NEW MUSIC: Artcha ‘AVALANCHE’ ft. Benny Bizzie

Artcha James

“Don’t fall a victim to your fears… must be a story to your tears”

The song is called Avalanche to depict what can happen when one event goes unnoticed and can lead to catastrophic events.

Current location: North London
Current happiness levels out of 10: 6
Favourite film: Do The Right Thing (Spike Lee)
Favourite musician: Difficult but I have to say the late great TY was and is phenomenal 
Favourite artist: I am obsessed with Eska. She is out of this world
Favourite book: Brave New World
Favourite colour: Blue

Hey Artcha how you doing!? How is 2020 going for you!?!?! So your new release Avalanche was released at midnight ‘last’ night. What’s the track about?

Strange times, right? Understatement. Weirdly enough Avalanche was written and recorded before recent events (lockdown, George Floyd) which actually speaks for itself as this is exactly how I felt in general back in February. I had written the first verse in Jan originally for an extended freestyle I wanted to record but the more I read the lyrics, the more it was obvious this was actually the beginning of ‘a’ song (the music had not been written yet). As the year progressed and I found time to compose, the melody hypnotised me for a week and I hadn’t written any drum pattern or baseline, I was just obsessed with this melody that was forming. It felt haunting yet angelic and there was something anti-cerebral about the process.

It sounds cliche but the song began to write itself…

I just need to catch up to the pace of mind. I heard it before it was finished. From this point I knew I had a song, it was just missing another verse and a chorus. Originally I wanted several artists on the song so I sent it out to about seven artists… but no-one replied…Lol (there is a lesson here).

Released 5th June 2020

Anyway I continued adding to the record with various sounds and different arrangements and finally an artist came back to me. Benny. However we are now in full lockdown so collaborating in the studio was a no no. Thankfully, Benny has his own set up and was able to record at home. For context, Benny was planning to have a musical break at the moment he received my call… thank God he changed his mind! Our chemistry from a distance was great, we began to be in constant communication about ideas, direction, details in my verses that would shape his chorus. Long story short through various voice notes, texts and emails we began to shape Avalanche. 

You’re releasing this during the George Floyd tragedy in America and #blacklivesmatter. Was the timing of it’s release purposeful?
What is so uncanny, is the timing of the song. We scheduled the release at the beginning of May – song was mixed and mastered, artwork had been signed off and the campaign had begun.

All before the disgusting murder of George Floyd and the protests in America and now London. As time was getting closer to our release date I became nervous and felt uncomfortable releasing music at such a time. I did not want to self promote when there were bigger more important issues to focus on. However, talks with the Club FRSHRZ team and Benny made me realise, actually, this song in retrospect was prophetic and was timely and spoke to the feelings of the time. We must release it.  

Can you introduce us to @bennybizzie
I love the fact you picked out “Don’t fall a victim to your fears… must be a story to your tears” as it is one of my favourite lines from Benny. Benny Bizzie is an incredible singer-songwriter from North London and you all need to follow him and listen to his extensive catalogue. I am really thankful, proud, overwhelmed and empowered about Avalanche, the responses have been incredible, many connected with the song personally. 

You mention MC Hammer – was he a big influence in your music?!

Lol. Yes! MC Hammer was a legend growing up, me and my sister used to practise dance moves to his videos. I also admire what he did for popular Hip-Hop, a really important link in the chain to many artists after him. Plus its a great double entendre. 

 
What are your influences musically wise – and who should we be listening to!? 
Undoubtedly, TY, Radiohead, Mos Def, Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Wretch 32 and you all need to listen to ESKA and her 2015 album of the same name. 


How is your corona lockdown going!? 
It’s tricky. I’ve experienced personal tragedy so of course I feel cheated. My big bro TY was just one of those tragedies. On the other side it has forced me to be more creative. I became a film-maker. lol. Filmed, edited, storyboarded and animated my first music video/short film. Thank God for Amazon prime, YouTube tutorials and bottomless creativity!

So sorry to hear this. Xx

 You’re releasing this during the George Floyd tragedy in America. Was the timing of it’s release purposeful? 
This is a great question and the question I expected from many, but as I explained earlier this was completely unplanned by me, us, but I do believe God has a different plan. I believe that more now that it has been released from the reactions we are receiving. The making of the video was heavily influenced by recent events hench the phrase ‘I can’t breathe’ because I wanted to document this moment in history more explicity than the lyrics of the song.


