Archive for January, 2006
Exeter - a clone city, we don’t think so!
Having popped into Exeter, earlier this week, we were amazed at the pace of the
build of the new Princesshay city centre redevelopment. Walking in the mightly
shadow of three large cranes, it looks like the new project will be an exciting draw
for new business, jobs and visitors to the city. Let’s hope the development will
not only bring in the bigger shops, but attract back some of the smaller more
individual little shops. We want Exeter to retain it’s
uniqueness!
January 31st, 2006
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Winter cafe culture
This morning we went to Exeter, and spent a few relaxing hours mouching around the
quay. Coffee, ‘naughty but nice’ cake, sunday newspapers, winter sun, little
eclectique shops, trendy galleries, wildlife (well, swans and ducks for the kiddies
to feed) … and there’s more, its a great place to walk (woof woof, nods our cocker
spaniel) and cycle (for the more adventureous or energetic, there is a great 2 mile
route to Double Locks, a great canal side pub)!!!
January 30th, 2006
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Who’s that girl, too (or at the chalk face)
Was in Exeter yesterday and saw this face on the street
January 29th, 2006
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Who’s that girl?
So we’re told (by everything) that’s she’s going to be celebrity.
But if she wasn’t a celebrity already, what was she doing in there?
January 28th, 2006
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Sex and the Lib Dems
Aren’t they sweet. They all seem completely shocked that their sexual proclivities would be of any interest to anyone. They don’t even seem that interested themselves. How refreshing. But I remember a Labour Party that would do away with sleaze, instead we’ve developed a culture of ‘newspeak’ and double talk [see When I hear the word ‘choice’…]
Then again, all this prying has opened up the whole gender issue. It seems you can sleep with whoever you want to and get quite high up in your given profession, although not to the top, of course (no women, no gays, no blacks, etc), those are reseved.
So in a month filled with same sex civil unions (marriages to you and me), and the launch of a gay, lesbian, transexual and bisexual help and advice line from the Intercom Trust (08456 020 818), and the rise of the gay cowboy film Brokeback Mountain (wasn’t Michelle Williams the star?) it’s obvious that there’s a long way to go before equality is more than just lipservice.
January 26th, 2006
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Left out in the cold
Who says left wing politics is unattractive. There’s Gorgeous George in the Big Brother house (yes, I know I’m pandering to the masses and trying to get a few more hits by mentioning that most unsatisfactory of anaesthetised programming, but some people like it… I’m assured).
January 26th, 2006
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When I hear the word ‘choice’ I reach for my gun
It would be foolish to suggest practices should continue just because they have been in place for a long time. But then again, why should every change be excused by the offer to increase choice?
Whenever ‘choice’ is bandied around I know I will probably be offered a lot more of something I don’t want.
So it is with scepticism that I heard of the proposed library closures throughout the county. Closing libraries will, of course offer a better service, so they claim.
The county is also looking into its provision for the elderly, and offering ‘choice’ and possibly ‘independence’ to those who need care in their old age will probably mean that they will be charged.
What a spin we’re in.
January 20th, 2006
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Law unto itself
Personally, I think the railway was doing better when it was nationalised.
Atkins Law, newly installed in the former railway offices in Exeter, has tried to create a relaxed environment, which includes family friendliness and exhibitions by local artists. Clare Fisher’s and Emma Fisher’s work is on show. The firm specialises in employment and immigration law, so get yourself in a pickle and pick up some art as well as legal advice.
January 19th, 2006
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You move too fast
Oh there is so much I need to blog about… the dangers of planting trees to soak up carbon dioxide (trees are evil, apparently - this has been going on since before Christmas), local tourism (there is a whole host of events coming up, and as a tourist centre the whole enviromental tourism thing isn’t pushed, and the cultural events that are coming up (like the way only Stewart Lee got back to me about Jerry Springer the Opera, which is preparing to open in Plymouth). But it’s Go Slow Week, according to adbusters. What can I do, my hands are tied.
For more information visit Adbusters
January 16th, 2006
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She’s fresh (and exciting)
Last night artist Lucie Bennett was in Exeter with her exhibition at the BritArt/Eyestorm gallery on the quay.
As well as commisioned work for House of Fraser and Selfridges, Lucie Bennett has auctioned work on behalf of the Terrence Higgins Trust, exhibited at galleries around the world such as Square Art exhibitions in Golden Square, London and Armory Fair in New York and you can see her work on permanent display in the Press Room of The Groucho Club.
So you would be forgiven for thinking that she could probably remember Pop Art at its height given the quality, quantity and depth of work both commissioned and exhibited, but you would be wrong.
Lucie is definately a ‘new kid on the block’ but portrays an experienced eye when leaving a degree of mystery within her work. The mix between Pop Art and the influence of both Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements, works so well and can be seen even more so in works such as ‘Thundercloud’ 2005 and ‘Wonderland’ 2005. It is refreshing to see artists such as Lucie creating a ‘New Look’ by using inspiration from such diverse periods of Art.
Lucie Bennett Exhibition at BritArt/Eyestorm Exeter
January 12th, 2006
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