Weeknote 2025/04

Momentum : Keeping things moving.

I was included in an invite for an HR Curry last Tuesday, adeptly organised by the very kind Nick Court. Nick is a lovely guy to be around, and he I chatted over dinner about momentum, after I explained I am feeling refocused and currently being more proactive. Nick talked about moving forward, not always in a hurry, not always in huge strides, but moving. He likened this to how certain species of shark need to keep moving forward in order to keep breathing and stay alive. I’m no shark - but the point was well made.

When it comes to keeping things moving I’m noticing changes both in spotting and responding to opportunities for work. I’m trying to figure out what good productive labour looks like, and for me - increasingly it needs to have community at the heart.

Pre covid I traveled quite a lot for work. I enjoyed it and it takes a toll, and it’s environmentally unstable too. Post covid - much of my work has a more local flavour, and while I remain open to the possibilities of traveling further to do good work - that’s significantly less of a motivating factor for me now. So it came to pass that I’ve had 2 more interviews for work projects this week, 1 didn’t go any further, and 1 did. Let’s get the unsuccessful attempt out of the way first.

Interviews

Last year I studied at The Art Academy - and I really enjoyed it, so when they advertised for someone to manage their portfolio of short course - I applied and was invited for an interview. Had this developed, it would have marked a significant shift for me workwise - as the role is full time five days a week in London. My excellent friend Meg Peppin met me at Terry’s Cafe (a superb place to eat) before the interview and we chatted usefully about how things might unfold. The Art Academy had sent me some data which they’d asked me to consider and discuss how I might use it to make changes. I liked this approach. I enjoyed chatting with Meg about this - and I enjoyed talking some ideas and questions through with the people interviewing me. They chose not to go any further with me but they got some excellent free consulting, and that’s fine. Don’t tell anyone, but I’ve become quite glad this didn’t proceed.

That second interview I mentioned also went well and this one will see me doing some work with a local charity, Sutton African Caribbean Cultural Organisation. I am really excited about this work - it will expose me to aspects of local culture in our borough that I am keen to know much more about, and my skills are an excellent match for the work the charity needs help with, so I’m confident this is going to be a great fit for both of us. Things are developing nicely - but what else is going on?

Supporting Sutton Community Farm

I’ve had a relationship with our fantastic local farm since it opened in 2010, a blend of work and volunteering. I’m lending a hand for a few weeks with delivery driving - while a regular driver is away. This sees me carefully packing a van full of lovely veggies, bread, eggs, etc - and tootling off to Catford, Blackheath, Lee, and Lewisham. It amazes me that a tiny urban farm in Wallington has customers right into London. I like this work because there’s a lot of customer interaction - people pleased to see me - and I like being a public face of the farm. It’s tempting to badge this kind of work as ‘menial’, but I think that’s unfair. In the case of Sutton Community Farm - they make me feel like I’m part of the team - doing important work. I think a lot of us could learn from their approach.

Grants

I’m the Programme Manager for a local arts charity, Arts Network Sutton, and we closed the application window on our 2025 grants programme on Friday. This is important work for us - supporting local artists to design and deliver creative work that bring real benefit to resident in our Borough. It’s tough work too - carefulyl and fairly assessing everyone’s good ideas - knowing we won’t be able to fund all of them. We’ll get stuck into the job of assessing applications very soon - I can’t wait to see what people have proposed this time around.

Wandering

With everything else going on I’m a little surprised I’ve walked on average, just over 11.5km a day for the past week. Being outdoors is vital for me. Time in nature is never a waste and I appreciate giving myself time to think too. Out and about this week I had a feeling I was being watched…

Little Owl on an ash tree along Telegraph Track

After this wonderful sighting I got home and wrestled a poem of sorts onto paper.