“Enhance the youth and tell the truth to yourself and mean it…”I love that sentence.. can you expand on this.. 
Thank you. It is a motto I try to live by. I think our responsible is to ensure the next generations have guidance and encouragement but in order to be fully effective we have to be true to ourselves and admit where we have gone wrong.

“I see injustice and my blood boils and curdles they speak more Gummidge than Wurzel.. I got my ‘Blue Peter’ Badge in survival…” can you expand…
Ha. Yes I do like to include pop culture references for those of a similar age or experience. The start of that lyric is raw and really reflects how much corruption we have experienced, this is countered with ‘Gummidge’ suggesting sh*t or rubbish and by saying I got my Blue Peter badge I am suggesting we have been here before, we have the t-shirt, the official badge! More metaphors and double entendres. Sometimes only I get it.  


You’re based in Tottenham – how has it been in that area with the protests and lockdown? 
Tottenham is a real community area contrary to media publicity, people generally look out for one another – it is so diverse it would be extraordinary to witness blatant racism or discrimination. A few protests have passed through the area, all calm and specific. I have noticed a heavier police presence all of a sudden. Regarding lockdown, again the community has complied with government rules, forming nice queues outside of Tesco.  

How do you believe we can all support #blacklivesmatter … how can people become more educated – do you have any links to films or significant documentaries that you believe are an important watch? 
I truly believe more open forums are the best ways to learn and educate ourselves. I think not having the conversation at all is unhealthy but I understand some people may be uncomfortable, but regardless the conversations need to be had, not lectures, but conversations with questions and informed responses. There is too much online and I would not want to direct people to unvalidated sources. Speak, talk, discuss, learn. I think we should all invest in Black owned business, media platforms and of course education. The curriculum in the UK urgently needs to change to reflect the ethnicity of our schools. The song is called Avalanche to depict what can happen when one event goes unnoticed and can lead to catastrophic events.


How do you write your music – does it just flow!? Or do you sit down to write?
How long is a piece of string? It varies. Lines will come to me shopping or walking through the park. I do like to write lyrics to music to really capture the energy of the song and the cadence but Avalanche came in parts and I put it together like a meal or a puzzle, Benny added the spices. Benny and I recently talked about the writing process and it seems I lean more into writing on my phone then on paper; a sharp contrast from the yesteryears of multiple A4 books (I still have these from the early days).

What book are you currently reading?! 
At the moment I am reading ‘Battlefield of the Mind’ by Joyce Meyer and recently finished ‘Shoe Dog’ by Phil Knight – I like contrasts.   

Favourite 80s film!
Oooh. This is almost impossible. My favourite century of film. For today it will be ‘The Breakfast Club’, tomorrow it will be Platoon.  

Your song talks about the PM and him being untrustworthy – thoughts on Boris.. and er Trump..
….I have no good words to say about them.

Heh heh. Fair enough. If you enjoyed this – then please share, tweet and support.

You can purchase Avalanche HERE! Watch the video again HERE!

If you enjoyed this – then please share, tweet and support. Oh I just said that.

Thanks for reading.. BeckiBXx

#avalanche #blacklivesmatter @Artcha @clubfrshrz and distribution @believemusic_uk

You can hear more from Artcha here:

My albums #urbantalesvol1 and #urbantalesvol2 are now on my artcha.bandcamp.com

Follow:
ohDearyme
ohDearyme

INTERVIEW: #HAIR DIRECTOR SERGIO GIANNASSO #LONDON

INTERVIEW: #HAIR DIRECTOR SERGIO GIANNASSO #LONDON


Carpe Diem

An ohDearyme Interview with Sergio Giannasso by Becki Burrows

From: Puglia, Italy

Current location: Covent Garden, London

Current happiness levels out of 10: 11 (Becki: ‘ooh nice one!)

Favourite film: Dirty Dancing

Favourite musician: Giacomo Puccini

Favourite artist: Henri Matisse

Henri Matiss

Favourite book: Dark fire by C.J.Sansom

Dark Fire

 

Favourite colour: Fuchsia (Becki: google tells me that.. fuchsia is another name for magenta sometimes described as hot pink, reddish-purple, vivid pink and light purple).

magenta-fuchsia-crayola

Brief synopsis: Owner & Creative Director of Giannasso Hair & Beauty

QUESTIONS:

You started out as an apprentice at 19 and spent five years blowdrying hair… and have trained and worked with some of the worlds biggest brands in the hairdressing industry – including Charles Worthington. I found you to be very down to earth and friendly – how do you keep your ego at bay in an industry like this?

