Cause And Effect

Interview #2: Claire Atkinson

2011-01-13T18:33:00.002Z

All images courtesy of Claire Atkinson

Next as part of our next interview series, Claire Atkinson has kindly offered to answer a few questions for us! A recent graduate of Bolton University, she captures her world using photography, however she does not describe herself as a photographer stating 'I express myself using a camera, making tidy souvenirs of this sad and wonderful mess' That's definitely something Cause and Effect can relate to.

Claire's pictures are quite simply are really really great!!! I love the way she captures the essence of human isolation that plagues all of us and our emotions that go with it. Her pictures are intriguing and you get a clear sense of her perspective through her ideas. Cause and Effect thinks that great things lie ahead for Ms Atkinson's work, but have a read and make up your mind up for yourself!

Tell me a bit about yourself and what art you make?

I'm a 22 year old female, very much in limbo who makes candid photos on the streets of Manchester. I wouldn't call myself a photographer though. "Photography is nothing. it is life that interests me" as Cartier-Bresson would say.

Tell me about the themes you are working on at the moment and how you explore them?

A re-occurring theme that I read in my photos is isolation in public places, which I continue to explore. Making photos on the streets uses your reflexes and subconscious. There is no time for manipulation and that really interests me. The pictures I take reflect my mood or my situation without me really being conscious of it. So I rarely go out with a theme in mind, I just shoot whatever I see and occasionally a theme emerges.

For that reason I see it as very pure form of expression. I think there is a lot to be said for the sincerity found in simplicity. If i am reading, I'd rather see some straight talking Bukowski than a carefully crafted poem. It's the same thing with what I do.

What’s integral to the work of an artist and what is your artistic outlook on life?

Obviously a lot of dedication is necessary, but I think that comes easily with passion. I think that everybody has the right to express themselves freely without being judged for it.

What do you think your role as an artist has in society?

I always took pictures firstly to satisfy myself. Aside from that, I think I can show people a few things that they might have missed at first glance…maybe!

What jobs have you done other than being an artist? Have they influenced your work in anyway?

I've worked in a supermarket, I've done data entry, I've developed film for people, I've worked for the mail service and I do odd photography jobs. The job in the supermarket taught me a lot about people actually. I was incredibly bored most of the time. It's kind of like being on a bus, all different kinds of people heading for the same place. Customers would come in everyday just to have a chat because they had nothing else to do. It showed me how mundane life can be. You could call it an introduction to the human condition.

Do you find the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract the isolation?

It can be lonely. You are on your own mission which never ends.No matter what time of day it is or what I am meant to be doing, I can never switch off from it. Trying to come up with the ideas of how to make enough money to live whilst preserving the creative energy to pursue the work you feel you are meant to be doing is hard. Being with likeminded people makes that a lot easier.

What was the one memorable thing someone has said about your work?

A woman I met saw my project 'grey areas' and said it was "like being hugged and slapped in the face at the same time." I was happy with that.

You can see more of Claire's work here - http://www.claireatkinson.net/

Cause and Effect

Todd Hido (and other news!!!)

2011-01-06T15:19:00.002Z

Image copyright Todd Hido

Merry Christams... oh that was two weeks ago! Well one of the nice presents that Santa left me under my invisible tree was THIS lovely book by TODD HIDO. I've been a fan of his work for ages. Take a peekers at his work. I think (hope) you'll like it.

On another note... it's a new year (i'm sure you didn't need reminding) and i'm going to be a dad and a husband this year! Amazing news for me and my partner (if only slightly dampened by the fact redundances are being handed out left, right and centre where I work!) But non-the less.... I'M GONNA BE A DAD!!! Is it ok to be scared? EXCITED (but scared).

I'm never one for making new years resolutions, they normally just become another area in which I fail. But this year I'm going to vow to love my little baby for the rest of its life and make sure it has anything it could ever wish for (well emotionally anyway)

To everyone else, have a great 2011 and hopefully I'll bump into some of you through out the year.

Glinka

Cause and Effect

Best Photography Books Of The Year

2010-12-12T21:50:00.000Z

Maybe if I ask Santa nicely..... click here

INTERVIEW #1: Mark Devereux @ BlankMediaCollective

2010-12-09T17:41:00.001Z

Image Copyright Mark Devereux

Mark Devereux is an artist and director of Blank Media Collective. Now in its fifth year, Blank Media Collective champions emerging artists, writers, musicians and performers by giving them a unique platform to showcase their work. The organisation is developing an excellent reputation for the high quality of its output. Blank Media Collective are proud to offer a vital support network to hundreds of creative practitioners from throughout the UK and abroad as well as its base in the North-West.

In our first of a new feature, we interviewed the man himself, Mark Devereux (or Interview #1 as he'll now surely be known!)

CAUSE & EFFECT: Blank Media Collective is a fantastic concept. What was your motivation behind launching it?

MARK DEVEREUX: The original proposal to form what is now Blank Media Collective was based around the difficulties of some friends and I showing our own personal work. We decided to meet up and work together in order to create our own opportunities and pool our resources of skills. The original team comprised of around 5 different practitioners, which has grown and expanded over the years. The ethos has always remained the same with regards to creating a platform for emerging creative people. We found a gap in the provisions for emerging artists especially in Manchester and have worked hard to give the practitioners we support the guidance and platform they deserve.

C&E: Where do you see BlankMedia’s future? Do you think the goverment cuts will have an impact in terms of your development?

MD: Blank Media Collective has an exciting future! We are just about to launch BLANKSPACE, our first multi-disciplinary creative hub in Manchester enabling the organisation to support even more creative practitioners in even more ways. This is no doubt a substantial challenge in the current climate, however we feel we have shown strength and commitment working as volunteers creating the exciting opportunities we already have. We are now challenged by a new situation but we can and have always relied upon our innovative and creative thinking to make sure the organisation goes from strength to strength. Blank Media Collective is currently an unfunded organisation. As someone said to me recently, "You can't cut nothing!". Blank Media Collective were also quoted as being "...recession proof..." in a recent article from Creative Tourist.

C&E: You’ve just put together BlankMedia’s biggest project yet, BlankWeekend. What was the idea behind that and how successful was it?

MD: BlankWeekend was devised as a celebration to launch the start of our fifth year. We wanted to show everyone the different elements of the organisation all at the same time. We wanted to challenge ourselves to create something special and hopefully inspirational for both the artists involved and the participants of the weekend. We felt BlankWeekend was a massive success, receiving applause from the artists involved, participants and a number of highly respected individuals and organisations throughout Manchester.

C&E: As a visual artist yourself, what or whose work inspires you?

MD: Many different things inspire me as an artist but one of the biggest is through my role as a curator for Blank Media Collective. I love seeing new and exciting work breaking down boundaries, challenging preconceptions and appealing to the senses. In the wider concept, I take inspiration from artists including; Olafur Elliasson, James Turrell, Anish Kapoor and my Uncle, Richard Devereux.

