Category: Nature Illustrations

Summer in June

22nd Jun 2024

Art, Movies, Nature Illustrations, Newsletter, theatre
The rise of the keyboard clan

The days of easily catching wrongdoers are long gone, as many of them now hide behind the anonymity of the internet. It seems like there’s a legion of keyboard warriors who eagerly voice their grievances from the safety of their screens. It’s akin to committing a crime without facing any consequences. With the cloak of online anonymity, it’s increasingly difficult to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, we thought we had it all figured out, but oh boy, when you look at the wild jungle of the internet today, suddenly dealing with just a cassette player seems like a piece of cake! It’s a high-wire act in this digital circus, where the only constant is change, and you’ve got to stay on your toes like a ninja in a bounce house! Not much seems to be happening with the governments or big companies when it comes to shielding regular folks from online predators. So here are a couple of precautions I’m pretty mindful of and still take.

Once something’s out there on the web, it’s out there for good. Whether it’s a spontaneous venting session, an overshare of personal mishaps, or regrettable photos, it’s all going to linger on the internet forever. So, I make sure to take a breather before I impulsively hit ‘post’. Nobody’s flawless, but if I can save myself from some embarrassment by pausing to gather my thoughts, you bet I will.

Navigating the world wide web is like going through a jungle of links – you never know what’s lurking in the bushes! While antivirus software does a decent job at spotting sketchy links, those sneaky scammers can still slip through the cracks. When in doubt, I do a little detective work on a trustworthy search engine to double-check those websites.

Dealing with online trickery can be quite the rollercoaster ride. People who’ve been duped often feel like they’ve won the award for Awkward Situation of the Year, but hey, everyone makes mistakes! Falling for internet shenanigans is more common than you’d think. If you’ve been dragged through the virtual mud by online schemes, don’t tough it out alone – reaching out for help is the superhero move to make.

Back to Table of Contents

May/June outings

A view from the Bridge

Arthur Miller’s compelling drama delves into the intricate dynamics of Eddie Carbone, Beatrice, and Catherine, captivating audiences at the Haymarket Theatre in London, where Dominic West brilliantly takes on the lead role. This production is an absolute must-see, with West’s enthralling performance supported by a fantastic cast. A View from the Bridge originally took the stage in 1956, amidst the United States’ emergence into a period of great prosperity following the hardships of World War II. A wave of immigrants sought refuge from war-stricken Europe, and it became a time when unwavering determination and hard work were believed to pave the way to the American Dream. Remarkably relevant today, the play resonates with the current economic and global climate surrounding immigration, making it a profound and timely theatrical experience.

Mad Max – Furiosa

Anya Taylor Joy is just fantastic as Furiosa, while Chris Hemsworth nails it as Dementus. But hey, warning: the gore and violence in this movie are so graphic, it’s like they were sponsored by ketchup companies. So, if you can’t handle such scenes, you might want to watch with one eye closed and a huge bowl of popcorn as a shield.

Beethoven’s 5th Symphony by the Oxford Philharmonic

The incredibly talented OP musicians mesmerised the audience at the Sheldonian Theatre, on this damp, yet enchanting evening, allowing me to immerse myself in the captivating world of classical music instead of merely enduring the summer rain. Javier Perianes delivered a truly magical performance on the piano, and conductor Marios Papadopoulos maintained his energy throughout the remarkable three-hour concert. As the summer unfolds, the OP is set to present more concerts, and I passionately recommend this to anyone seeking to spend an evening immersed in the enchanting world of music.

39 steps at the Oxford Playhouse

Forget about the nail-biting seriousness of Hitchcock’s classic—this is one wild and wacky parody where just 4 actors bravely take on over a 100 roles, turning this intense thriller into a sidesplitting comedy extravaganza. It sounds absolutely bonkers, but trust me, you’ve got to witness it to wrap your head around it. Revamped for the stage by the ingenious Patrick Barlow, get ready to embark on the uproarious escapades of our dashing protagonist Richard Hannay, complete with his stiff-upper-lip, British bravado, and pencil-thin moustache, as he navigates through treacherous murders, deceitful secret agents, and, of course, drop-dead gorgeous femmes fatales.