By being myself and keeping my feet on the ground! I always remember my main goal is to please my clients whilst creating a great bond with them & maintaining professionalism.

What was it about styling hair that attracted you?

The art of it.

You run the self-titled shop Giannasso Hair & Beauty in Covent Garden – why London?

I feel it’s the heart of the world and not too far from home.

Sergio Giannasso

Who are your style icons?

Italian film actress – Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren

Actress Sophia Loren

You styled David Hasselhoff’s aka “The Hoff”‘s hair! How was he? Do you have a picture? Awesome!

He knew exactly what he wanted but took my professional advice.

David Hasselhoff

Sergio with David Hasselhoff @DavidHasselhoff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You love to bake at home  – and serve your special alcohol free recipes (Tiramisu) to your clients which is a lovely touch! What is it you love about baking?

I’m afraid you don’t bake tiramisu! (ME: Oops).. I love that unique touch. The recipe was passed on from my Grandma- it’s her secret recipe!

sergio giannasso

There is only one store so far – do you see yourself expanding soon? I have big dreams & why not!

From my experience of your salon – your staff seem to be having a lot of fun, yet very professional – a warm and relaxing atmosphere – is this the Italian ethos? This is what I have always wanted with my salon, a professional but charismatic team- I think that’s what makes us special!

What styles in hair would you say, in your opinion, are hot right now?

For me ‘what’s hot right now’ doesn’t exist, it’s what should be tailored to you. I believe the hair cut has to work with you, not the other way round.

What do you enjoy about the creative process of styling?

Being able to emphasise the best features in my clients and bring out the best in them.

You are award winning tell us a little about those awards…

I get great satisfaction for being recognised for showing that special magic touch! We won best team/service at the London Hair and Beauty Awards 2016. I’m very proud to say we have just found out we won Gold for Best Hair Salon and Best Colour Technician, as well as, Silver for Best Hair Stylist of the year at this year’s British Hair & Beauty Awards 2017!

What else do you offer in store?

I like to think of the salon as a ‘one stop shop’. We offer a wide range of hair services, beauty treatments, make-up and also offer bridal packages.

You guys styled my hair really well – then I went home and tried to do it myself. With some rollers and er, some extra firm hairspray (I had to take my friends dog for a quick walk). Basically I’m rubbish at styling my own hair. Do you have any tips for me please? What am I doing WRONG?!? AAAAHHHH!

I always recommend to use the products advised by your stylist. It’s vital that you start your hair at the front/fringe as it makes it easier to get the style into place. The best tool to use at home is Velcro rollers as they give you great volume and bounce without damaging your hair, classic but effective!

What brands would you recommend for keeping my fabulous (and I do love it) new colour fresh?

I would recommend our new Silky Reloaded product. This is a take home product for you to use to bring back the tone that’s lost after washes to your hair.

You used the brand Silky – they are from Italy – my colour is still looking fab. Tell us more about them?

This colour range is fantastic for both vibrant shades and being kind to hair. With just 1% ammonia, Silky delivers great shine/condition and beautiful colour. I am really enjoying using them.

I am trying to avoid burning my hair – do you have any tips that might help in maintaining it’s health whilst I am swimming/sunbathing/styling?

I always recommend Neal & Wolf heat protection spray! Its light weighted so it does not kill the volume!

Neal Wolf

Neal Wolf

What do you love about your job? Being able to make people happy and feel confident whilst creating bonds and in some cases dear friends! It makes me feel special that I can do this.

What makes you happy? My love for life.

Do you have a quote that you live by? Carpe Diem (live in the moment).

What fashion styles are you enjoying at the minute? What do you predict for the future.. ? At the moment I love simplicity with colour. For the future I predict that fashion and sporting clothing will merge for every day wear, comfort but yet still fashion.

Best thing about London? The freedom

What are the styles like and how do they differ to the British styles in Italy?

I feel like the style in Italy is a little stuck in their ways. It’s very classical, impeccable and beautifully put together. Where as in Britain it may not always be perfectly put together but yet it can be unique, interesting and inspiring!

What would be your top tips for people who want to start out in the industry?

Be prepared for a long hard road, be patient, work hard and enjoy every step of the way!