C&E: How do you think Manchester compares to London in terms of its art scene?

MD: That's very difficult for me to answer, as I have never spent any length of time in London so I can't comment fairly as a comparison between the two cities. As an organisation, Blank Media Collective are keen to work with groups and artists from throughout the UK and Internationally, actively seeking collaborations and networks to enable and increase our work for emerging artists.

C&E: What makes a great exhibition? What’s the best exhibition you’ve been to recently?

MD: Wow, what a question! Every exhibition has the potential to be 'great'!

C&E: We were excited to hear you’ve just taken over the EASA gallery. What are your plans for the space?

MD: BLANKSPACE is going to be a creative hub showcasing exhibitions, events, hosting workshops, discussion groups, creative studio spaces/darkrooms... the list continues! The main plan is to make BLANKSPACE accessible to all, whether you are a creative practitioner, viewer or anything in between. Come along to the launch of BLANKSPACE and our first exhibition, BlankExpression 2011 on Thursday 27 January to see in the flesh what you can get involved in. For more information keep checking our website,http://www.blankmediacollective.org/ :0)

C&E: (in a vain and failed attempt to discover the subject of Mark's recent work) Your work is visually very interesting and abstract. What exactly is the subject you photograph in your most recent works?

MD: Good try! ;0) What do you think it's about and how do you think I made it?

C&E: What did you eat for your tea last night?

MD: An out of date steak pie (Starving Director/Artist/Curator!)

For more information about Blank Media Collective please visit http://www.blankmediacollective.org/ and to see more of Mark's work click HERE.

Glinka

CAUSE AND EFFECT

Put down your paintbrushes... the secret to being a successful artist is out...

2010-11-29T18:55:00.002Z

Image copyright Congo the Chimpanzee

I was reading some article on how to make it as an artist. They churned out some spiel on how you should be creative and relevant..... creative and artist, are you sure!!!!

They then gave a list of 10 things to do to make it as an artist......

10. Be smart. (i'm fairly smart, even if I do say so myself)

9. Know your weaknesses. (easy.... lack of funds)

8. Know your strengths (a good conceptual eye... yep, only the one)

7. The artist must be willing to be critiqued by third parties (non-family/friend) (feel free)

6. You can't let one opinion bring you down. (I won't and I don't)

5. Practice your craft. (I am doing)

4. Be proactive and get involved. (involved and procative is my double-barreled middle name)

3. Play with other people. (not sure what it's implying, but I like to play)

2. Take chances (tick)

1. Be assertive. (10 out of 10... Now give me some money!)

I often wonder who actually comes up with lists like these. I'd like to meet them. Ask them why the frig they feel the need to share such wisdom with us. Do they think they are going to change the life of any 'artist' by writing this bollocks.

The bottom line is this... there are millions and millions of 'artists' out there..... you can have as many top 10 lists as you want, but unless you have (some) talent and a big fat slice of luck then you'll probably just end up writing on a blog, moaning about it all whilst teaching the next generation to be optimistic about the world.

On another note, this week i've mostly been listening to THESE.

Cause and Effect

Glinka

Reuters Best of the Year

2010-11-25T15:44:00.002Z

Image copyright VALENTIN FLAURAUD

I spotted this over at Manchester Photography Blog. Some fantastic and powerful images to be seen via the Reuters Best of the Year website HERE.

I particularly love image No. 11 by MARKO DJURICA, No.23 by DANISH SIDDIQU, No.33 by ADREES LATIF (reminds of a Jeff Wall photograph), No.53 by ANDREW BIRAJ and number 5 by VALENTIN FLAURAUD (my favourite).

have a butchers. See what you think.

Not been posting on here for a while. work and what not blah blah blah.... but I will be posting more over the next few days, so turn your internet off now!!!!

Cause and Effect

15 minutes of fame

2010-11-17T18:21:00.001Z

It's so cold at the moment!! Yikes!!! I'm sure some of you are getting tired of listening to us bleating on about stuff so as Warhol once predicted we are offering our own 15 minutes of fame. We are gonna start regularly doing interviews with people around town that you might wanna know about! If you would like to be considered for a short interview on our blog please email us at causeandeffect@hotmail.co.uk

Anouska
Cause and Effect

BlankWeekend is here...

2010-11-11T21:51:00.001Z

Image copyright Raggaphoto

Blank Media are putting together a massive and spectacular weekend of art events in and around Manchester City Centre, November 12 - 14. Lots of interesting things going on from street art to photography and fine art exhibitions at various locations. Read here for a nice little write up on the weekend and some very kind words written about yours truly! Ooooooh my mum would be proud.

Glinka

Cause and Effect

Jeff Wall v's Gregory Crewdson....

2010-11-11T19:15:00.000Z

I was having a good old chin wag with a fellow photo type and the works of Jeff Wall and Gregory Crewdson came up in terms of whose was better. As a fan of both I'm able to appreciate that they are great photographers but for me Jeff Wall is the man. If ever you've seen his photo's in the flesh you'll know how amazing they are (not that Crewdson's aren't)

Here's three of may favourite photo's by both...

Jeff Wall

Gregory Crewdson

... what do you guys reckon?

Glinka

Cause and Effect

Temporary Autonomous Arts 10-13th November.

2010-11-05T17:17:00.001Z

This looks so interesting and one not to miss. The Temporary Autonomous Arts exhibition starts on the 10th November until the 13th at a secret disused location. The idea of this creative event is to encompass all disciplines of art, from workshops to poetry, film, photography, installations and pretty much everything! It's open for everyone to join in and take part or volunteer. To find out more details check out their pages -
http://www.taaexhibitions.org/
http://www.myspace.com/taamanchester

Anouska
Cause and Effect

Brian Griffin

2010-11-04T18:45:00.000Z

Image copyright Brian Griffin

I've long been an admirer of Brian Griffin's work but I've never really been blown away by it. There's no doubting that he's a top photographer/artist and he is regarded by many as Britain's best photographer. I love The Big Tie project he did but some of his other stuff I just don't connect, although I can appreciate the technical qualities. Anyway, do check out his website and have a ganders for yourselves. See what you think.

Cause and Effect

Glinka

The Diving bell and The Butterfly!!!!

2010-11-03T18:04:00.002Z

Anouska posted THIS last week. I myself watched it last night and all I can add to her original post is bloody 'ell! I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. Amazing!

Cause and Effect

Glinka

November, November...

2010-11-03T17:19:00.003Z

I Normally hate the month of November. It's right after halloween, which I hate, every night it's dark by 5pm, it's always bleeding wet and then there's bonfire night - which I can not stand!

But low and behold, despite all the above, the month of November 2010 seems to be a good one. I managed to get a 'proper' job (my mum will finally be happy), I am also celebrating some other good, personal news and there are some good exhibitions coming up....

