he sees potential for expansion. ‘Manchester is still a city on our hitlist,' said Wilkinson Cameras managing director David Parkinson, who explained that the new Liverpool branch will create up to five jobs. The move will mean that the 27-year-old chain will run a total of 1 0 stores by August. Established in 1 986, Wilkinson Cameras currently has branches in Preston, Blackburn, Lancaster, Burnley, Kendal, Southport, Carlisle, Bury and Warrington. The four-floor premises in Liverpool will house facilities for taking portraits, and host workshops and tutorials. It will also sell second-hand equipment. Parkinson said he wants to ‘take the best bits' from his other shops ‘to build into new sites' - the Liverpool store serving as an experimental model. He wants it to ‘engage with the community', to include manufacturer-backed 'photo safaris' where customers get the chance to play with kit on trips outside the shop. Though Wilkinson does not plan any more new
From all the staff here at Pixel we would like to take this opportunity to wish David and his team the best of luck with their new venture! Page 1 0
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Nokia raises the stakes in the smartphone photography battle
The Finish phone giant, Nokia is set to release its new Lumia 1 020 smartphone. Aimed at photographers who don’t want to carry a second camera the Lumia 1 020 has a built in camera with a 41 MP sensor. It also carried a six element Zeiss f2.2 lens. The Lumia 1 020 is set to be released in the US shortly and is expected to retail for $299.99 under contract. It is expected that the phone will be available in the UK from September.
Italians show dominance in RPS competition
Three Italian photographers have taken awards in a contest run by the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) which attracted over 5000 entries. Antonio Busiello won Gold, Mattia Vacca took Silver, while Michele Palazzi won the Under-30s Award. ‘The finalists all had one thing in common - they communicated a story or message in a very direct way,' said chair of the judging panel, photographer Ray Spence. Another Judge, Anthony Holland Parkin, director of editorial content at Getty Images said: ‘The Cullatore (pictured above) struck a chord with a number of the judges. ‘In a world obsessed with retouched perfection, Antonio's honest image of a man proudly displaying his huge calluses challenges the viewer, and raises valid and contemporary questions about body image.'
The Cullatore by Antonio Busiello
To see more of the images visit: http://www.rps-international.org/competition/finalist/rps-international-print/finalists/ Page 11
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New UK Photography Press Photographer Shows Year Award A new photography show is to be set up for Announced London. Aimed at professionals and enthusiasts the London Imaging Live event will take place at the ExCel centre. Organised by Life Media Group, the show is being billed as a non-profit making venture with wildlife, studio, sport, fashion and photojournalism being the focus of the four day event. A new show for Birmingham has also been announced after the Focus on Imaging show was axed by its organiser. The new show, ‘The Photography Show’ will be backed by the Royal Photographic Society and the Photo Marketing Association with the organisation from Future Publishing. This show is being aimed at the professional, amateur and retail markets.
A photograph taken at the 201 2 London Olympic Games has won the 201 3 Press Photographers Year competition. The winning image was taken by Adrian Dennis who works for the French Press Agency (AFP). Dennis beat over 400 other competitors to clinch the title. An exhibition of the winners will go on display at the National Theatre, London from 6th July until 31 st August. A slideshow of the winning images can be found at http://www.theppy.com/competition
Build your own SLR
Lomography, the company that builds and sells new film cameras has released a brand new product. The worlds first DIY 35mm SLR camera. The Konstructor costs just £29 and comes like something akin to an Airfix model kit. The company claims that the camera can go from flat pack to fully functional in just 2 hours. The kit also comes with 50mm f1 0 lens with more being planned. For more information visit http://shop.lomography.com
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La Galleria Opens in Pennine Lancashire
