The flow is coming back and my inspiration to be more creative generally was helped recently when I participated in what can only be described as the most interesting mash-up of art, performance, theatre, and drama.  A few weeks ago Jen and I were invited to attend one of London Drawing‘s Drawing Theatre Events.  Now, having never been to a live drawing class I didn’t know what to expect, especially one where there was also an element of performance.

The class showcased the work of Le Fil (Phillip Li) a prolific artist whose past projects include pieces for Lady Gaga, Dazed & Confused, The Irrepressibles, English National Ballet, Wallpaper and Maria Lau. Le Fil, known for his unique futuristic vision and modern interpretations of craft, fuses art, fashion, music, performance and sculpture to build a high octaine visual experience of sensuality, theatre and beauty.

With that description I was interested to see the day unfold.  After a run down of the pace of the day from the organisers Anne and David the class was told to head outside to the front of the church for the performance to begin.  When we went outside we were confronted by ‘the priest’ you see above.  We then entered the church to begin.

The venue, St John’s Church Water, was perfect for this class.  The interaction of the performance and the church put across dynamic and inspiring images for the class to sketch.  While there was a performance going on the subjects would hold certain poses for a period of time (20-30 mins) enabling the class to capture the scene/individual.

While I enjoyed the class I have to be honest, it was also frustrating…but in the best way possible.  I used to draw a lot in my school days and I used to be quite good.  I haven’t drawn in many years and while I found the images inspiring I found it difficult to translate what I saw visually into a piece I really liked.

People around me were creating stunning work but I never felt out of place though.  The organisers warned of this very thing at the beginning of the day and encouraged all participants to create anything, even it was a poem.  We were encouraged to play around with texture, volume and colour.  So while I didn’t end up with amazing work I did end up with motivation to create.

The class was a good challenge for beginners and engaging for the seasoned pro.  Now I want, no need to attend some of the instructional classes and work on my drawing again.

*Jen and I were invited as guests but there was no obligation to blog about or promote the class.

Find London Drawing on:

Facebook and Twitter.  Check out their Flickr for pictures taken of the class.

Find Le Fil on:

Facebook and Twitter and the Blogosphere

If you live in London and want to try out a theatre class for yourself:

The Drawing Theatre- At Shoreditch Town Hall

Saturday 15 June 2013
11-5pm
£45 all basic materials included

Suitable for all levels of ability

Shoreditch Town Hall
380 Old Street
London
EC1V 9LT

Picture source

To celebrate D and I are planning a short break to the continent soon.  We’re gonna go to Brussels!  So if you have been and you have recommendations they are more than welcome.  Also thanks to everyone for the well wishes on a speedy result.

The waiting game

For the past 6 months I have been patiently waiting for the UK Border Agency to make up their bloody minds and decide whether I can stay in the country.  For a quick recap on my visa history so far: I first entered the country on a Student Visa in 2008, then switched to the Youth Mobility Visa in 2010 and then applied for a Partner Visa in 2012.  The UKBA website states that most applications, in fact 99% of them will be decided within 6 months..clearly not the case here nor the case for many others.  I’ve combed many an immigration forum and it seems as though the majority are doing the same waiting game and often for much longer than I have been before getting an answer.  It is not surprising really as the border agency has had to cut staff.  Still – This.Is.Ridiculous.

The goal posts have changed

The UK has been cracking down on immigration ever since I moved here.  Whole categories are now gone, or capped or have been revised.  Two months before I submitted my application there was a change to my visa.  In an attempt to stop people from settling in the UK through fake relationships and sham marriages the rest of us must suffer.  It is always the way though isn’t it?  Those who exploit the system means rules are tightened and the rest of us must jump through a few more hoops.  I am fairly confident that I will be issued with a visa but the incompetence displayed by the border agency here and here doesn’t help.

I am starting to feel trapped

This whole time I have been passport-less meaning I’ve had to miss trips to Reykjavik, Venice, and soon Cinque Terre.  Yes, travel is a luxury but fellow travellers know that it becomes a part of you and for me it is just that.  Something that I’d rather not live without in my life so I budget accordingly.  To get up and explore somewhere completely new recharges me.  It was after travelling to Senegal in early 2008 that I decided I would finally become an expat.  I’m mostly fine with exploring just the UK as there is still so much I want to see but what bothers me most is I wouldn’t be able to return home if I needed to under any circumstance.  Well, I could but that would mean forfeiting my application to get my passport returned.

Light at the end of the tunnel

When I sent in my application last year it was a mere day or two later and the fee was taken out of my account.  I then received an acknowledgement letter (with my name entered incorrectly) a few days after that.  In November I received a letter instructing me to give my biometrics: facial scan, signature and fingerprints.  Then nothing.  Until last week a letter came through the post asking for even more information!  While it is frustrating to be asked to produce some of the same information already given at least someone is looking at my application right?  Fingers crossed.