You have worked on catwalks in Milan to styling models – what has been your favourite experience so far?

The excitement rush you get minutes before the runway starts…it only lasts a few minutes but its intense.

When you are styling someone I noticed you are studying them quite a bit- what are you looking for? As a Make-Up Artist (#mua) I always look at the complexion, eyes and face shape to what you’re wearing, to how you talk and the tone of your voice to determine what hair style/colour would suit you best. That’s why we never do a consultation with a gown on!

How do I say thanks in Italian? Grazie!

Visit Sergio’s salon in London at:

53 St Martins Lane

Covent Garden, London – WC2N 4EA

Sergio Giannasso


f.   : 0207 240 9973
e.  : bookings@giannasso.co.uk
w. : www.giannasso.co.uk

Twitter: @SergioGiannasso

Facebook: @SergioGiannasso

Pics of my new hair and the team below:

Grazie! And remember y’all Seize the Day! 

Becki Bx

Sergio Giannasso and Rob

Sergio Giannasso and Rob

Becki Burrows

 

Follow:
ohDearyme
ohDearyme

ARTIST INTERVIEW: JAMES ROBERT WHITE

James White Art


“Adaptability and creativity will become two of the most valuable character traits in the future. Nurture them”. James White and Adam Timlett

INTERVIEW WITH Artist: James Robert White 

Current location: Hackney

Current happiness levels out of 10: 7.5, it was 8.5 til the EE broadband ‘helpline’ came into my life and ruined my day.

Favourite film: Matthew Barney’s Cremaster series is one that affected me in a way that films generally don’t. It is very much an art narrative rather that a movie film but after 8 solid hours it did leave a few marks in my brain.

Favourite musician: It’s too hard to pin down, the way my mood changes its different every time I listen to anything.

Favourite artist: Da Vinci:- his attitude to creating is something I have always strived to emulate. The interdisciplinary range of work shows such a creative and engaged mind with the freedom to think, explore and incorporate in diverse fields of engineering and science as well as some of the most competent and sublime art that I have seen created.

Favourite book: Gorgias, by Plato. It’s basically a guide for winning any argument that you could get yourself into.  It really teaches you to burn orators with impunity.

Favourite colour:  White, But I am desperate to try out the new Black 2.0 (super black) by Semple I think. I am already working on a couple of ideas as are most artists I should imagine.

Favourite area of London? It’s whenever I come across anything new, something that’s just opened, popped up, put on or been built.

Favourite food? Place to eat? Thai, and I still haven’t found anywhere as good as Tre Veit on Mare st. And I’ve tried a fair few across London.

Favourite procrastination technique? Is defiantly thinking about what I should be thinking about, (art, science, meaning of life etc.) but not necessarily all at the same time.

Brief synopsis: 

James Robert White has worked as an artist for over 25 years. He started developing an insight for science and art from early on in his life. Having developed and mastered his own painting techniques, James has been able to create a unique style, creating works that are understood by scientists as examples of ‘complexity’.

Screen Shot 2017-05-31 at 22.23.16

You studied a degree in Fine Art. Did you find that necessary/a good grounding to your career path now. The fees are so huge for people attending University these days – do you believe a degree set you up for life in your career?

I had a tough time at college with half the tutors saying art and science could never mix and the other half loving it. I left the campus in the 2nd year and started a studio mostly where I lived as well, the lecturers who were on my side came to me to have tutorials and really encouraged me. It was hard to receive competent advice from people who couldn’t understand what I was doing and had no frame of reference to judge it. It required an understanding of the language of both art and science to be useful and most of the tutors didn’t have it.

I can’t imagine how people do it today on a low income. It’s why universities/colleges are full of people who can pay rather than good artists. I must admit, having a degree might matter to some but I don’t think it has any bearing on how good you will be as an artist. If they refuse to teach you about the business side of it then it still fails where most other vocational courses can and do succeed. You are better off going out there and finding mentors. People whose work you relate to and just asking them to be a mentor or just for ongoing advice. If you have a few of those then you have essentially got all that art school has to offer apart from production facilities.  And you have to learn how to sort those out for yourselves pretty quick when you leave so you might as well get on with it.

How have you found the collaboration between the sciences and the arts. I did start reading the academic papers you sent me. In all honesty I feel my brain isn’t wired correctly for maths/science… they are subject materials I have never found that easy. How have you found learning about the science side of things as an artist. 