Pendle’s first photo gallery opened on Thursday 4 July with a new exhibition of stunning Pennine landscape pictures called Remnants by photographer Lee Johnson. The Foto Galleria is opening above La Dolce Vita deli Italia at 40 Albert Road, Colne and coincides with the deli’s first birthday. Sara Mumby explained: “We started by selling Italian cakes, olives, artisan breads and cheeses on market stalls in Pendle exactly a year ago. “A lot’s happened in a year. We have our own shop and now a galleria! “People can come and look at the photographs whilst having a cappuccino or a glass of wine and a panino. “And if they see something that fires them up, they can buy a framed photograph to take home or as a gift for someone special,” Her business partner Sarah Lee said. Lee Johnson, is a keen naturalist and photographer. The Pixel editor said, “ As a kid I loved taking pictures and got my first proper camera on my 1 2th birthday. I’ve been hooked every since!” “The Remnants exhibition began with just one picture,” explained Lee. “I went to Wycoller to photograph the Panopticon and got some shots of the vaccary walls. “When I got home I started processing the images and wasn’t happy with the vaccary shots in colour. “So I changed them to black and white and they were much more powerful. “I returned to get more shots with Pendle Hill in the background. I set up the camera and tripod and took a few steps back and tripped over a stone! “When I looked at the stone I noticed ancient chisel marks in it which looked around the same age as the vaccaries, which are around 800 years old. “It got me thinking about how the rocks and stones in our landscape tell a story. “The Remnants exhibition came together from that. Anyone interested in seeing Lee’s fascinating exhibition can pop in anytime when the deli is open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday open 8.30am – 5pm; Tuesday open 8.30am – 2pm, Saturday open 9.30am – 4pm. To contact the deli duo, Sara and Sarah about exhibitions and events telephone 01 282 866008 or contact us via Facebook: La Dolce Vita, Colne or Twitter: @dolcev4. Page 1 3
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A Spell in the Woods Exploring Pendle's Sculpture Trail Story by Sarah Lee. Images by Sarah Lee and Lee Johnson
Pendle’s beacon hill broods in isolation over an area called the Forest of Pendle. Once an ancient hunting ground where wolves and wild boar roamed, there are few areas of woodland now in this part of the Pennines. But there is one small wood, which, like Pendle Hill, guards interesting secrets. Aitken Wood, near Black Moss reservoir and the village of Barley, is now home not just to redstarts Their brief, led by Pendle sculptor Philippe and goldcrests, but to a new sculpture trail. Handford, was to interpret the stories of the men, women and children from Pendle who were It was established last year to mark the 400th executed as witches in 1 61 2. anniversary of the world famous trial of the Pendle Witches. The early 1 7th century was a time of religious persecution and superstition. The villagers from Pendle Council’s leader for tourism, Paul White Pendle who were accused of witchcraft were says: served a harsh justice. “It’s a great opportunity for families, walkers and photographers to come and explore a fascinating One, nicknamed Demdike, died in the dark in the terrible conditions of the Well Tower. Nine others trail inspired by the Pendle Witches.” were hanged in the summer of 1 61 2 in front of huge crowds, near Lancaster Castle. Pendle Council, with support from Mid Pennine Arts, Pendle Leisure Trust and United Utilities which owns the wood, commissioned four artists That’s why the turbulent stories of the villagers who suffered a terrible fate have been captured in to create the trail. wood, stone and metal. Page 1 4
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The artists were also asked to reflect the natural environment of the place where the dramatic events took place. Philippe says: “There’s a kind of presence which still lingers in the woodland and which has been felt by all the artists.” The four artists are: • Lead artist Philippe Handford from Higherford, Pendle, who’s used fallen trees to create huge tree arches and reconstruct dry stone walls in interesting structures. Look out for his edgy ‘Spirits of the Wood’ among the holly. • Sarah McDade from Hebden Bridge whose sensitive ceramic plaques commemorate each of the Pendle Witches. They include symbols representing their lives and confessions and leafprints from leaves gathered in the wood.
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The Pendle SculptureTrail has been part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The European funding is designed for investment in rural areas with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as the Managing Authority via the Pennine Lancashire Local Action Group.
• Martyn Bednarczuk from the Ribble Valley on the other side of Pendle Hill. Martyn has carved a beautiful life-size figure of a witchfinder which has over-tones of the local magistrate, Roger Nowell, who first interrogated the Pendle villagers. • Steve Blaylock of Killinghall, near Harrogate has created metal bats, an owl and a giant spider’s web, representing the life of the wood at twilight and after dark.
You can see the darkly atmospheric short film of the Pendle Sculpture Trail on
Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ojjwIZ7pY The free sculpture trail guide can be downloaded from www.visitpendle.com or contact the Discover Pendle Tourism Information Centre on (01 282) 8561 86. Join the Pendle Sculpture Trail Facebook group and post your own pictures of the Trail.
