School of Everything Anita Lasocka Placement Report
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Contents 5 School of Everything 7 Project outlines 8 The Roots of Morris Dance 10 Off-Spring Morris Men 20 Bacchus Border Morris 31 Bishopstone Union of Morris Men 40 Jack-in-the-Green 53 Artist Placement Group vs. Morris dance project 54 cv 56 Online Portfolio 72 Other creative practice 74 Use of social media - Twitter
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School of Everything
School of Everything is a website-based company, which developed as a challenge to the traditional education system. The School was founded in 2006 and launched on 1st September 2008. It is supported by charitable trust, The Young Foundation, founder of Which? magazine, Channel 4 Education, Esther Dyson, Rocco Pellegrinelli, JP Rangaswami and the Open University. It believes that people should learn the topic they are interested in, while avoiding the administrative context of education process. The award-winning site is a tool that connects teachers and students worldwide and allows them to learn any subject they want. Everyone can register for free and start learning and/or teaching the subject they know about, have qualifications in or are just passionate about. Registered teachers form a personal page, where they can advertise their classes or workshops, while a potential student can find them through a search engine provided by the site. Pupils can get in touch with tutors via email or a phone call (if provided) and arrange to meet and start learning immediately. The concept behind creating the site is that everyone can find the subject that he/ she can teach, and pick up a new hobby or qualification they desire. The teacher can decide to charge for their services, or share their skills for free. In the School of Everything, anyone can become a teacher as qualifications are not necessary, their passion is more than enough. The bottom-up learning system creates more possibilities for self-employed teachers, helps develops new skills and revitalises communities and/or neighbourhoods. http://schoolofeverything.com
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Project outlines Project Title: Morris Dance groups Aim: To explore British tradition of Morris Dancing by photographing teachers and students of Morris Dance groups listed on the School of Everything website. Reasons behind the topic: After reading the newspaper article published at the beginning of the year 2009 that the Morris dancing tradition was dying out, I decided to check it out for myself. I saw a Morris Dance group a few years ago and it looked very much alive to me, with a few very young members. Another reason behind my choice of topic was lots of different opinions I heard on the origin of the dance, its authenticity and the people who perform it. I have never really had a chance to explore the idea hidden behind this tradition. The School of Everything has given me the opportunity to get in touch with people who promote it and try to keep it alive. My project also explores a community that is developing within School of Everything website. Final product: The final product of this project is a portrait of a Morris Dance community consisting of teachers and students. Resources: I found around 50 schools teaching Morris Dancing around Britain registered within the School of Everything website. After my initial contact with the dance groups via the School of Everything’s email I managed to get some interest and make a few appointments to photograph them at their convenience. There are a few located in London, but I travelled to other towns to meet even more groups. The photographs are going to be used at the School of Everything as well as the Morris groups’ websites. I photographed three Morris dance groups: Off Spring Morris Men, Bacchus Border Morris and Bishopstone Union of Morris Men.
The Roots of M
‘Several theories have been put forward conc
of the lack of surviving information on the sub
Tudor times which mention ‘morisco’ (Moorish
tions in Europe, especially at European courts
common feature of holiday games and sports
being used to refer to such activities. They hav
seasonal festivities, particularly Mayday and C dances to be a remnant of early, preChristian
seemingly absent. In addition, during the late
lar antiquities, mainly among the leisured clas to hold a popular fascination at the time and
links between paganism and nearly every sur sion of other possibilities. Many eminent and
view with the result that, in some quarters, it h
the century.At least one alternative explanatio
Moors, or by others in order to depict the Moo
and that the common people, in trying to em
continued the practice long after the courts h
diverse forms of dance and drama which have
in various parts of our country, and by appare
The sad and rather dull fact is that no-one rea extract from Morris Federation website:
http://morrisfed.org.uk/mfblog/about/the-r
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Morris Dance
cerning the roots of morris dancing because
bject. There are a few references from before
h) dances being performed at various loca-
s. In Tudor times, they seem to have been a
s, the two terms ‘morris’ and ‘morisco’ both
ve since been very much associated with
Christmas. This has led some to suggest the religious rites, but any evidence for this is
e 1880s there was a rise in interest in popu-
sses. PreChristian pagan religions seemed many of these amateur historians claimed
rviving ‘quaint’ tradition, to the near exclurespected people also gave credence to this
has remained unchallenged since the turn of
on is that they were dances invented by the
ors, brought through Europe to our courts,
mulate the entertainments of the nobility,
had lost interest.It is further confused by the
e come down to us with the name of ‘morris’
ently similar forms found in parts of Europe.
