Issue 10: Energise

10 Issue

continue the voice Energise 01/08/21

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ENERGISE

A letter to our Readers

J

uly arrived with the sun and here in Scotland it was rather odd having the sun but so lovely to be able to sit out with friends and have some normalcy again and it seems that August is going to go the same way! Our team have been enjoying ‘shot’ girl summer – or I suppose here it would be called jag girl summer, but that doesn’t really have the same ring to it! So what better theme for our August issue than ‘energise’? I personally love our piece with Laura Nevill Studio this month, as I am in love with her ‘Let’s Do London Better’ campaign (head to page 18 to find out more). I also love the Matrix of Feelings piece in this issue, and having pieces as experimental as this is why we love to be digital! July was also International Zine Month so thank you for reading our zine month in, month out and if you are new then welcome! Zines are an incredible way to be creative and we listed some of our favourites on our website at the end of July as a way to celebrate, you can check that out here.

So, that’s all from me for now, please do get comfy and enjoy reading this wonderful issue!

Kirsty Taylor She / Her

Front cover by Mary Anne Zammit Magazine Design by Daisy Melnyczuk

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CONTENTS

Page 06–07 Page 08–09 Page 10–12 Page 13 Page 14–16 Page 17 Page 18–23 Page 24–25 Page 26 Page 27–29 Page 30–31 Page 32–33 Page 34 Page 35–37 Page 38–39 Page 40–43 Page 44–45 Page 46–47 Page 48–49 Page 50 Page 51

Following the Trend: Wild-Swimming & Boosting Energy in Lockdown The art of Františka Janečková as a transformation of the soul Poetry Corner Colour Dreams Interview with an Author: Sharna Jackson Night Terror The Gallery: Laura Nevill Studio Motivation: Now You Feel It, Now You Don’t More Fire Chasing the Unseen Things We’re Loving Playlist The Matrix of Feelings Sustainable Art: Wild Ceramics The Art of Make-Up Small Business Spotlight Restaurant Highlight: Gallery 48 Coorie Moments What Energises You? Next Issue Ad Call for Submissions: Cuisine

FOLLOWING THE TREND:

in Lockdown

Swimming, for me, has always been a way

Photo by Pierre Jeanneret on Unsplash

Wild-Swimming & Boosting Energy

a long-term goal – wild swimming. However,

to unwind and destress and, most mornings, my dreams were thwarted at the first hurdle. lengths in the pool are enough to energise me

As the days got colder wetsuits and swimwear

for the day. So, when lockdown hit last year and were sold out across the country (Mountain the pools closed overnight, I really felt the loss.

Warehouse reported a 229% increase in sales of wetsuits in the first three months of 2021 alone)

Enter – for me and just about everyone else – and favourite swimming spots were full to the the wild swimming mania of the last year. My brim, what was supposed to be a relaxing new oh-so-original idea (or so I thought) was to lockdown activity suddenly felt anxiety-inducing. finally embrace the great outdoors by fulfilling 6

However, when I finally did get over my new- Although today we know that health issues activity nerves and made it into the water, I was

are, unfortunately, a lot more complicated

hooked. Although swimming is a very loose than a quick dip in the sea, some studies have term for what I do – dip into some freezing loch proven the benefits of outdoor swimming on or sea for ten minutes and then quickly reward mental health. It has been found that regular myself with a coffee and a bit of cake – I have

cold-water immersion can be linked to the

very quickly become one of those annoying reduction of stress hormones (by acclimatising enthusiasts. You will find me wandering along the body to physical stress reactions – such as Portobello beach in my cozzie, blethering to increased heart rate – after cold-water shocks), anyone who will listen about how great it feels and the increase of ‘feel-good’ hormones such – how ‘I just have so much more energy now!’.

as dopamine and serotonin. Links have also been made to improvements in sleep and the

So what is it about wild swimming that I, and a positive benefits of exercising in nature – both of good 50% of Scotland (if my Instagram feed is which are believed to be effective ways to boost to be believed), have found so therapeutic and energy levels. reviving in lockdown?

Wild swimming has also been proven to have Well, from my experiences, the cold water a meditative effect. If, like me, you’ve tried undoubtedly wakes you up and there is

just about every mindfulness tape but still

something genuinely restorative about the can’t quite seem to sit still long enough to process of submerging yourself in water outdoors.

The

‘lockdown-generation’

quiet your thoughts, it is a great way to clear

are your head and focus, while still staying active.

definitely not the first to think so either.

Swimming outdoors for pleasure has been a

My advice? Ignore social media and the crowds

part of British culture for hundreds of years and just go for it – there’s a reason participation appearing in poetry, art, and literature from in outdoor swimming in the UK has increased as far back as the Anglo-Saxons. However, by between 1.5 and three times since 2019 – swimming for health really took off in the 18th

and this is one lockdown trend that I hope stays.

and 19th centuries, where the middle and upper classes would go ‘sea-bathing’. The For

safety

advice

and

information

on

cold salt water was hailed as an invigorating the best safe swimming spots, check out cure-all for any and all illness.

wildswimming.co.uk.

By Hannah Scott. After graduating in 2020 with a degree in Scottish Literature from the University of Glasgow, Hannah is currently studying MSc Publishing at Edinburgh Napier. Her interests lie in Scottish indie publishers and creatives. Alongside volunteering and writing for Continue The Voice, her spare time is spent balancing a pretty serious true-crime podcast addiction, attempting (and failing) to learn how to bake, and reading sci-fi and fantasy novels.