Mike Williams, Pendle Council’s Tourism Officer says: “It’s a beautiful and historic place to explore and the Trail lends itself to new interpretations. “Photographers should come and get their own ‘take’ on it,” he urges. “Already a number of photographers have been capturing the sculptures through the seasons and at different times of day,” he explains. “And Catapult Films have created an unsettling video which perfectly fits the dark subject matter of this Trail,” he adds. Page 1 6
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The Ark Photos on Page 1 0 & 11 by Lee Johnson. All other images by Beth Derbyshire.
In November 201 2 seven artists undertook an investigation based in Pennine Lancashire Parks. Each artists had been specially selected due to their interest in story telling and producing works in response to conservations. This project become known as Exploring Landscapes and was featured in the November edition of Pixel. The artists discovered that local people really valued their parks as places to escape from daily life and that people often underestimated the diversity of landscape that Pennine Lancashire had to offer. The end product of the investigation was a brief to produce a piece of art designed specifically for the Pennine Lancashire landcape. The Ark in part responds to this research and celebrates the industry that had such an impact on the area, champions the culture of the immigrant communities that came to work in industry whilst also encouraging people to explore their surroundings.
Persian or Indian origin. Chosen to symbolise the influx of South Asian immigrants who came to Lancashire in the 1 960s and 70s to work in the textile industry, The Arkmerges these Islamic patterns with the domestic aesthetic of the industrial north to celebrate the mix of cultures in the region.
The roof of The Ark is created from a living meadow and ecosystem, a symbol of the flower Seen from the tow path The Ark appears as a rich grasslands of the region's disused quarries. wooden house floating on a boat, representing This enchanting green spectacle will contrast with the terraced housing so abundant in Pennine the factories and mills it passes on its journey Lancashire. The sides of the house are intricately down the industrial pathway of the canal. The Ark cut into shapes referencing Islamic textile reflects on the historical purpose of the canal as patterns, the main wall being carved in a paisley an industrial pathway that transported local pattern. materials and linked communities together, leaving a rich social, cultural and historic legacy Paisley an English word for a design using the in the area 'boteh', is a droplet-shaped vegetable motif of Page 21
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Housed inside this structure is a film wall showing five newly commissioned films collectively called The Keepers. The films follow a series of local people who have a special connection to the area, taking us on a journey to explore how their stories inextricably link them to the surrounding landscape.
The films are presented in a media wall partly made up from wooden boxes which are used to import fruits and vegetables into the area. This reflects the idea of importing food and culture into the region which has resonance with the stories of passage we hear in some of the films.
The Keepers range from fell runners, steam operatives, a former mill worker, a park keeper (and Pixel Editor), a heritage enthusiast, an Asian interpreter and former British soldier and a retired teacher.
Housed on the project website you can watch interviews with the keepers where their reflections provide different ways to interpret and think about the region. Their stories are fused together with voices found in the North West Sound Archive creating a rich tapestry of oral history and song.
The films run simultaneously with the keepers presented as silent witnesses. The keepers each take us on a different journey through the region embracing themes of human, mineral and natural energy. Together these films create a rich story that reflects the industrial, historical, natural and social heritage of this extraordinary region.
As the sculpture travels down its ten mile journey on the canal it will moor up in the communities it passes, inviting people to step on board and experience the films first hand. As well as travelling on the canal, The Ark structure will also mysteriously appear in Blackburn and Burnley
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town centres as it passes by, bringing an evocative sense of the landscape directly into these urban town spaces.
The Keepers The films follow five lone explorers as they traverse the landscape unfolding new narratives to us. The films run simultaneously with the keepers presented as silent witnesses. The keepers each take us on a different journey through the region embracing themes of human, mineral and natural energy. Together these films create a rich story that reflects the industrial, historical, natural and social heritage of this extraordinary region. The protagonists in the film are presented as keepers of this unique landscape. Below you will find a description of each film as presented in the simulation to the right.
The Keeper of the Water The first film follows a story of water and steam. We begin the journey amongst the rivers of the region which transport us to the relentless push and pull of the 1 8th century steam machines of Queen Street Mill, a site that the rivers would have once served. The film in part meanders on the surface of the canals, the industrial pathways of the North West which would have transported cotton, corn, coal and stone out of Lancashire. In these now quiet spaces, the still surface of the water holds the reflected images of the building so synonymous with Lancashire's industrial past. Conversely, in the film, planted nature is also reflected back to us in the pools and ponds of the urban parks which were donated by the pioneers of the industrial revolution. The Keeper of Water is Mary, a former mill operative who talks about her work in the mills and the changes that came
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about with the influx of the Asian community.
