Badly Drawn Boy: It's What I'm Thinking

To call Damon Gough uninspired would be one short of calling Lady Gaga discrete; however his latter attempts to wow music lovers with his artistic ideas have fallen slightly short of interesting. Samey and bland his latest albums have done little to honour his defining masterpiece ‘The Hour of the Bewilderbeast’ and follow up ‘About a Boy’. However, tea cosy still in tact and artistry emerging once more, ‘It’s what I’m Thinking’ seems to mark the end of a musical recession for the mind behind Badly Drawn Boy.

The seventh – yes, it is hard to believe - studio album mesmerises the listener, churning out a melancholy vocal timbre to contrast with light and airy melodies which entwine like oil and water in a pan, never merging together but sitting side by side in a happy coalition.

Lacking a real hit tune, this album is not to be listened to on shuffle but the beauty of it lies in the current which travels from song to song. A magnificently thought through playlist, each song compliments the next with style and achieves an album which allows you to sink deep into it’s comforting and warm tones.

Single release ‘Too Many Miracles’ emancipates from the rest of the tracks, enlisting motown characteristics which help to waken up the sedated mind of the listener.

Less upbeat and less folky than previous albums, ‘It’s What I’m Thinking’ ventures further into the alternative musical genre and commits just enough twanging guitar riffs and anti-militant drum beats to keep the playlist rolling on through the Eerie vocals and haunting – if somewhat disappointingly synthesised - strings.

Though the LP flaunts some features of a brilliant song-smith, it lacks that certain quality which kicks it into orbit. Singing of ‘What Tomorrow Brings’, ‘It’s What I’m Thinking’ is a satisfying but safe glide through alternative music and Damon Gough shouldn’t expect ‘Too Many Miracles’ at the Mercury Music Prize awards this year. As ‘Part One’ of an unnumbered collection, we can only hope that the next attempt will have that long awaited wow-factor that we're anticipating.

Well wash my mouth out with soap and call me a liar!

Well goodness gracious me; I really am failing you all of late. One measly post since my promise to update you all on my recent adventures and endeavors. What kind of hoodwinker - I believe that is a real word and if it isn't, then I wish to coin it - does that make me? I will, however, strive to correct this.

Unfortunately, now I come to jot down all my memorably significant circumstances, I am finding it more than impossible to think of anything vaguely captivating to say. In fact, the second I try and force my brainwaves in to action, I get the completely opposite effect and the cogs in my head seem to run slower than Windows Me on dope.

I do have one thing to say though, Toy Story 3 is immense... review shall follow soon.

Other tings what I has done, like:

A week at The Fly Magazine: I got to see Spindle & Wit, an awesome new folk band. As many of you will know, I love the folk and S&W have this month entered my personal top ten artists of 2010. You can find my news articles and blog on The Fly website.

A week at Beach Break festival: This mother of a trip saw me hitting the shores of Pembrey County Park in wales. I saw loads of amazing bands and artists and spent far, far, too much money. I also lost a lovely jumper which was a bit rubbish. Particular highlights came in the form of the king of beat box Beardyman and reggae/ska band Boycom who I saw in Chai Wallah's - my favorite venue - which would please any fan of dreadlocks and sheesha. It was a satisfying antidote to missing out on The Hop Farm festival and better still, I won the tickets!

Highbury Youth Theatre's, 'Summer Holiday': A truly phenomenal production. I feel like a proud mother to those little thespians. Going back to see the show after my week in London made rushing around helping out with it so unbelievably worth it. All topped of by a spectacular after show party Chez Cotter and Strike avec Le Parc on the Sunday it couldn't have been a better weekend!