Novemeber 11th at Nexus Art Cafe there is a show called 'Flesh and Blood' (when on their website click on ART to see more details on the show).

'Flesh and Blood is a creative insight, through mixed and multi-media, photography and video, reflecting the diverse experience of family… in all its oddness'.
Sounds right up my street. Canny wait! Although there is no mention on the Nexus website, I hear from very good source that Cause and Effect favourite, Debbie Yates is exhibiting as part of the show.

As well as that there is also BlankWeekend, which if you read closely enough on their website, you'll see that I'm one of the participating artists where, in exchange for some of your pennies you can grab yourself some marvellous art!

More to come....

Cause and Effect

Glinka

Free Money For Young Photographers!!!

2010-10-29T15:37:00.000+01:00

It certainly does sound to good to be true. And for me it is! I am no longer 'young', well not young enough to qualify for this. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Why, because I'm not 29, is it presumed that I'm ok for cash?! I'd love an opportunity to get my hands on £1000 or so for a project. Please someone start a funding programme just for people in their 30's!!!!!! Anyway, I'm basically just jealous as I AM too old to qualify for THIS. (I know I don't look a day over 24!)

But if you are aged between16-25 (although it does say that it stretches the upper age limit to 30 since it is so hard to break into photography) then what are you waiting for?

In the mean time, anyone got a dirty car? Because I have a bucket and sponge!

Glinka

Cause and Effect

Le Scaphandre et le Papillon - The Diving bell and The Butterfly

2010-10-28T13:42:00.003+01:00

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a true story about Jean - Dominique Bauby, a fashion editor at Elle who suffered a devastating stroke. His stroke left him with 'locked in' syndrome, with movement only in his left eye. The film is an adaptation of his book 'Le Scaphandre et le Papillon' which he wrote with a translator using the blink of his left eye as the only means of communicating. It is very moving story, witty at times and humbling. I can't think of a more traumatic circumstance than what 'Jean - Do' had to endure.

I really wanted to see this film for a long time but I was putting it off because I thought I would find the subject matter quite difficult because as a child my own father suffered a stroke and subsequent paraylsis. I shouldn't have worried, the film is beautifully shot and captivating. You see insights into his life working at a glossy magazine, his regrets with past loves... (you can't help but think he was a bit of a player), the relationship he had with his father and his own kids. It's a great film and one I would whole heartedly recommend if you haven't seen it already.
Anouska
Cause and Effect

Antoine D'Agata

2010-10-28T09:26:00.000+01:00

Image copyright Antoine D'Agata

Nothing new here in terms of work but I just can't get away from Antoine D'Agata's work. The most refreshing and perhaps surprising member of magnum photography.

“The night, the sex, the wandering… and the need to photograph it all, not so much the perceived act but more like a simple exposure to common and even extreme experiences… It is an inseparable part of photographic practice, in a certain sense, to grasp at existence or risk, desire, the unconsciousness and chance, all of which continue to be essential elements. No moral posturing, no judgement, simply the principle of affirmation, necessary to explore certain universes, to go deep inside, without any care. A ride into photography to the vanishing point of orgasm and death.”

“I photograph to face the world. I engage the same inexhaustible protocol, traversing and being traversed by experiences whose common denominator is excess. Confronting the inherent contradictions to the use of documentary photography, I document what I live and live the situations I document. I structure a physical and psychic path overshadowed by risk, hazard, desire and unconsciousness in a frantic search for the feeling of being alive,being part of life, belonging to life. To give a transcription of my position in the social and physical order, to escape organic and political passivity, I invent a scenario that I condemned myself to live out, to the letter and in the flesh.”

— Antoine D’Agata

D'Agata seems to live on the edge, and yet it still doesn't seem to satisfy his sexual fix. Powerful, shocking, empty and beautiful.... his images have it all and after viewing them for the umpteenth time, I still don't know how to feel - except I know I bleeding love 'em. Antoine D'Agata, a cross between Robert Capa and Henri Cartier Bresson on smack!

BlankWeekend

2010-10-27T16:20:00.002+01:00

Straight from the horses mouth....

UPCOMING EVENT: BLANKWEEKEND, MANCHESTER 12-14 NOVEMBER

Friday 12 November 2010 - Sunday 14 November 2010 Manchester

An ambitious showcase of more than fifty artists across fourteen venues, BlankWeekend is an explosion of art and creativity across the city of Manchester. As Blank Media Collective enters its fifth year of supporting the work of emerging artists from the UK and beyond, BlankWeekend champions these exciting individuals and events and introduces inspiring new projects and future greats. A celebration of all things Blank since 2006 and a toast to things to come!

Click here for more details.

I myself have some work up as part of the open all hours. Click on my name to view and buy some fab art.

I really admire the guys at Blank Media... they are a massive inspiration and are doing a hell of a lot for the Manchester art scene. Support them (and me!) by attending the events at Blank Weekend.

Glinka

Cause and Effect

Carl Kleiner

2010-10-23T14:32:00.001+01:00

Image Courtesy of Carl Kleiner

I've never been a huge fan of still life until now. These colourful, witty and imaginative images using everyday objects by Stockholm based photographer Carl Kleiner are brilliant. Have a look at the diary section too for more fantastic images. Take a look at his website here.

Anouska Smith
Cause and Effect

'Lift' by Marc Isaacs

2010-10-22T21:41:00.002+01:00

A real gem of a short film. I first saw this back in 2006 at University and I loved it. I know 25 minutes may seem like a long watch for some people in today's conveyor belt of fast food entertainment, but this REALLY is worth a watch. A brilliant slice of working class life full of characters you just can't make up. GENIUS.

Cause and Effect

Pipecleaner Dance - David Bessler

2010-10-19T13:26:00.000+01:00

Pipe cleaning dancing man.... have a go!

Who says the life of an artist is easy... I've just spent the last 15 minutes getting a pipe cleaning man to dance to the Bee Gee's!

Glinka

Helen Smith

2010-10-17T23:40:00.000+01:00

Image copyright Helen smith

Recently I reviewed the work at the 36 Exp. exhibition. One of the photographers work I really liked was by Helen Smith. At the time I didn't know any contact details or website for her, but Helen herself has sent me a link to her blog which contains info and images. Check it out here http://helenevsmithart.blogspot.com/ .

Some really evocative images that allude to times gone by, almost Victorian in age. I love em!