Keeper of Land
The Keeper of Stone
The Keeper of Land, Steve, takes us to a disused farm, a former coal quarry and into the forest. From here our attention is drawn to the act of The film show us epic and magnificent vistas of quarrying. We follow Lee, a Park Warden (and the Pennine Lancashire landscape contrasted Pixel Editor) and The Keeper of Stone, who takes with more detailed visual explorations of the us to the peculiar shaped rocks and heather natural surroundings. moorland of the Bridestones, poignantly evoked by Ted Hughes as a congregation of skies and Rugged ridges and bleak Pennine moors are stone. We follow Lee further as he takes us to revealed to us as we encounter a group of fell Rossendale Quarry, a former sandstone quarry. runners, "Keepers" who are clearly passionate about being in this ancient sublime landscape, These spaces evoke the days of hard work in the the origin of many myths. Steve, a local heritage landscape, of hand carving and hand power; a enthusiast, tells us the story of his coal mining trace of which is left in the piles of stones, one father who temporarily went blind after a rescue bearing an embedded chisel. Once places of incident in the pit. industrious activity these are now revealed to us as places of solitude and contemplation. Lee Keeper of Home retells stories that have been handed down to him of the mine and speaks of his profound The fourth film takes us very much into the 20th connection to these high altitude places. century and is set in a concrete works. The film depicts an industrial process of an incredible scale. The heavily industrialised buildings are covered in nine inches of dust which imbues this Page 24
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place with a sense of time and progress. The film follows the journey of the sandstone from the quarry to the furnaces of the factory. We follow a powerful and mechanised journey of precise engineering and science as this mineral is broken down, burnt and cooled and finally formed into a dust that is packed in bags to become concrete, the foundations of which make all of our homes.
very foundation needed to communicate in their new home, and an individual who served to "protect the realm", a foundation of any nation.
The Keeper of Wind
The final film takes us into the present and future of energy. Just as water was harnessed to create steam and wind power drove the mills, factories The Keepers of Home are Buldeep, a Kenyan and windmills of the past, wind is now harnessed Sikh and Elyias, a Yemeni Muslim, both of whom to provide energy to homes throughout the arrived in Blackburn in the 60s and 70s. In region. The film takes us closer into these eerie relation to this narrative of machine and concrete but energetic sites. We encounter The Keeper of we hear the personal and delicate stories of Wind, George, who looks after the wind farm. passage to the UK, from Buldeep, a retired Mesmeric, rhythmic and relentless, the windmills teacher of English to newly arrived immigrants, are a symbol of ingenuity and a beacon of hope and Elyias, one of the first Asians to serve in the in the face of an energy crisis. British Army in the UK. It seems poignant that The Keepers of Home are a former teacher who imparted language to people, giving them the
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About Beth Derbyshire Beth's work explores the way nature is used to represent social, cultural and political values. In turn she contributes to our cultural relationship to nature though her video and mobile art works that synthesize voice, music, words and image. She creates multi-layered projects through collaboration with individuals, groups and organisations, capturing and platforming "voice" through ephemeral works. Beth's subject matter comes from the public realm (current affairs). The nature of these projects is governed by the subject matter and formed through collaboration. The outcomes are defined by both of these factors. These multiple partnerships seek to cross industry sectors and to bring together many voices. Beth recently presented the extraordinary and acclaimed Rootless Forest in Birmingham and the Black Country. The Rootless Forest was a mobile artwork, a moving landscape and soundscape, a mini-forest made of real trees and a trilogy of choral/musical films sung live, Anthem soil planted on a boat that travelled along the explored ideas of nation through landscape and Birmingham Canals. song. Anthem launched as a hanging installation at the Eden Project with a live performance by Beth's other projects include Seven Seas and Stile Antico, an ensemble of young British singers Anthem. Seven Seas was a, seven-screen installation featuring seven bodies of water from based in Birmingham. the UK to the Pacific. Seven Seas opened as part of Project Ocean at Selfridges in 2011 . Producing Beth Derbyshire is currently the Wheatley fellow at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, she exhibits internationally and holds a BA from Ruskin, Oxford and an MFA from Chelsea College of Art. Beth has delivered a wide rage of public art projects over the last 1 5 years working with many different communities, including people from deaf communities, military planners, refugees and veteran groups. Amongst them are citywide projects in London and MontrĂŠ al, which resulted in events, performances, films and interventions through urban landscapes. www.bethderbyshire.com