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The art of Frantiska Janečková as a transformation of the soul

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In front of us stand the paintings of Frantiska Janečková and we draw a conclusion that we can classify her work in the forefront of current ‘Action Painting’, which is based on the direct gesture of the creator. Frantiska Janečková has avoided the conventions of abstract art and the spiritualist religionism, which often ends in a hallucination or culminates in a transcendent world of the Faith.

Her essential method is introspection, vision of the inner world of being, contemplation. The big help was the study of Franz Kafka, who did not put much emphasis on punctuation, but more on the rhythms of prose settings and loved introspection. Kafka wrote: ‘Contemplation and action are apparent truth, but only the action initiated by contemplating is the Truth’.

By Professor Dr. Miroslav Klivar, PhD. Accademia Internacionale IL CONVIVIO, Italy, 2014

By Františka Janečková. Františka is 65 years old and is an experienced therapist, painter and art therapist. Born in Czech Republic under Communism, she married a French officer of the Merchant Navy and lived for 35 years in France. She practiced and taught arts. As all creativity is therapeutic, she gradually discovered the healing power of energy. She is harmonizing energies in her artwork as well as in the patients feeling the inner disorder. Her art has a healing power. Nowadays, she lives in Czech Republic teaching creativity and making YouTube videos about psychosomatic healing.

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Poetr y Corner Morning in Orleans Sun wakens wet needles, the rhododendrons, and sand.

On the porch, a scent of Cape pines.

This and hot coffee – We haven’t planned our day… we won’t.

P-town, Truro, maybe Wellfleet for books.

All start with spring on the porch, over coffee, and a few poems.

By Antoni Ooto. Antoni is an internationally published poet and flash fiction writer. Wellknown for his abstract expressionist art, Antoni now adds his voice to poetry. Reading and studying the works of many poets has opened another means of self-expression. His recent poems have been published in ‘Vita Brevis Press’, ‘Amethyst Review’, ‘The BeZine’, ‘Continue The Voice’, ‘North of Oxford’, ‘The Poet Magazine’, ‘The Front Porch Review’, and many other journals and anthologies.

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. . .

Spring Shadows wait with no visible marks of chill, and I ripple the air, hurrying a promising portrait, becoming the art finding its way, wearing new feathery green to a phantasm of possibilities – I’m on my way to something else.

By Judy DeCroce. Judy is an internationally published poet, flash fiction writer, educator, and avid reader whose recent works have been published by ‘Vita Brevis Press’, ‘The BeZine’, ‘Continue The Voice’, ‘North of Oxford’, ‘The Poet Magazine’, ‘Amethyst Review’, ‘OPEN: Journal of Arts & Letters’, and many other journals and anthologies. As a professional storyteller and teacher of that genre, she also offers workshops for all ages in flash fiction.

Judy lives and works in upstate New York with her husband poet/artist, Antoni Ooto.

Photo by Rafael Barros on Unsplash

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. . .

Me and The Sun The Sun that appears in the cards, makes me smile.

And it predicts good times, shielding me from dark.

The Sun is the poetry in my heart, where I belong.

It holds a door to the world I want to live in.

In the fragrance of my soul.

I recall old civilizations worshipping the sun.

It was not a star but a source of light and love.

The Sun is the door to all questions and answers.

A pathway memory to the collective.

A mystery which survived thanks to Templars, Bogomils and Cathars.

Perhaps I have been there too, The message is in the card.

I love the Sun.

By Mary Anne Zammit. Mary Anne Zammit is a graduate from the University of Malta in Diploma in Applied Social Studies (Social Work) and a Post Diploma in Probation Services, Diploma in Diplomatic Studies and obtained a Masters in Probation Services and in Freelance and Feature Writing.

Mary Anne Zammit is author of four novels in Maltese and two in English.

Mary Anne‘s poetry has been featured in international magazines and anthologies. She is a regular contributor in the ‘International Poet Magazine’.

Mary Anne is also an artist and has received many awards and her art has been exhibited in various collective exhibitions both locally and abroad as well as online galleries.

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Colour Dreams Colours When I think of colours Yellow red, and blue feel my soul, my heart brightens my mood makes me happy.

The Sun is my source of energy.

It is where I feel born again, revitalised and ready to give to the world.

Every colour fills me with light and makes me dream.

Artwork and Poem by Mary Anne Zammit.

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INTERview with aN AUthor T

his month, we spoke to Sharna Jackson, author of ‘The High Rise Mystery’ series, all about her new book, ‘Mic Drop’, and what writing means to her.

How did you get into writing?

I wanted to be a writer when I was a kid. When I was young, I said I wanted to write a diary.

Instead of buying me a nice, kid-friendly, bright diary, my parents bought me a businessman’s diary. It was full of empty pages. And for the first month I wrote in it. But by the time I got to

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March, I was just too bored. So, I started writing a novel called ‘Nero the Hero’, which was really embarrassing. It was based on a programme called ‘Quantum Leap’ about a guy who would jump through time, sorting out dramas and traumas in those eras. I was always interested in writing, but the thing that was stopping me, I guess, was confidence.

I did lots of other jobs before I became a writer full time, in fact, I only became a writer full time in November 2020. For ‘High Rise Mystery’, the publisher, Knights Of, got to know me through an art book I did when I was at Tate. And they said, ‘We’re going to start this new publishing company,’ and they asked me if I would write a book. And I said yes.

taker, and then the one who’s more flamboyant and dramatic, which is quite a common trope.

So I wanted to put my own spin on it.

How do you plot murder mysteries? Every writer seems to have a different way of doing it.

I use this thing called the 3Ps: people, plot and place. For the plot part. I write out the story as a skeleton. ‘High Rise Mysteries’ is about 55,000 words – I’ll write an outline which is about 10,000, saying what’s happening and who says what and who’s going where. And then I’ll have a little table that says ‘X did it, for this reason, at this time, and the motive was this’.