ally knows.’
roots-of-the-dance/
Off-Spring M
‘Off-Spring Morris is a mixed Cotswold Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames, in Spring Morris performs dances mainly The dances originate from several Eng Adderbury, Bampton, Headington, Du Severn.
The mixed side's name, Off-Spring Mo men's side which was taken from the Grove, between Kingston and Surbito centred on the local Young's Public Ho side was formed in 1999. ‘
More information about Off-Spring M http://www.offspringmzorris.org/
Photographed during the practice (23 George’s Day, 24/04/09)
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Morris Men
d Morris side, based in the Royal n the English county of Surrey. Offy from the Cotswold Morris tradition. glish villages, including Fieldtown, ucklington, Lichfield and Upton upon
orris, is derived from the original small Victorian backwater of Spring on where the side was formed. It is ouse, The Spring Grove. Our mixed
Morris Men on:
3/03/09) and performance (St
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Bacchus Bor
Bacchus Border Morris group is was formed in the summer of 20 ris dance with the aim of keepin and kicking. The group writes it on traditional music as well as it members wear the traditional B hat, which is accompanied by th hide [them] from friends, family
To read more about Bacchus Bo http://www.bacchusbordermo http://www.myspace.com/bac
Photographed on during practi in the Green festival (04/05/09)
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rder Morris
based in Croydon, Surrey, and 008. It performs a Border Morng the Morris tradition alive ts own music, which is based ts own inventions. All the Border Morris rag coat and top heir “own special disguise to y and [the] press�.
order Morris visit: orris.co.uk cchusbordermorris
ice (21/04/09) and during Jack
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Bishopstone Un Me
Bishopestone Union of Morris M near Swindon. The group was fo local school tried to book Morri all nearby groups had already b the village decided that their hu Over an eight-week period they by dance specialist Sue Tremlin. decided to carry on dancing.
More information about BUMM http://bumms.info/
Photographed during practice o
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nion of Morris
en
Men is based in Bishopstone ormed last summer when the is Men for the school fete. As been booked, the women of usbands could learn to dance. y learnt two dances suprvised . After the village fete, they
Ms at:
on 06/05/09
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Jack-in-th
Festival in
Jack in the Green festival is an an summer that originated around celebration English people woul leaves, which became more and century it became competitive, a increasingly larger. The main gar the entire body. It gain the name The practice completely disappe tury and was replaced by the Ma vived in Hastings in 1983 by the ers, and grew. Nowadays, it is a fo
More information about Jack-inhttp://www.hastingsjack.co.uk
Photographed on the last day of
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he -Green
n Hastings
nnual celebration of the coming 400 years ago. For the May Day ld make garlands of flowers and d more complex. In the late 18th and head garlands become rland was so big that it covered e Jack in the Green. eared by the end of 19th Cenay Queen. The tradition was regroup, Mad Jacks Morris Dancour-day celebration.
