Well good morning everyone!

I know it's rare that I ever write in the morning but with some stuff to share and a day off work I'm going to make the most of it and talk about my experience at a country show yesterday. As I live in such a rural area this isn't something new for me and I've attended quite a few in my time, but with the weather being so glorious I couldn't not share a snap or two with you.

Away from the obvious horse, sheep and dog showing, shearing, birds of prey display and dog agility there stood a large white tent. This contained the craft, baking and homegrown produce. My heaven! I decided after reading the program that I wanted to enter something myself because when I go to uni I doubt I'll have the time. I decided to enter the 'Best painting of a butterly' section with one of my best efforts (just to be clear I literally never paint butterflies but this was the only painting catagory). When it comes to looking at the entries you never realise how many talented people there are around you. 

There was gorgeous quilting and knitting, Welsh love spoon carvings, photography. And the baking table looked to die for. I really think it is so important for people to enter these kinds of smaller competitions because if your talent is quilting, then hell you can show it off. I know it isn't gallery style work but I just loved looking at all of the work and effort that went into producing all of the crafts and cookery that was around me. There was a real sense of community with so many entries and so much time spent on them. Sorry I'm waffling!

Anyway, I came second in my catagory of three entries so that wasn't bad ;D.

Obviously I didn't stay in the tent the whole time though, that'd be a waste of sunshine! I did take a look at the sheep awsell but they didn't seem too glad to see me..

Also tried some more abstract shots of the day but not too sure how it came out. (I'll spare you the rest of them ;) )

Also, we showed one of our dogs and she managed to get 2nd place, needless to say we were proud of her too! 

But it's fair to say we had a lovely day in the extremely rare, blazing sunshine. It's easy to forget the interesting things around you, like the varieties of sheep, or the vast collection of local pooches, or the birds of prey that are present in the skies without us noticing or the craftsmen and women sometimes going unnoticed. It was a beautiful display of community and I hope I will be able to find this when I move! That's it for now and I hope you liked my little adventure. See you soon!

Following our little break after the train journey had a little look around the shops while we waited for the galleries to open (10:00am). This not only gave me the chance to pick up some bits in H&M but also a chance to snap some of the gorgeous architecture in the centre of the city. We visit the Ikon Gallery first but after unsuccessfully locating it we decided to stop at Birmingham Museum & Gallery first.

Once I got up the stairway I checked my brief and started photographing and recodring pieces I liked and disliked. There was a particular piece that caught my eye the second I entered the room. 'Monte Civetta seen from Lake Alleghe, Italy' by Eliah Walton, 1867. I just found it's dreamy pastel scene was such a contrast with the dark, bold and uniformed appearence of the gallery. I really am looking forward to writing about this piece.

After recording this piece I moved through the gallery and became a little starstruck. This was due to me coming across a sculpture by Barbara Hepworth. I studied her work during my art foundation and really fell in love with her style and ideas. In front of me stood 'The Cosdon Head,1949' and I just couldn't get enough of this gorgeous marble work. I think I photographed it and every possible angle as well as sketched for my recording. I could talk all day about this piece but I think I'll spare you for now!

I took so many photos of both the artwork and the building itself. This wonderland of creativity really is a haven for someone like me and I could have spent all day in this gallery. Here's a few photos of what I found the most interesting (without going on forever hehe!).

Following this visit I could have continued forever, we decided to try for the second time to find the Ikon Gallery. On our very odd route the the gallery I managed to snap a few shots of the scenary as we went. Though there was so much development going on with the city's buildings and roads it was possible to see the remaining jewels from it's prior success. I loved the way the older buildings and structures still held their own against their modern counterparts.

After asking two people and the power of GPS we finally managed to reach the Ikon Gallery (and tried to enter through the back..). I found this place to be much more simplistic to the last gallery i visited but it really allowed me to fully imerse myselv in the work. The first floor was an exhibit featuring artist Jesse Bruton.

I the participated in an installation by artist Patrick Killoran. It featured a wooden board that the observer is the strapped to (wait for it) and then gentle slid partially out of the window of the second floor tower room. Though this sounds totally nuts I was more than excited to experience it. My heart pounded as I put the straps over my arms, and though it was only my shoulders out of this window, it was exhilarating. The piece uses the fear of the observer to allow them to see the sky and upper building whilst creating a sense of vulnerability and self awareness that hightens their sense of awareness. To me it was thoroughly enjoyable and if you ever get the chance to experience this don't pass on it, it is so worth it. Here's the view I had on emerging from the window: 

I then explored the Kan Xaun exhibition on the second floor. All of her work consisted of single screen video pieces so was difficult to capture in good photos. Her work is based on very philisophical and personal grounds and I would recommend looking into her work. Below is the piece 'I will be happy, 2007' which was a 2 minute video.

As we left the gallery I thought it wouldn't be right to visit Birmingham without taking a photo of the famous canals that run through the city.

So that's it for my collection of photos for this trip (finally ;) ). I hope you liked my compilation of artwork, architecture and general adventures around the city of Birmingham. I think this has allowed me to collect plenty of material for my summer project which I will hopefully share a little sneak peek of in the near future! This place just made me want to create sculptures, paint and design ornate architecture as there was so much inspiration around me. It's got me excited about sharing my findings at university and settling into city life too. Onward and upward.

That's it for now then,

Bye bye!

So hello my lovelies,

First I think I should apologise for my absense lately. Work has been manic the past week or so I've barely had a second to breath, nevermind post! But I am back now so panic over! (For me anyway)..

So today I thought I'd break routine and go out for a walk with my family in the countryside. Lately I've been neglecting myself by not getting much fresh air and cooping myself up in my room. Especially with my down mood I couldn't pass up on the offer of a stroll through the wilderness now could I? Exercise, fresh air and photo opportunity!

Breathing in a full lungs worth of fresh, cool air has really helped in refreshing my mind and reminding me that looking after myself is important too. Getting back to a green environment does wonders for your mood too! I also used this long walk as an opportunity to take a few photos before I have to move to the city for university. I know for a fact that I'm going to miss my home in the country but it is so exciting! Sorry, going off on a tangent there..

Presenting my collection of summer vegetation and woodland wonders!

 

So there we are. I know my photography isn't at a very professional standard but I am working on it, I promise. If you have any pointers or tips the comments section is waiting for you! Thank you for having a look and let me know if you want to see anymore of my photography soon. 

Bye bye!