New Job: After all the fretting over money - or rather, lack of it - all has come up trumps. I started my bar job at The Figure of Eight last Monday and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I was a tad nervous at first - and that might be a tad of an understatement - but the people are great and the money is marvelous :D

Right, now we are all caught up - even through this somewhat appalling excuse for a post- I will love and leave you. If I think of anything vaguely interesting to talk about anytime soon I will most certainly update my posts :)

Beach Break 2010 Preview

10/06/10

With Download festival kicking off this weekend and Dylan announced as the Hop Farm headliner, Beach Break has a lot to compete with this year. But with an eclectic line up, sporting bands from the eccentric Vampire Weekend and the herky-jerky Futureheads to the glamorous, Calvin Harris, it’s unlikely to let us down.

Only three days to go, this year will see Pembrey County Park in South Wales flooded with campers, as Britain’s biggest student festival has sold out for the forth year in a row, meaning 500 extra tickets are up for grabs.

With 15 venues spread out across the festival grounds, anything is possible. Pull some shapes and dance like your Dad to the jazz and jive music of the Moustache bar, kick back in the sunshine and let the folk tunes wash away your worries by The Boat, escape to the bohemian meadows of The Lost Gardens, get retro in the old school Vintage Funfair and attempt to uncover the intriguing Secret Venue.

Artists from the astounding line up will play at the various venues at the seaside affair and even if the assortment of tunage isn’t good enough for you, you can try your chances with an audience at ‘Jam Tart’ the festival’s open mic nights at The Leaky Sheep Pub.

With plenty to do all week from Celtic games and Free Running through to Yoga and Burlesque classes there won’t be a second of boredom at this years Beach Break. Ending on a high with a musical legends themed fancy dress finale make sure to grab your pointy bras and don your Lycra Cat suits. Just about everyone will be dressing for the occasion, so don’t let us down.

Neglect: A Dictionary.com Definition.

ne·glect [ni-glekt] –verb (used with object)

1. To pay no attention or toolittle attention to;disregard or slight: Thepublic neglected hisgenius for many years.

I have a lot to catch up with over the summer and I plan to reinstate the use of my blog as it has most certainly been subject to the above over the past couple of months.

I have just spent two weeks at Hallam FM radio station on work experience, attended the Bournemouth summer ball. Tomorrow is my sister's 21st, I am off to Beach Break on Monday and in a few weeks time I will be heading to London for work experience at the Fly magazine so there will be a lot to talk about :)

For now I will bid you good night :)

Antarctica Encore: The work of Frances Hatch

Think of the most beautiful thing you have ever seen and then imagine the music to describe that image. What do you hear? A sweet little ditty or an amalgamation of sound, creating ambient noise that precisely matches the image in your head?

Antarctica Encore is a ‘cross modal improvisation’ by Artist, Frances Hatch and Musicians, Cathy Stevens and Udo Dzierzanowski. The collaboration of images and music to create and discover artwork in a new form is an entirely improvised and a captivating exploration of the world of art and the emotions behind images.

The performance took place Thursday 18^th February at Bournemouth University’s, Talbot House at 12.30pm. The improvisation was a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most remarkable sights through the mind of a passionate artist.

Frances Hatch was born in born in the Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire in 1955 and enjoys the discovery of new art forms and nature. “I do lots of different things but there is a running theme throughout my life,” she said. “Even as a child I tended to like working outside with my dog, I just love meeting new landscapes”.

The artist’s most recent project involved her ‘bewildering’ and ‘very long’ trip to Antarctica. The images which were displayed in the university’s Atrium gallery represent Frances’ journey from the anticipation of waiting to embark on her adventure to the reflection of the journey behind her. “Because the gallery is located in a university I was able to put up works in progress that are not necessarily saleable” she said. “I was able to show the progression of a project and I like working like that.”

Originally, Frances trip was intended as a solitary venture, but after a group called ‘extreme’ got in touch with her, she agreed to be lead artist on the open exhibition.

Antarctic Encore began with an explanation of the Antarctic landscape. Various facts were thrown at the audience to help them envisage the vast space and lack of dimension which the Antarctic holds. “There is no way to define the scale of an ice berg or an albatross,” Frances said.

Before the performance the artists took time to enjoy a minute of meditation and prepare the audience for the adventure. The performance was delivered in four, ten minute movements to represent Frances journey.

