1st Installment of Instal - Friday Night.

Instal: Barry Esson Introduces

Resonance Radio Orchestra with Tam Dean Burn

" " [sic] Tim Goldie

Lucio Capece & Christian Kesten - The Borders play Sunno(((

Diego Chamy, Jean-Luc Guionnet & Seijiro Murayama

Matthieu Saladin

Mattin: Object of Thought

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No Disc, , Em, Eject. - Matthieu Saladin

I can't hear what I sound like - Mattin: Object of Thought

Why does the 'song' sound better than (that)? - Diego Chamy, Jean-Luc Guionnet & Seijiro Murayama

Flash, Crash, (Neon White BatBat), Whistle, Crunch, Ker-Chunk - " " [sic] Tim Goldie

So Barry asks me, since Sir Sean Connery's too auld, Gonne walk in a spiral Tam? Make it mathematical, a bit of mathematics willnae hurt anyone..., so I'm gonna talk on this mobile, which is a pretty lightweight thing, for 48 hours - it's just the battery that weighs 7 kilos - which is why I've got this rucksack. Resonance Radio Orchestra with Tam Dean Burn

(These phrases are brief summaries written in the order of me remembering the events of the night, starting with the most uncomfortable due to its poor delivery, and omitting the one I momentarily forgot, 'Lucio Capece & Christian Kesten - The Borders play Sunno(((' which made me feel only slightly uncomfortable, slightly weak, and wishful that I'd wanted some soup)

The drawings were created on my mobile phone in series that slightly differ from each other, unless the repetition is significant to a long moment/pause.

I would like to add in retrospect, that last night opened my eyes to how many boundaries I've placed upon myself as an audience member/viewer/listener. I can blame my drawing for my lack of audience interaction, however I still wish I'd got up and danced in the sonically active darkness and communally composed chaos that was Mattin's piece, while also wishing I'd read out the label given to me by Lucio/Christian reading 'Do we really need someone on stage pretending to make us think?'

I will state that when I was given this piece of paper, I was aware of the action though ignored the performer while he searched his pocket for his piece to give me. I then fobbed it off to my friend to read out, whilst loudly proclaiming it in my own mind. I had also been struck by the negative psychology of it - Should I read this out and inform the audience that the performers had planned it all along, and in doing so, accentuate it in their minds, or shall I leave them to wonder the performance's relevance to themselves. Whatever, there were enough elements to the performance to make it a little confusing. I haven't quite sussed it all in my head, yet. The longevity of it perhaps making it all the more successful.

I also want to add someone commenting on his depression at the poor audience answers in the show by Diego, Jean-Luc and Seijiro. Most of those selected randomly with a microphone became unwilling to pause, to compose, to answer with a notion of what they really felt or thought. This experimental festival Instal, by its nature should have audience's expectant of their active engagement, their boundaries impermanent, constantly questioning rather than taking it in passively, not to answer impulsively 'no' to the question 'Do you know what improvisation means?' Audience members were instead rendered nervous high school students unwilling to proffer an answer that illuminated their ignorance publicly. However, this festival is all about the beautiful mistake, the willingness to make oneself feel uncomfortable for progressive enlightenment, it's about identifying what boundaries there might be, and then crossing them, and above all, surely its about the fun of discovery?

Norfolk Court Flats, The Gorbals, Demolition

10-11.15am in the rain on a not exactly warm October morning, a little hungover, a little cold, wondering when the building is going to explode. Or implode. Implode would be better - I didn't bring a helmet.
The drawing did start with a lot of dark watercolours, but the rain washed it away.

11.15-12.12pm still in the rain on the same 'not exactly warm' October morning, a little hungover, a little cold, wondering when oh when oh when is that sodding building going to explode. Or implode. Implode would be better - I still don't have a helmet.

12.30pm, and two long sirens later, no longer is it raining on this 'warming up' October morning, still a little hungover and getting a bit hungry, more than a little cold but WELL happy I just witnessed the excitement of a building going ''BANG-B-BANG!!- RUMBLE!!- CRUMPLE!!- PHWOOPH'' as the massive muddy cloud envelops it's neighbouring twin, which one day will endure the same fate. (I hold back my feverish maniacal cackle. That place used to be a home. I'm sure lots of people are sad, but hopefully a lot of people are happier.)

Washington Irving Single Launch, Mono, Glasgow

Great night. Drawings to come toute de suite. Unfortunately missed the lovely Randolph's Leap (made up of six folk which has grown from the one that I saw last time). Another time soon.