I can’t really do maths very well. I am very discalculous, (the math’s side of dyslexic, of which I am as well). It came about by being able to grasp the concepts and me finding another way to a) understand them, and b) if at all possible, prove them. I still have to have things explained in a few ways before I spatially think them through. Each time I engage with new concepts it makes me have to think in a different way. I’m very stubborn and I like to get things right and to take them as far as possible. I really can’t relate to the way a lot of artists say that they are dealing with this subject or exploring something or other. Get it dealt with, find what you are looking for. Go all in, not half way. Don’t be scared to fail.

You work closely with Adam Timlett – a Philosopher of Science – what actually is a ‘philosopher’ of science and what is your relationship? 

Philosophy of Science is a sub-field of philosophy that engages with the methods of science and the robustness of scientific research and outcomes. It is about the thought processes that encompass scientific discourse and research. It questions and analyses the concepts and methods as well as the findings and results.

Adam and I met about 7 years ago and have been working on a range of things over that time. It really is about the conversations and the thinking that comes out of them.

“James seeks to explore the concept of complexity, and the central idea that ‘nothing exists on its own”. Would you say that this is a play on the need for human connection? What are your thoughts on social isolation in today’s society? 

The nature of complexity in the natural world by definition means that nothing exists on its own. We all know evolution can trace all of us back to bacteria and single cell organisms.

But as far as society and the alienation that pervades us, I think it is largely due to the human condition and education. We as humans work best in groups but unfortunately, not as one group. We are left with constraints of tribe as a means of survival in a global world. We are watching this play out with some tribes losing out where others are thriving with the change. Isolation is compounded by the scope of life around us, there is less conformity of collective thought and this is isolating even amongst peer groups these days.

When you began to have talks with different people for your work – for example traders, financiers, genetic scientists, physicists, and other post disciplinarians – what was the common thread that linked everyone up? 

The use of data and what it can bring to the table an also what it can’t. Why it is necessary, and how to use it for actionable insights.

“Millions of simple interactions that result in the complex phenomena we see around us.. can you explain that statement more? So perhaps the interaction is not really that simple?  For example can complexity ever be simple? For instance although you are depicting complexity in your paintings – was that a complex or simple task? Hmmm… 

Adam:  The idea about complexity depends on your attitude and approach. Some people believe complexity is ‘complex by definition’ and shy away from trying to simplify what is apparently complex. However, science generally only makes progress when what seems very difficult to understand is actually shown to be relatively more simple than we first thought. Therefore, as a ‘Philosopher of Science’, I believe that eventually complexity as a science will make progress only by revealing relative simplicity in some forms of complexity. This could indeed be that millions of simple interactions which cause apparently complex phenomena. The main evidence for this particular idea exists already. There are very simple programs and simulations of apparently complex behaviour like flocking algorithms which look similar to both flocks and shoals and also stock market movements in a crisis. There is also the ‘grandfather’ of complexity software, James Conway’s ‘Game of Life’ which you can play with on the internet for free if you want, and decide for yourself! However, unpredictability does seem to be a core feature of complexity. It is what you can do about it that matters more.

Do humans make life more complex than it needs to be? How do we keep it simple? Adam, advice reasoning information decemination?

Adam: This goes back to the previous question really. If we think of life as ‘algorithmic’ the result of lots of little local decisions which add up to unexpected results, then we need to understand the ‘algorithm’ of our lives a little better. Some areas of life are inherently complex and unpredictable, like software development which I work in and which always tries to be innovative and often fails. Yet we can now identify methods that have emerged recently which seem to work because they emphasise communication and freedom to change your mind and re-take decisions and choices. This is a very good way of dealing with unpredictability if you do it in a strategic way. An example of this is the ‘Agile’ approach to software development which is now very popular and involves far less planning and more communication. The same basic principle applies to using mobile phones to meet up. More communication helps you to organize successfully despite unpredictability.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Looking, listening, talking, reading and drawing sketches on any old scrap of paper. When these things happen or I am doing them, inspiration just comes. I think I have an inquisitive and responsive mind. So I don’t really think about it as I can’t turn it off.

Have you experienced a creative block/or black hole? 