‘Anticipation’ involved purely sounds from various percussion instruments and art materials from sand paper to socks with bells on. The peaceful noise created a real chill, sending shivers down the spines of the audience as the musicians moved fluidly around the floor.

‘Journey’ enabled Frances to demonstrate the clever use of materials as she scribbled away at her artwork. Seeming aimless at first, the beauty of her haphazard work became noticeable within a few moments, reflecting the vast space and colours of the Antarctic landscape.

The beautiful translucent sound of the violectra – a six string, electronic viola – washed over the entranced audience as Frances painted over the mishmash of colourful paper which she used as her canvas.

The materials Frances used were quirky to say the least; from branches to polystyrene blocks it was amazing how she manipulated the materials in to creating something so striking. As the music became frenzied, so did her painting. The artist began to use dark colours, blacks and blues and painting quickly as though frustrated with the landscape and mimicking its unpredictable existence.

‘On Location’ turned the audience’s attention to a power point which displayed images from the Antarctic alongside the artwork Frances produced amongst the glaciers. Accompanied with the sound of jerky strings, clashes, bangs and the impression of howling wind, the third movement enabled the audience to appreciate the intimidating side of the beautiful landscape. As the images appeared on screen it was easier to understand the lack of scale she spoke of at the beginning of the venture.

Beginning with a quote from Jenny Diski’s, Skating to Antarctica, the final movement, ‘On Reflection’ returned Frances to the makeshift canvas. She went on to add colour to the previously bleak landscape, tearing paper dramatically to the beautiful sound of the Violectra. “It is not white and it is not silent” she said.

Mesmerizing, does not touch on the way that the three minds of Udo, Cathy and Frances work together to create such artistic genius. From penguins to glaciers, Frances’ project covers every corner of the Antarctic world she visited, great or small, and the astounding emotion behind her art becomes apparent when watching her at work.

New Talent: The Alternative Performance Society, Cause Célèbre

Bournemouth University’s Alternative Performance society are not only alternative by name but by nature as well. The quirky bunch is mostly made up of 1^st and 2^nd year Script writers who “wanted to get involved in something other than West Side Story”. The society was set up last year, when Simon Lay, President and Director of their latest spectacle, realised there was no society for students to write and perform their own plays.

This year the group has unfortunately seen a sketch show fall through. So determined to make their latest venture ‘Cause Célèbre’ a success, Simon has booked out the Lighthouse in Poole for a night, fitting the bill alongside the likes of John Buchan’s, ‘The 39 Steps’ and Eve Ensler’s, ‘The Vagina Monologues’. Although the play was blind cast and is still, in reality, work in progress, Simon is sure that it will be ready in time for the opening night.

With possibility of acquiring the likes of Colin Baker and film critic and Culture Show presenter, Mark Kermode for guest appearances the ticket sales have rocketed. Another performance is being considered at the University’s Allsbrook Lecture Theatre.

Simon comes across as a passionate director and never fails to make you smile with his extravagant gestures and witty one-liners. He started the group a year ago under the name of ‘The Multifarious Spectacle of Surrogate Ideas’ but thinking this was a bit of a mouthful, changed it to ‘The Alternative Performance Society’ to attract a larger cast.The performers receive their funding from the University, but at only £700, this barely covers the cost of hiring out the Lighthouse. The cost to the production currently stands at over a grand, leaving the society hopeful of breaking even with ticket sales.

But is it money that they are after, or just recognition? “I want to show people that the University has some really talented performers and writers and I chose the Lighthouse as a new, bright and shiny theatre which will showcase this talent,” said Simon.

The script writers started Cause Célèbre back in September and with the first draft finished in November the show promises a slightly twisted jaunt into the lives of fairytale characters. This show is certainly not for the easily offended and where there is space for innuendo, it never fails to satisfy. With characters such as Widow Wanky and The Fugly Sisters, this hilarious panto-esque tale really is, as the script states, a “Drama school’s living incarnation of hell!”