-the-Green festival on:
f the festival (04/05/09)
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Artist Placement Group vs. Morris dance project The project placement set me in the business environment, outside the gallery space, therefore outside the artist domain, so it followed the APG main aim. Although it didn’t involved me in the day to day work of the organisation on every level, it gave me great deal of flexibility and independence not only with my working hours, but also on the photographed subject as well as my approach to the subject. At the beginning of the project me and School of Everything agreed on the general outlines of the project and a style of photographs i.e. their connection to the website and teaching – learning environment. After this initial stage I was independent in every decision. Consequently, I decided which group I want to photograph and what kind of images to take, therefore I could use my skills creatively. There was no strict instructions from School of Everything, which was one of the main aims of APG formation. Through this placement I was also located within another environment i.e. Morris dance groups. I photographed them in their surroundings, usually places where they practice or perform. As a result, I had to develop a photographic dialogue with other people as well as a different space. All the meetings were preceded with a research about the groups, dances and their history.
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Cover Letter 24 Manthorp Road, London, SE18 7TA Telephone: 07984 475 962 Email: zawisak@gmail.com Dougald Hine Co-founder & Strategy Director School of Everything 18 Victoria Park Square, London E2 9PF 1 March 2008 Dear Dougland, Re:
Freelance photographer
I would like to apply for work placement as a freelance photographer at the School of Everything, which was presented to me by my Photographic Art’s teacher Paula Roush on the 26 February. I am very interested to get experience in working as a freelance photographer on assignment. Therefore, I am pleased to enclose my CV and portfolio as well as links to my online work including publishing. You will see from my enclosed CV that I have gained a wide variety of both transferable and specific skills, which relate to work in the photography field. I already have an experience in working as an event photographer for Yamaha Music Ltd., Architecture plb, and performing artists like Michelle Horacek and a Blue Intervention group. My work experience has been greatly enhanced through the knowledge gained during my studies, where I obtain an understanding of printing on demand. I published my first photobook with Lulu using InDesign and Photoshop programmes. Furthermore, working in different and very busy environments helped me to develop good communication and organisation skills as well as ability to adapt quickly to new working conditions. I believe that my CV demonstrates that I meet all the requirements for the work placement. I’d like the opportunity to tell you more about my work experience and how my skill set could contribute to the successful running of the project. I’d be happy to supply strong references at your request. I look forward to discussing the position with you. Your sincerely, Anita Lasocka
Anita Lasocka
cv
24 Manthorp Road, London, SE18 7TA Mobile phone: 07984475962 zawisak@gmail.com
Objective: To gain entry-level experience in photography where creative initiative, ideas and a genuine enthusiasm would allow me to progress.
Profile: Exceptional language and communications skills, top people skills, well-presented, work on initiative and self motivated. Conscientious, hard working, fast learner and reliable person. I am a good time keeper and enjoy meeting people. I work well under pressure, either as part of a team or on my own. I can adapt to any environment and would like to use my skills to contribute positively to any work situation. I am positive with a friendly disposition and a good sense of humour.
Work experience 04/09 present Invigilator at Photgraphers’ Gallery, London, UK 11/08
Blue intervention performance, Surveillance City, photographing performance artists
10-11/08
Yamaha Music UK LTD, London Photography work of three events: conference announcing launching new educational program, American sax player Otis Murphy’s performance and a percussion concert with an American artist called Dave Samuels in 606 Jazz Club
06/08
Architecture plb, London Commission photography work of a cycle of architecture events
02/08
Imbolic by Michelle Horacek, performance artist. Photographing the performance
04/07 – 08/08
Till Manager (form March’07), Decathlon UK, London. I started working as a receptionist and was shortly promoted to till supervisor and later to till manager. Responsibilities: Supervising 15 people working in customer service department, ordering and supervising cash delivery in 2 saves, supervising cash float in 13 tills, dealing with complaints and inquiries at the welcome desk, serving customers, answering the phone. My role required excellent customer service skills, multitasking and the ability to cope in a busy environment.