Jarv from Endor was good, and I was super impressed with The Social Services. Washington Irving were on top form. If I hadn't been drawing, I would have been swinging someone around by the arm or any other spare limb on offer.

Pictures to come.

Unwinding Hours, Stereo, Glasgow

Unwinding Hours first official gig, at Stereo Glasgow. Meet a chap who's travelled up from Brighton especially for it. Suffice to say he isn't the only one very pleased to see this certain Glasgow Phoenix rise from the ashes of Aereogramme, crowned by the final song of the encore. You certainly can't beat this welcome, and Craig B is thankful, before telling the grinning crowd to shut up. If they want to keep warm on on the way home, there's some t-shirts for sale on the way out. Also they've got a gig in Edinburgh on the 1st of May - apparently buses are cheap these days...his self deprecating wit is most endearing. The gig is great. Holy Mountain are also a top choice of support - 25 minutes of continuous hardcore drumming and jingling metal scrang?? I've no idea how else to describe the duo, but just go experience 'em.

Unfortunately I missed Olympic Swimmers, but hope to catch them again soon.

I've come across a few soundbites affected by the low reverberating notes that seems to bring out some crazy reactions in folk - at the Chemikal 15th b'day, a security guy said his brain was buzzing and that was even wearing headphones, and someone else said they felt like vomiting. Tonight, just before U.H. came on I heard someone behind me commenting that he'd be kicking some holes in the amps if any more of 'that drone' came out of them, someone else agreeing that it was 'unnecessary'. I for one, bloody loved the 'drone'. It definitely added to the final pic. Which I rather like.

The Ex with Brass Unbound, Zun Zun Egui and Tattie Toes. Amazing Gig.

Zun Zun Egui


Tattie Toes.

I'm off to draw Chemikal Underground's 15th Anniversary - see you there!

Drawing Elph Drawing - Secret Wars

Elph is a pretty cool dude. I've seen his art/streetwork around Edinburgh, I've seen it around Glasgow, have I seen it in Dundee? I don't know. But it's lovely stuff. I'd like to hate him and pretend he's crap, but the truth of it is, I watched him drawing tonight, and he's pretty great -he's got a bloody lovely drawing line! Such ease at drawing. Such imagination. Such lucid translation from mind to hand to 'canvas'. I loved his stuff at the Portrait Gallery as part of Rough Cut Nation, and apparently there was another (few) cool expo(s) before that I didn't know about according to a nice chap who collaborates with him sometimes.
Anyway, enough chit-chat. Here's the drawing I did of Elph drawing his really cool drawing.
Stick that in Magritte's pipe and smoke it.
Elph's blog - http://capitanojings.blogspot.com/

Drawing the Flaming Lips!!! This Sunday in Glasgow!

Can't believe how excited I am - Drawing the Flaming Lips on Sunday - It's going to be AMAZING!!!!

Last Chance to See Expo: Sketching The Scene at Mono, Glasgow!

Hello there fellow gig-goers, yes indeed the exhibition should be rolling to a close now, with quite a few pictures sold - Wooo! - and other pictures with 'dibs' on them.

This is your chance to check out drawings of some of the best gigs and creative exciting original musicians to grace the stages in the past couple of years including David Byrne, Arab Strap, Bjork, Edwyn Collins, Mogwai, Jeffrey Lewis, The Phantom Band, Sigur Ros, Camera Obscura, Crystal Castles, Melt Banana, The Week That Was and more.

Contemplating putting up the catalogue here to let you know what is sold and what isn't tho' it is rather busy with rehearsals for a show I'm contributing to in the Arches Theatre Festival 'New Works, New Worlds'. Skye Loneragan is the writer/performer who's doing the show entitled 'The Line We Draw', with yours truly doing the sketchy stuff. Today's been a long day but productive! Last proper rehearsal on Monday. Will update on how it's going, but really enjoying the process so far.

The Drones

What a night. Well this is the second night in two weeks that someone has bought the picture off me on the night of the gig.
Fantastic gig it was too: they'll be back in November.
http://www.myspace.com/thedronesthedrones Check them out. Will need to get a visor for the heat, humidity and flying sweat, esp. if playing in Captain's Rest.

Want to get better earplugs so I can hear the music better without being deafened. A happier compromise between sitting beside the speakers because of my duff eyesight and hearing the music the way it's supposed to be heard but with lack of clear vision!
Pissing wet weather today. Need to invest in a scanner and printer. For sure. Don't like taking my precious paper based drawings out in that sodden atmosphere!
Ciao for now Bellas.
Picture will follow.