Brits do love their gardens and D’s mum is no exception.  It was only natural (and given the weather) that we head to this museum.  The website lets us know that the museum was set up in 1977 in order to rescue from demolition the abandoned ancient church of St Mary’s which is the burial place of John Tradescant (c1570 – 1638), the first great gardener and plant-hunter in British history.

The church is a great space to house this museum.  There is a permanent exhibition on the first floor which goes through the history of gardening, tools, gnomes etc but it very small.  I did learn that gardening throughout the ages has been fairly gender neutral with women and men equally working side by side.  There were also old photos of families and individuals posting in gardens dating back to the early 1900′s.

‘Roses’ – Installation by floral artist Rebecca Louise Law

The temporary exhibit on the ground floor at the moment is titled Floriculture: Flowers, Love and Money.  It showcased how important flowers are to the country and how much the industry has changed.  In the 1980′s about 50% of cut flowers sold in the UK were also grown here.  In present day less than 10% are grown in country.  Where are they coming from?  Places like Holland, Chile, Kenya, and the Caribbean.  Sustainability of the industry and ethical questions are also posed.  Like other industries the customer has the option of supporting flowers were carry the fair trade label.

The Museum’s garden was created in 1980.  At its heart is a knot garden designed by the Museum’s President, The Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury (who was then also re-making the gardens at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire).

A garden museum wouldn’t be complete with out seeds, rows and rows of them.  There was an over abundance of quantity and choice of vegetables and flowers.  I began to dream up the perfect garden, but that will have to wait until we decide to move.

A Mother’s Day special meant it cost £5 to enter whereas it would usually be £7.50.  While I probably wouldn’t have gone to this museum otherwise it was an enjoyable day.  The cafe had lovely treats and if you have a green thumb and the garden space you’d be missing out if you didn’t visit.

Closest Tube: Lambeth North

Last November I was able to get a press pass to Hyper Japan – the biggest Japanese culture festival in the UK.  I attended with Kat from Lady loves Cake.  As we have both previously travelled to Japan the festival allowed us to soak up some Japanese culture on our doorstep, reminisce and trade travel stories and experiences.

While Hyper Japan is the largest Japanese festival in the UK it is still relatively new, only starting in 2010.  It continues to grow every year and now Hyper Japan is gearing up for its Summer Festival.  It is a great day out for anyone interested in traveling to Japan, those who have been or anyone who wants to discover something new.

Here are some of the highlights from the festival:

Manga overload

This part of Japanese culture has never really interested me personally but many fan boys and girls will be delighted to know that you can source the latest series/book/magazine of your favourite manga at the festival.  There was a dedicated booth in the form of book shop.

Beauty gadgets 

The beauty industry in Japan is huge.  This exhibitor sourced some more interesting products to show case.  Is it necessary to have a tool to show you where you should apply bush? Of course not, but would it make it more fun?  Damn right it would.

Food, Candy, and Green Tea Kit Kats

There were many amazing looking food stalls serving delicious smelling food but the impressive stalls were the ones that carried items I’d last seen in Japan.  The candy in the middle of the picture above is yummy, if you see it buy it and try.  The Japan Centre (near piccadilly circus) was the source of these treats you see above.

Fashion and jewellery 

I loved these earrings and I also saw some lovely kimonos.  There was a fashion show but it really only showcased one side of Japanese culture, the Harujuku type girl.  While fun to watch I think I would have appreciated a street style fashion show.

Cosplay

I assume the majority of those who came in full costume were there to enter the cosplay competition.  It was fun to see everyone get into it.  Even other press people dressed up.

The festival has something for everyone with many activities for kids as well.  There were many gift stalls, technology stalls and even a stall where you could partake in a tea ceremony.

Interested?  If you want to attend your next chance is this July.  Tickets are not on sale yet but check back on Hyper Japan’s page to get more information.  Last year tickets cost £12.

We had the best of intentions but our plan was doomed from the start.  Our problem started with failing to reserve our hire car early enough.  Which meant we got on the road late and thus made it to Stonehenge late, 4:00 pm on the dot, just as the gates closed.  Rather than drive further out to Bath we back tracked and went to explore Salisbury.

After the disappointment of not getting in to see a closer look at Stonehenge and do the audio tour the sight of the  Cathedral practically made up for it all.

The setting sun provided for beautiful colouring of the church captured below, beautifully displaying the details.

Entrance is free but if you want to delve deeper there are tours available.  They even possess one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta which unfortunately we did not see as the section housing it was closed.  An excuse to return.