Looking At You

I live in the ash tree

Down the end of the lane

And on a fine day

If you approach just right

Look carefully

Wait patiently

You might find me

Sunning myself

Scanning the hedgerows

Just like you’re scanning my tree

I was lookin' back to see

If you were lookin' back at me

To see me lookin' back at you
(with apologies to Massive Attack)

Time To Go

It would be remiss of me not to mark the passing of one of punk’s true pioneers. Brian James - founder of The Damned, died last week aged 70. His time with the band was brief but iconic - James wrote pretty much all of the first two albums before leaving the band to pursue other musical interests. I didn’t see him perform with the band in that first incarnation - but I did get to a reunion gig in 2022 where the original line up played together for a short tour.

Brian James featured in a piece of art I made for ‘Cut, Spray and Pray’, a stencil art exhibition in Peterborough. Each artist submitted up to three pieces and I chose the theme of Identity for my work. All three pieces were sprayed onto old vinyl LPs and I chose a version of The Damned’s first album cover as one of my submissions.

Damned Damned Damned - single layer stencil and spray paint on vinyl.

Coincidentally - Nick Court has a copy of this design after he spotted it online.

That’s it for another weeknote - other than to say I’ve seen my first butterflies of 2025 in recent days. Several Brimstones, and this morning I spotted this Peacock sunbathing. <3

Laughing Down The Lane

Turning a walk to work into a poem.

Carole spots a redwing, barely a metre away

A striking beauty

The drill of the great spotted woodpecker 

Industrious nature

An exhaled sigh of a greenfinch from its familiar tree, and then another

I can’t help but feel uplifted when I hear that red listed call

The sparrows chat incessantly

And in the breaks, a robin’s beautiful song fills the sky

On the wire, the slightest movement caught my eye

As a kestrel gently airs its wings 

And all the while, unseen in the distance, a green woodpecker calls, calls, calls

Laughing down the lane

A green woodpecker - blending in perfectly with its surroundings. I spotted this one in the garden.

Week Note 2025/03

When the world feels like it’s collapsing, where should we look for hope? Geopolitics is so fragile right now. Trump is a fascist, a white supremacist, a convicted felon, a proven liar - yet somehow he’s currently (dis)gracing The White House - the American people, and hey - just about everybody else too. With this as a backdrop, what have I been up to?

Architecture, Design, Connections

I spent Tuesday in a less familiar part of London - appreciating some street art around Whitecross Street, and some stunning design work too. I caught up with Mark Catchlove at the stunning new Miller Knoll showroom right by St John’s gate. I’ve not seen Mark for a while - and I was welcomed like an old friend.

After taking in a mix of fascinating history and contemporary design, we made our way towards Soho together for the launch of a new book by Gary Cookson, titled ‘Making Hybrid Working Work’. The launch event was interesting to me for two reasons. First - the content and the discussion, and second, though definitely more important, the connections made with several good people who I’ve not seen for a very long time.

Post covid, I’ve drifted into a habit of keeping myself much more to myself - and I was genuinely uplifted by how many people welcomed me, and spent time with me. I’m often my own worst enemy; a client once called me ‘terminally self deprecating’. Harsh, but at times fair. I always knew this excursion would be enjoyable and useful - and it was far more than that. This time spent with good people feels like it has really unlocked something in me. If you’ve been feeling a bit withdrawn lately - I get it - and maybe after reading this - you’ll feel motivated to reconnect with good people you know too?

Mark Catchlove and yours truly - taken at Gary Cookson’s book launch. Photo © Mark Catchlove

The Seeker

I’ve been largely ‘gigging’ for work since 2009, and while this has undoubtedly provided me with some amazing opportunities - it’s a way of working that can often feel quite relentless. Blending delivery of work to a really high standard, with an almost constant need to seek out more, takes a toll.

After my cousin Audrey died in 2023, I took on the responsibility of dealing with her affairs. I was happy to do this - and it required my attention, focus, and effort, to the extent that other work slowed somewhat. Once my work as executor (a horrible term for a really important job that needs kindness and patience) was done, the reluctant, more withdrawn version of myself struggled to move on.

In addition to more conscious reconnecting with people, I’m being much more intentional about seeking out work, and I’m pleased to say that two new projects have come my way this week. One is a small seed, from which something interesting may or may not grow. The other is bigger, and potentially more regular too. Both projects have community at their heart - and that suits me fine.