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KAART Kaart is an exhibition ‘Art Trail’ organised by Sophie Skellern and Jessye Curtis. It was supported and funded by ‘O2 Think Bigger’ and combined work from both Cape Town and Lancashire artists. The exhibition took place between the 1 st-1 0th March and was spread across 5 venues throughout the town, with viewers being invited to navigate between the venues using a map (or Kaart if you are speaking Afrikaans.) It was a massive success for all those involved and hopefully caused a positive impact within the Blackburn community. The venues, some of them slightly unconventional spaces for exhibiting artwork, were:
Drumming, Portrait Painting and Sculpture. These were suitable for all ages and we received some excellent feedback from each. The drumming workshops took place over 4 sessions and involved participation with a few local organisations. These were Action Factory, who are a community arts group and ARC, who are an organisation that helps local asylum seekers and refugees within the community, many of African Heritage. Throughout the 4 sessions, we learned about the traditional African drums and techniques, basic drumming rhythms and also a traditional South African song to sing. After the final session, we gave a performance of 2 drumming pieces accompanied by our song, to the public to show off what we had been doing.
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery Bentleys (an old bank) Turtons (an old shoe shop) Blackburn Indoor Market Mercers (an old cookery shop)
Here is a link to a documentary that a student, Aaron Dunleavy, made about the exhibition https://vimeo.com/63534226
In each venue you could find an exciting mix of work from both African artists and from Artists based in Lancashire. There were 6 South African artists involved, 4 photographers, one illustrator and a design group. They all produced some fantastic work and it was brilliant having that participation and connection with artists so far away.
There were a total of 32 artists exhibiting within Kaart, all covering a variety of different genres. Here is a bit more information on a few of them
Artists:
South African Artists: Roger Adrian Williams
"As a firm believer in individual thinking and living Throughout the 1 0 days there were a wide range true to oneself without mental borders, my work of community involving activities and workshops, often explores the concept of freedom. The work a few of these being Story Telling, African from the Alles Roger collection explores the
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Roger Adrian Williams
concept of freedom in many different social, artistic and personal contexts. Influences ranging from music, current affairs and personal experiences all contribute to the body of work and its underlying message of freedom.
Roger Adrian Williams is a multiple awardwinning artist from Cape Town, South Africa. Working by day as an illustrator in the advertising industry, and by night as a visual artist in the entertainment industry, his work has reached clients from Europe to the Far East. While motion The additional artwork focuses directly on the and graphic design projects constantly pushes creative freedom of self-expression with little to his creative output, he regularly exhibits his art, no consideration of any preconceived notion of most recently highlighted by his acclaimed series what I personally may believe my art 'should' look of solo European Shows entitled Alles Roger. like or communicate to be 'successful' or www.rogeradrian.com 'acceptable'. These works are essentially an exercise in the playfulness and experimentation Piece Industries of creating art for the sake of the feelings or emotions that the creation process evokes. Est. 2011 Cape Town, South Africa I have created art for as long as I have lived. Even though art as a tool for communication is invaluable and of undeniable importance, I enjoy creating it as closely as possible to the way I first did, completely free from any external expectation.�
Piece Industries is a design studio based in Cape Town, South Africa. We focus upon merging extreme, freestyle sports with the creative expression of art, design, film and photography. Our objective is to create proudly South African products that integrate industries and build communities. We support environmental and
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marine awareness programs, as clean and safe playgrounds are the way to go :) Express your creativity and style! Our products are hand crafted, undergoing a screen print, cold press, mould and shape process which is executed to perfection giving each product its own individual flair. We collaborate with local illustrators and board riders to give the freshest finish to our deck artworks and performance! Enjoy your very own one of a kind action packed fun ;) Enjoy the ride!