Antarctica Encore

Think of the most beautiful thing you have ever seen and then imagine the music to describe that image. What do you hear? A sweet little ditty or an amalgamation of sound, creating ambient noise that precisely matches the image in your head?

Antarctica Encore is a ‘cross modal improvisation’ by Artist, Frances Hatch and Musicians, Cathy Stevens and Udo Dzierzanowski. The collaboration of images and music to create and discover artwork in a new form is an entirely improvised and a captivating exploration of the world of art and the emotions behind images.

The performance took place Thursday 18^th February at Bournemouth University’s, Talbot House at 12.30pm. The improvisation was a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most remarkable sights through the mind of a passionate artist.

Frances Hatch was born in born in the Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire in 1955 and enjoys the discovery of new art forms and nature. “I do lots of different things but there is a running theme throughout my life,” she said. “Even as a child I tended to like working outside with my dog, I just love meeting new landscapes”.

The artist’s most recent project involved her ‘bewildering’ and ‘very long’ trip to Antarctica. The images which were displayed in the university’s Atrium gallery represent Frances’ journey from the anticipation of waiting to embark on her adventure to the reflection of the journey behind her. “Because the gallery is located in a university I was able to put up works in progress that are not necessarily saleable” she said. “I was able to show the progression of a project and I like working like that.”

Originally, Frances trip was intended as a solitary venture, but after a group called ‘extreme’ got in touch with her, she agreed to be lead artist on the open exhibition.

Antarctic Encore began with an explanation of the Antarctic landscape. Various facts were thrown at the audience to help them envisage the vast space and lack of dimension which the Antarctic holds. “There is no way to define the scale of an ice berg or an albatross,” Frances said.

Before the performance the artists took time to enjoy a minute of meditation and prepare the audience for the adventure. The performance was delivered in four, ten minute movements to represent Frances journey.

‘Anticipation’ involved purely sounds from various percussion instruments and art materials from sand paper to socks with bells on. The peaceful noise created a real chill, sending shivers down the spines of the audience as the musicians moved fluidly around the floor.

‘Journey’ enabled Frances to demonstrate the clever use of materials as she scribbled away at her artwork. Seeming aimless at first, the beauty of her haphazard work became noticeable within a few moments, reflecting the vast space and colours of the Antarctic landscape.

The beautiful translucent sound of the violectra – a six string, electronic viola – washed over the entranced audience as Frances painted over the mishmash of colourful paper which she used as her canvas.

The materials Frances used were quirky to say the least; from branches to polystyrene blocks it was amazing how she manipulated the materials in to creating something so striking. As the music became frenzied, so did her painting. The artist began to use dark colours, blacks and blues and painting quickly as though frustrated with the landscape and mimicking its unpredictable existence.

‘On Location’ turned the audience’s attention to a power point which displayed images from the Antarctic alongside the artwork Frances produced amongst the glaciers. Accompanied with the sound of jerky strings, clashes, bangs and the impression of howling wind, the third movement enabled the audience to appreciate the intimidating side of the beautiful landscape. As the images appeared on screen it was easier to understand the lack of scale she spoke of at the beginning of the venture.

Beginning with a quote from Jenny Diski’s, Skating to Antarctica, the final movement, ‘On Reflection’ returned Frances to the makeshift canvas. She went on to add colour to the previously bleak landscape, tearing paper dramatically to the beautiful sound of the Violectra. “It is not white and it is not silent” she said.

Mesmerizing, does not touch on the way that the three minds of Udo, Cathy and Frances work together to create such artistic genius. From penguins to glaciers, Frances’ project covers every corner of the Antarctic world she visited, great or small, and the astounding emotion behind her art becomes apparent when watching her at work.

This Is A Rather Hefty Backlog.

