Polar Music Prize 2011 – Patti Smith and Kronos Quartet

Yes, it’s got to that time of the year again and really rather excited that this time I’ve got full backing and support of those lovely folk at the Polar Music Prize. Unbelievably excited to be drawing the incredible Patti Smith and Kronos Quartet – What an experience this will be! Just got to keep the drawing up to scratch. Draw draw draw.

I’ve just returned from an amazing month back in Scotland where amongst other things, was drawing at a beautiful production of Cryptic’s one woman show Orlando with the impeccably turned out Judith Williams, as well as a hugely fun Cry Parrot show with Foot Village, Bitches, and Ultimate Thrush. Blochestra and Aerials Up at King Tuts and a few other drawing shenanigans scattered around also.

I also had the huge joy of looking after my folks’ B&B for about ten days while they went on their first summer holiday in 12 years – a huge insight in the running of an upmarket establishment that relies on quality, great food, speed, location and great welcome. It is a big leap aside from what my ‘day job’ involves, and a huge amount of multi-tasking, managing a team, and responsibility for the team/home/family pets. I had huge respect anyway for my parents, but my Mum seriously is a wonderwoman for achieving what she does every day, with all the anomalies that each day brings.

I have to say I loved the routine of it, but also the challenge of providing different hot scrumptious breakfasts for a variety of different demands/guests all at the same time, all to their immediate whims. I had a great team working with me in Georgia from Italy, and Gerda from Holland, even my boyfriend Mattias and Dad’s secretary Jackie got roped in to help. It’s the busiest time of the tourist season and I found it immensely challenging and rewarding. I look forward to doing it again some time, but for now am quite pleased to have had a week’s camping holiday since, and now back in Stockholm to garner momentum for my new adventure here. Working Roineabhal B&B certainly put things into perspective

Here’s a tiny selection of some drawings from my recent trip to Scotland.

Foot Village put on by Cry Parrot at NiceNSleazy's Glasgow 16 July 2011 - Paper Drawing

Cryptic's Orlando with Judith Williams August 2011 - iPad Drawing

Cryptic's Orlando with Judith Williams August 2011 - iPad Drawing

Cryptic's Orlando with Judith Williams August 2011 - iPad Drawing

Cryptic's Orlando with Judith Williams August 2011 - iPad Drawing - The Beauty Within

Efterklang, Billy Bragg and Beyond

I won't deny, it's been a trying year, as I'm sure ANYONE has experienced, let alone those that are particularly creatively inclined. That's not to say it's been a dull year, far from it. But after having a spell of lacking somewhat in confidence, I've finally realised I'm good at what I do, and I should keep doing it until it no longer excites, frustrates and educates me.

This last week has taught me that I am STILL learning, and that is a great thing.

I am engaged, inspired, captivated...plus I seem to have streamlined my materials and myself that I get pleased with the improved efficiency of my learned approach. It is satisfying to see that I have learned, and modified, and adapted. It is also good to recognise that I've been doing this for 11 years now, more concentrated in the last 6, and that I still lose myself in it.

So I guess I'm doing what I'm meant to be doing.

And then there are the bonuses. Like today, it became official that Thee legendary Billy Bragg bought one of my drawings. This put the icing on the cake of a week of two other collectors also buying my drawing of Robyn at last year's Polar Music Prize, as well as my ATP drawing of the amazing and unforgettable Daniel Johnston, plus a good wholesome smattering of print orders. Not forgetting a HUGE amount of compliments and feedback courtesy of the fans on Billy Bragg's facebook page after he made a post about me and my drawing - 227 likes and 50 comments - not bad :)

Then for the first time in a few soggy cold weeks, the sun shone all day. Moreover - frustrating as it was - there were at least three great gigs on tonight, one of which I attended and created one of my all time favourite drawings - most definitely aided by the top class band performing :)

The three gigs tonight were the SXSW fundraiser at Stereo for Kid Canaveral who's recently been welcomed into the talented and eclectic fold of Fence Records. Sharing the bill with him was the burgeoning greatness of Randolph's Leap and the wonderful Martin John Henry formerly of De Rosa. Then there was Cry Parrot's night at Sleazy's with the crazy assed Vialka, the very splendid Tattie Toes and an improv super group made out of Jer Reid (Dawson, Issho Taiko Drummers), Shane Connolly (Tattie Toes, The One Ensemble), Douglas Marwick(7VWWVW) and Stevie Jones (Arab Strap and many more). At times like these one wishes one had a few spare clones kicking about. But they probably wouldn't draw. They'd just get drunk and dance...and then I would kick them. :)

So the concert I actually attended with pencils in tow was that of the marvellous Efterklang - hailing mostly from Denmark, although scattered about via Nashville, Berlin and Copenhagen. I was very fortunate to be surrounded by some lovely voiced uber fans who sang along to most every song, in a mostly pleasing way - there was a bum note in there somewhere:) Tonight was part of Efterklang's last tour for a while to concentrate on album work and other projects. They've been touring fairly solidly for 3 and a half years so I guess they're allowed a break. They played after the beautiful film screening of An Island - Watch It!! - a collaboration with the infamous film/visual/audio artist Vincent Moon.

Efterklang, Oran Mor, 24022011 featuring Heather on Piano, Peter on Violin, Mads on Laptops, Dan on Guitar (who mysteriously evaded getting drawn...), Caspar on Vocals, Rasmus on Base, Thomas on Drums. Brilliant.

Marble Valley, Lyons, Adam Stafford, NiceNSleazy

Steve West plays to the audience.


Marble Valley.
Marble Valley (featuring Steve West for all you Pavement fans!) were brilliant. Apparently they only get together every two years, but have been going for nine. Great vibe, energy, sound, antics. They wore the venue well too. It was the first time I'd encountered Adam Stafford(Y'All Is Fantasy Island) and was very pleased. Really liked it and look forward to encountering more. Good choice of support for Marble Valley. It was good to see John B McKenna and Rory 'Wong' though unfortunately I don't think I was in the best place to hear/experience Lyons, so will need to see them again when Fearghas gets back from Mexico and situate myself in a better place in relation to stage/speakers. Or just do what I plan to do and experiment with getting my own set of in ear monitors to hear what the audience should be hearing. Could be the start of something new...(More pics to come)