Birmingham's creative scene has (in my opinion) been operating at an all time high this summer. At each event I'm confronted with talent of such high calibre I'm wondering why they aren't super stars, livin large, "sippin' on gin and juice". This evening Sid Fx and Christof Jennings were the stand out acts, particularly Christof, with his extraordinary vocal range, outstanding band and gorgeous co-singers. Completely different, his style and stage presence lit up the room and set the crowd on fire. Hosted by the lovely CallMeUnique, the Live Radio event collaboration was huge success, bringing together rappers, dances, singers and apparently an amazing 17 piece band (which I missed because I left in disgust after seeing the reggae artist groping a woman's breast in the crowd). Apart from that it was a great night. Birmingham is stepping up, and is an exciting place to be right now. You're particularly in luck if you're in the 18-26 age range (what the govt are classing as young), as there is a lot of funding being pumped into these age groups. Opportunities to collaborate are everywhere, and a couple of clicks on Facebook and you can easily find several events to attend every week. It's good stuff. I hope the momentum continues and the people involved in the creative scene take full advantage of the opportunities and funding available right now. It seems they really are. What I loved about this event too was that it was held in a nice venue. Too many things are held in shabby run down little places, but Nuvo Bar is one of the nicer, and lesser known places to be and be seen just off Broad Street. I look forward to returning in a couple of weeks hols to see what Birmingham has in store for my mind, body and soul that craves regular creative stimulation and connection with kindred spirits. #Collaboration #LiveCollabLab #radio #LiveRadio #arts #creativity #NuvoBar #HappyDays #Love #Singing #music #MakeItHappen #FollowYourDreams #LMC #Atk #CallMeUnique #SidFX #BeatBoxing #Rapping #dance #HipHop #LiveMusic #Bands #BigBandSound #ChristofJennings
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A few years ago someone shared this image of Marilyn Monroe with me, and I fell in love. In love with body art, and the way it can be used to enhance and bring a person to a unique place in this game of life. I wonder if Marilyn had been alive in this era, would she have adorned her body with art in this way. Classed as the most beautiful (and sought after) woman of her time, would society have seen her in the as way had she chosen to decorate herself in this albeit slightly extreme, yet beautiful way? What do you think? Full credit to Cheyenne Randall for this stunning rendition, which inspired me to seek out and photograph this process of beautifying the physical form. #ILoveBirmingham #StarWars #Yoda #Floating #StreetPerformers #Birmingham #HappyDays #love #SomethingABitDifferent Standing outside The Confession Box waiting for the Poetic Essence Awards to commence I-spied something beautiful in the form of a tattoo. As you know I am a big lover of sleeves, particularly on women as they tend to choose delicately aesthetically pleasing images to adorn their precious skin. Personally I couldn't get one done now that my pain threshold is so low. Thankfully it doesn't stop me from appreciating (with mild envy) other people's arms. Of course I couldn't let the moment pass without getting a pic of such an eloquently serene image. I didn't ask why she has a tattoo of her mom, it didn't feel appropriate at the time. Maybe I'll see her again, and the timing will be more conducive with obtaining intimate information. #BodyArt #ILoveTattoos #Beauty #PoeticEssence #Serenity #Peace #Mom #Love #Tattoos Nice touch having a rather well spoken and congenial "door man" at the entrance We both really enjoyed this rave. I love that Birmingham had so many interesting and diverse things happening in the creative arena at the moment. Finally we are giving ourselves a reason to be named the second city! Culture and creativity is, in my mind, one of the most important factors that will ensure the continued growth and evolution of a society. When we lose art in all its forms we lose a part of our spirit. At the Where Foes Talent Come From? conference and discussion I attended recently I watched numerous presentations by people who work with men in prisons and with young people labelled as NEET. The most powerful transformational tool being the use of art and giving people access to reconnecting with their creativity, a gift and a talent that I believe is integral to our survival. We are after all creators, created in the likeness of God. When we don't use our creative gifts we are shutting down the biggest part of ourselves. Art Rave website - Transient Art #ArtRave #TransientArt #TheBond #creativity #fun #music #dancing #art #openmind #Birmingham #culture #artscouncil #diverse #installation Walking through Birmingham city centre I saw a smallish crowd gathered round a man attentatively watching as he made a picture likeness of a woman sat in a chair opposite him. Being the naturally inquisitive (reads nosey) person I am, I moseyed over to see what was going on. Elbowing my way through the onlookers, dodging fags and a couple of fake Michael Kors hand bags, I eventually managed to get a glimpse of what everyone else was seeing. This could be the first time I'd seen so many people gathered round watching someone drawing someone else. It seems as though there's some kind of cultural awakening happening in the Midlands. Every where I go i see stunning street art, body art or some amazing busker sharing their vocal or instrumental stylings with any one who happened to be passing by. I love Birmingham, things are definitely looking bright for the city so many people call the second. |