Lancashire Artists Jessye Curtis Visiting Cape Town in 201 2 was a truly unforgettable experience as I found the circumstances of the trip very challenging. There was a strong element of poverty tourism inherent in some of the activities available to me, and I began exploring the notions of people as products. During the township tours, the guide took us round a particular route – along streets, different types of housing and a kindergarten then back onto the bus. Throughout, the tour the guide encouraged us to take pictures and go into the shacks. It was a very uncomfortable situation, which made me feel intrusive – entering someone’s home, taking pictures and leaving with no interaction. It was almost like looking round a human zoo.
Daveid Darbyshire
was faced with the challenge of capturing the essence of such a stunningly breathtaking city which has been built upon the harrowing history of segregation and slavery, something that has formed such a strong multicultural society in today's post apartheid world.
I wanted to make a series of short documentaries about the people, culture and history of the city which make it such a vibrant and colourful place Since coming home, although I have seen these to live. Whilst I was out there I independently organised interviews with a range of people and places and the people in my photographs. There’s an element missing – it doesn’t feel like it conducted video shoots to extract the stories was a real place, as my memory and the reality behind a range of people living in the city. It was an incredible experience, challenging at times but of it is blurred by the emotions. so rewarding that I truly believe the experience has taught me so much and has confirmed my Aaron Dunleavy passion for filmmaking that I want to pursue as a future career. In September of last year I went to Cape Town, South Africa as part of my studies at Blackburn Here is Aarons video piece that he exhibited in College on a Pre Degree Foundation in Art & Design, focusing on the Media Pathway. The visit Kaart https://vimeo.com/55869700 was an incredible and refreshing experience; I Page 31
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Daveid Darbyshire Daveid Darbyshire is currently studying Drawing and Image Making at the University of Central Lancashire, in Preston. Currently in his second year, Daveid has had a life long passion for creating images and art, previously to starting the course, Daveid had spent the last 26 years in the field of museum design, display and interpretation, including 1 6 years working for the Lancashire Countryside Service, 4 years with the South African National Military Museum in Johannesburg, as will as 6 years for the North West Museum Service, which was located in Griffin Lodge, Blackburn. Daveid's work draws upon these experiences in interpretation to tell a story, via the images and objects in a way that both engages and relates with the viewer. It is these experiences in South Africa that have driven the work in the exhibition. Both Blackburn and Cape Town have diverse cultures, each with it's own myths and legends, it is these rich traditions that bind communities, blending them together in one large melting pot.
possible, full of all sorts of different tastes. Layer by layer the Potjie is built.
Tokoloshe (Bed on Bricks)
Tradition magic and superstition have always formed an integral part of South African's indigenous folktales, and the Tokoloshe is a significant manifestation. Even today many still believe in the powers of the mischievous and sometimes evil, hairy sprites. Interestingly though, the belief in these water sprites has spread to all cultures in South Africa. The name "tokoloshe" is believed to be of Xhosa origin, but is used by all of the peoples of South Africa and is a wide spread belief. Originally a water sprite, the tokoloshe is nowadays often a domestic spirit in the households of witches and warlocks. Usually described as a brown, hairy dwarf, it is virtually identical, in habits and appearance to the brownie of European folklore. The witch keeps the tokoloshe docile by cutting the fringe of the hair that hangs over its eyes. If something goes missing, or something gets broken, "the Tokoloshe did it". The tokoloshe achieves Lancashire Potjiekos invisibility by means of a magic marble, which it keeps in its mouth. The creature is mischievous "Potjiekos" is a traditional Afrikaner dish, which and can be seen by children, but fortunately is originated with the Voortrekkers in the 1 800's and friendly towards them. The tokoloshe is invisible is still widely prepared and enjoyed in South to adults, but if you do see one, you should on no Africa today. It is a simple dish, easy to prepare, account annoy it by speaking to it, or pointing at with few 'rules' but with hundreds of variants. it. According to legend, the only way to keep the When done properly a "Potjie" needs little to no Tokoloshe away at night is to put bricks beneath supervision and practically prepares itself. This each leg of one's bed. To remove a Tokoloshe, allows you time to enjoy the company of your you will need the services of a witch doctor. friends and family while preparing the meal. In South Africa the potjieskos, literally translates to Sophie Cooper small pot food. It is a stew prepared outdoors, traditionally cooked in a round cast iron threeA truly exciting opportunity I couldn’t afford to