Showing posts with label V & A. Show all posts
Showing posts with label V & A. Show all posts

Sunday 31 March 2019

Photos 2018


2018 was a confusing year.  In Scotland we enjoyed the grand opening of the new V & A Dundee, which is a wondrous new landmark and attraction on the river Tay. 

Journeys
I travelled the Scottish islands – Orkney, which was awesome, and all its history. Orkney gently tells many stories – ancient sagas from its rich past. The outer Hebrides and the beauty of the shimmering soft blues of those landscapes is breathtaking, with its expanse of sands and surging seas....

Ross Wilson
Emeli Sande

MUSIC - Rab Noakes, Blue Rose Code,
Photo of Brian May In Edinburgh - also Karl Ove Knausgaard, Murray Lachlan Young, Gina Miller.


We learn invaluable lessons by following those who walked before us. 

I’ve been searching for Scotia – in Edina’s ancient streets ….

Brian May
Gina Miller






Monday 24 December 2018

2018 Signs of Hope


GRIT orchestra performed Bothy Culture
It is crucial, we look for signs of hope!

V & A Dundee - Impressive
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has designed a dramatic sculpted building that looks like the hull of a ship, and he says, the cliffs on Scotland’s east coast. The outside is hard but inside there is a softer feel. – and by contrast there is a huge flow of light and dramatic views over the Tay river and bridge. Kuma studied Mackintosh as part of his training and has clearly been influenced by Mackintosh clean lines, simplicity, and subtle use of light and drama. 


Wonderful to hear that he only surviving Mackintosh Willow tearoom, has been newly restored  over four years and opened in July 2018, 217 Sauchiehall St. Glasgow, first opened in 1903. 
https://www.glasgowmackintosh.com/attraction/mackintosh-at-the-willow

*Journalism. Quality investigative journalism works within strict boundaries. Also, content is king today. More have signed up for quality press since Trumps election. 
Huge congratulations to the National newspaper for high quality reporting, commentary, journalism and community – includes
Channel Four newscontinues to produce quality reporting.
Plus their new culture office in Glasgow.
New Scottish BBC channel – I live in hope!??
Nicola Sturgeon– continues to try to steer an informed sensible and caring course through the unchartered chaotic ignorant shambles of Brexit I wish her good luck!

**Music 2018
This year I attended wonderful concerts with music legends - 
Paul Simon, and Ry Cooder. Plus Blue Rose Code, aka Ross Wilson. 

CELTIC CONNECTIONS 2018
CELTIC CONNECTIONS 2018
*Highlights for me this year were – the impressive large scale concert at the Hydro Bothy Culture and Beyond; a tribute concert Old Fruitmarket for Dick Gaughan, with an excellent line-up;  
Session A9; the unique Blue Rose Code and his top band;
The quality line up of the Transatlantic Sessions; 
The Milngavie Folk club is now located at the Baljaffry church and welcomed big names such as – Donovan, Kiki Dee, Peggy Seeger, Cara Dillon and more this year. 
Threat to festivals
Major international arts festival are extremely concerned over the negative effects of Brexit.. Nick Barley of EIBF believes the damage of Brexit is already done. Its way past time that one of the pundits did a TV documentary explaining what the EU is and isn’t . It appears not only that most people have no idea, but the UK leaders and politicians have no idea wither! What a mess. Who in this crazy country, really understands what “being in the EU” really  means?? It is highly complex, and even after tow years still hasn’t been properly explained. If the UK doesn’t pay the 39 billion we owe the EU. It will be devastating for investment here.

*Quality Scottish websites – 
Mass rallies All Under One Banner; a more established Yes Movement; Indy supporting daily newspaper The National; Commonweal; SIC organization (Scottish Independence Convention); Yes Groups; mass SNP membership.  
While England dismisses the 2014 vote (you had your vote) there is a far more established, grassroots Yes Movement now, Apparently democracy is a one off thing. If it’s a choice between Brexit or the union (its no union) what will they choose?

*Tragedies 2018; Glasgow school of art fire. 
Brexit Fears - Many now see the stupidity involved and all the false promoises. The good ship Britannia is berthed in Leith docks, as a tourist attraction – which is where empire days should remain.

I believe we must be both international and national and not the one against the other. 
#BBC #Question time – surprised to see SNP Ian Blackford on!! Well done Blackford for providing the only opposition!

Its important in these very strange times (!!) that we look for calmer seas. In these strange times, the arts matters more than ever. 
There are answers. The answers are looking at what really natters.