Walks and Kisses

Mmmmarsh.

Stripy grass! Click it to see!

Went back to Stu's parents house in the countryside yesterday for his dad's birthday :) Nice and relaxed and delicious food :) Me and Stu went for a walk together which was really really lovely. So peaceful. Stu took these photos except the one of the blinds. That's me enjoying dark/light contrast.

Shells in Theydon Bois

Yesterday my dad was in Theydon Bois to buy and sell at the British Shell Collector's Club Shell Show. He's a big fan of shells. I like them alot too, probably because of his beautiful collection, though they don't excite me enough to want to collect them. My gran came too and she commented that it's usually men that have an urge to collect things...this may be true. I took some nice photos anyway. And I have plans to draw shells next time I'm back at my parents house. Also, Theydon Bois is extremely pretty and relaxed. Did not feel like London...it's a proper village.

On my way I saw this lovely reflection of a church and blossoms in a shop window.

Really like these colours....

South African stamps on a parcel tape covered box!

Neapolitan Icecream Shell :)

Mmm soft grey and mottled.

Many many Cowrie shells!

Many many Cowries and giant shark teeth!

Theydon Bois

A stray star in the car park.

A streak in the sky, later, on my way to another place.

Umbrella + Blossoms = Happy Walking

Pretty :) I like peeping out from beneath my new umbrella that doesn't smell because I haven't left it wet in a plastic bag for long periods of time :) I like the many many blossom trees around here :) Taking the time to stop and photograph and smile cheered me right up.

Giant pendants to be!

Glee :) Look at these lovely sillhoutte picture frame things I found in the charity shop! I don't know which I like best - child holding crab or old man sweeping leaves! I plan to make them into over sized pendants :)

Lotte Reiniger

Lotte Reiniger is a huge inspiration for me. I think her work is stunning :D it must of been amazingly time consuming but so very worth it. Rachel at uni is always talking to me about animating my stories. I don't know how keen I am on that idea. I always think it sounds interesting. Then it doesn't feel right. Maybe it is beacause I prefer books to films...I'd rather make a beautiful storybook than a film. Perhaps I feel just because there is a story, every action doesn't need to be played out. Then again of course I do frequently enjoy films...and actions can be very beautiful. Animating my characters could be quite exciting and though I still don't feel right about it, like it wouldn't work, or it just isn't what I want to do...I may in fact enjoy it and be surprised by the results so I know I should push myself to have a real go...

Kurt Jackson <3

Kurt Jackson is my definite favourite artist. I love the energy and passion in his work. I think it's utterly beautiful. His paintings remind me of my childhood. And of happy moments when I can stop and breathe and appreciate. He paints the same scene repeatedly in different lights, moments. These paintings are memories. And they capture how beautiful England is :) I love England so much...I think sometimes people don't realise how lovely this country is. And it hurts to think what climate change might cause us to lose.

I love that he lives in Cornwall with a big vegetable garden near the sea :D and he paints the garden and the vegetables and his wife tending the garden. I know gardening is hard work but it sounds so dreamily idyllic. I imagine him spending his days painting the land he knows and loves so well and coaxing delicious fruits and vegetables from the garden and everything being simple and beautiful. Probably nothing of the sort but I like this idea.

The paintings are even more intensely wonderful in real life, I grab any opportunity to see them for real. I hope another one comes soon!

Watermelon Nights

How awesome is this!? :) So sweet and funny. Stop motion always impresses me...so much patience. Especially when it involves fruit or vegetables. I am a fan of the fruits and vegetables.