Glinka

Sunday..... almost Monday

2010-10-17T23:01:00.000+01:00

First of all I could almost weep at the sheer beauty of the Polaroids by Fernanda Montoro (see below). They are absolutely right up my street! After a hectic few weeks, it's time for a recap and a catch up on everything! It was good fun at the Kraak Gallery for the 5 by 12 exhibition. I really appreciate that there is such a good space in the City Centre for alternative art. We've mentioned him before but the stand out work for me at this show was from Christopher Guest. His work is of an exceptionally high quality and his mark making is fascinating and intense. Cause and Effect are big fans. Anyway, I'm in need of good night's sleep as I've been burning the candle at both ends recently...it's starting to catch up with me underneath my eyes! Zzzzzz....til next time
Anouska

Fernanda Montoro

2010-10-17T11:23:00.001+01:00

Image copyright Fernanda Montoro

I love and adore Fernanda's Polaroid photographs. They were a massive inspiration when I started my own project, 'This Boy's Life'. The sheer amount of work she does on Polaroid is amazing, she must be single handedly keeping the format going! The quality of the Polaroid aesthetic is almost dreamy. I know it's not every photographers cup of tea and it's almost starting to become retro-cool with everyone else - what with that damn iphone application replicating every photography look going. Try as you might, you canny beat the real thing and NOBODY uses the medium better than Fernanda Montora. FACT! Check out her much improved website here.

Glinka

A sneak preview of my new work on show at the 'FIVE BY 12' Exhibition...

2010-10-15T00:08:00.003+01:00

Image copyright Andy Glinka

The FIVE BY 12 exhibition kicks off today, Friday 15 October, 6.30pm at KRAAK in Manchester. (Click here for more details) (or here for Facebook details). The exhibition showcases the work of 12 very different artists with 12 different stories to tell. It's my second exhibition this week and I'm very excited, if somewhat nervous as I've never met the artists before. I'm showing some new work which is part of an ongoing series. Titled 'Recluse', the work deals with people that shut themselves away from the outside world, for whatever reason. I have chosen to use the closed curtains of five peoples homes as a symbolic visual to the world of a recluse. Come to the exhibition to see more... or less as there's a rumour that I'll be attending naked!

Glinka

'Staged' opening night!

2010-10-13T19:00:00.000+01:00

Image Courtesy The Art Corner

Thanks soooo sooooo much to everyone who came down to see the exhibition the other night! Your support means the world to us as it really makes it all worthwhile! We have had some great feedback and had such a great evening! Thanks so much to all our exhibitors, Anneka Morley, Mario Popham, Emily Morgan, Ged Irwin and last but not least our very own Mr Glinka... and thanks so much to Ali and Matt at The Art Corner for their support and Trof Fallowfield for beingTrof and making the best chips around!

There will be more shows to come next year so watch this space!!

Cause and Effect Exhibition this Monday 11 October

2010-10-08T11:15:00.002+01:00

By all means enjoy the weekend, go out have fun but save some energy for Monday evening as it's the OPENING NIGHT of our STAGED exhibition at THE ART CORNER.

Featuring MARIO POPHAM, ANNEKA MORLEY, EMILY MORGAN, GED IRWIN and yours truly, ANDY GLINKA.

A big mention to fellow Cause and Effect cohort Anouska Smith in putting what we hope to be the first of many exhibitions around the Manchester area (and hopefully beyond).

The opening night starts at 6.30pm - there will be FREE drinks available so get there early to avoid the disappointment of finding out I've drank all the wine myself!

It's free in, there's free drinks, free snacks, great food and beers at the bar (sorry NOT free) and some (great) photography to look at and admire... we'd love to see as many faces as possible in supporting independent exhibitions. I might even save you a drink.

Glinka

RPS Talk - John Darwell (oh and Martin Parr)

2010-10-05T10:42:00.002+01:00

Getting personal with Martin Parr and John Darwell. 16 October 2010

Interesting one this. Everyone seems to have an opinion on Martin Parr (in photography circles at least), good or bad, he is definitely at the top of the who's who of photography. And John Darwell, whilst not the house hold name Parr is, his work is of equal quality (I'd say greater but I may be biased as Mr Darwell was my lecturer for 2 years at University). John Darwell oozes passion when it comes to photography and his projects and photographs convey this. He has documented Chernobyl after the 1986 meltdown and the effect of foot and mouth disease in Cumbria, as well as many many more but my favourite stuff of Mr D's is his recent project where he explores the bizarre phenomena of "discarded dog shit bags".

I've been to a Martin Parr talk before, he's quite an interesting man to listen too. A massive photo nerd! And for the record I like his work, although it does annoy me how much influence or sway he has on photography. He does know his stuff though (realising that I may be contradicting myself... I think a lot of photographers I've spoken to are somewhat the same, they seem to love and hate him at the same time!).

Click on their name to view their respective websites: JOHN DARWELL MARTIN PARR. Maybe it's a generation thing but I'm not a fan of either website, doesn't do the work justice. Too busy and hard to navigate (alternatively go here to see more of John Darwell's work). Other than that, should be a great talk. You can find out more and book tickets through the royal photographic website here.

Glinka

Kseniya Simonova - Sand Animation

2010-10-05T00:24:00.000+01:00

The winner of some talent factor show. The fact is, I like it.

36 EXP. Review

2010-10-01T15:25:00.002+01:00

Both Anouska and I went to the opening night of 36 EXP (see their blog here). at EASA gallery last night. Apart from the sore head today from all the lovely free wine, the exhibition gets a massive thumbs up from me. First of all it was great to see an exhibition dedicated solely to the love of film! Whilst some of the photographs were stronger and worked more than others, it was overall a great idea for an exhibition that produced a variety of work that was both interesting and diverse. I was particularly intrigued by seeing the contact sheets and seeing which ones the photographer chose NOT to print, thus providing the viewer with an insight into the efforts a photographer goes to in getting that one perfect shot. I was particularly impressed with Ayse Hasan's photographs. She definitely chose the right two to print. They are so engaging. I love the quirky framing and the interaction with the children whilst the adults are too focused on getting to their destination to notice the camera. I also really liked Helen Smiths photographs (sorry no contact details or website so you'll just have to get down to the exhibition and take a look for yourself!).

I must also mention Sarah Hill's photograph of a young child looking into a camera at an anti-war demonstration in Manchester.

Photography is a powerful and inspirational tool that when used properly is as good as any painting/sculpture/poem/film. High praise but it is really that good. I now wish I'd submitted myself, it would have been great to have been part of it. I hope they do it again, I think it would work as an annual exhibition celebrating the amazingness (is that a word???!!) of film.

P.S. If anybody knows what Mark Devereux is photographing in these pictures then please tell me. I'm intrigued and when I asked him he wouldn't tell! Answers on a postcard please!!!

Glinka

36 Exp and Free For Arts festival

2010-09-28T19:51:00.004+01:00

This coming week we are spoiled for choice for art exhibitions, with the launch of 36 Exp and the Free For Arts Festival! The 36 Exp sounds really great, it's a combination of 36 artists/photographers/students from around the world, let loose with 36 exposure film. The opening night is launched this Thursday 30th from 6.30 at the EASA gallery see here for details.