The early part of the year was rough, I actually wrote a blog on it and how I got through it. It resulted in a great piece that I really like and means a lot. So block isn’t something to fear, it’s more of a person you battle with yourself. There are only two ways to go with it in my experience. one is to ignore it and come back to it later. Or work through it with a vengeance and get used to making crap that doesn’t work until you break through it. I recommend the latter, because I feel I come out further along the path and that I’ve won in some ways. You can read and see it here https://www.jamesrobertwhiteart.com/blog

What do you think you would do if you weren’t an artist? 

I’d probably sleep better if I didn’t have such an unquiet mind.

What is the most important thing in life? 

People and truths.

Do you feel like you’re on the right path? 

The right path, I don’t know yet. But I’m very happy with my path. I own it.

Your favourite current artists?

It’s the same answer as musicians, it is different every time I look at art. I think it is because I’ feel’ as well as ’get’ certain art, and feelings pass. But when they first get through that’s the good bit. But it’s Greg Dunn today’s favorite artist. He is a neuro scientist/artist.

Where can we see your work? 

Only one show booked up so far this year, in Brighton. But tomorrow I am guest editing ‘I am sciart’ and being featured on Artsyshark over the summer. But we are working on a couple of really big projects involving one of the big Royal Societies in London.  We’re fleshing them out over the next six months and will publish one of them as far away as in two years time.

What is the most beautiful thing about art for you? 

The most beautiful thing about art for me is that as a species, we do it.

How’s giving up smoking? Any thoughts on complexity on addiction? 

Giving up smoking went well, but giving up nicotine not so well. But I am starting to think about it now though and it will come up in conversation with Adam I am sure. It’s how the inspiration thingy starts. I haven’t thought much about the complexity of addiction too much until I realized how difficult it is to give up cigarettes or alcohol.

Adam: I think it is one of those things that makes you realise how tricky the mind can be, because we are so good at fooling ourselves that everything is ok and it is just one cigarette. I suppose it relates to the necessary property of the mind which seems to be that it is unable to predict itself that well. The better you get at predicting your future behaviour and feelings the better you are at not fooling yourself about the effect of your immediate action like not having a ‘quick’ cigarette. Or telling yourself you are just going out for ‘one’ pint. Other people can predict your behaviour very easily, but you cannot. I guess it takes a lot of practice; you have to be more defensive in your behaviour and honest about your frailties.

The next big election is coming up in England (again) – do you have any hopes or thoughts on this? Artists can be influential… 

Get out and vote, old people turn out en masse, and they have robbed the future of young people by lapping up what the five special interest press barons throw at them through The Daily Mail, the Sun, Telegraph etc, and it makes me mad. Governments don’t care about young people because they don’t vote. If you want to change that, then vote, be active. And don’t let them get away with it..

Favorite quote to leave us on: 

“Adaptability and creativity will become two of the most valuable character traits in the future. Nurture them”.

Follow James!

LINKS: 

WEBSITE: www.jamesrobertwhiteart.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jamesrobertwhiteandadamtimlett/ 

TWITTER: @jameswhiteart and @joestare

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/jamesrobertwhiteart 

Thanks James and Adam! Very educational!

BeckiXx

Follow:
ohDearyme
ohDearyme

ARTIST INTERVIEW: LOUI JOVER

ARTIST INTERVIEW: LOUI JOVER


“Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”  Kafka

From: Europe

Current location: Australia

Current happiness levels out of 10: Can be anywhere from 1 to 10 depending on the day.

Favourite film: The Seventh Seal (among many others)

Favourite musician: Don’t have just one

Favourite artist: Can never have just one

Favourite book: How To Grow Herbs (among many others especially including the works of Franz Kafka)

Favourite colour: Black and White

Brief synopsis: I am a full time artist living in Queensland Australia with my partner (Fee) and daughter (Jazz). I draw most of the day in a modest studio I have on my property.

INTERVIEW

Is Loui Jover your real name..? Or your artist name. Sorry to ask.  

A -That’s fine for you to ask. Yes it is my real name, it is of Hungarian heritage.

You most enjoy working with ink and paper – why is that and what led you down that path? Do you choose relevant books as a platform?

A – Many years ago I used to make colorful oil paintings on stretched canvas to begin with however I grew frustrated with the progression of my drawing abilities so I deconstructed my creative method back to ink and paper and have enjoyed the journey so much that it has stuck. I choose books based on their quality and not their subject, I like the fact that the words are not obvious and that it is about the drawing this would be to much of a cliché for me, I rather enjoy the fact that the words and image may not unite giving the work a little edge and abstracted meaning.