Highbury Youth rock their way into 2009

As Highbury Youth Theatre’s annual sketch show returns to its original slot before Christmas, the festive atmosphere is getting Highbury Theatre Centre’s youth performers ready to present ‘Highbury Rocks at Christmas’. After years of success, Jane Mason (Director) is yet again working hard to produce a witty, playful and enjoyable experience for all ages. This year the youth theatre have written and included a mixture of short scenes including comedy sketches, dances, singing and fantastic acts from ‘Shakin’ Stevens’ to ‘Leonard Cohen’. The show marks the end of Director Jane Mason’s 10th year with Highbury Theatre Centre in which she has also seen great success in her summer production of ‘Their scarves were red’ by Darren Vallier and Robert Sweetman. Each member of the youth theatre brings a fresh and exciting perspective to the show and this is reflected in the diversity of the sketches within the performance which runs from 11^th-13^th December. If you wish to see something fun and care free this Christmas, this festive frolic encapsulates the talents of the local youth performers and the admirable perseverance of Director Jane, Choreographer Sarah and Musical Director Sufia.

If you fancy taking part in the Youth theatre’s next production or wish to make a general enquiry, ring 0121 378 1851. Tickets for the show are available from the Highbury Theatre Centre box office, for more details visit www.highburytheatre.co.uk.

When You Have No Room Left On Your Computer... Upload to the Internet.

As the summer holidays come to an end, The ‘The Ronin Theatre Company’ will come into the limelight in their debut performance of Shakespeare’s, ‘A midsummer Nights Dream’.

The Sutton based drama society has been formed by university students, Matt Ager (Director), Alex Sweetnam (Producer) and Kate McMahon (Co-Producer), who have been joined by others from various universities and schools across Britain. Many of the players are involved with Highbury Theatre Centre, Sutton Coldfield and the company have used the theatre once a week to prepare, fitting in more rehearsals where possible, practising in car parks, gardens and members kitchens.

The young actors and actresses will be presenting the show on Saturday 29^th August, 7.30pm at The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham. The show promises an innovative account of Shakespeare’s words and is brought to life by youthful humour entwined with mature wit.

Director Matt Ager is confident that the play will be a success and he is already planning next summer’s run of ‘The Merchant of Venice’.

The Tickets for the show can be booked on 0121 200 1892 or at the box office itself which is open Monday - Friday 11am - 5pm and from 2pm on Saturday. However, tickets are limited to the theatre’s 80 seats.

Fancy Another?

Ok, so we all know that most students can’t say no to a cheap and cheerful night on the town, but is this really a cause for concern? Or are we all so caught up in this concept of ‘dangerous drinking’ that we have forgotten to have fun?

Experts across Britain have been hinting that Binge drinking is getting out of control and with the challenges that University brings, does this behaviour need to be prevented or embraced in order to alleviate the stress of assignments?

First we need to achieve a definition of binge drinking as the line is somewhat hazy amongst most members of the public. For example, government reports have regarded binging as 'the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol within a limited time period’. The problem here is what counts as a ‘limited time period’. How can we prevent dangerous behaviour if we don’t know at which point it becomes dangerous? However, a general definition of Binge drinking can be described basically as ‘boozing simply to get drunk’.

Many believe that the main cause for concern is young people in Britain. Even eight-year-old children are being exposed to excessive alcohol consumption and are coming into school hung over! The problem spreads to one in four adults in Britain and 44% of 18 to 24-year-olds have been quantified regular binge drinkers causing the UK to be rated Europe's heaviest alcohol consumer.

The onslaught of criticism towards Britain’s ‘binge drinking culture’ is huge, due to the sheer amount of alcohol induced accidents that occur across the nation. It is estimated that alcohol plays a part in 20-30% of accidents and statistics have found that when completely smashed you are more likely to injure yourself falling into a bush or stepping out into moving traffic. This said, is it necessary to abolish this culture completely? Plenty of students are able to have a good night out, drink copious amounts of alcohol and still get home safely! Yes, it is true that they will probably be ‘hangin’ in the morning, but is there any real damage to their bodies?

This excessive use of alcohol can be the cause of many teenage skin complaints, dehydrating your body and causing a lack of vital nutrients. It can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure which although may not trouble you now, in years to come your heart could be in grave danger! A common problem related to alcohol abuse is liver damage and the disease cirrhosis which turns your liver into scar tissue.