So I pitched ideas, one of which eventually became ‘High Rise Mystery’, which ‘Mic Drop’ is the sequel to. It was like P.I.s in the projects – little nosy kids who run around the neighbourhood and solve petty crimes that happen on the estate. And it was more low-key.

No murder in it at all. And I started writing and they said, ‘what if we kill someone?’ And that’s how it started. Since then, writing has just taken I was fortunate in ‘High Rise Mystery’, and over completely, which is such a dream.

‘Mic Drop’, as the editor was Robin Stevens who wrote bestselling mystery series, ‘Murder Most Unladylike’. So the whole process was a Nic and Norva are just absolute characters. blessing, to have her really digging into it. When How did you come up with both of them? we first met, she showed me a spreadsheet that she uses to plan her books, where she has I’m really interested in the dynamic between time along the top and then characters in the sisters because I don’t have a sister. What would columns. So she knows where everybody is at it be like if I had a sister? Would it be competitive? any point in the novel. For murder mysteries, Or collaborative? So I decided to write about two the pacing is paramount, especially for kids, sisters, but I wanted them to be very different, because you want them to solve the crime but to care for each other and not be too seconds before the detectives do. I’ve never bickering. And I wanted the main character, Nic, done a spreadsheet like that. I’ve started them to be like a mini hardboiled noir detective, like as a procrastination task, but never filled them what would happen if I translate those codes, out. I’m the middle ground between plans and those conventions to a young black girl who plot but leaning towards the plot. I write out the lives on an estate. And how that could contrast story in stage directions, and there might be a with her sister, who’s more contemporary, and good bit of dialogue that I’ll keep. So, I know uses contemporary language. So it’s stemmed what will happen before I do it. And then I can from both the dynamic between sisters and the make sure that I’m putting in the right clues or dynamic between detectives. You have one the right red herrings. who’s a bit more sceptical, a bit more of a note-

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What are the kids’ reactions to the fact that What’s next for The Tri? Nic and Norva are two black, working-class girls?

I’ve got loads of scenarios that I can see Nic and Norva getting involved in. I’m working on One of the reasons I wrote them as black girls was something that’s top secret. So I can’t say much because of representation and the importance about it now, but it definitely involves Nic and of seeing yourself as the hero in books. So that’s Norva and them leaving The Tri. So that will be absolutely important. But all kids get it. Part of heading your way soon-ish. That’s crap intel, but my talk in schools is a quiz: are you more like Nic, that’s all I can say. or more like Norva? And none of them question it. They get that it’s about the characters and they’re enthused about them. And that’s what What motivates you?

I want. The books are about murder, which has an element of tragedy. But what I’m trying to What motivates me with writing is the connection show is that you can be a hero regardless of with children. And for me, the best part of being your circumstance. And the books aren’t about a writer I’ve discovered is not the writing. I hate revelling in murder and violence, but more the the writing, actually. The editing is great, but the joy of taking control and being resourceful and best part is making connections with children and serving justice, and I think that’s seen in all the going on school visits, being there on Zoom and children that I’m speaking to. speaking to children who have read your book, who like your book, have suggestions for how it could be better or where they would like to see it go and to see them like really enthused and excited about storytelling – that’s a motivation for me.

By Grace Balfour-Harle

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NIGHT TERROR Nick wants to sleep.

Shadows rise, taunting. Deadlines for manuscripts he’s editing, reminders to stoke authorial egos. Double-down on grammatical corrections. Relax, focus, think ahead, Mrs. Edgar’s words rise to his mind, a June Cleaver voice tinged with a boss’s passive aggressiveness.

His father demands his help. Come visit, you should offer right away. Nick’s stomach churns, the culmination of four glasses of Merlot, as usual.

He cranks up his Spotify playlist. Claire De Lune. But not even piano notes can wash things away. There’s just a sorrow, like porcelain in each note, the possibility of something breaking. He whispers, ‘Tomorrow must be different,’ words soft, cracked.

‘Tomorrow will be different.’

He pulls up the sheets, but they’re too thin now, bursts of cold air rushing in. Then he strips the blankets away. Paces the floor.

Nick’s computer glows in the stillness of night. Jumbled words leer, waiting to be arrawnged. Planners are splayed, hours subtracted, confident cursive turned to ruins.

He plays with words. Stop, kiss my ass, fuck off, words forming, words being born, words like dominoes, one knocking over another, and then the next, until everything is felled.

He turns on every light. Pours full glasses of Diet Pepsi. Takes the longest of swigs, caffeine rushing to his bloodshot eyes. Traces his life on his oak desk, one point, another, a choice, another choice, a decision, fingers disappearing into jagged, deep crevices, crevices that grow wider.

By Yash Seyedbagheri. Yash is a graduate of Colorado State University’s MFA program. His stories, ‘Soon,’ ‘How To Be A Good Episcopalian,’ and ‘Tales From A Communion Line,’ were nominated for Pushcarts. Yash’s work has been published or is forthcoming in The Journal of Compressed Creative Arts, SmokeLong Quarterly, Write City Magazine, and Ariel Chart, among others.