Next is the start of the Free for Arts Festival. Events will be taking place all over Manchester from Friday 1st October, with the launch party taking place at Sand Bar from 8 til late. Particular highlights being the Papergirl exhibition at the Soup Kitchen and The Toy Shop at The Art Corner

Let's go Gaga

2010-09-24T16:35:00.018+01:00

'...at what point does homage become theft?' asks Camille Paglia recently in her scathing article about Lady Gaga in The Sunday Times Style Magazine. An interesting question and one I have been pondering ever since. What is an acceptable amount of 'influence' on a piece of work? It is deemed acceptable that we have been encouraged all the way through art school to contextualise your own work through the similarities of other artists and it is human nature to group things together to make sense of it all (think Spotify's related artists link) but when does this border over into blatently copying someone else's work?

I recently came across a fascinating site called You Thought We Wouldn't Notice (see here) where individuals are invited to post comments about their work and the plagiarised efforts of others who clearly couldn't think of their own ideas. It' s a compelling view. I must have been on there for about 3 hours looking through the lists and comments. On there are some repeat offenders who have no shame about ripping off the ideas of others and worst still claim they have done nothing wrong. However to quote Picasso (yes your favourite Andy, you don't have to tell us again) 'Good artists copy. Bad artists steal.' I think the problem here is when people don't even acknowledge someone as an inspiration or do really poor replicas that do others no justice, causing hurt and offence. That is awful and can cannot be condoned.

In reference to Gaga, as much as I am not a fan of her work and would never buy her music, I cannot deny her massive popularity and I don't disrespect her for that. Furthermore is it really worthwhile to expend such an unhealthy amount of time offering negative opinions about other people's artistic merit and their authentic validity? Is our time better spent trying to develop our own forward thinking outlooks as true creative individuals? At least she is someone who acknowledges her sources as obvious as they may be. One of them being Warhol..... Warhol copied tins of soup and is one of the most famous artists America has ever had.
At times I have found myself disenchanted with the art world and the true meaning of art. Commercial success and any connection with the masses equates to puerile subsistence so we are lead to believe. It is deemed about as satisfying emotionally as a Big Mac meal with no fries. Does that mean we have to stay impoverished to continue to be a true artist? To quote J.K Rowling 'poverty is romanticised by fools'.
Gaga reflects the essence of our times, where everything is easily accessible, superficial and instant. A Pot Noodle of music. A time where we are sold fame and fortune and actively encouraged to take the short cut route thanks to people like Simon Cowell. Only real genuine talent can be cultivated over a long period of time, through personal experience and a sincere reflection of an ongoing journey. The banality of everyday life is what always strikes a cord, how you perceive things ultimately and how you connect with that will always shine through. I love looking at the work of others and and I will always enjoy art of arts sake. I will always have the internal struggle. It is that despair that drives me and is my worst and best friend. Anouska

Kate Tempest -Teens' Speech

2010-09-21T12:44:00.000+01:00

My words won't do the lyrically skilled Kate Tempest any justice so just listen for yourselves.

Glinka

First Cause and Effect exhibition

2010-09-16T15:47:00.001+01:00

Second up is our debut exhibition! The show is titled 'Staged' and is at the Art Corner, Fallowfield. It features the work of recent graduates Anneka Morely, Emily Morgan and Gerald Irwin. Sorry no links to their work as of yet, but take it from me it is all of a high quality... oh and Andy Glinka will be exhibiting some photo's as well!! Dates of the exhibition are 11 October - 14 November. We will be posting more links, info and what not in due course but for now put a big star in your diaries on the 11 October with *going to the Art Corner*. Click here for more info on the venue itself.

Ciao for now, Glinka

Kraak Exhibition

2010-09-16T15:35:00.000+01:00

Some exciting exhibitions to mention... first up is an exhibition organised by the lovely Sam Sawdit. It runs from 15 October - 22 October at Kraak called FIVE BY 12. The gist being there are 12 artists each showing five pieces of work. I am one of the 12 artists and I'll be showing some new work. The 12 artists all range from different backgrounds and will be showing work from a variety of mediums from 3D art to photography, illustrations to oil paintings... a real mix bag and I'm really looking forward to it. A big wooop wooop to Sam for being the main player in organising this, I know she's put a lot into it. So it'd be nice to show your support by coming down an d having a look at the work. You can find more details on the event and the artists exhibiting here.

Glinka

Save The Arts

2010-09-14T10:32:00.002+01:00

David Shrigley Video

As you may or may not be aware of, the government (the out of touch bunch (whoever is in office) that make decisions on our behalf) are proposing to make 25% cuts in funding for the arts. Now obviously we are living in a time where there have been cuts of all kinds, form jobs to hair - but 25% is extortionate! This spells trouble for the smaller galleries as well as national and regional museums. I tell you what, you Tory b*stards, follow that Hague fellas lead and start sharing rooms in ya fancy hotels and maybe take a little bit of a wage cut so us lot can have the opportunity to escape and be inspired by art!

Check out the Save the Arts blog here and sign the petition here

Glinka

Betty Raspberry illustrations

2010-09-09T16:32:00.006+01:00

Illustration by Betty Raspberry. Courtesy of Lis Marsh

The last bits of summer are nearly over and although it's a shame, I'm kinda looking forward to wearing my new fabulous coat, a lightly knitted scarf and my new pair of grey brogues (can't get enough of them!)
We had a nice encouraging email from Lis Marsh who wholeheartedly supports our tea drinking obsession (I must be on my 3rd or 4th today??) A talented illustrator based in Manchester Lis goes under the name of Betty Raspberry. Her drawings are fabulously enchanting and I love the way her illustrated characters combine naivety with an eye catching sassiness. Her work is available for commissions, so please check out her site for more details!
Lis is also a new member of the Manchester Craft Mafia which actively supports creative craft designers in the area. They have just updated their website and are doing some really great things in and around the city! So check them out here. Infact I'd totally forgotten there was a group in Manchester so I was happy to be reminded (I'm in a constant daydream, forgive me everyone!). I was one of the co-founder members of the original Leeds Craft Mafia back in the day when I had my little store Fabric Junkie in The Corn Exchange. I was passionate about selling handmade things from around the world and I also sold vintage clothing and accessories. It was a sheer labour of love. (Oh my poor little shop taken over by the corporate nasties) After a bit of googling, I found some articles but I'm not sure the Leeds C.M still exists (??) which is a shame, but you can also find Craft Mafia's in Glasgow, Nottingham and Newcastle.
The original http://www.austincraftmafia.com started back in Austin Texas by some super crafty people but now they can be found at a city near you getting right behind original talent! Its so good to see handmade crafters making the most of their talents, as we all know how hard it is to make a living from doing what you love, so rock out! Right I'm off now to put the kettle on.... again! Until next time Anouska

Moore Peter Cook

2010-09-09T08:14:00.000+01:00

Nearly finished reading 'Tragically I was an only twin - The Complete Peter Cook' I just thought I'd post a clip of the sketch that first got me into Cook (and Dudley Moore). It comes across just as funny (if not funnier) in written word.... simple, clever and genuinely funny stuff,

Glinka

R.I.P Corrine Day

2010-09-01T22:24:00.003+01:00

I've only just found out that the fashion photographer Corrine Day has died of a brain tumour on 27th August. Her early work was so influential to me as a fashion styling student as her honest and authentic documentary style approach really caught my eye. She was pivotal in the influence of Kate Moss's success and participated in making heroin chic and grunge become a real fashion movement with her controversial images. Its a sad loss as her work really was iconic. Some may not agree that fashion is art, but to me all visual creativity in any context can be considered as art and I don't believe that a commercial context devalues work in anyway. Does art have to be for arts sake or can it be art with a purpose? Some may disagree with me, but for now lets just appreciate her great talent here.