10/05 – 03/07
Assistant Manager (from Sep’06), Cafe Nero, London and Leicester – I started working in Leicester as a barista in training, in February’06 I was promoted to Shift Leader and after moving to London I became Assistant Manager Responsibilities: Serving customers, responsible for handling cash, operating till, cashing-up, banking money, ordering stock, dealing with sales representatives, staff supervision, dealing with customer complaints and refunds
03/04 – 08/05
Kitchen Assistant and later Chef, The Rose & Crown, Clapham Common, London Responsibilities: preparing and cooking food, general kitchen work, ordering stock, menu planning (part time jobs while taking full time English course)
07/99 - 02/04
Inspector of Plant Protection and Seed Service, Vojevodship Inspection, Warsaw, Poland Responsibilities: Co-operation with others public institution, branches of District Inspection and farmers science institutions. Controlling and planning work of 29 branches of Vojevodship inspection in Mazowsze district in section of crop protection. Making decision in order to prevent spreading of quarantine organisms in agricultural production. Writing articles to agricultural magazines. Organising training and training employees and farmers plus general administrative work. Updated, maintained and created records, using Excel spreadsheets and Access databases
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12/98 – 06/99
Inspector, Job Centre, Ostrow Maz., Poland Responsibilities: First contact with job seekers and employers plus general administrative work. Strong team work ability to act as focal point between unemployed and employers.
Education 09/07 – present
London South Bank University BA (Hons) Digital Photography Subjects: Photoshop; Studio Practice, In Design; Publishing on demand;
10/05-06/06
A 1 level Photography Black & White, Leicester Collage, UK Main subjects: Black&White film photography, darkroom skills
2006
Advanced Writing, Leicester Collage, UK (3 months course)
2006
Introduction to Interpreting, level 1, Leicester College, UK (3 months course)
10/03-06/05
General English, Certificate of Advanced in English (June 2005) by UCLES (the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate), Premier Collage, London
09/94-06/98
MA philosophy of nature, Catholic University in Lublin, Poland Main subjects: Philosophy, Biology, Ecology, Evolutionism, Origin of Life
09/98-06/04
College diploma (equivalent English A levels), Economic College, Ostrow Mazowiecka, Poland (Economy and Management, Polish, Maths, German)
Key skills Communication skills
Able to communicate effectively at all levels gained through giving presentations at university, liaising with customers and suppliers at work, and supervising coworkers. Teamwork High level of teamwork skills gained through work in Decathlon UK and Cafe Nero Numerical skills Competent in budgeting, cash flow, book-keeping IT skills Microsoft Office, Excel, Powerpoint, Photoshop, InDesign, 50wpm typing Languages Polish (mother tongue), English (fluent written and spoken), Russian and German (passable)
Interest Documentary and Nature Photography, trekking, swimming and martial art (I’m currently training Kung-Fu). References Available Upon Request
Online Portfolio http://www.anita.clickgarden.net
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Additional imag http://www.flickr.co
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ges available on: om/osnuya/photos
Other creative practice
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/the-front-page-story/4762269 page72 Placement Report
On Flickr: http://www. flickr.com/photos/osnuya/set s/72157617591 355292/?page= 3sets/72157617 591355292/?pa ge=3
Use of social media - Twitter I decided to explore twitter to expand my learning and professional network. The main reason was that School of Everything was already active user of this social media, therefore it was a perfect tool to share my images. Furthermore, I was able to keeping them updated on the progress of my work as well as present examples of my photographs. Secondly, while using twitter I manage to get in touch with Bishopstone Union of Morris Men, who started following me after few of my updates about my work placement. Apart from making an appointment to take images during their practice session, I also received lots of information about Morris groups. Another group which helped me with the research and exploration of Morris groups' atmosphere was Morris Movie group. Twitter enabled me to share my photographs with School of Everything as well as Morris dance groups at the same time. I learned to explore Twitter as a professional tool to make contacts, display and share progress of my work as well as present images. Altogether I did 72 updates and shared about 20 photographs
twitts by Time of Day & Day of Week
Few last updates on the twitter
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