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

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The Gallery :

Laura Nevill Studio

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I’m a designer and dreamer who loves

creation is one-of-a-kind, and my work

the

beautiful

celebrates the perfectly imperfect. From

imperfections that come from something

the moon, sun and stars, to tattoos and

handmade. I have always loved working

tarot – I’m inspired by all things magical

with my hands to create something

and

entirely unique and my mission is to

bold design and beautiful symbolism,

create beautiful pieces of art that bring

with elegant silhouettes and delicate

decorative charm and a little bit of

ceramics to create truly one-of-a-kind

magic to character-filled homes. There’s

pieces that can be treasured for years

a special kind of beauty that comes

to come. Whether it’s the memory of a

from something handmade; a magic

special day, or a reminder of friendship,

to be found in knowing it’s entirely

family, romance or adventure – the things

unique. From the variations in the ink

you surround yourself with tell a story,

on my lino prints, to each brush stroke

and I love that my pieces become a part

on my hand-painted ceramics – every

of yours.

quirks,

charms

and

meaningful.

I

love

to

combine

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As well as creating her own art, Laura also started a campaign called:

let’s Do London Better It all started as an Instagram post about David

After the campaign was featured in The

Hockney’s ‘Piccadilly Circus’ artwork and the

Evening Standard Westfield London got

lack of these sorts of opportunities being in touch with me and wanted to lend their given to emerging artists. I photoshopped

support to the campaign. They, along with

one of my recent pieces of work, promoting

some of their screen operators, have donated

positive mental health, which I would love to

space on their digital screens throughout the

see in and around the city onto a tube billboard two London shopping centres to showcase and invited other artists to do the same so over 30 emerging artists. The work which is we could show Sadiq Khan how beautiful all based on the theme of positivity, is being the city could look. Big opportunities, like shown on multiple screens throughout the this particular launch of The #LetsDoLondon shopping centres for the next couple of months campaign, often don’t support up-and-coming

and provides incredible exposure which most

talent enough and thanks to the amazing

artists don’t have the access to.

support and responses the post received

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on Instagram I’m now on a mission to create

A list of all the artists involved can be found

more opportunities for emerging artists using

here:

the hashtag #LetsDoLondonBetter

https://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/let-s-do-london-better

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Motivation: Now You

Feel It, Now You Don’t

Photo by Benjamin Davies on Unsplash

Motivation can be a fickle thing. Some days you

This kind of reflection was all but inevitable,

wake up raring to go – bright-eyed and bushy-

considering the barrage of dreadful – ahem,

tailed, ready to smash through your to-list; other

I mean, ‘motivational’ – articles encouraging

days simply summoning the energy to shower

millennials to make the most of furlough and

can feel like a victory (speaking for myself here).

set up a ‘side hustle’. (Truth be told, nothing zaps me of energy quite like hearing those two

And that was before the pandemic.

words. Having a ‘main hustle’ is hard enough, thank you very much).

When lockdown put the brakes on our normal

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lives, those of us who were lucky enough to

While I’m still severely lacking in the side-hustle

work from home suddenly had a lot more time

department, I have made progress in figuring

to stay in and reflect – and, for me at least, I

out what gets me out of bed in the morning

thought hard about what is important in my life

and what keeps me, well, keeping on – so I

and asked myself: ‘what motivates me?’

thought I’d share.

These tips are not a cure for a lack of energy by

Get organised

any means (when it comes to motivation, one size definitely does not fit all); they’re just a few

When you start to feel overwhelmed, and

things that have helped me on my bad days –

motivation is slipping through the cracks, take a

and maybe they’ll help you, too.

breather. Get your diary in order and plan your time, realistically, for the week ahead. I’m not

Know your triggers

ashamed to say I collect post-it notes and colour code for fun (well, maybe a little). It makes me feel more in control of my life – even if I’m not!

This is hard to do, and I’m still figuring it out myself – but understanding what demotivates you is key to getting back your motivational

Give up (no, really)

mojo. For me, collaborating with others and bouncing ideas back and forth gives me

Admittedly, this is not the most motivational

confidence, and I find that motivating; too

piece of advice I’ve ever given, but it’s valid

much time spent stewing in my own thoughts,

nonetheless. If your creative juices just aren’t

and that confidence drains away – taking my

flowing, give yourself the freedom and the

motivation with it.

permission to give up. Because there’s no shame in calling time on a task or a project –

Get outside By this, I don’t necessarily mean get outside

even if it’s just for the rest of the day.

Don’t go it alone

the house. Take some time to get outside of your own head (as I’ve alluded to already, for

Linking back to tip number one, probably the

me it can get a bit scary in there). That might be

best thing I’ve done this year was find like-

going for a walk to get some fresh air and some

minded people to collaborate with creatively.

valuable perspective, or venting to someone

People with shared passions and a common

sympathetic about your day. Sometimes a bit

goal – just like my colleagues at Continue The

of space and/or solidarity is all you need to get

Voice, and all of our incredible contributors. We

going again.

certainly get a creative boost with each issue, and we very much hope you feel a sense of positive energy radiating from every page.

Words by Beth Ralston. Beth is an MSc Publishing student at Edinburgh Napier University by day, and a freelance copywriter by night. As well as working at Continue The Voice, she volunteers with fellow editors, Grace and Nuha, for SYP Scotland, as Treasurer on the 2021/2022 committee. In her spare time, she indulges an obsession with speculative fiction and enjoys crushing friends and family at board games.

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‘More Fire’

By Victoria Valuk. Victoria is an artist from Europe. She lives and works in Belarus. Some years ago she entered the art world with great passion and inspiration. She likes to evoke emotions and capture philosophy and beauty in her artworks. Her paintings are filled with aesthetics and senses.