Get your Toast on and a random appearance in the Metro!

2010-09-01T10:41:00.007+01:00

Poster Design Artist For Ambulance

I've not written for a few days but it seems that Andy has been keeping you company with his tales of inspiring conversations at awkward social settings! Loving the weather this week too... end of Aug/early Sept is always nice and then it goes freezing almost over night!!! Anyway lets enjoy it whilst it lasts... just wanted to mention this weekend at The Bay Horse in Manchester, Toast Recordings are hosting a 'free creative workshop event' this Sunday. It sounds like a really good idea, and I'm gonna nip down if I can! It's on from 2 until 10 and it's a combination of all things arty so there should be something there for everyone! Check out Toast on Facebook here.
More news... I don't often makes grandiose claims to fame about local celebs, but what the hell. I just happened to be on the bus the other day and flicking through The Metro and I was like' whhat? No way!' Long story but I used to work in a clothes shop in Chorlton (shall remain unnamed!) I also used to sell my vintage style necklaces there too and they used to sell really well. Anyway Bez's girlfriend used to come in all the time and buy loads of stuff and in this picture she is wearing my Love Spinner necklace! See Metro here..Just think people all over the place will be wearing jewellery that I've made with my own bare hands! Funny thing is I wouldn't have known if I'd not got on the bus that day. Shame the circumstances aren't great for them though. Obviously Bez has continued to lose the plot since his Monday days, not good..Anouska

So, what do you do?

2010-08-31T16:29:00.005+01:00

I went to a wedding this bank holiday weekend. A lovely wedding as well, it must be said. Now I didn't know anybody at the wedding other than my girlfriend (the reason why I was invited), and anyone who knows me will tell you I'm not the most socially interactive of people. Thus I found the day to be a challenge. I find it very hard to genuinely sustain chit-chat with people I don't know (and don't have any real interest in knowing). This is by no means any reflection on anyone else, most of these people were very pleasant, and very clearly they were much more natural at keeping their end of the conversation up. I did find however, that nearly always the first thing anybody asked me, apart from how I knew the bride and groom, was what I did for a living?
I kind of got sick of telling people how I'd just become a newly qualified teacher, it seemed that everyone there was a teacher, not too much of a surprise though since the bride was one. Twenty minutes into conversations of trying to remain enthused about teaching was starting to take it's toll. I'd much rather chat with people about other things than what they do for a living. After about the 4th failed conversation (and 8th alcoholic drink) I decided that I'd have a change of tact. From now on I worked in a supermarket. Nothing wrong with that but I soon realised that the conversation didn't last much longer after that. Maybe an "Oooh that sounds interesting", followed by "well it was nice speaking with you". But not much more. Which suited me but made me think. Is what I do for a living that important. should a conversation rely on a 'right' answer?
Anyway, as I said, the evening was lovely. I met some really nice people but I did realise, if I didn't already know it, how I don't really like that many people, or to put it another way, people just don't interest me that much. (but I am interested in interesting people).
Maybe I'm just a miserable git. Yeah, it's probably that!
Glinka

The late, great Peter Cook

2010-08-26T16:50:00.004+01:00

Peter Cook

I'm currently reading 'Tragically I was an Only Twin - The Complete Peter Cook' and I feel I must share some of the scripts and monologues included in the book. I love it when a piece of writing manages to make me laugh out loud, forgetting my surroundings and just laughing out loud! Anyway, here is a snippet of one of his monologues titled 'Sitting on the Bench' (expect to see some more posts over the coming days and weeks)

Sitting On The Bench

Yes, I could have been a judge but I never had the Latin, never had the Latin for the judging. I just never had sufficient of it to get through the rigorous judging exams. They're noted for their rigour. People came staggering out saying 'My God, what a rigorous exam' - and so I became a miner instead. A coal miner. I managed to get through the mining exams - they're not very rigorous. The only ask one question. They say 'Who are you?', and I got 75% for that.
Of course, it's quite interesting work, getting hold of lumps of coal all day. It's quite interesting, because the coal was made in a very unusual way. You see God blew all the trees down. He didn't say 'Let's have some coal,' as he could have done - he had all the right contacts. No, he got this great wind going you see, and blew down all the trees, then over a period of three million years he changed it into coal - gradually, over a period of three million years so it wasn't noticeable to the average passer by. It was all part of the scheme, but people at the time did not see it that way. People under the trees did not say 'Hurrah, coal in three million years.'
(the monologue continues, you'll have to buy the book if you want to read the rest.)

Peter Cook, the funniest man to have ever been alive.
Glinka

Art forgery

2010-08-26T12:04:00.001+01:00

So, some Italian art collectors have been duped out of 8.8 MILLION euros after buying fake paintings. The full story can be read here. It has reminded me of a documentary I saw last year about a young man living at home with his parents in Bolton where he fooled the art world in selling what was thought to be a 3,300 year old statue of an Egyptian princess to a museum (read here). Yes, I understand it is wrong to pass something off as somebody else's but its not like they are claiming a Matisse painting is one they did. These people clearly have talent, they have meticulously painted and sculpted the art pieces to a near perfect replication. The art world at times is so concerned with who made the art works that quality is ultimately ignored. In a day and age where an installation of a light going on and off wins 20 grand, a genuinely talented individual is sentenced to prison for 4 years. This guy from Bolton should have had his own exhibition, not banged up (although a gallery in London exhibited his work earlier this year).
Don't get me wrong, I'm a massive fan of contemporary and modern art. (I am not a fan of 'highbrow' art, art that comes with an essay to justify it). Personally, I would PAY to see the works created by Shaun Greenhalgh and I like the fact that this loner managed to fool the art world. (If only I could do the same!!!)