Undoubtedly, these physical problems are bad enough, but binge drinkers need to consider the social problems attached to alcohol consumption. On a small scale, slurring your words doesn’t seem like such a problem, but what happens when you get up in the morning, you can’t remember where you are, where you have been, or why you are in a stranger’s bed? Some might regard this as an achievement, but statistics have shown that one in five binge drinkers who do pull regret it afterwards.

Although it is tempting to go out every night of the week and pull as many people as you want, Deals of £1 entry, £1drinks floating around to lure you in, it is clear that binge drinking is a problem and the amount of lectures missed due to the following hangover is immense. The culture has spread over the past five years and it is necessary for people, especially students, to be aware of what damage it is doing to their bodies before it is too late.

Moving south has its advantages... having money is not one of them.

Over priced lockers and lack of space has been causing problems for gym fanatics at Bournemouth University.

At first look the gymnasium would appear to be good value for money, charging just £95 for a year subscription. However, with the non-refundable lockers are costing people a fortune, making the cheap subscription a trap for gym goers.

Not many gyms feel cosy. Spacious and airy, but not cosy. When you are working up a sweat the last thing you want to do is be within touching distance of another person.

At Bournemouth University gym the lack of space is immediately noticeable. This raises the question, are they over charging for their facilities?

When charged 20p for a locker you normally wouldn’t bat an eyelid, but when you have to open said locker a number of times on your visit to the gym, reinserting 20p each time you start to notice your purse getting a lot lighter.

It is a well known fact that students are not the wealthiest of citizens and to charge them extra for the use of a locker seems a little unfair.

Suzan Barrow said: ‘It is ridiculous the amount you have to pay for the lockers, I end up spending around 80p each time I go to the gym! They are certainly making up for the cheap joining fee now!’

Many universities charge a small joining fee compared to outside companies. Newcastle University charging far less per year than Bournemouth. The gym in Newcastle is spacious and classy. So why does Bournemouth charge so much for such a little, smelly space?

It is not only the gym that charges extra however. The library at the university also charges students 10p to print a page of black and white text and 30p for colour. As a University with a large media school, they must be making a mint out of their students.

When students have to pay for their student card, it does make you wonder where are the fees we pay going? Each student at Bournemouth pays over £3000 a year, for what? Media students even had to pay for a specialist card in order to use equipment. Be it only £1, the money does build up.

Surely, as tuition fees keep rising, it is now the time to question where exactly our money is going.

Half an hour in the airport from Hell: On an episode of Airline

If there was a choice between Frank Sinatra and Tony Christie, we all know who would make the Hollywood Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, Airline does not give you that choice. Instead, the programme forces you to endure half an hour of aural torture.

Although Sinatra brings some class to the otherwise extremely cheesy opening credits, it is still hard to take the programme seriously. Filled with drunkards singing ‘Is this the way to Amarillo’ and poor attempts at Cossack dancing from airport staff, morons of the world unite in Luton Airport.

As the camera pans across a group of embarrassed passengers, from across the airport a father screams the command ‘Girls get you f**king arses over here!’ to his small children. After making a complete cretin of himself at the check in desk, he demands a flight or a hotel room to compensate for his delay.

The monotonous format of the programme unintentionally sums up the experience of waiting for a plane perfectly. Conflict then interview with angry passenger, conflict then interview with confused passenger, conflict then interview with annoyed member of staff… you see the pattern.

When watching Airline, it makes you wonder if anyone who has seen the programme will ever set foot in an airport again?! ITV would probably be best sending the film reels off on a plane to Nevada.

Public Eye Profile: http://www.mattharrisphotography.co.uk/

Photographer Matt Harris uses art as an escape. We ask how his troubled background helped to shape his photography and develop his love of the countryside.