legged pot, the food is placed in the pot layer by pass up, in September last year I was lucky layer. The potjie is found in the homes and enough to go on a trip to Cape Town as part of villages of people throughout southern Africa. We the Fashion and Textiles course at Blackburn may know it as a witch’s cauldron and the food College. I had the chance to experience South we would know as hot pot, Lancashire Hot Pot. African culture, visit art galleries, hike up Both regions are somewhat of a melting pot after mountains, see some beautiful wild life and enjoy all; each region has its own ingredients, its own the most amazing sights the city had to offer. variations, traditions and legends. If we throw everything together, give things a good stir and Unfortunately, I soon discovered that the lively leave to cook; overtime something delicious is and exciting place that is Cape Town is also Page 32
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Sophie Skellern
surrounded by the poverty and neglect of the Townships. Despite the poverty and poor conditions, people of the townships were some of the most inspiring people I have ever met because of their close-knit community and warm welcome into their homes. Although the tour was somewhat uncomfortable, it was an experience I will never forget and that I am extremely grateful for. Cape Town is such a lively exciting place to be, full of people from all walks of life, all willing to share their stories and heritage. I met some truly remarkable people whom I will never forget. I wanted to focus my work on the people and to communicate their stories through portraits and textile art.
Sophie Skellern sophieskellern@hotmail.com sophieskellern.tumblr.com
My work is an exploration into the home and the significance that this place has. As an installation artist who deals with space, my visit to Cape Town in September 201 2 was largely impacted by the contrast in exposure to space I had whilst out there. For example at the top of Lions head, one of the most distinguishable and striking mountains in the area, I was faced with the overwhelming views of scenery stretching for miles and miles and an endless horizon when looking out to sea. Cape Town really is a beautiful part of the world. However upon visiting the Langa Township on the outskirts of Cape Town, I encountered people who lived in such close proximity and with such little personal space that I found it almost impossible to comprehend. These experiences have stuck with me and since my return and I have tried to capture some of these feelings and experiences within my installation work. Page 33
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Jonathon Ollett
I am looking into bringing my African experiences back to Lancashire in a way that will hopefully make them approachable and provoke a positive and inquisitive response from my audience. I am interested in involving people within my art and have recently done things like cook traditional Cape Town dishes – ‘Tomatoe Breddie’ and ‘Bobotie’ - for a homeless shelter in Blackburn.
beauty of the environment and the natives of the region.
t.j.ollett@live.co.uk
Lion’s Head Mountain (Cape Town) is a recurring feature in my work and is a representation of primordial Africa. My portraiture of an actual South African native acts as a symbol of modernity and of urban Cape Town, transcending the primordial landscape. In much the same way, I reference the African flag, again a symbol of modernity and the development of the nation in a political sense.
My work derives inspiration from a trip to Cape Town, South Africa as part of my BA Fine Arts Degree at Blackburn College. The individual pieces I have created include elements of landscape and portraiture work (sometimes fused together) and are designed to reflect the interrelationship between the natural and physical
I have used oil paint, as it is a particularly viable medium to capture the earthy realism of the Cape Town landscape. I have also worked with pencils in a number of my pieces. These traditional mediums befit my desire to produce highly detailed and finite renderings of objective reality. I believe that traditional pencil drawing,
Jonathon Ollett
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exhibiting its subject matter through this finite detail is an alternative and effective way in which to communicate ideas particularly as an antithesis to contemporary art at large, which features high saturation of colour.
others, i.e. Richard, over a period of time. This painting holds this significant method through which a connection has developed between artist and sitter. The movement adds drama, a sense of urgency to document all that is being said in words and body language. For me, Finally, as part of my collection is a sculpture of a my work represents a form of visual springbok. This represents my desire to communication that has unwittingly fashioned a experiment with different media (the 3D quality is pathway to human relationships. appealing) and the subject matter belies an indigenous animal to southwestern Africa and is James Rawlings also iconographic of the South Africa International Rugby team. James.rawlings@blackburn.gov.uk
Mariam Iqbal mariamiqbal1 992@hotmail.com “Richard” Oil on Board 201 2-201 3 The pieces we see before our very eyes are the finished reworked conclusions of the thought process that takes place in the mind.