Victoria Valuk had more than 50 international exhibitions (solo and group) in different countries. https://artvaluk.wordpress.com/collections/

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Chasing the Unseen Running and trying for a baby are strangely

time. Which running could help with… if you

similar in that you are always chasing

knew it wasn’t going to affect your chances of

something you can’t see. When the journey

making a baby that is. Arrgh! Somebody give

of the latter becomes too long, lonely, and

me the answers to this!

fruitless, running can provide a casket of treasures to keep you teetering above the

My husband and I had ‘the chat’ about babies

abyss. However, it can also create an internal

when I was 31. I didn’t realise that I would

conflict which can pull you in opposing

be 12 days shy of my 35th birthday before I

directions. When you love running and lean on

would hold my baby in my arms for the first

it as your mental crutch to help you navigate

time. Rather embarrassingly, I wasn’t aware

the undulating voyage of life, it can be difficult

at the time that women are only fertile for

to be forced into evaluating its impact on your

around five days each month, I genuinely

body. How much is too much? Am I affecting

thought that it could happen any time! After

my chances of conceiving by pushing myself

our first ‘go’ with the very clear purpose of

on a hard session or running a certain number

baby making, I really thought I could feel

of miles? With the conflicting feelings, stress

myself getting pregnant. How naïve was I!

levels can be ejected into space, in what is

But they don’t tell you this in school, or at

already an extremely emotionally fraught

least they didn’t when I was young.

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The truth is that making another human is a

I felt like a failure. I cursed my incompetent

miraculous feat that I probably wouldn’t have

body and inhospitable womb. Why was I

known so much about had conceiving been

incapable of this? What was wrong with me?

an easy ride for us. But I researched it with

This is the ONE thing that, as a woman, I

excruciating detail, including studying every

should be able to JUST DO! It requires no prior

shred of evidence I could find about what

experience or expertise, no prerequisites, no

could affect the implantation of a fertilised

qualifications, training or resources (apart

egg. Running was one of the topics I would

from the obvious) and no positive references

routinely read up on, but the findings were

from previous employers. These thoughts

inconclusive. One study would give words of

went through my head in a cycle of self-

encouragement, with another slightly to the

deprecation each month. Until I had a quiet

contrary. Pre-baby making I was running 50

moment with myself when I was running one

miles a week consistently, but during the time

day. I stopped along the River Avon trail,

on the baby making train I lost all focus on

took my music out of my ears and just shut

races and following a training plan. I did a

my eyes. My body is wonderful and capable.

few races here and there, and often dialled

It can take me miles away from home on just

back my training in the two weeks prior to my

my feet alone. My body is strong. My womb

period when implantation might take place.

isn’t an empty, dried-up husk, incompetent

It was like existing in no man’s land, living

and unable to grow and carry my baby. I am

month to month, the mechanical union in the

not defined by my capacity to create new life.

five-day window, updating apps, peeing on

My body is powerful and wonderful.

sticks and facing crushing disappointment

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when that familiar crampy feeling appeared

From then on I listened to my body. I stopped

along

of

worrying about how running might be

discharge, that I still scrutinised with intensity

affecting my fertility. I had tried everything

to see if it might be implantation bleeding,

anyway; running the same mileage, including

even although I knew full well that it was the

hard sessions, dialling back the miles and

start of my period. And breathe...

pace, not running at all. Nothing seemed to

with

the

pre-period

splodge

change the result. My concern about running

I always thought the hardest decision would

perished like the last snowdrop of the winter.

be when to jump off and relinquish the chase,

Running gave me a focus from the constant

but the resolution to get off at the next stop

disappointments, a chance to prove that my

has presented itself without an elaborate

body was capable of more than what my mind

entrance or an emotional anthem. It silently

concluded it was worth. Why would I shut this

snuck in like a whisper in the wind. And I’m

out of my life at a time that I needed it more

okay with that. I finally feel that no matter

than ever?

what awaits us at the end of the line, I will be happy and content in the belief that the

We have been on the baby making train

destination was mapped out for us from the

now for almost six and a half years. We’ve

start. And running will be there every step of

been through some really dark tunnels and

the way.

been completely derailed through losses, but with the help of IVF we gave birth to our beautiful baby daughter in 2018. She is more than enough, but we would love to have a brother or sister for her, so we continue on the journey, although the train is running out of steam.

By Lyndsay Noon. Lyndsay is a Scottish lass with a passion for running and writing. After graduating from the University of Stirling in 2006 with a Degree in Sport Studies and Sociology, she went on to work in Sports Development for over 12 years. She became a mum in 2018 and after appreciating how important it is to make the most of her time with her daughter, she gave up her full-time role as Head of Engagement for Badminton Scotland and took on a part-time role for a charity close to home. Running has been a massive part of her life for almost 20 years and she loves to share her stories about running mishaps, things that she has learned along her running journey, as well as promoting how amazing running is!

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Things

We’re

Loving!

This month our secretary, Hannah Scott, is sharing some things she’s been loving.

As I am currently writing my Master’s dissertation and working from my bedroom, finding ways to escape have been really important in keeping myself sane. Now that things have opened up, I’m taking every chance to meet up with friends for a coffee or a glass of wine, and the warm weather means I’m trying to take more time to slow down and enjoy living in Scotland – mostly by exploring some gorgeous hiking and outdoor swimming spots.

Ultimately, I am a bit of a book and TV-addict, and love nothing more than taking a night to myself to light some candles and catch up with a favourite book or show. Here are a few things I have been loving recently…

By Hannah Scott

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This year’s TV started out so strong – ‘It’s a Sin’, ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘Wandavision’ for example were all incredible – that it has been hard to compete. However, recently a few things have caught my attention. BBC’s ‘The Pursuit of Love’ was a golden, summery and sumptuous period drama (and the costume design was superb). I would also recommend Netflix’s ‘Shadow and Bone’ (based on the books of the same name). It is eight hours of escapism that I consumed in two sittings with a family-pack (or two) of chocolate buttons. Late to the game as always, I am also anxiously working my way through ‘Line of Duty’ and, two episodes from the end, have successfully managed to avoid spoilers (seriously though, who IS the final H?). I also currently can’t get enough of ‘Loki’ on Disney+ – the 70s sci-fi aesthetic, Tom Hiddleston and Owen Wilson’s strange dynamic (it kind of works), and the time travelling chaos – absolutely brilliant.