Find the original challenge here

Personally 2012 was a mixed bag for me but ended on a good note.  Throughout the year D and I hosted some of my closest friends from Canada.

It was great because usually I only have 2 or so weeks every year to try to fit in visits with friends and catch up.  Inevitably I end up feeling stressed and in need of another holiday after returning to London.  Much nicer to have people visit if they can.  Also any expat will tell you that one of the best things about living abroad is being a tour guide when friends and family visit.

Career wise things were steadily getting worse until halfway through the year I found a new job.  Instantly things changed.  It was much needed and the timing was spot on.  It has allowed me to have much needed balance in my life.  No more shift work and working through every holiday.

As far as travel is concerned I will have to stick to the UK for the time being.  I’ve had an application in for my next visa since August last year, which means no passport.  The good thing is there is still so much I want to see in the UK and a ton of things do in London that I’m sure I won’t have a problem keeping busy.

Finally, my unintended (but much enjoyed) break from blogging is over.  I have tons I want to catch up on and write about from last year so that should keep me posting much more regularly.  Hope you enjoyed your holiday and Happy New Year.

Picture source

I have to say generally Brits do Christmas really well.  The entire city is draped in lights, the shops on Oxford street contend for the most outrageously Christmas-y displays, ice rinks pop up all over the city and Christmas markets pop up in cities all over the country.  Now that I work a normal 9-5 and will be able to spend actual Christmas day off relaxing with D and his family I’m getting really excited.  It isn’t that Christmas in Canada is so different but the atmosphere in London at this time can’t be beat.

British Christmas/Festive Season deconstructed:

Christmas Trees

While traditional for many nations to have a tree the story of how they became popular in England is similar to how things typically spread in our modern day and age.  Having a Christmas tree was brought to England by Queen Victoria’s royal consort, her German cousin Prince Albert.  It had been tradition for the royal family to have a tree for some time but less popular for the rest of the country.  In 1848 a picture of the royal family gathered around a tree was published in the Illustrated London News and suddenly popularity spiralled making it the in thing to do.

It is also worth noting that each year since 1947, a Christmas tree has been given to the people of London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II. For many Londoners the Christmas tree and carol singing in Trafalgar Square signal the countdown to Christmas.

Mulled Wine/Cherry/Port

Drinks of the season usually include tucking into a mug/glass/bottle of one of the above.  Mulled wine is made with red wine along with various spices, served hot or warm.  Basically it is tradition to consume alcohol you don’t drink for the rest of the year at this time.  I like a warm mug of mulled wine myself.

Christmas Crackers

When David told me about these I assumed it was a food item.  That is not the case.  Christmas crackers are small decorated cylinders with handles at each end.  Inside is a ridiculous fun hat for one to wear.  In theory the person who ends up with the larger end of the cracker after pulling it apart keeps the toy inside but everyone should really get a toy for themselves right?  It is Christmas after all.

Sprouts

They are horrible, genuinely horrible almost to the point of being a national joke but everyone does them at Christmas time because it is the thing to do.  Brits love to moan and so sprouts must be included in the meal to have something to moan about.

Empire Christmas Pudding

Empire pudding started off innocently enough, the original recipe was meant to include elements from all countries in the British empire.  Minced apples from Canada, sultanas from Australia, rum from Jamaica and so on.  Somewhere along the way as the empire died out and the British stopped being proud of that empire the pudding was renamed as Christmas Pudding.

It has also been tradition to put silver coins into the pudding, and granted you don’t choke on those, it is meant to represent good luck for wealth.  Potential choking hazard aside the typical way it is prepared is to pour brandy over the pudding and light it on fire.  Also there must be brandy butter.

Christmas Films

While many get into the spirit at this time watching the endless loop of children’s Christmas films and other typical films like a Christmas Carol there is one film that must be mentioned as being the film of the season, according to David.  That is The Great Escape, a non Christmas story.  David says it boils down to national identify.  The film is about WWII – the Brit’s favourite war, it shows German’s in a negative light and then of course glorious failure at the end.  Every country has to have something right.

The Queen’s Speech

Every year at 3:00 pm on Christmas Day the Queen sits down to address her minions, I mean people.  The message is actually for all of the common wealth but I don’t remember ever seeing this broadcast in Canada.  The whole point is to remind everyone who is boss.  This may not be entirely accurate.  Officially the message combines a chronicle of the year’s major events, with specific focus on the British Empire originally and later the Commonwealth of Nations, with the sovereign’s own personal milestones and feelings on Christmas.  Thrilling.

There you have it folks.  This is what I have to look forward to for the next month and what you should look forward to if you ever find yourself in London at Christmas time.

** I forgot mince pies!  Which are basically tarts in Canada.