The inspiration and idea for this piece of work came directly form a recent trip to Cape Town, South Africa as part of my studies on a Fine Art (integrated Media) Degree at Blackburn College. And I created the idea shortly after visiting a Township named Langa, which was established as a suburb of Cape Town in 1 927. During a tour of the area with a local guide, we were able to see the full extent of the poverty stricken areas surrounding Cape Town. There was an abundance of empty new build houses, many re-occupied spaces, and many more of the self built ‘shanty’ shacks. I wanted to convey the complete desolation, emptiness and ever present poverty of suburbs such as that in Langa.
The intentions I held before travelling to South Africa were one of a liberal minded. I aimed to observe the ways of life and culture from a very unique aspect by getting to grips with the psychology of the people that lived there. My influences and progressions as a person acted as a vital component in combination with all other objects I encountered. We are so used to our home grown comforts, and we forget that the basic necessities we take On my return, I came to the realisation of just for granted are in fact a luxury to some. I will how much the characters I met in Cape Town had admit that parts of the tour disturbed me. I found shaped my perceptions when I began to draw myself feeling guilty and ashamed at the those around me. The painting “Richard” everyday things that I own and take for granted. demonstrates some of the characteristics that I have developed since then and represents the Cape Town, the inner city, is impressive and firm direction in which my work is headed. The much like any other major city in its grandeur, but build up of the paint marks represents the with such a rich yet turbulent multicultural history passing of time. it still did not fail to leave a lasting impression upon my life and soul. It is a rich, diverse, My study encircles the portrait. The investigation enthralling and evocative place with amazing of one’s thoughts and traits sits as a dominant people from all walks of life and their stories, theme in my pieces. As well as exploring my own hardships, triumphs and lives will forever be psychological tendencies through the medium of etched into my memories. self-portraiture, this trip enabled me to discover the ability to document characteristics seen in
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James Rawlings
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Jessye Curtis
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Piece Industries
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Mariam Iqbal
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Sophie Cooper
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Capturing Thrills & Spills at Colne Grand Prix The hill town of Colne is a perfect setting for the high speed Colne Grand Prix on Wednesday 1 7 July. Councillor Paul White who leads on tourism for race organiser Pendle Council says: “Thousands of people flock to Colne to see the UK’s top cyclists race in an exciting high speed free event. “We’re proud to support the Colne Grand Prix – and this is our tenth year!” “It puts Colne on the map, with coverage from British Eurosport TV and lots of the UK’s top sports photographers come to cover the event,” he adds. “It’s a real challenge for a photographer,” admits Pixel’s Editor, Lee Johnson. “Everything’s happening so fast and the year I was taking pictures the big race ended in a thunder storm and torrential rain! “It was pretty dramatic and the light, rain and speed made it an interesting event to try and capture,” he adds. “At first it can be hard to spot the Olympic and World champions battling it out in that blur of corporate sponsorship and lycra,” says Lee. “So the last lap when the top riders surge ahead
Image credit: Sarah Lee
is quite something to photograph,” he adds. The race, organised by Cycling Development North West and Pendle Council, is part of Britain’s Elite Men’s Circuit Series. Page 41
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Colne’s own 201 2 Olympic gold medallist Steven Burke MBE will be racing. Steven was awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire in this year’s New Year Honours for his services to cycling. Colne Grand Prix 2011 winner and fellow Olympic 201 2 gold medallist and MBE Ed Clancy has also signed up for the race. Another top rider we’ll be watching is Kristian House who rides with Rapha Condor. Pendle company, the national cottages4you, sponsors the event each year and have lots of keen cyclists on their staff. It’s a passion for them, too! “But it’s not all about high speed thrills and spills,” explains Mike Williams, Pendle Council’s Tourism Officer and one of the event organisers. “On the fun side, there’s a welcome return of the entertaining chopper bike dash with a Le Mans style start. “Local enthusiasts will race for their retro bikes and do two high speed laps. “It’s fun to watch and great to photograph,” he laughs. This year the chopper riders are taking part in a Bradley Wiggins lookalike side-burns competition -and that includes the women. Every year it gets madder! For the full programme go www.pendle.gov.uk/colnegrandprix
All images by Larry Hickmott/Velo UK
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Image Credit: Sarah Lee
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Image Credit: Sarah Lee
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