PROFILE

21-year-old Matt was raised in South Harrow, London. He bought his first camera aged 18 and quickly caught the bug, investing in a refurbished, digital SLR 6 months later. He now spends his time working in Stubbington, Fareham, where he lives with his Mum and her partner, capturing images during high tide and shooting at dusk.

Kit Used

Nikon D200 DSLR with Sigma 10-20mm ultra wide, amongst other lenses and high quality filters.

There is no better way to describe school drop out Matt Harris than eccentric. Shaggy bearded and scruffily attired, he gives the impression of someone who has not made the fortune he deserves and behind his eyes lies a troubled past which hinders his career. Matt believes art should create new thoughts or stimulate memories and after starting his career on a whim, this is what he tries to achieve with his high dynamic range photography.

The photographer is influenced by his coastal surroundings, applying computer wizardry to transform ordinary photos into modern artistry. He chose a career in photography after buying an SLR camera on an impulse. “I figured I had nothing to lose, all to gain, and just went for it,” he said, trying hard to sound nonchalant.

Offering a cup of tea, the welcoming artist explains that he escaped to Fareham four years ago. Although fascinated by the countryside, he spent the first year of his new life living as a recluse, after developing severe anxiety problems. “This is still alien to me,” he explains, gesturing wildly at his surroundings. “But I have always been a water baby, so once I was able to make it out the house, seascapes seemed the most natural option for my photography.” The city boy now feels he couldn’t live anywhere bigger than Stubbington, because of his love of the surroundings that inspire his artwork.

Matt has great ambition, hoping to expand his work to include promotional portraits and images from around the world, but it is clear his passion will always lie in landscapes. “I couldn’t imagine myself not being a landscape photographer anymore.” Even his ambitions of portraiture include wildlife. “I want to work with young, indie designers, and integrate fashion into my dreamy land and seascapes.”

The quirky photographer has had great difficulty in gaining public exposure due to his anxiety problems and is – after four years - yet to use Fareham’s public transport systems, making his ambitions to travel seem somewhat futuristic.

Living in London, Matt was subject to 4 gang attacks and blamed by some for the suicide of his best friend. This began an onslaught of agoraphobia, which hindered publication of his camera work. However, his background has shaped him and influenced his photography. His lack of trust in people encouraged him to focus on the natural world and his love for it is reflected in his pictures. “I have a finer appreciation for things now” he shrugs shyly – the first indication that he isn’t comfortable when speaking of his past – “I hope my work inspires people to get involved in nature… People don’t appreciate it as much as they should!”

Mark Upfield is a studio photographer who shares his lighting knowledge with Matt. “I love Matt’s photography,” he enthuses. “Since I started shooting with him mine has improved a lot. The knowledge he has on cameras is incredible!” Self-taught over just 3 years and with no previous work experience, It is astounding how long Matt is able to talk about cameras, spurting technical jargon that very few would understand.

Although Matt has recently developed his photography to include images of people, he admitted that he has a way to go before he will be getting out into the wide world. “It was very spur of the moment,” he said. “Me and Mark were out shooting when he mentioned his skater friends were out. We asked if they were interested in being photographed – which skaters always are - and arranged to meet them”.

Like many artists, Matt has struggled to sell his work. “I’m used to places screwing me around when it comes to payment” he grumbles “I have sold little more than a dozen prints so far”. Working from his office at home, Matt’s prints are displayed in a few small galleries and framing shops along the South Coast. “One shop makes my office look tidy,” he jokes, “and my office looks like it’s been subject to blitzkrieg”.

Matt’s dishevelled appearance is certainly reflected in his work place. Even after rearranging his pokey studio several times, the clutter just doesn’t shift. It does lead you to wonder if this disorganisation is the reason for his lack of work. Despite this, a number of Matt’s prints are displayed at Brown’s Fine Art, in Locks Heath, a studio run by husband and wife partnership, Graham and Helen Brown. “We love his work! It is very enhanced but has a good sense of composition and colouring,” Graham said. “Photography is a difficult game at the moment, you could never sell it for as much as fine art because people don’t rate it as highly.”