Glinka

Every little helps...Part 2

2010-08-24T19:11:00.005+01:00

Tesco Economy-style advert for the Financial Times, by DDB London

Funny, that my other post was called Every little helps for no apparent reason, so I decided that this would be fitting for a little rant. Not related to art (however just a concern for the minutiae of life) I just wanted to mention how much I hate using self service machines in supermarkets. I was faced with (in the new Tesco in Piccadilly Gardens) my biggest fear when I was refused, (yes refused) service at the checkout by a girl who was sat at a till point. The assistant said to me 'I'm not serving...you know how to use the self service?' Yes, I do know how to use the self service and yes I am only buying a cheapo £2 meal deal (sarnie, crisps and a bottle of water, not bad!) but I don't wanna use the self service machine. I don't like them, I don't wanna like them and why on earth are you sat at a till point if you are not serving? Every little helps or not so it seems..

Every little helps...

2010-08-21T18:05:00.007+01:00

I'm sat at home pondering this weekends possible forthcoming events, and can hear some ragga music and a bit of mc-ing outside. Where from I do not know? Not my bag of course, but they sound like they are having fun nonetheless and that's all that counts! So just a little thank you to Manchester Photography for mentioning us on their blog! This is a well respected local photography database and we feel privileged to have a little mention, so thanks for that : )

Other stuff alongside, I nipped to the Cornerhouse the other day and watched the Gainsbourg film.
Apart from the extremely small cinema space and the fact that the film stopped half way through and we were all sat in complete darkness (I kid you not), the film portrayed the angst, torment and colourful perspective of a self destructive charismatic genius (not my usual type, honestly!) and his continual affairs. I was shocked to discover that the actress Lucy Gordon who plays Jane Birkin in the film had committed suicide in real life. I always find such a tragic waste of life so difficult to understand. Real life mimics art as always (or is it the other way around?)... Next on my list is to see the new Coco and Igor film. Shame I'm not on 2 for 1 Orange Wednesday's, unless anyone's offering any freebies? Cheerio, Anouska

The Beautiful and the Damned - new street art at Mooch Manchester

2010-08-19T16:50:00.000+01:00

Image copyright Gemma Compton

Fun day ahead tomorrow... Another show to tell you about. This time at Mooch gallery in Manchester. The shows title already has me intrigued. Click here for more details. It runs until October 2nd and admission is FREE!

Cecil Beaton @ Imperial War Museum

2010-08-19T10:31:00.003+01:00

Image copyright Cecil Beaton

Sorry, my original post was a little misleading... Cecil Beaton's World War II dockyard photographs are CURRENTLY being exhibitied at the Imperial War Museum North. It runs until July 20th 2011 so there is plenty of time for you to go and see it. I'll be there tomorrow! (I originally posted that it doesn't start until June 2011, I must have been half asleep. Apologies!!!)

Click here for more details.

Glinka

Frida Kahlo

2010-08-18T16:01:00.000+01:00

Not been on here much over the last few days. Been a right little busy so and so. One of the many things I've been 'busy' doing is watching Eggheads (I do like a good quiz), one of the questions was; Who was Frida Kahlo married to? (I knew the answer by the way!!!) But more importantly, it reminded me of her work and how amazing (and traumatic) her life was. Brilliantly portrayed by Salma Hayek in the biopic 'Frida', a must see for any fan of Kahlo or cinema... her work touches on beauty and tragedy, loneliness and pain. Amazing stuff.... Glinka

Ooh it's Friday the 13th!! Follow us on Facebook!!!!

2010-08-13T12:12:00.001+01:00

We now have a Facebook group. I know, exciting isn't it? Please join here to fully reap the benefits of our fabulous updates.
Oh, and be careful today, what with it being Friday 13th and all. (Not that I believe in any of that nonsense!) Glinka

Nicola Rowlands 'Don't wait up for me' at The Art of Tea

2010-08-12T21:43:00.004+01:00

At the end of the month there is a nice exhibition on at The Art of Tea in Didsbury, so have a brew and enjoy some great illustrations. It starts on 29th August until 28th November. Check out Nicola's lovely design work here. 'Til next time Anouska

Julia Corsaro

2010-08-10T17:41:00.000+01:00

Image copyright Julia Corsaro

The beauty about art is that it can really inspire something in you and every now and then I see some new work that really energises me into getting off my arse and taking some photographs. Doug Dubois, Elizabeth Fleming, Lorca di Corcia, Annelies Strba are just a handful that gave me that much needed kick up the backside. Julia Corsaro is another one who has sparked some energy into me. Her use of muted colours and shaky focus gives some of the work a real sense of fragility, yet there is something else that is really stark and raw about her work. Check out her website here, lots of quality stuff to look at. Anyway, I'm off to the camera shop to buy some film, I won't get any pictures taken by typing words on here.

Glinka

How Important Are Final Year Shows?

2010-08-06T14:44:00.002+01:00

I was reading the Shutteritis blog the other day and I noticed a link to an article by the British Journal of Photography. The gist being - How important are final year shows (for degree students)?
They make some valid points; with students spending up to £1000 on their final exhibitions, are they worth it? and does anyone of note even bother to turn up?

When students at University College of Falmouth were asked if they wanted an exhibition or a professional portfolio review instead, 80% opted for the review. I think that's fine, why can't student's have more say in what they get, after all, they are paying for the damn thing (my personal student debt is in excess of 20 grand!).
If I had the chance to vote at the time of my graduation, I would have gone for the exhibition. I think there is something immensely satisfying about putting on your end of year show. And as for it costing up to £1000? Well, welcome to the real world. Very rarely do exhibitions come for free, especially on the scale of degree shows. You can pay as little as £7.50 for a portfolio review here, and anyway, shouldn't your university be giving you portfolio advice as part of the extortionate tuition fees?

Anyway, long live the degree show. I personally love going to them and seeing what the next group of creatives have to offer.

Glinka

I'm in Love With a German Film Star

2010-08-05T18:42:00.006+01:00

Pictures by Anouska

Well I'm not really but you can't beat The Passions for some quality tunes. I've just got back from Berlin, which was totally fab. Such a hub of creativity and inspiration and I would recommend it to anyone. I've never been anywhere quite so cool before, it's such a good city. There are so many interesting markets, monuments, places to go etc and all the history of the city makes it so diverse...they have the best transport system (take note Metrolink) and the cheapest food and drink ever! I even stayed within budget which is quite something seeing as I had to pay excess luggage on the way back : /
One of the most mind boggling places I've ever been too is the Reichstag Building. It boasts a 360 view of the city and inside it is a helter skelter of glass, reflective surfaces and a continuous circular path, and although I queued an hour in the beaming sunshine and felt frazzled with dehydration at the end of it, it was well worth the experience and dizziness!
One of the other extraordinary places I visited was Tacheles Art House, which is an indescribable place unless you see for yourself. Covered in graffiti over several floors, as soon as I walked in I felt apprehension and excitement. I felt as though I needed permission to go in. In one room there was what can only be described as a the loudest banging (almost tribal sounding) by a huge group of performers who were totally let loose. I literally nearly burst an eardrum, it was incredible.