Back to Table of Contents

Bibliophile’s corner

A good girl’s guide to murder

Inspired by the BBC’s latest series debuting on the 1st of July, my daughter and I just couldn’t resist diving into the original story. Let me tell you, this is one heck of a thrilling read with the young, geeky, and insatiably curious Pippa Fitz-Amobi, diving into the mystery of her missing school senior while juggling her EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and A Levels. I mean, who does that? Besides the gripping plot, this book became our go-to for bedtime stories, bus rides, doctor’s office waits, supermarket lines, and even a 37-minute walk to our friend’s house! Kudos to Holly Jackson for creating something that both teens and adults can truly enjoy. She definitely deserves a round of applause, or maybe even a parade!

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Sarah J Maas’s bestseller captivates readers with a tantalising retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. Prepare to be enthralled by its captivating blend of bloodshed, wickedness, and political intrigue, intricately woven with the intense rivalry between humans and faeries. However, caution is advised for those with a history of trauma or abuse, as the narrative delves into dark themes. While some may question the portrayal of coercion and subjugation, this tale offers an irresistible escape from the ordinary, whisking readers away to magical realms teeming with colorful characters and formidable monsters.

Glint

Raven Kennedy’s stunning sequel to her King Midas’s legend inspired book Gild exceeds all expectations and truly captivates the reader. The narrative delves into the story of Auren, King Midas’s favoured ‘saddle’ (courtesan), portraying her as more than just a gilded prisoner of the king. I admire how the author enriches Auren’s character with vibrant hues and unwavering strength, making her a truly compelling protagonist. This emotionally charged tale carries an important message for young readers, urging them to be wary of manipulation and to embrace their true selves. Beyond the enchanting fantasy, this book powerfully advocates for self-belief as a shield against societal predators. A thrilling, impassioned read that resonates deeply with its readers.

Back to Table of Contents

In the studio

Bird illustrations (Continued)

Continuing on my mission to put thought on paper and on a piece of merchandise, I did a full set of bird illustrations, putting my creativity to work and bringing to life new designs such as the brown hooded parrot with orchids, the pheasants with corn, the tiger lilies with robins, and the pied wagtail with clematis. Barring the parrot, all of the rest are local birds in the UK and frequent visitors to my back garden, which provides daily inspiration for my artwork. This is nature at its best during the summer months, and capturing its beauty in my illustrations is a delight.

For Quita and Debbie

We may not have a dog of our own at the moment, but I can’t help but imagine the day when we will. Despite not being a dog owner myself, I couldn’t resist capturing the essence of my friend’s beloved British bull terrier, Quita. She’s an absolute sweetheart, and I beavered away into creating a trio vibrant portraits, with rich purples, hints of azure, and an abundance of lush greenery.

Olympics as the Greeks would have it

So this peculiar idea struck me, and I couldn’t resist bringing it to life. With the highly anticipated Olympics approaching in Paris, I transformed a figurine of a Greek warrior into a spirited pugilist, adorning it with mighty boxing gloves. The result? An illustration reminiscent of the captivating scenes depicted on ancient Greek vases.

I have no idea of which sport I am going to imitate after this but the top candidates are discus, long jump and javelin.

Back to Table of Contents

A quick recipe or two

In a 9-5 working week, we rely on some of the hallowed staples written below of the Goldsmith household to maintain our independence in the dinner domain.

Oven baked prawn toast – Blend raw prawns, shallots or spring onions, a tablespoon of soya sauce, and 1 egg in a food processor. Spread the mixture on toasted bread, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and roast in the oven until the prawns are cooked, usually within 10 minutes. Serve with a green salad.

Aubergine and gram flour fritters (vegan) – This recipe is a household favourite and the only way fussy eaters in my house will eat aubergine. Simply slice the aubergine thin and coat with turmeric or skip it if you don’t like the smell. Make a batter with gram flour, black nigella seeds, salt, paprika, and water. The batter should have a pancake batter consistency. Use a shallow frying pan with enough oil to coat the base. Dip each slice in the batter and fry until brown and crispy on each side. Drain off excess oil on a kitchen towel and serve hot with some salad or parathas.

