The Riots

Really good to see The Riots, Produced by the Tricycle Theatre, transfer to The Bernie Grant Arts Centre. One of the biggest events of 2011. The play provides some context to the events and is the public enquiry that never happened. Got trapped at the Roundhouse during that time so have mixed feelings about the events. My three words, fear, disappointment and anger.

Back Again

It Been some time since I made a post here. Traveled to Jamaica my MA, and have done some new music. Now its time to move on, improve and face 2012 . Looking forward to the year as a new dawn, a new day and a new start for you and me !

My dad died in January. It meant a first trip to Jamaica, meet by brother for the first time and caught up with a lot of family history. It was good to find out a lot that had been missing and I should have done it a long time ago. You do learn about things through life. I built a wall in my heart and a block in my head about my dad. I felt that he had left me or was a bit of a myth. I was told when I was younger that my father was a barrister. This I did not believe. It was conditioning, how could a black man be a barrister ? This was against type. However, as i grew, I got to know more about my father. He cared in his own way, was proud of his children and most of all influenced me more than I know. Hand on heart there was and is a lot of love within all of this. And this is for you.

The MA has provided an anchor in a stormy life. Reading discussions on taste, the creative class and the core of creativity has provided a way to reflect on the core work I undertake. Getting back to the why of what is undertaken within the arts or how we perceive meaning has provided a tonic to the realm of competencies and assessments that I'm currently at the centre of. Its always good to gain perspective.

Just started a new MA at City University. Its really good and got me thinking. At least I'm now up dating again. Now have a reason to write a blog that nobody reads !!!

Time To ......

Time is drawing in on my stay in the south east. I've learned a lot. Think before you act has been a big lesson. Take your time to take things in and not just react in anger. I hope I can take this through with me but it's not always possible. Another could be watch your back !! In changing times people change or maybe new old side emerge in force. Never dis your own band was one from long ago that made me laugh.

Starting to sound like a country song but roll with punches and knowing when to fold have also played a part. And new areas of art and learning always fun to progress with others and learn. One of our "artists" had set up office just out side our building. They had a huge smile on their face as they  negotiated a project made possible by our generous support. Thats what its all about, making things happen, as if by magic, with not discernible slight of hand. 

In With The New

Another year and time for change. It's all go and change is in the air at work. There is an air of fear and loathing griping everyone. Then today landed a report on a dance music piece called "The Change Game". 

The idea was to create a new piece of work based on the different attitude to change. In the west change is feared, don't rock the boat, know your place, tow the line. However the artists had spent time in China. There change is part of the central philosophy of growth. Change and learning are good. Development is valued Every thing is ebb and flow. Ease back and lets see where the wind takes us and what the lords of opportunity bring.