An Inspiring Bus Ride

Wow a recent a-n magazine literally blew me away. With an 8 month back log of a-n mags I decided to delve into the most recent release. Daniel Fawcett's view on art & film really got me thinking.                            

'Today's culture is a tired man - he trudges along overweight and sick, replete with things no longer good for him.  He needs a new art. That art is film.'

Reading the magazine also opened my mind to the idea of studying for an MA, I feel like I may have reached the point where I am 'ready'.  Reading the magazine, questions were ticking over in my mind, what makes these artists go for it? Is an MA the turning point for artists, where their work really takes a hold of them and their style really sets in?  Am I pining for that deep submerging of mind and soul into the depths of study and questioning?

Returning Home

Returning home...what a weird feeling it was! For the first few days well the first week in fact, I just didn't feel myself at all - I felt like I wasn't really here! Everywhere I went, I felt dazed and distracted but an unexpected afternoon on a boat turned into a refreshing and inspiring cruise through the waterways of Manchester, a great welcome home :)

There are things in life that cannot be beaten :)

Ashworth BBQ...whatever the weather

The Scenic Way Home - Arriving & Leaving

Arriving in Washington I was so full of emotions, we had finally reached our last stop...the end of a 32 week working and travelling adventure. I felt ready to cry at any moment.  But not out of complete sadness, I also felt happy and overjoyed for what we had achieved, the wonderful places we had seen and the journey we had gone through together. 

A beautiful row of houses, just over the road
from the White House!

With four nights in this city we were going to make the most out of these last few days :)  From start to end this short stay was intense, I think that is one of the best ways to describe it.  The Government, the military and the endless war history all seem to dominate this city in quite an intimidating and aggressive way but beneath this there is a clean, impressive city to be explored. Dodging the uniformed figures and security checks we found some great drinking holes and eateries and even managed to squeeze in a day out to Baltimore :) 

Sketching in absolute peace :)

Many hours were spent exploring the vast museums, soaking up the artwork and artefacts.  My favourite moment was when I discovered the quiet courtyard set in the middle of the Arthur M. Sackler gallery. It was so peaceful and a great escape from the over admitted museums along the Mall.  In this moment I sat and thought and sketched and it was wonderful.

With our flight date fast approaching it was hard to imagine that within a few days we would be back on English soil! But that day did arrive...and wow it was an amazing feeling.  Seeing England for the first day after 8 months was unbelievable.

Peering out to the land below, I was crying tears of joy, relief, excitement to see my family and friends and anticipation of what will come next.

Things to be surely missed - all those delightfully blue skies, the laid back lifestyle of Australia, New Zealand and Big Island, the delicious flavours of Fiji, the longboards of Waikiki, the humid wall of heat that hits you leaving bars at 3am, running along the beach at sunset, sitting on the rocks at Coolangatta watching the world go by...

Things to look forward to - ahhhh home sweet home, hills - big rolling green ones :), living without the fear of snakes or sharks, woolly winter coats, my studio den and most importantly this next chapter in my life.....

The Scenic Way Home - The Last Stretch Of Road

Driving from Charleston up to Washington was an interesting experience, an insight into the weird and wonderful ways of America. A short stop in Myrtle beach was cut even shorter when we realised how uninteresting it was. The most 'beautiful' thing I could find was the bird illustration on the motel sign!  But for me, the most enjoyable part of this drive was not the stops we made but the sitting, drifting, looking out of the car window looking at the little towns and villages that we were moving through.  I was fascinated by the homes I saw, the green lush grass surrounding the houses. The lack of fences and pavements, instead just endless green :) 

And then when the land opened up you would get a glimpse of these ramshackle sheds and buildings. Beautiful pastels; pale turquoise and soft peach.  When finally arriving at our motel for the night, we could feel a change in temperature, the humidity had gone and we knew we were getting closer to home.

Charleston, South Carolina

The next place we arrived at was Charleston and it turned out to be one of my favourite places.  I loved this little city for its wonderful architecture and undeniable charm. Like Savannah, here in Charleston there was a real sense of history and culture.  The food was hearty and delicious and the people were so friendly.

Walking around the streets, the sun was shining bright creating the most wonderful shadows on the ground and I couldn't help but stare at the fabulous homes that we walked past.  I was so taken by the beautiful colours of the stone, the letter boxes, the blossoming flowers...I was mesmerised! And by night it became an enchanting place..a mixture of relaxed dining, casual drinking and even rooftop swimming...you choose :)

Rooftop pool bar :)

Inspiration in Savannah

Walking along the streets of Savannah, with only the glow from shop windows and a few street lights, I couldn't help but notice this special little gallery.  I loved this particular piece. A beautiful culmination of painting, sculpture and light.