Who are the women in the pictures?

A- they are women I find or make up or copy or know or meet.

Screen Shot 2016-03-24 at 16.51.34

And… why are they crying?

A – I am not sure why they are crying?….there may be a million reasons I leave this up to the viewer to decide, I do not draw stories…i just want to add an emotive aspect to the work however do not define the reason for the emotion.

Screen Shot 2016-03-24 at 16.52.05

I would describe your art – as quite romantic – would you agree? Or how would you describe it….

A – I do think many of my works are ‘romantic’ in notion (you are right to say so) I think deep down I have a romanticized view of life, reality is far to stark and frightening for me. Wherever you look humans are causing some kind of mischief, so I rather draw humanity in my own way or in a way that people who want a respite from the world may like to look at, to escape for a moment to a world where romance and introspection live large.

12734061_1113267632039921_6599954177190698883_n

Would you describe yourself as a romantic?

A – too much so. Not a romantic so much as in the Jane Austen sense but one whose inner being yearns at times for the freedom of the Gypsy (as a romantic would see it) or a life of a time when the artisan thrived, when things were not so mass produced, so much the slave to money or to war, a different romance that I think many actually yearn for but deny for the sake of reality and survival…….I like to stop and listen to the rain not just rush through it.

Is the ink stenciled on?

A – no all the drawing is hand done with brush and sumi-e ink

You are a full time self representing artist – have you found that a rough road – or did the path open naturally for you?

A – I do represent myself, I did have work in some galleries but found it hard going, the internet has made it easier to represent yourself, but in the end it is the work that speaks to people if they don’t want to buy it then nothing I can do will make them, if they do then am lucky and can make a living. I like representing myself it works for me.

Screen Shot 2016-03-24 at 16.51.15

You say you draw everyday – where do you find your inspiration?

A – It is a little bit of a youthism… there are some days I don’t get to draw but not too often, inspiration is never a problem really, just look around and there is a multitude of things that can effect ones creative juices, the secret I think is to not just look around but to ‘see’ then it is up to your ‘inner interest’ to process what you ‘see’ and make your personal need to express and create… ignite. In saying this I should clarify that I…  like everyone else on the planet do have flat days where I would rather lay around then make work, thankfully for my creativity these days are rare.

What is your daily regime – are you strict with yourself or does the self discipline of being an artist come naturally?

A – I do have the impulse to draw so working comes quite naturally to me, I am above all a dreamer (the romantics way of saying lazy) so I would just lay about reading poetry or watching films if I did not have this natural compulsion to draw, hopefully it lasts as it has all my life already.

Have you experienced a creative block/or black hole? If so.. how did you get yourself out of it?

A – I have but thankfully only in very short periods, there are times when the external world can overwhelm and creativity takes a back seat or suffers this void which, in turn can sap the creative inspiration and thought…you have to be somewhat selfish and insular to be an artist at times, you need to be able to ignore a lot around you and be greedy with your time. People who are not creative can at times see what you do as flippant and time wasting, it is hard to show ones worth when art is seen just as a fiscal issue which in truth is arts worst enemy.

Screen Shot 2016-03-24 at 16.51.24

Your favourite current artists?

A – I recently went to an Ai Weiwie exhibition combined with Andy Warhol and enjoyed it. Overall I like a lot of work around that is very different form my approach, but overall I have no one favorite and I have little to do with the art world in general.

Your favourite writer is Kafka. What is it about Kafka that holds your attention? Would you describe yourself as a bit of a deep thinker?

A – I don’t think I am a deep thinker?…even though I try to think a lot (usually lying on the floor or lounge) and hope I am doing so deeply, yet I am not so sure what thinking deeply is in the first place and that’s why perhaps I do not think deeply, I feel my thoughts wander too easily so I skip over things I should be going in deeper about, so I will try and think deeply on this part of your question at a later date 🙂

I like to read Kafka for a number of reasons, (these may have nothing to do with deep thinking) I like his use of language (even though they are translated, I only read english). I think with writing of this calibre the magic of the writers language can cross barriers like original phraseology. I also like the ‘feeling’ his stories offer, a forboding, a deep emotional aspect that gels with me, there is a depth to his writing that takes work and effort to enter and can be engaging on many levels, I also like the fact that he himself was so fatalistic, in reality we are not meant to read anything he wrote, he specifically asked for it all to be destroyed on his death, yet it survived…there is a romantic notion there that is very enticing for me, a tragic element and one that defines the real artistic journey perfectly.Screen Shot 2016-03-24 at 16.51.07

What is the most important thing in life?