Back to Table of Contents

A visit from friends to finish

Friends you’ve known for more than half your life hold an incredibly special place in your heart. It’s like clockwork to reunite with them, even after a decade, and effortlessly slip back into the rhythm of good times, sharing jokes, and laughing until it feels like time has stood still, despite the passing years. In the past month, I was fortunate to reconnect with friends I hadn’t seen in 15 years, and the amazing thing was that we never ran out of things to share with each other. It was truly one of the happiest weekends of my life. Here’s to the enduring magic of such moments!
No comments on Summer in June
Captivating May: Flamenco, Shakespeare, and Travel Adventures

27th May 2024

Architectural, Art, Exhibitions, Nature Illustrations, Uncategorized
The English language is like a magpie, continuously picking up shiny, intriguing words from various languages across the globe. Over the centuries, thanks to colonial rule, immigration, and intrepid explorers, English has evolved into a delightful mishmash of foreign words, enriched by the diverse cultures it encountered.

The word “Juggernaut” originated from the Sanskrit word “Jagannath“, associated with the form of Vishnu worshipped at the Jagannath Temple in Odisha, Eastern India. During the Rath Yatra festival, devotees pull three colossal temple carts through the streets, carrying statues of the deities.

The carts are 14m tall and weigh hundreds of tons. Early European visitors were so amazed by these festivals that they reportedly returned with stories, possibly fictitious, of devotees throwing themselves under the wheels of the carts. This is how the word ‘Juggernaut’ came to signify something massive and unstoppable due to institutional or physical inertia.

Outings in May

Daniel Martinez Orchestra and Flamenco at the Sheldonian Theatre

Gazing upon Sir Wren’s architectural masterpiece from the highest seats was awe-inspiring, despite being a bit challenging for those with vertigo. The performance by Daniel Martinez delved deep into the rich tapestry of Spanish flamenco, taking us on a captivating journey through the diverse styles found across Andalucia.

Macbeth – NT live at Vue cinemas

Tony and BAFTA Award winner Ralph Fiennes and Olivier Award winner Indira Varma are set to captivate audiences in a thrilling new rendition of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Shot live at Dock X, a bespoke theatre venue in London, this acclaimed portrayal of Macbeth, described as ‘pulse-quickening’ by the Financial Times, promises an unforgettable cinematic experience. Directed by Simon Godwin, this production breathes new life into Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, thrusting it into the modern day. Brace yourself for an enthralling saga of power, betrayal, and superstition as Macbeth unfolds on the silver screen.

The Fall Guy at Vue Cinemas

Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt team up as a daredevil and a movie maestro in an action-packed comedy extravaganza. The film features their electric on-screen chemistry, snappy banter, and impressive stunts. Gosling plays Colt Seavers, a lovestruck stuntman for a famous actor, while Blunt portrays his love interest, Jo. The plot revolves around Seavers finding himself in perilous predicaments after the actor disappears. The cast, including Hannah Waddingham and Aaron Taylor Johnson, contributes to the hilarity, making the film a must-see for those seeking an escape from reality, gravity, and the frailty of humankind.

Trip to Paris over the May bank holiday (swipe below)
Books

The Royal Secret by Andrew Taylor

Step into the captivating world of history and intrigue as we delve into the compelling saga revolving around the signing of the secret treaty of Dover in 1670. This gripping tale unfolds against the backdrop of real events, as England’s Charles II and France’s Louis XIV forged a strategic alliance to thwart the Dutch from their territorial ambitions on the Spanish Netherlands. At the heart of this enthralling narrative are the key figures of James Marwood, a dedicated Whitehall agent, and his close confidante Cat Hakesby, a resilient widow who carries on her late husband’s architecture business. For history enthusiasts, this tale offers a delightful journey back to an era of intense colonial rivalries and power struggles, providing a profound insight into the vibrant tapestry of London life during the Restoration Period, while offering glimpses of the aftermath of the great fire of London.

Gild by Raven Kennedy

Continuing my fantasy reading spree, Gild is a captivating retelling of the ancient fable of King Midas, who was cursed (or blessed, as he thought at the time) with the golden touch. However, aside from the king being cursed with a golden touch and being called Midas, the rest of the plot is a testament to Kennedy’s remarkable imagination and creative spirit. Magical kingdoms, intense rivalries, daring pirates, passionate lovers, epic battles, and shocking betrayals are all woven into this extraordinary story. As a bonus, there are two more books in the sequence! This book is an easy read, but I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted, especially if you find violence depressing.

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

“The Familiar” is a captivating tale set in the era of the Spanish Inquisition, following Luzia, a scullion with magical powers, and Guillén Santángel, an immortal familiar. The story unfolds as Luzia’s abilities are discovered and she is mentored by Guillén, leading to an extraordinary adventure intertwined with the Spanish royal court. This enchanting narrative showcases Bardugo’s unparalleled storytelling and leaves the reader eager for more of her works.