Talking of Community…

We have a splendid venue here in Sutton - The Sound Lounge. It’s a safe welcoming place to eat, drink, listen, laugh, and much more. This week, they organised a multi-faith & community gathering. I went along representing myself and Arts Network Sutton, our local arts charity. We heard excellent stories from around 14 different groups - all doing good work in the borough. People came along and shared in a way that encouraged us all to welcome and celebrate opinions, beliefs, and leanings different to our own, and to appreciate the power of conversation.

I feel fortunate to live in a place where this is happening - it is much needed.

Being in Nature

In what has been a pretty hectic week - I also found time to get out and talk with the birds. We have a tree on a nearby farm track where I often stop to chat - and the song thrush was extremely happy to oblige with some beautiful conversation.

Week Note 2025/02

How late is too late? Better late than never? Who knows - and given that it’s ‘only’ been 8 days since the last one in this fledgling weeknote run - I’m not going to beat myself up about it (much).

Working With Uncertainty

I ran a workshop this week. The theme was ‘The Returning Light Of Spring’, playing with a sense of renewal. However, as we began experimenting with unfamiliar materials (my invitation to the group included working with ink and bleach), it quickly became much more about going with the flow - letting go of expectations.

Take a look at some of the amazing art that emerged from the session. Not everything ‘worked’ but we had time to try and try again and I think you’ll agree our persistence paid off.

Thanks to all our creative guests and our wonderful hosts at The Sun. We’re back again on March 18th, with a session blending some Chinese calligraphy with our own Chinese Zodiac animals. I’ve been asked to being the ink and bleach along again. Feel free to join us.

Ecocide on The River Wandle

Back in 2015 I sold the first piece of art on my Etsy shop. It was a quick sketch of a kingfisher, observed as a rare chance encounter on The River Wandle. In the ten years since I made that piece - my kingfisher sightings along the river have increased - and they are always joyful encounters - a positive sign of the interconnected nature systems in our neighbourhood.

The River Wandle, our precious, rare chalk stream is once again under attack from humans. This week it’s not the water companies discharging raw sewage, but a 4,000 litre diesel leak instead.

Like so many of us who enjoy much of what this fascinating river has to offer - I’m upset and angry - and experiencing a deep sadness too.

Right now, I can't bring myself to walk the riverbank with which I've become so familiar over the years. I dread to think how the many species of birds, plants, fish, animals, and invertebrates are coping with the disaster we’ve unleashed. The South East River Trust have a crowdfunder to help raise money to assess and try to right some of the damage - if you feel able to suport this important work - you can do so here.

Stylised kingfisher stencil on hardwood ply.

Decluttering

Carole has had the last week off work - and we decided to finally get stuck into Project Loft. We’ve been in our house since 2007 and much of the crap important stuff we stored up in the loft on our arrival - has remained untouched. In the meantime, the people who replaced our loft made a huge mess up there - everything has been covered in dust and debris which has made this huge task seem even more daunting.

After more hours than I care to mention - we’ve carefully removed much of the mess, and at the same time - gone through boxes unopened for almost 20 years, and sorted through everything. We’re keeping some stuff, selling some, donating some, and we’ve taken two full car loads to the recycling centre. It’s been filthy messy work - but we’ve made great progress and rediscovered some important things along the way. It was a particularly poignant moment when I reacquainted myself with my late great grandfather, who died fighting in WWI.

Private George Low. Killed in action in France on 13th November 1916 right at the end of the Battle of The Somme.

Week Note 2025/01

‘The Path’ - my Artist’s Book exploring the dialogue between me and the nature I encounter on the walk to work.

I follow a number of people who write week notes - a summary of what’s going on for them. In an attempt to get some more regular writing going - I thought I’d give this a shot. In case you’re interested - the 02/02 signifies this note relates to the second week in February. I’m curious to see how I feel about the process - and how (in)frequently I am motivated to make this work. Here goes…

Say It Out Loud

A while back - I put myself through the wringer of weekly live music open mics for a period of around 6 months. I performed songs written by other people and I found it really tough. Last week I took part in my first poetry open mic. Reading my own words in front of a live audience of around 50 people was a first for me - and though a bit nervous - I found the experience freeing, and uplifting. Maybe doing my own thing rather than covering someone else’s helped make a difference? I don’t know, but I am motivated to do more of this work - watch this space :) If you’re interested - the poem follows after this photo.

Ahh, the excitement/fright/excitement of doing something for the first time! Photo courtesy of Tiffany Tondut

What Is Poetry?

What on earth is poetry? I haven’t got a clue

When you write, does rhyming matter? I thought I’d ask you

A written, spoken story. Stanzas, verses, lines, and bars

From the deadly serious. Through anger, loss, love, and farce

You see what I did there? I tried to force a rhyme

Some writers think that’s evil.

Artistic licence? Or a poet’s crime

And here I am. Four verses in. This thing has got no structure

But if I just keep on speaking speaking speaking speaking

We shall arrive at the juncture

Of where this thing just

Slows for a moment and then

Becomes a haiku.

And I’m sure that someone told me. When you get towards the end

Tell ‘em what you told ‘em. Bring them round again

So, what on earth is poetry? I haven’t got a clue

When you write, does rhyming matter? I don’t know, how ‘bout you?

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

I recently caught up with a friend who asked me ‘Are you submitting work to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition this year?’ I said I wasn’t sure and my friend replied, ‘It’s always so exciting to see you putting your work forward’. Buoyed by this encouragement - I chose to submit ‘The Path’, an Artist’s Book about journeying to (my place of) work. I have a 100% record of not getting picked for this well known show - and I have submitted the best I have to offer. Regardless of what comes next - I’m grateful to my friend for her supportive nudge.

On The Wing

Marbled White butterfly, photograph taken by Doug Shaw in Queen Mary’s Woodland, June 2023

I’m writing this during odd times. My cousin Audrey died recently. There is grief in the air, and the smell of old paperwork fills the office as I trawl through a long, analogue life, sorting papers, registering the death, and arranging the funeral. Alongside all this bereavement ‘stuff’ sit many happy memories, I guess I’m feeling sadly grateful?

I live on the edge of town. Close enough to shops, trains, buses and the convenience of suburban life, and close enough to open fields, parks and woodlands too. Walking has long been my preferred mode of transport; for work, exercise, and just for the hell of it too. Walking is a lovely way to clear the head, and with everything else that’s going on, it’s proving even more beneficial lately.

A while back, my partner Carole and I decided we’d like to walk The Thames Path, and we’ve been nibbling away at stretches of the river around London. It’s a fascinating walk, taking in the old and new, the urban, the rural, and all points in between. Most recently we walked from London Bridge to Greenwich, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, and Deptford before arriving at the Cutty Sark.

This section of the Thames Path seems to have very few people on it. Beyond Tower Bridge until just before Greenwich, we were surprised at how peaceful the trail is here, given its proximity to Central London. Among the urban quiet, there are signs of nature. Trees poke through the tarmac and serve as places for birds and insects to rest and feed for birds and insects.

Since I was a kid, I’ve been interested in birds, and more recently, I’ve also become much more aware of other winged creatures we share our space with, butterflies and moths. I’m no expert but I’m enjoying drifting from ‘Ooh look, a butterfly’, more towards, ‘Hey – a Speckled Wood, how lucky am I’.

On this section of trail, we saw fewer birds than usual. A few gulls, moorhen, pigeons, and mallards. Then, just as we passed Greenland Dock, I spied a Great Crested Grebe, bobbing on the water looking a bit out of place on such a wide, urban section of the river. The bird lifted our already good spirits, and we finished the walk, stitching together a 58km long continuous stretch of the path. So far, we’ve walked from Hampton Court Palace all the way to the Thames Barrier.

Before heading home, we had a quick look around a few market stalls in Greenwich and I was fortunate to spot a beautiful set of ‘Butterfly and Moth’ Gallaher cigarette cards, issued in 1938. They are in superb condition, and I paid just £15 for the complete set.

Spring is here, and as we continue our adventures into more rural surroundings, I am confident we’ll start to see more butterflies. This year, I’ll choose to acknowledge them in memory of Audrey. Who knows, I may even spot some previously unseen species too. On the wing, taken by the breeze.

Remembering Audrey Hilda Oatley. 05/12/1935 : 10/04/2023

This post was originally written in April 2023 as my contribution to ‘For The Culturally Curious Zine 02 ~ AIR’, a limited edition zine compiled and published by Emma at Brazilarte. It’s a lovely publication - you can get one here, while stocks last.

Where Do (Good) Ideas Come From?

Where Do (Good) Ideas Come From?

At my last open studios I had a table covered in drafts, sketches, doodles, and scribblings. It was called 'Where Do Good Ideas Come From?' and it proved very popular - I think partly because people enjoy seeing what goes on ‘behind the scenes’.

The smaller image seen below is a print taken from a small linocut - an early attempt at visualising a leaf as some kind of map, or a series of pathways?

It’s a simple design, nothing special on its own, yet it led me to the larger drawing - which is loosely based on the furrows in the fields, and rows of veggies at Sutton Community Farm. I imagined this map to have magical properties, and if you could figure out how to trace the lines on the land, something spectacular would reveal itself (whuh...?).

A version of the larger drawing appeared in the centre of my SpellBound book, a 20 page concertina fold out, full of patterns and more imagined magic, based on local woods, parks, and farmland. The contents of the book emerged from a series of experiments, playing with patterns, and seeing how different tools and materials interact with one another. Curiosity at work.

The finished article took many hours to make - and the cutting room floor was littered, both with failures and successes. Many of the sweepings from the floor went on to feature in the work I’m doing now. Persistence in practice.

Where do (good) ideas come from? I think they come from simply doing the work.

In conversation with Sharon Green about getting started, I noted:

It often feels tricky to find time, to start, but five minutes here and there, and we're off. I read elsewhere about someone struggling to begin an important project. The importance seemed to be acting as a drag weight - inhibiting the start, the commencement. Two quotes were offered into the mix as potential ways to lessen that weight...

“Nothing happens until something moves” A.Einstein

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" P. Picasso

I notice I am capable of coming up with a million thoughts and reasons why something else needs to get in the way, yet the feeling of just sitting down and doing the work, can be very freeing. This little doodle, which emerged as I idly waited for something to start on the telly last night - is already generating ideas for a workshop happening tomorrow.

Be curious, start something, keep going.

An extract from SpellBound: Slight Return, published by Colossive Cartographies

Love is…

Love is… Hand cut stencils and spray paint on vintage sheet music, by yours truly.

blind?

all around?

a many splendoured thing?

a bit awkward?

It’s all of the above and more, I expect. It’s also something I’ve been curious about for years - yet in a broader workplace context, it’s something we don’t talk about much…if at all. I recently had the opportunity to take my thinking into a more communal space, courtesy of an experiment called The Love Lab, run by Helena Clayton.

I headed into London - carrying a useful mix of curiosity and nerves. What did I find? Our time together is confidential so I’m not going to share any specific details - instead here are a few words to describe how I experienced the day as it unfolded.

A welcome opportunity to explore love in a broad context. Lots of questions surfaced, including: What is love? What gets in the way? How can I connect with it? With just the right level of guidance, Helena led us through some fascinating, gently challenging and at times moving work. I loved the invitation to journal our own thoughts as we worked. Coincidentally I had recently received some new reading material from the excellent Colossive Press. Contained in the package was a beautiful handmade concertina notebook in which I scribbled my thoughts on the day.

Our time together passed so quickly, and I noticed as the session ended, how safe everyone felt.

If you get the opportunity to attend a future Love Lab - please take it.

My Love Lab journal - handmade by the good people at Colossive Press - sticker adornment by yours truly