The Library and Dot 504: Holdin' Fast, Behaviour Festival, The Arches

Dot 504 - Really like how this drawing has become something else. Enjoyed working on it in particular.

Dot 504: Holdin' Fast

Dot 504: Holdin' Fast.



The Library, by Sacha Kyle

A Wee Tasty, John Knox Sex Club

John Knox Sex Club, courtesy of A Wee Tasty, the experimental art, music and performance night at Glasgow's Stereo Venue, with club afterwards. Brilliant night, oh yes! More superlatives to come.

I'm on David Byrne's Website!!!

http://www.davidbyrne.com/tours/reviews/db_on_tour_08-09/2009_03_31_Soep_drawings.php

Supercool stuff. Soooeeepercool.

They've also put my comment on the Tours Reviews amongst all the swanky other national and international newspapers!!

One day I won't be fazed by this, but just now I'm going to revel in the excitement.

Art Auction This Saturday 21st March!!

Fantastic art auction for charity Yorkhill this Saturday - bring your big fat wallets!!
I've donated that infamous drawing of those 2 braw Proclaimers chappies that got me on STV news, and which the Proclaimers then used on their merchandise. This particular drawing of Craig and Charlie was drawn live of them during their gig on Arran in 2006, along with a drawing of the whole band, plus one of their support band Ten Storeys High. Was a brilliant night, and I was lucky enough to get to see them again in Fort William (quite close to my old home!) which was another joyous occasion!

For a bit more on the charity event this following excerpt is from highly intriguing and quirky photographer Alex Boyd who's submitted one of his brilliant photos for the auction:

Yorkhill Childrens' Foundation Y.C.F make a big difference to the lives of kids who have to stay in Hospital in Glasgow, and throughout the year they help to set up fundraising events to help with the cost of their work. This year I've given one of the Sonnets shots (Elgol and the Cuillins, Skye) to raise funds for the organisation as part of a Charity Auction at Montgomery's Cafe, Radnor Street in Glasgow. The exhibition/auction will have some work by some of Glasgows well known artists. Of these Jenny Soep, the Live music illustrator is exhibiting, who is one of my current favourites.

From the Montgomery's Cafe site:A.S.K. YorkhillA.S.K. Yorkhill is a silent art auction on behalf of Yorkhill Childrens Foundation. Local acclaimed artists have donated their work to be exhibited for auction from February 2nd to March 21st when, at the final night party, there will be a live auction for the art and a raffle with great prizes donated by local businesses! Stop by Montgomery's to check out the art and make a bid!

Find out more about YCF here:

www.yorkhillchildrensfoundation.org/

Other artists/photographers involved:

www.uglyduckexhibits.com/Auction/CharityAuction.html

The Beat Goes On! De Rosa and Found - Can I have some more please Sir?!

Tonight was a guid night. Two of my favourite bands ever, in one wee hot room, in the dark with loads of appreciative folks.

Pictures to come.

West End Festival Officially Opens!

Wilcommen, Bien Venue, Welcome...

The Fantastical Orkestra Del Sol

I can't stand it. I've moved from the wilds of Oban, to the sprawling metropolis of Glasgow, and there's just too many things to draw.

Like last night, for the official opening of the West End Festival there was at least two prominent choices of what you could do - Quadlibet - Strictly Mozart at the Kibble Palace (What a Setting!) or Orkestra Del Sol in the quirky dark depths of Oran Mor. What to do, what to do...Well, I chose a band I'd already drawn before, the Balkan/Euro/Afro-Caribbean stylee Big Band theatro lunico of Orkestra Del Sol.

Hopefully attached illustration can give a hint at the buzz, energy, madness, and downright conga pogo-ing fun, although it might not suggest how slick and finely practiced these maverick musickos are. Because they are. Calypso Collapso has to be one of my favourites, but it's up there with all of them. Since they're closed policy to any new hopefuls, their group are a much more in tune with movement, thinking and dynamics than the 2 years I drew them before. The audience had mosied in with the direct impish notion that some feverish dancing and fun was to be had, and tonight, it was.

Crystal Castles Kick Ass, Glasgow Arches

What a 'supercool' night! Schmoosing with camp 'NME New Noise' tour that's happening around the UK just now - with only one gig in Scotland that played last night at the most appropriately selected Glasgow Arches.