Further up as you continue up the winding stairs, you come across people working on bits and pieces of art in their studios, a gallery with some of the oddest paintings I have ever seen and a rooftop bar with cheap beer. I was curious how they have got the raggedy sofas up so many floors. I think the people from Kraak Gallery must have visited as it has the same kinda vibe.

Hopefully I will get chance to go back to Berlin soon as I really loved the place. In the meantime I didn't see any pigeons apart from these ones... they can't resist a bit of bread can they?

Christian Jankowski

2010-08-03T13:45:00.001+01:00

As mentioned earlier on in this blog (last month), I went to the opening of Christian Jankowski's exhibition at Cube Gallery. Maybe I'm not high-brow enough in the art world but I thought it was a massive disappointment and any point that was trying to be made was lost on me, or just didn't interest me. In a world where there are millions of talented artists struggling for even a metre of wall space to have their work shown, Cube decides to have an exhibition where nothing is shown, thus in the attempt we appreciate 'the perfect gallery'. No thanks, not for me.

I'm interested to know what other's think of the exhibition.

Glinka

Mars and squirty cream...

2010-08-03T13:38:00.000+01:00

Completely unrelated to art in any way, but as I was out and about in lovely Chorlton today, I saw a women sat at a bench with a Mars Bar in one hand and a can of squirty cream in the other. The amount of looks she was getting, including from myself, was incredible. But why can't a lady (or man) enjoy such a snack in view of 'us normal' folk.

A mars bar with squirty cream.... why the frig not?

Staged Exhibiton... call for submissions

2010-07-29T10:56:00.004+01:00

Image copyright Andy Glinka

Cause And Effect will be putting together a show of work titled 'Staged' at The Art Corner, Fallowfield, Manchester from October 11 - November 14.

We are looking for photographs with a conceptual narrative that have been staged to be part of the exhibition. It is an exciting opportunity to have your work shown in a busy and vibrant space for over a month. If you have work that you think fits or are willing to produce new work then get in touch a.s.a.p with some details about your work and a selection of images and/or a link to your website (if you have one). Alternatively, if you know of anyone that might like to be involved then spread the word.

email: causeandeffect@hotmail.co.uk

Glinka

Debbie Yates

2010-07-27T21:09:00.000+01:00

Image copyright Debbie Yates

It's been that time of year again, checking out all the 'competition' at various degree shows. As usual I've seen some really good stuff (and some pretty mediocre stuff too!). One artist I was really impressed with is Debbie Yates, who was part of the Blackpool degree show at Cube Gallery in June this year. Check out her website, which is very simple to navigate - allowing the photographs to speak for themselves, no arty farty statements about how they profess to change the world, just really well shot photographs. They remind me a lot of the 'Family Photos' of the photographer Doug Dubois, which is a massive complement. The combination of lighting, use of focus and choice of camera produces a very intimate and warming series that is held together by the use of hand written text. I hope to see more of Debbie's work in the future...

Glinka

Charles Bukowski

2010-07-27T13:19:00.004+01:00

Image copyright Charles Bukowski

Here at Cause and Effect, we very much value the written word as an art form. Out of all the books, stories and poems I've ever read, nothing has blew me away as much as the work of Charles Bukowski. A flawed genius. Here is one of my favourite Bukowski poems:

As the Sparrow

To give life you must take life,

and as our grief falls flat and hollow

upon the billion-blooded sea

I pass upon serious inward-breaking shoals rimmed

with white-legged, white-bellied rotting creatures

lengthily dead and rotting against surrounding scenes.

Dear child, I only did to you what the sparrow

did to you: I am old when it is fashionable to be

young; I cry when it is fashionable to laugh.

I hated you when it would have taken less courage

to love.

Whilst Bukowski will always be remembered as a "laureate of American lowlife", his art works provide another insight into the his troubled character.

Glinka

Christopher Guest

2010-07-22T13:18:00.001+01:00

Christopher Guest's "practice is concerned with obsessional mark making".
I recently went down to the Cornerhouse, Manchester, to see Christopher's pen drawings and I was massively impressed. The process of making work like this fascinates me. Take a look at the clip above to see how he painstakingly creates beautiful 'doodles' that are so full of detail. The idea of sitting for 10 hours at a time and obsessively drawing in an attempt of covering every part of the surface is something I would struggle to come close to achieving, not without colouring in the paper with a thick black marker anyway!
The exhibition runs until 15 August 2010 @The Cornerhouse (cafe area). So jump on the bus and get yourself a brew, they're definitely worth a look.

Unchanging Window

2010-07-20T15:40:00.009+01:00

Image copyright - Unchanging Window

This is the first time I've managed to post so far, but I can see that Mr G has been keeping everyone entertained in the meantime with some interesting posts. I came across this website called Unchanging Window and I just love the style of photos on here. I'd be the first to admit that I'm technically not amazing as a photographer but I kinda use that to my advantage to create something a little off balance. These pictures have a charm and essense to them that I can relate to that totally fascinates me. The sheer volume (there are pages and pages of work) and the textural feel of some of the pictures just really draws me in. My background is fashion and these images have a real Juergan Teller feel about them. Ooh it makes me wanna to go outside in the rain and find something interesting to take pictures of.... well almost! Anouska

The Perfect Gallery

2010-07-19T12:26:00.000+01:00

Quite a bold name, maybe. I have never heard of Christian Jankowski, but this exhibition at Cube Gallery sounds interesting. Trying to take a peek at his work on the weird and wonderful web proved unfruitful, so get yourselves down and see what his work is about.... and it's free, so no excuses!

Steph Tout

2010-07-19T11:52:00.002+01:00

image copyright Steph Tout

I've recently discovered the work of Steph Tout, a Melbourne based photographic artist. Her work is varied in style and subject matter, but ultimately she takes some brilliant photographs. I personally love the photographs that lie in the 'colour' folder. I'm a sucker for this kind of aesthetic pleasure; the moods and ambience grab my attention right away. Anyway, have a look and see what you think. There is also some more of her work on this website too.

chao!

Blank Media

2010-07-16T15:24:00.000+01:00

Check out these guys, doing their bit for the arts in Manchester. Lots of artists portfolio's to have a sift through.

Future Exhibition Opportunity...

2010-07-16T14:50:00.002+01:00

Cause And Effect are on the look out for artists based in Manchester/North West to produce work for exhibitions in November/December 2010. The theme of the work is SOLITUDE. Whatever your style or medium, if you're interested in having some work shown or just the idea of networking for possible future projects, then drop us an email and we can have a natter at the endless possibilities...

Who are we?

2010-07-16T14:02:00.003+01:00

Cause And Effect was founded by photographer Andy Glinka and all round artist extraordinaire Anouska Smith. Our main aim is to work with other artists on various projects that can be viewed on splendid walls. Our only interest is making and seeing art. As a result we will also be posting various bits and bobs that we like, we might also be giving our opinion of whats out there from time to time. Stay tuned....