Framework, in Lee-on-Solent, a cafe/deli in Hill Head and Titchfield Haven RSPB reserve all display his prints. He also has work published in various magazines such as ‘Practical Photography’ and ‘Digital Camera’ for which he did a photo-shoot with reader, Simon Brown. “It’s not often you find such talent willing to share knowledge,” Simon said. “He is on the road to bigger things and it couldn't happen to a nicer young man”.

Matt has debated taking on a second job at his local wildlife trust to keep the money flowing. He doesn’t shoot during the day due to lighting, so this wouldn’t affect his photography and with plans to actively promote his website in the New Year, he is certainly not giving up the evening job any time soon.

What Makes A Good Reporter?

Marc Sallis gives abnormally sensible advice for a self-proclaimed rocker!

The 32-year-old Journalism Graduate is the Editor, Director and co-founder of Artrocker Magazine and believes good reporting is the use of ‘correct facts’, ‘experience’ and a good portfolio. Throw in a bit of personality and you are away!

Sallis says ‘Experience is the key to success… it’s even more important than a qualification’. Although, he does appreciate that a degree can help break into the business particularly alongside NCTJ recognised qualifications.

After graduating from Bournemouth University, his wishes to be a journalist had diminished. But with a natural talent for writing and a 2:2, he started at a ‘small business-to-business publication’ for £12,000 a year.

Ending up as Editor of two magazines wasn’t enough for Sallis. “I hated it. I was the youngest person in the industry by about 10-15 years, but it felt like about 30!” Working for a series of publications, he travelled to the USA and Europe, tasting fine wines and sleeping in grand hotels for the title of Deputy Editor.

Artrocker started online and after consulting the creators of the e-cast, Sallis became co-founder of the magazine. “I have learnt EVERYTHING I need to know… in the 5 years since the launch.”

Sallis is a fan of experience, hard work and dedication. “Each job has been like… putting a Russian Doll back together, leading to bigger and better opportunities.”

A willingness to do a journalism-related course and a decent portfolio is what it takes. This is evident in Sallis’ route to success.

Social Networking Saves Lives.

*Due to identity issues I have removed ages, surnames and any other ways of identifying these people.

Ruthiee, has had enough of her mum’s habits and is putting everything she’s got into her online petition.

On 29th November at 7pm, the inspirational teenager set up a group on social networking site, Facebook to try and persuade her mum to ‘kick the habit’. After seeing a similar group on Facebook, Ruthiee was enthused to imitate the idea and get campaigning.

Mother of two, Jane, has been smoking for 8 years. She finally made the pledge to quit smoking after her daughter, Ruthiee begged and pleaded, showing her mum photos of lung cancer and its effects.

The family has been through a great deal. With her brother being kicked out of the house; Ruthiee has reason to believe that this stress is the cause of her mum’s habit, but she doesn’t see that it is a valid excuse. She said: “I want her to quit because I love her… it breaks my heart to see her sucking on those death sticks. Every time she has one I see 5 minutes of her life disappear”.

Jane suffers from a severe form of epilepsy and as smoking has been known to trigger seizures in epileptics, Ruthiee is worried for her mum’s long term health and the risks her mum is taking.

When the campaign began, Jane was still unwilling to quit smoking due to her stressful lifestyle and the fear of putting on weight. She agreed to give up under the condition that two million people joined the group, and no less! Ruthiee said: “This was a last resort… I’ve been begging for years, so when I mentioned this idea to her and she agreed to it I was over the moon”.

Kim, quit smoking 8 years ago when she fell pregnant with her first child and since then she has found life a lot easier. She is backing the campaign 100% and other family members are also getting involved.

Alongside messages supporting the cause, so far the group has reached 153,614 members. Although Ruthiee is unsure of whether they will reach the target 2 million, she has announced that her mum has seen the sheer amount of support for the cause and has decided to make the first steps to quit smoking by arranging to see a doctor. One fan of the group said: “Wow, goes to show one person at a time can change the world.”