Not going to say too much. Apart from one of the drawings - the portrait one of Crystal Castles which I feel really captures the energy of the performance and is one of my favourite drawings evah!
Loved their thumping electromagnetic appeal - they blew one of the speakers - and Alice's 'possessed convulsive body wretching'. But apparently 'supercool' is a more appropriate adjective. Their myspace says much,but you really have to see them live to witness the hypnotics.

Also very much enjoyed Friendly Fires - lots of energy and mixing and creativity going on there, oh and great sounds too, although I need to figure out how to hear the music better - stuck at the front between the back of the amps and the stage, with ear plugs, I don't get the cream. Need to work on that.

So, my thoughts - if you're into quirky, frantic and melodic with lyrics you can make out, check out Friendly Fires, but if you're into viperlike electrosnapping voice and breath injected instrumentals with sounds and lighting (or lack of) choreographed with equal importance, then Crystal Castles are a must.

Both bands have got bottomless pits of fire in their bellies - look them up if you don't know them yet.

'Tiorchar Ar La'

Warning: Expletives abound in Following Drawings - Not for the Young 'Uns.

'Are you a Celtic Supporter?' 'Well, eh..em' 'Just say Yes' 'Okay, Yes'

I'm going to admit something. I am not a football supporter. I don't support any sport, but if I was to support any football team, it might be Celtic, particularly after my experience in one of the supposed roughest pubs in Glasgow, The Brazenhead.

After suggesting what my plans were the previous day, when everyone had told me I was mad, I retorted 'I'm short, I'm a girl, and I've got a sketchbook - how threatening can I be?'

I found out today, that someone's friend had been put in a coma there a couple of years back, and one time the bouncers had been dragged round the corner under the bridge and stabbed to death. I wonder if I'd known that, would I have gone?

I guess having the Old Firm games now start at 12 in the afternoon must quell some of the violence. I did witness an arguing couple a few hours later, the guy of which had obviously had his ego pricked, turning on some random guy busting in his face infront of the green light traffic. No-one ran over to help; I guess you've gotto know the whole picture, but there's just no need for that.

I did meet some lovely people in the pub though: Cheryl, Big Tam, Wullie, Mick and a few others. They all got drawn tho' the drawings of Wullie and Mick are on my mobile since I gave them the pictures there and then. I've since bought a new digicam for such occasions in the future. Looooooong overdue - you can borrow your friends' only so many times...

During the match, venom was spouted forth from many mouths, as I'm sure all you real footie supporters would be well aquainted with, but all in good humour from where I was sitting and when Rangers scored, the pub had one of the quietest moments during the match. The camaraderie in there was great though with the non-pc anthems baled out in good key, and when the game ended with the undesired result, the live music was quick to start. A folk band got up, tuned up and entertained the flag waving masses.

The bar itself is actually a fascinating and quirky 'big wee place', full of character with loads of past football tops hanging from the arched ceiling, memorabilia and photos. There is a few dents here and there which could have been left by a couple of 'heated debates' in the past.

I found a spot on the far end of the bar in the corner where a fairly big burly bald bloke stood looking a little fearsome if it wasn't for the wooly jacket he was wearing. His girlfriend Cheryl from Fife was sitting there looking immaculate and wearing a black blouse with stars on it. She looked like she would have been more at home in a nightclub, but she wasn't the only gal dressed up for the occasion.

I have to say, I expected it to be full of 'sweaty swearing thugs', and it really was just like your local community pub, with a big variety of people old and young, pretty girls and young well manicured guys.

One of the 'older wiser' folks - Wullie, has impressive eyebrows, twinkly eyes, and a cut on one of them. Cheryl thinks he looks like Mel Gibson, Big Tam says he looks like Sid James. I did a quick waterpencil drawing of him which I was pretty pleased with and he seemed to like it too 'Check oot thae photae she did fur me!' and I got myself a pint out of it - nice one.

I have to say, I think I got a good deal - they all took care of me and made sure I was alright, perched on top of the pool table on my make shift 'throne with a view' - 'Artist, ye wanna drink?' 'Ooh, yes please - some water!'' Wus that Vodka and Water?' 'No no, just water please!'' Wullie, buy the girl a drink - Vodka and Water.'

It was a great experience and one of the best introductions to watching football in a pub that I could have had, even if the results weren't what was desired.

As someone pointed out ' Tiorchar Ar La' apparently meaning 'Our day will come' in Irish. I hope so - they've had a good run up to now. And it'll be good again, according to my sources...