Watc h

As a bit of a podcastjunkie, they are primarily what I listen to. The true-crime podcast ‘RedHanded’ is a current favourite. Rosie and Chris Ramsey’s podcast ‘Shagged, Married, Annoyed’, and the return of ‘My Dad Wrote a Porno’ season six, are both guaranteed to cheer me up every single week. I also love ‘You’re Wrong About’, which discusses maligned and misunderstood culture and figures, mostly from the 90s. I would definitely recommend their episodes on Princess Diana. I have a very eclectic (which my friends would call bad) taste in music that can range from musicals (Hamilton and Heathers currently) to classic indie and folk, to movie soundtracks (the ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Bridgerton’ soundtracks are a go-to while I am working). I’m currently loving Wolf Alice, First Aid Kit, Kate Bush, Agnes Obel, Of Monsters and Men, The Lumineers and Gang of Youths. And, of course, Olivia Rodrigo and Harry Styles when I need a bit of teenage angst in my life.

As a serial book-buyer, my 2021 resolution was a book-buying ban and to read the many (many) books that are sitting on my shelves – and piles under my bed – that have never been read (over 60 of them…). Therefore, I have recently visited some classics from the last few decades such as ‘Bel Canto’ by Ann Patchett, ‘Good Omens’ by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman and ‘Cloud Atlas’ by David Mitchell. ‘Bel Canto’ was absolutely my favourite. Saying that however, lockdown has meant that we have all been in desperate need for entertainment, so I have broken my resolution… a few times to say the least. I would recommend ‘Sistersong’ by Lucy Holland, released in April. It is a feminist retelling of the ballad ‘The Twa Sisters’ and is incredibly rich in mysticism and folk history. I am currently reading (and loving!) ‘Bitterhall’ by Scottish author Helen McClory which came out in March, a spooky gothic novel about a flatshare. The release of two books from some of my favourite YA authors, Cassandra Clare’s ‘Chain of Iron’ and Leigh Bardugo‘s ‘Rule of Wolves’, also provided some much needed easyreading and comfort over the last few months.

Listen

R E AD 31

PLAYLIST

Listen on Spotify

Chemtrails Over The Country Club Lana Del Rey The Last Man on Earth Wolf Alice Running Up That Hill Kate Bush My Silver Lining First Aid Kit

Golden Harry Styles

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Motion Sickness Phoebe Bridgers Ophelia The Lumineers Lose Your Head London Grammar Love You So Bad Ezra Furman Deja vu Olivia Rodrigo

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ThE Matrix of Feelings 34

We are energised by recognising our emotions. From the first ‘tacts’ of the pandemic there are more and more emotions...

‘The Matrix of Feelings’ is our reaction to the lockdown, to the feelings, which has become similar to an unbridled river.

By Miłka Malzahn & Wojciech Bura. Miłka is the author of eight fictional books, and many journalistic texts. Miłka runs the avant-garde podcast channel ‘Diary of Changes’ (in Polish – Dziennik zmian) and works as the host of the evening program at Polish Radio Białystok.

Miłka recorded two albums, and their songs were also on many compilations. Outside Poland Miłka collaborated with Donna Regina – Dis Cover – ‘Dis Cover - Donna Regina As Recorded By – Limited Vinyl Edition’. Miłka took part in the Terra Polska vol.2 festival, Berlin, 2006. One of their short stories ‘State of Trepidation’ (translated by Urszula Humienik-Dworakowska) can be found in the European Reliquary. And they are still looking for new ways to broadcast good and important content. Wojciech Bura is a musician and sound engineer, he worked on music productions in Poland and London, and now in Poland (in the Podlasie region) he has a small rural recording studio in his small country house.

Sustainable Art: wild ceramics This month, we spoke to Lucy Pressland all about her business that sells stunning upcycled ceramics, Wild Ceramics. You can find Wild Ceramics on Instagram or on their website.

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What inspired you to start Wild Ceramics?

How do you ensure sustainability in the pieces you create?

I am currently trying to save for my own place

So every piece is sourced second-hand.

and it was November last year, locked up due

There are a great selection of charity shops in

to the COVID-19 situation with not much going

Edinburgh and I spend my days off travelling

on that this all started. I am always daydreaming

around trying to find pieces. My favourite is

about how I want to decorate my future flat,

Salvation Army. I can take something that was

was scrolling through Pinterest and thought

made for another purpose, for example, a soap

to myself I’d love a cow-print vase so I started

dispenser – take off the top and it’s a vase! This

googling it and nothing came up. It was pretty

is such a good way of upcycling whilst making

much a lightbulb moment where I thought

the potentially mundane something special and

‘hmm this isn’t really a thing, but I could make

completely unique, and also sustainable.

it a thing’. I had really been missing having a creative outlet and my brain started running on overdrive with ideas and the next day I started working on Wild.

Your pieces are very creative and unique. Do you have a favourite piece that you have made or a favourite design?

Do you have any future plans for Wild Ceramics that you’d be able to tell us about?

If I am honest, I’m happy taking it slow. It is hard to make plans because of the COVID-19 situation and I work a full-time job. So I am happy creating when I can but I would love to get out to market stall events where I can talk

Thank you! I have had many favourites. I tend to

to people and meet other creatives and I would

go through a journey while I paint, because I go

also like to look for stockists at some point in

from liking the ceramic, to starting to paint and

the near future. This is a small aim but because

thinking ‘I have lost it, I can’t paint anymore!’ to

of the COVID-19 situation, who knows when I’ll

ALWAYS loving it at the end. My favourites are

be able to do it?

always a bit more unusual like the cherub. One of my dreams is to do a Wally dug, I just haven’t found one yet.

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Cow and zebra print are very in fashion right now and we love to see the patterns on your ceramics! Where do you get your inspiration from to create your pieces?

I work in fashion but I have always had an interest in decor as well. For my job I have to be on top of key trends as well as being able to see which prints/fabrics/colours will be here to stay.

can be suffering for years without getting the help they need. This is a very specific charity but I would love to tell my story and raise some money for the cause.

The theme for this issue is Energise.

What energises and motivates you to create your work and run your business?

Animal print is almost always in fashion, each season it comes back whether it be leopard

I have always been super creative and needed

print, zebra print or cow; it takes new forms

some form of outlet. So by default I love to

every season. Animal print is also one of my

give myself a lot to do and love to add stress

favourite things, you can almost find me daily

into my life (ha-ha!). But what really motivates

in some form of animal print. I took inspiration

me is the feedback I get from my customers.

from what I want to see available and filling in

Everyone is so lovely and seeing photos of their

that gap in the market.

Wild ceramics in their homes – pride of place – makes me so happy and gives me the push to

Is there anything you want to continue the voice on right now?

paint more!

Interview by Hannah Matheson

There are many things I am passionate about and would love to bring into Wild in some shape or form but the one thing I plan on doing as soon as I can is finding a really special piece that people can enter a raffle for to win and the money will go towards an AS charity (Ankylosing spondylitis which basically means arthritis in your spine). This is a chronic condition that I have and is not very well-known but 1 in 200 have it.

It is also very easy to misdiagnose so people

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The Art OF MAKE-UP I loved this issue’s theme as it gave me a chance to do something a little more abstract. I used a bunch of neon eyeshadows and paints under a blacklight to represent energy radiating from a central point, showing how we all have a power deep within us and to unleash it we only have to break down the boundaries in our minds.

By Naomi Howell-Steven. Naomi is 23-years-old, born and raised in South-East London. She is a qualified Early Years Educator and while she does still do some work within the education sector, she is also an aspiring make-up artist. Naomi comes from a performing arts background, having studied musical theatre, acting and still practicing many different styles of dance to this day. You can check out Naomi’s MUA and fashion videos here.

By Naomi Howell-Steven. Naomi is 23-years-old, born and raised in South-East London. She is a qualified Early Years Educator and while she does still do some work within the education sector, she is also an aspiring make-up artist.

Naomi comes from a performing arts background, having studied musical theatre, acting and still practicing many different styles of dance to this day. You can check out Naomi’s MUA and fashion videos here.

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Small Business Spotlight:

Anarclay

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For this month’s Small Business Spotlight we talked to Agnes Borland Sinclair about Anarclay, which specialises in unique handmade clay work.

What inspired you to start Anarclay?

How do you make sure your products are sustainable?

I started experimenting with air-dry clay because I wanted to try out new things

I always make sure to focus on making every

during lockdown. I ended up with lots of

piece by hand and in a way so that they’re all

little creations and I thought that I may as

unique. This is often tricky because the nature

well start selling them. I had already sold a

of having a business means producing things

few on Depop just to see if people would be

in order to sell them, but I don’t want to make

interested and I got a very positive response.

things in a production line style because the

This led me to create a more professional

quality of the items often goes down and

Depop and Instagram account under the

making them one-by-one allows me to reduce

name Anarclay so I could share them to a

waste because they are less likely to break or

larger audience of people.

turn out in a way I don’t like. I also make sure to recycle and re-use as much packaging as

Your designs are super unique, where does your design inspiration come from?

I take a lot of inspiration from medical wax

I can because the postage process is what produces the most waste out of the whole process from making to shipping.

What is your favourite design?

sculptures such as the ones created by Anna Manzolini. I love the way that these combine

My favourite design would have to be the

biology and art and I like incorporating this

heart dish with the three eyes. I feel like this

into my own work to create pieces that are a

design really captures the cute but creepy

mixture of creepy, colourful and also functional.

style that I love. This one also seems to be

Many of my sculptures take inspiration from

a favourite with people on Instagram too

cartoons as well because the bright colours

because of how the bright, vibrant colours

and fun shapes contrast with some of the

and the cartoon-like heart shape contrasts

creepier elements of the sculptures like teeth

with the realistic eyes.

or eyes.

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You’re a really new business, started online in January of this year, any advice on starting a small business in the middle of a year of lockdowns?

being ignored or blocked. So another piece of advice to anyone looking to grow their platform or businesses is to be vigilant and aware of scams like these ones because I see this happen far too often with small businesses

It definitely hasn’t been easy. The advice I

just wanting to share their creations and grow

would give to someone who wants to start

their accounts.

their own business or just share their own artwork is to just put yourself out there. Social media is such a great way to find other small businesses and artists who support each other. It’s a great way to find a community of

The theme for this issue is Energise, so we are asking everyone, what energises you?

people who are interested in similar things as you and you can discuss what techniques

What energises me to create is being able

and materials you prefer so it’s a great way to

to share my work to such a supportive online

expand your knowledge and skills too!

community of creatives. I find making each piece a very therapeutic process, just being able to sit down and make something straight

Is there any topic or cause that you want to continue the voice on right now?

One issue that I have seen pop up a lot

out of my imagination while listening to music or a podcast is very relaxing.

Where can our readers find you?

on Instagram is people, often influencers, taking advantage of small and sustainable

You can find me on Instagram and Depop both

businesses by asking for a ‘gifted’ product or

under the username @anarclay. I use Depop

item in exchange for boosting your account.

as the main platform in which I sell my work

So many of my mutual creators have fallen into

but you can also message me on Instagram if

the trap of sending these people their art but

you want to buy anything!

Interview by Hannah Scott

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Resturaunt Highlight: gallery 48

Nestled in the heart of Dundee city is Gallery

in Dundee at the time. A crab salad that in

48, a traditional tapas bar with a modern edge.

most places would be a single meal for one

Combining Spanish tapas with fine wines and

– portions were pretty substantial. I had to

Scottish gins, it’s a sleek and modern setting

loosen my belt after our meal! While there

– high stools and tables and walls filled with

wasn’t anything massively groundbreaking

local artists’ work are what surround you as

on the menu, it was a tasty and thought-

you sample their wares.

out menu for those looking for an authentic Spanish/Scottish tapas introduction.

As with most tapas restaurants, sharing is

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encouraged, and 3–4 dishes per person is

For drinks we decided to go for a cocktail

what is recommended. With my sister, I tried

to celebrate the end of lockdown – I had a

Patatas Deluxe, a richer and more indulgent

grapefruit and chilli margherita, which was a

version of Patatas Bravas – cheese and truffle

little light on the chilli for my tastes, but as

oil on potatoes was a particularly moreish

a grapefruit margherita was tasty. A passion

dish. We also ordered prawns in a spicy

fruit martini for my sister was a perfect

tomato sauce – these were the quickest to be

accompaniment to the fresh and summery

finished. Sweet, spicy and sour, delectable.

food we had. And honestly, seeing the

And our final favourite was grilled tuna with

number of wines and gins available (as well

artichoke and tapenade – simply scrumptious.

as the non-alcoholic fare), you are spoiled for

It was light and summery, matching the

choice for the perfect liquid addition to your

summery Spanish weather we were having

meal.

Gallery 48 had a bustling atmosphere, food constantly being brought out as and when it was ready, which transported the customer to a busy Spanish tapas bar in the heart of Spain, beyond sunny Dundee. Its additional element of supporting local artists at the university by providing bookable events and gallery space for the Dundonian arts scene makes it a must-visit spot in Dundee.

All in all, we had a lovely time during our first meal at Gallery 48, and we’re sure to have a repeat visit.

Even through the stress of Covid restrictions, sharing a meal with friends and family, all together at a restaurant is a simple pleasure that I sorely missed in the last fifteen months. It creates a connection and an experience that cannot be reproduced when you’re cooking for yourself.

By Grace Balfour-Harle

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Coorie Moments As the world opens a little more, we want to remind you to appreciate the little things in life so we are including a monthly feature of Coorie moments written by our head editor and illustrated by our team’s illustrator. For anyone who may not know here, is the definition of Coorie: a Scots word meaning “to snuggle, nestle”. It has been appropriated and positioned as a ‘lifestyle trend’, similar to the Scandinavian concept of hygge, which involves ideas such as cosiness.

Springing out of bed in the morning

Feeling rejuvenated by your cat–cow poses

Getting your mojo

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back after a rough few

Reading a book that fills you

days

with motivating pictures

Waking up from a nap

Taking a deep breath

feeling replenished

The perfect cup of matcha

Looking into the horizon

on a cold morning

Watching the sunrise

Playing with your pet

over the hills Words by Kirsty Taylor & Illustrations by Sophie Freestone

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What En ergise s you?

‘Humour has always energised me. It has felt like a cure-all since childhood.

I was ill for five years when young and thankfully had an aunt who was a storyteller and a wonderful playmate.

Now, I have a husband who makes me laugh throughout the day and a son, though grown, who still sees that life can be rather peculiar.’

Judy DeCroce

‘My wife Judy would be the source of energy that inspires me to write and to continue to be curious.’

Antoni Ooto

‘I’m energised by a great deal, but especially the music of Tchaikovsky and Debussy. Sunsets would be a close second!’

Yash Seyedbagheri

‘As for me, interesting ideas, communication with reliable and wise people, my innermost goals – that’s what energises me. Also nice weather, beautiful sky, nature – they give me more energy also’ Victoria Valuk 48

‘I am energised by many things, much more so than when I was younger. I absolutely love to run and this definitely energises me, but not only for the physiological changes that running has on the body.

The social power of sport in general energises me. The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends, the feeling of achievement at reaching a goal, the sense of belonging and community created by running clubs and sports clubs. I am also energised by positive people. My daughter has a wall-hanging ornament that reads ‘stay close to people who feel like sunshine’. I love that sentiment. Positive people lift your spirit, motivate and inspire. Lastly I am energised by my family and the drive to be the best person I can be for them and for myself.’

‘Many Lyndsay Noon things in life give me energy, art and poetry itself which stimulates my mind to create more and more. Yet, my great source of energy is the Sun. Perhaps it comes natural, being born and living on an island where the Sun shines all year long but not only. For me, the Sun is the source of energy where I feel God or High Intelligence, call it whatever. It is what gives me new life and inspiration to move on. And for me ‘Well, moving on is creating.’

I like that time when Mary Anne Zammit I know what I want to say (or to sing) and we set up the microphones, make recording space. I feel great when I record, when I can change the volume of my voice, the accent of speech, when I change the meaning of words, by saying them softly or hard.

This is how we build and shape our part of the world.

And I love it. I feel at ease and the energy circulates gently – when we have time, when we are not chased by a deadline. This is real freedom of creation. And it energises not only our brains, but also our bodies.’

Milka Malzahn & Wojcech Bura 49

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