Tag: Environment

13. Brief respite

Wednesday 13 April 1988, Port Stanley, Malvina House Hotel

Another day off – I join the Koei Maru tomorrow, a little sooner than expected – I hope I can cope.

Shopped and watched Mad Max 3 and a dreadful film called Spasmo – I only watched half of it, it was so bad.

The West Store, April 1988
The West Store, April 1988

 

Thursday 14 April 1988, Koei Maru 30

And so, after much deliberation, my second term begins. Oh what have I done to deserve this? At least I have some cereal and also my own stocks. My room now is too hot, but I shan’t complain. I wrote a very mizzy letter to Deb, I was mizzy – it is terrible watching the land get smaller and the night come on.

I learned many things today:

  1. KSJ (the fishing company) want an observer to go to Montevideo. This could be me, Crag or John.
  2. the long-lining will begin in June.
  3. This voyage should end in 4-5 weeks.
  4. the KM30 is due to come into Port Stanley or leave on 27 May.

I would love to go to Montevideo, but not at the expense of a holiday home – I just won’t do it. If I could do both – chance would be a fine thing – then it would be very exciting.

Malvina Guest House bill
Malvina Guest House bill

 

Friday 15 April 1988, Koei Maru 30

We are still within sight of land – yahoo – it makes such a difference to me to be able to see the distant islands and mountains, it makes me feel less remote. Jigging was very good last night and the crew are still up. Poor bastards, almost 36 hours of hard physical work without sleep.

Within sight of land
Within sight of land

Talking of sleep, I don’t seem to be able to stop. I drop off at the drop of a hat. It will take a few days and some discipline to get into the sleeping regime of the crew. I suppose the secret is to stay awake later and later each night. It don’t half make you feel lousy though.

Saturday 16 April 1988, Koei Maru 30

I am now waking up around 1.00pm – the sun is up and the sky is blue, but I think we have lost the land.

Each morning there are videos of Japanese T.V. very interesting. Their sense of humour is almost entirely slapstick. Dreadful overacting and tons of commercials, many with western actors. Incredibly sexist, all of it.

While it is still fresh in my mind, I must remember the two children playing snowballs and war in the garden of the Malvina Guest House. They were employing spanish accents and saying things like ‘you dirty eenglish piig’ (being baddies of course). Amazing, the effects of war.

Context

 

Balance in nature

is settled , until challenged;

newt out of water.

 

by Scooj

 

  • I found this little newt deep in the soil whilst digging potatoes yesterday.

Tales

 

I do believe in

fairies; I have seen many.

They watch over me.

 

by Scooj

Froglet

 

Venturing beyond

their safe havens, exploring;

most will not make it.

 

by Scooj

Fox

 

Wiley visitor,

a young fox surveys its patch;

cat is not amused.

 

by Scooj

12. North Street, heating and plumbing

This self-portrait? by Brave One AKA Scotty-B is another Upfest 2015 artwork (I think).

I have not seen any of his work before, but I guess this is the joy of Upfest, which brings so many artists to one place, and allows us to enjoy their work, often for the first time.

Brave One, North Street, Bristol, July 2015
Brave One, North Street, Bristol, July 2015

Brave One is a UK based graffiti artist who has been spraying since the late ’80s. He runs a creative business that offers spray can art/graffiti art. He does private or public commissions and also runs teaching workshops and events.

I rather like this, but especially like the setting.

7/10

 

11. Small Street

In a small alley close to the NW end of Small Street is an intriguing wheatpaste by Kid Crayon. I am noticing more and more of his street art in Bristol, and rather enjoy his approach. I don’t know what it is called, but ‘blue face’ might have to do for now.

Kid Crayon, Small Street, Bristol, August 2015
Kid Crayon, Small Street, Bristol, August 2015

Kid Crayon describes himself as an illustrator or animator, but works mostly as a street artist. He considers the aesthetics, subject matter and location of a particular work, and indeed his locations tend to be low key and slightly off the beaten track.

Most of KC’s work is wheatpastes, which until I went to Paris this Spring, I had little time for, but am becoming rather fond of. I will post more. One has already been the subject of a haiku I wrote a few weeks back (20. Wheatpaste).

Kid Crayon, Small Street, Bristol, August 2015
Kid Crayon, Small Street, Bristol, August 2015

KC tends to sign his works with his initials reversed and the K mirrored.

Disappointing or Pleasing Bench?

Haven for worn legs,

withdrawn and blending into

an urban jungle.

 

by Scooj

6. @Bristol

A beautiful commission on an outside wall of the excellent @Bristol museum. It is called ‘The Honey Bee’, and highlights the importance and plight of our pollinators.

 

ATM, Millennium Square, Bristol, July 2015
ATM, Millennium Square, Bristol, July 2015

ATM is an artist who went to art school in Sheffield and now lives in London and is famous for his striking pictures of birds. I am drawn by his highly ethical position on the natural world, and his images are reminders of species at risk, that were once abundant. My only criticism, which seems a little harsh, is that his work is not very edgy, and I like a bit of edge.

I understand from his Twitter feed that he painted a mural last weekend at Bristol’s world-famous Upfest. I will seek it out soon.

6.5/10

 

Ragwort

Van Goughian splash

gathering red, green and gold;

soldier beetle flies.

 

by Scooj