Note: I've since been informed that it's spelt 'Tiocfaidh ar la' pronounced 'Chucky ar la' and refers to the day when the IRA will get what they desire. It's a beautiful phrase though, and the Celtic supporters I've met use it with pride when results don't go their way.

Dr Sketchy Sunday!

Warning: The following may contain words that don't exist, are horribly misshapen or ill-used.

My my my what a day to behold. Well, day is not the word really, more a dark and captivating early evening spent in the deep cavernous 'tavern of theatro' in the resplendent decrepitnous of the Arches. I sat, my wonky chair in a puddle of water reflecting the dark brickwork that rolled above my head as myself and the expectant brethren of folks prepared for a few hours of burlesquian entertainment for the purposes of drawing.

Apparently the biggest Dr Sketchy session in the world - this may be a failing in disguise since a few folks on the outskirts couldn't get the detail of kinky nakedness up close. Materials also ran out due to the popularity of the event, but were gratefully replenished by the talented tap-dancing hand standing and stripping male model that was the subject for drawing in the first half. I have to admit I was mildly disappointed to get this comparatively boring offering for a burlesque drawing class, but to be honest, was very pleased to get the drawing practice in so that I was appropriately warmed up and prepared for the fabulous little number that graced the stage in the second half. I also reckon it's just a ploy to fish out the perves who're just there to slev or worse.

So after ‘bland boy’s’ session in his kiss infested, sorry, kiss print boxers, we had a break to get some drinking time in, sharpen our pencils, loo break for the bladderly challenged and sort out some more paper to draw on as preparation for the second half.

Appearing in black ballet point shoes with a spiked heel at the back, the Japanese inspired red and black PVC outfit of the tiny cabaret model crackled and squeaked as much as the giant red fans she flicked and cracked in her dance she performed for the gleeful onlookers. With delicate painted features and arched eyebrows she was certainly very striking, and anyone on the wrong end of those shoes would probably be just as struck.





Overall impression - for the virgin/beginner life drawer I think it would have been a fun filled and entertaining event, along with the intermittent 'drawing games' where you could win a shot (if you drank, or merchandise and free tickets to a show of your choice if you didn't).

However for the seasoned artist, it was merely a teaser of what could be done - poses were not long enough, and the hosts’ presentations were just in the middle of 'Should we be more debaucherous or Should we be more boring so that the audience don't get too turned on?' The male host’s suggestion to sit down in front was tempting if it wasn’t for the damp concrete and/or sitting on a chair and getting your fat head in the way of people behind.

Also, as pretty as the female host's voice might be, her live rendition of the song 'Valerie' should be left to Amy Winehouse, especially when trying to copy her note for note and failing.
Regards the choice of music they chose for drawing to, it seemed appropriate but I can't make much comment on it since I was too busy drawing to take notes.

The audience themselves were a great mix of old, young, student, professional, eccentric, unassuming, casual, Goth, Emo, arty; some members could have happily posed on the stage themselves.

Would definitely go along to the next one as it's a welcome break from the norm.

Projectorfest, by the way...

It's come to my attention, that a couple of press articles may have been directing 'Projector' traffic to look at this site - "Ye Gads! Be Gone!" Where you actually want to go is http://www.projectorfest.blogspot.com which is where you'll fine oodles of doodles, links, photos, banter and tasty factoids all in one attractive online package. All it needs is some music really.

Anyway, enough about me.

Story so far, it's February, I'm 'teaching' a bunch of teachers some drawing activities later today. Basically we're just gonna have some fun with drawing. Should be a blast and looking forward to it.

Have moved to Glasvegas, in a very cute wee house populated by my 2, soon to be 3 other flatmates and a foxy dog called Basil, complete with presumed Fox paternage. If that's a word?! Ha ha.

Anyway, up in Resipole at the moment, the mecca of mountains and calm and sea salt air and oak woods and lovely friends.

This is my minor place.

TBreak - Final in King Tut's, Thursday 10th May 2007

Excellent night. Great mix of bands giving it their all, full of fun, frolic and madness and intent on enjoying themselves to the maximum. Probably the least confident in their delivery may have been Miss the Occupier, and The Moth and the Mirror who had a nervous start but soon became immersed in their music.
Good luck to them all, they all deserve a sip of T in the Park.
Pictures are in order starting from the bottom - The Moth and The Mirror, The Sorren MacLean Band, Miyagi, Miss the Occupier, Cider Spiders, and The Cuts.
Prints available of all starting from £18 - £25 plus P&P. Email info@jennysoep.com