A – understanding the reality and inevitability of death and making a kind of peace with this notion – otherwise you are just always frightened and turn to silly things like religion for a shallow solace.

What is the most beautiful thing about art for you?

A – influencing a young mind. I remember when I was young and first saw the work of Picasso, this magical world opened up for me, I still hold this feeling in check for I am yet to find that exact elation again so in turn it feeds my need to create…art is a deep pool so beautiful to swim in, one needs to tread water well and not sink into the abyss where the magic of art has drowned and has become an everyday thing…you need to keep art as dreaming otherwise it becomes just graphic art or craft or even worse pointless commercialism.

Were you not a fan of Damien Hirst’s diamond skull then?

A – Lol….I like something about Damien Hirst but I am not sure it is his artistic nature…I think I admire his business acumen and ability to fuck the philistine quarter of the art world…..he ended up representing himself and left the udder of the “art establishment”…I can’t but admire such audacity and self worth…bravo to him and his silly expensive skull… I always wonder who the poor sod was?…this skull he used is real so I wonder if the poor owner could ever fathom that he would end up being so rich…..eh eh

loui jover

If I should ever visit Australia – where should I go…?

A – I really like the alleyways of Melbourne and the street art they offer so free, so vibrant, so urine smelly but always inspiring. I also really think Tasmania (Hobart) is brilliant quality…estranged, a little cold, fresh and quite close to the end of the earth.

I see you’re also a fan of Charles Bukowski.. have you seen Tales of An Ordinary Madness.. that is one messed up film…

A – Lol…so is Barfly with Mickey Rouke …I like that this mess of a man could write like an angel at times…again in essence he was a romantic..deep under the armour and layers of everyday filth he could express his inner being this… is the sign of the real artist….. no matter what the circumstance they can still make beauty…..

Bluebird

There’s a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I’m too tough for him,
I say, stay in there, I’m not going
to let anybody see
you.
There’s a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I pour whiskey on him and inhale
cigarette smoke
and the ****s and the bartenders
and the grocery clerks
never know that
he’s
in there.

There’s a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I’m too tough for him,
I say,
stay down, do you want to mess
me up?
you want to screw up the
works?
you want to blow my book sales in
Europe?
there’s a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I’m too clever, I only let him out
at night sometimes
when everybody’s asleep.
I say, I know that you’re there,
so don’t be
sad.
then I put him back,
but he’s singing a little
in there, I haven’t quite let him
die
and we sleep together like
that
with our
secret pact
and it’s nice enough to
make a man
weep, but I don’t
weep, do
you?

 

That was so interesting. Thank you Loui!

From across the seas.. wishing you and your family a fruitful and full life.. *off to watch Barfly*..

Best, Becki Bx

LINKS:

Saatchi online portfolio

Facebook 

Tweet some love people! Twitter

Oh and tweet me too! @ohdearyme 

Follow:
ohDearyme
ohDearyme

ART INTRO: CLET

ART INTRO: CLET


Graffik Gallery is the go to place in West London for acknowledging and tipping its hat to the edgy urban artist.

Their latest collab is with French painter/sculptor called Clet, who sources antique road signs and creates on site in the Graffik studio. Clet has even gone so far as to work with figures of authority. The Mayor of Paris loved the wit of the artist so much he ended up collaborating with the artist.. (Boris Johnson take heed). 

Road signs: symbol of undisputed authority, signifying obligations, duty and limitations, are modified in order to contradict the strict conception of legality as an absolute religion.


censura 027

All of Clet’s works can be found on the streets of many European cities (Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Barcelona, etc.) and some non-European cities (Hong Kong, New York..).

Abraham

The artist’s main purpose is to actively claw back public spaces.

IMG_1633

BELOW: As Clet mounted his “smile” installation on Palazzo Pubblico the artist declared, “with one little line, there is a transformation from a historic palazzo to a communication of modernity.”

ACP_2861

For more information on Clet’s work you can contact jay@graffikgallery.co.uk, 284 Portobello Rd, London, T. +44 (0)20 8354 3592

Follow Clet HERE

Becki Bx

@ohDearyme

Follow:
ohDearyme
ohDearyme
Close Me
Looking for Something?
Search:
Post Categories: