musings
Is it March already? Time really does fly when you're having fun doesn't it? In this months musings we have photographs and an interview with Dan Cattermole asking him questions about his photos which may or may not be a good idea. There is a little article called 'Sensational Sakura' which explores my obsession with the cherry blossom. Intermingled as always will be pictures, quotes and , well ..... musings
Davie Next month I hope to have an article on vintage clothes, a subject close to my heart. As well as that there will be Part 2 of the excellent article by Chris Dodkin featuring his 'Year in Cameras'
The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth. Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints Chief Seattle
Can I play with madness?
This months feature has the possibility of getting away from me, rapidly. Dan Cattermole takes pictures that are .... Challenging to say the least but on a fundamental level the light and tone of these are beautifully dark and sinister, and I for one, love that ! I asked him various questions and I swear on all that is holy these were his answers .. (DH) I'm almost afraid to ask, what would you say is your inspiration? (DC) In literal terms, It all started when I was in the music scene looking for Santa Claus in the Siberian desert, riding on an elk whilst Amanita Muscaria became my predominant choice of stimulation.... Santa Claus was never found. After a long and strenuous chunk of my life was unsuccessfully dedicated to music, touring, and making the most of zero commitments, my interest in imagery/photog got the better of me when my guitars came to their final pluck. One by one, the mixture if string and wood disappeared in exchange for cash. I'd see many of album covers and spend a great deal of time in stores admiring them to the extent where an assistant would feel the need to ask me if I was "going to purchase that" or "Do I need any help?". I was lucky not to have those men in white coats come pick me up. I didn't look for bands/artists in particular, I ventured for album covers that caught my eye within an instant. This was my next passion, to create eye candy.... But what? I picked up an entry level DSLR, and started out in the digital scene properly. Film was too expensive to experiment light painting with, and Photoshop was like a chimp performing brain surgery (me being the chimp). I only knew how to compose and play music let alone turn a computer on. I set my sights on light painting.... But still didn't know exactly what.
I wanted to captivate people leading them to the 'How' question, and maybe 'why'. I'd seen a few light painted figures before, stick men, animals, and some pretty rough around the edge light mummies which led me to expand on that which had inspired me. I gave it a go, in the snow whilst my neighbours watched my lunacy out of their top window, maybe I got myself the 'why' I was looking for, and judging on their faces, certainly an added 'WTF'. To add further mystery to my fellow neighbours, I celebrated like a kid overdosing on E numbers having a royal (maybe that was the minus 8 c and half a bottle of something strong to blame). This was my breakthrough! The Mummy Saga began, and my neighbours were scared! I'd experiment LOADS!!! I've only ever displayed about 5% of light painted images that I've done. The rest never got to pass the delete happy finger. I could always photograph flora, landscapes, architecture etc. but I'd of put the camera down a long time ago if that was the only option and found enjoyment elsewhere. People who have known me for a while, including family, know that monotony is not a option for me, My 'stimulation is fuelled by oddity' someone once said....... No offence taken, at least I've found my method to satisfy myself. Maybe I will find Santa Claus........
For me looking at Dan's work I get the feeling of pushing the boundaries, but not from his point of view. I get the feeling that this is Dan just doing what Dan does and that is something I both love and respect.... His vision of the shot is amazing and whatever 'props' he uses are always for a reason. A huge thanks to Dan for allowing me to show his work and his answers about his inspiration, and most of all I hope he carries on doing his thing with as much enthusiasm as he clearly has.
All photographs by Dan Cattermole
Am I the only one who views these signs as an invitation rather than a warning?
Sensational Sakura
Is the Cherry Blossom just a flower? Not for me, no. For me they are the inspiration for the tattoos on my left arm, a feeling of new beginnings, a vibrant blast of colour that refuses to allow me to be down and last but not least beautiful to look at. Even in the final throws of it's life it provides a carpet of pink to carry you lightly on your way. Of course there is a massive cultural scene in Japan regarding the Cherry Blossom that can and has filled books but this is what they mean to me. All hail the Cherry Blossom !!
All photographs by Davie Hudson
There a re very few boots with such a recognisable profile as the LL Bean Duck Boot. Completely functional with an anti-fashion slant that is so wrong it's right. These boots have a massive cult following and I'll admit that includes me as both these pairs are mine.
If these posters don't inspire wanderlust then I feel nothing will. They have so much ingrained hope and vitality that the urge to be transported into the image, for me, is almost overwhelming. These were made back in the days when quality was paramount and time was taken by artists to create something special. I'm seeing tweed, brown leather, ladies and gentlemen in hats, politeness and an air of expectation that these days has gone. I see these pictures and I think of Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson in 'Brief Encounter', I think of the romance, the people, the meeting of strangers... can you imagine the kind of strangers you'd meet on a modern train?, because for some reason we as a country can't seem to embark on a journey without alcohol and that I'm afraid is sad to me.
I will at some time in the near future do an article on vintage clothing and their owners, but for now feast your eyes on 2 of my blanket coats ... I love these things