YellowFace by R.F. Kuang

As expressed by the author in the Acknowledgments section, this is a chilling narrative about the experience of solitude within a cutthroat industry. The plot revolves around two writers, Athena Liu and Juniper Hayward, with the former achieving instant success and the latter facing commercial failure. Tragically, Athena passes away after choking on a pancake, leading Juniper to appropriate her manuscript, put her own spin on it, and achieve fame. This story encapsulates the harsh realities of the publishing industry, the relentless pursuit of financial gain overshadowing the love for literature. Additionally, it delves into the genuine issue of social media-based harassment and character defamation, shedding light on how easily individuals can be broken by the callous actions of online aggressors. I would recommend this to aspiring writers, as although it is a work of fiction, it poignantly reflects the truths of the literary world.

In the studio

Upcoming events
- Wallingford Carnival 10 am-5 pm on Saturday 15th June
- Upper Heyford Social 11 am – 6 pm on Saturday 29th June
Wood cuts with Asma Hashmi

Continuing on my journey to explore the world of printmaking techniques, I have taken the first steps into the intricate realm of woodcut printing. As my first project, I carved out the image of a chimpanzee, under the expert guidance of my esteemed mentor Asma Hashmi and the results are truly satisfying. I am eagerly anticipating the endless possibilities that lie ahead in my printmaking voyage.

Update on Artweeks

I was incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support and assistance of my daughter and husband as we set everything up in just an hour. One valuable lesson I’ve taken away from this and previous experiences is that when presenting art in a venue that isn’t your own, you must be prepared to adapt to unexpected challenges on the day and think on your feet. Fortunately, there was less improvisation required this time, and the event largely unfolded as envisioned. I have shared some snapshots from the display.

And my exhibition featured in the OX magazine – page 44

Bird illustrations

These were ideas I wanted to paint and all inspired by my day to day life. The first one is inspired by my back garden’s apple tree, which has beautiful spring blossom on it each year, and is a perfect habitat for birds to perch on.

Thanks to the concealed bird feeder nestled within the lush magnolia foliage, it enables smaller birds such as finches (goldfinch and bullfinch both local to the UK) to access the seeds without competition from pigeons and crows.

The vibrant burst of spring colours following a bleak, grey winter is truly therapeutic.

And speaking of finches, the strawberry finch is a stunning tropical bird. Its vibrant red feathers are perfectly paired with the lush mulberry plants. During the breeding season, the male transforms into a mesmerising vision, boasting a radiant red plumage adorned with striking white spots.

Parisian inspirations

If the allure of Paris fails to ignite a fiery passion within you, then perhaps something is missing.

The River Seine stands as the unparalleled symbol of Paris, an embodiment of timeless elegance and grace. The Seine, a river of centuries, with a one in 100 annual probability of flooding, has witnessed the passage of time since 12,000 BC. Its indomitable spirit greatly influenced the numbering of Parisian streets, where those perpendicular or oblique to the river commence their numbering from the side nearest to its embrace.

River Seine as pictured from Pont Neuf

A visit to Paris would be incomplete without seeing the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is currently under construction and repairs. Hopefully, this architectural marvel will be open to the public again soon.

Fun fact

The original novel by Victor Hugo, Notre-Dame de Paris, played a crucial role in saving the Notre-Dame Cathedral from ruin. Throughout the centuries, the cathedral has had various uses, including serving as a food storage facility in the 1790s. Thanks to Hugo’s passion for architecture and his popular novel, a 25-year restoration project was initiated, transforming the cathedral into the iconic landmark we know today.

And that’s all

Longer days and shorter nights mean less squeezing into tights and more wiggle room for open toes. It’s all about blooms and greens making the world look like a giant salad. To survive this season, I arm myself with Allevia so that hay fever doesn’t turn me into the stuffy-nosed monster. Cold salads become my new best friends, and homemade strawberry lemonade is the unofficial drink of the season for me. I’ll even fire up the barbecue at the first hint of sunshine – who cares if it’s just a tease? Outdoor walks, garden time, and turning into an art hermit are all part of my survival guide for spring and summer.
No comments on Captivating May: Flamenco, Shakespeare, and Travel Adventures