Art, galleries and days in London

Just to warn you, this blog post is my outlet of my arty, maybe pretentious thoughts (but all the same i hope it interests you). These three things in the title are my most loved interests. Anyone who knows me will know about my creative imagination, and yes it has made me harebrained at times but it's also made me appreciate all things artistic.
In the past I have been to the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, The National Art Gallery, The Garman Ryan Collection in Walsall, and The Tate Modern. Even though it wasn't as huge and grand looking as the London galleries, The Garman Ryan Collection is definately a favourite. The reason behind this is probably because of its feeling of being different. The collection had sculptures, paintings and posters from different artists and eras, but there was a theme of decay, aging and nostalgia in all of them. For example Jacob Epstein's First Portrait of Kathleen. The sculpture stood out because the raw use of bronze together with the artist's talent created a striking expression on the woman's face. It made me relate to it as a real person or someone i might know. In my opinion, the artwork that gets a strong emotional response from a viewer is always the most memorable.

The Tate Modern was my other favourite gallery. Again this is because things that are controversial inspire me the most, and a classic example of this was Doris Salcedo's Shibboleth, (known by you and me as a crack in the floor). When I stepped over this piece of art last year, I thought I should hate the fact that a bit of floor excavation could be admired so much simply by claiming it "asks questions about space and architectural values". In a way, its pretentious description intimidates the public to think "oh yes, so it does". But again, got a strong emotional response out of me which couldn't help but make me smile.

Student life

The experience so far: Well. It's the end of week 3 at the University of Derby. (Counting the amazing booze-fest that was Freshers' Fortnight!). As an 18 year old coming straight from 6th form I know that I was one of hundreds who, to begin with, felt a mixture of fear and excitement. Despite being local, most of my friends had scattered all over the country for university, so I felt lonely on top of everything else. Thankfully this didn't last beyond entering the Student's Union for the welcome party, and I'm proud to say that i made 2 friends before reaching the bar. Even now I'm still meeting new friends from my course and other get-togethers. I don't know what i was so scared of!
Then of course, about a week ago the time came when studying had to be done. There are assignments for both marketing and media writing which I'm getting to grips with, including this blog! It will take a while to get used to the lack of help from my tutors, but for now I'm in control and loving the freedom.

Dancing at Derby: Yesterday was my official initiation onto Derby uni's Dance Team! Even though this will be 12th year of being involved at a dance club/school (as well as my GCSE and A levels) I'm feeling so excited to get started. Firstly, the university couldn't have provided a better studio; with a mirror wall, huge floor space and sprung flooring being just a few of its benefits. Being part of the team means that everyone will have the chance to perform in shows, enter competitions and support the other sports teams at Derby Uni. There were some girls who looked terrified by the idea, but I couldn't believe my luck!
Having danced for so many years, I've performed in a range of shows, mainly for charity causes. Over the last 4 years I managed to get as far as choreographing 3 solos and a group piece at school and college; something I never thought I would achieve, and that really pushed my abilities! Having said that, it's given me the confidence to go for it with this Dance Team. Hip hop, contemporary, jazz...It's been months since I've been involved with any choreography, so I'm happy to be back on track.

A current fashion trend, my opinion!

And so the Harem Pants trend continues: "Harem pants", "Hareem pants", or as Alexander McQueen called them, "Punk Pants". Although the name is debatable, one thing I know for sure is that this is one of the most shameful of fashion mistakes. Yet still the Harem Pant (whose crotch area resembles an ill-fitted nappy) seems to be reigning on into Autumn.
In the summer I avoided them like the plague, not only because they're very unflattering on anyone under 5'9'', but because I've only seen chavs wearing them. For example on holiday in the south of France I spotted one English girl in glaring white Harem Pants, accessorised with heavy necklaces and gold sandals. Hair scraped back of course. Whether she had MC Hammer in mind at the time, I'll never know. (If you managed to avoid this resemblance, you probably still looked like a back-packer from the Eastern world).
Anyway, I found out in "Look" magazine that Topshop have introduced printed versions in snake skin and sequins for the new season. Also seeking to shock, I found that the New Look website's "New In!" section includes a garish pair covered in black and white flowers. They look like the Hawaiian beach shorts seen on embarrassing dads, rather than a stylish take on the floral trend.
So--rant over-- it's now obvious I will never be persuaded to like Harem Pants. If even Toppers can't convince me, then who can?

Fashion Mags--Trends and Celebrity Culture!

River Island presents Your Couture: When River Island unveiled their FIERCE new autumn/winter 09 shoe range, Your Couture, it was love at first sight! After checking out the River Island website for a closer inspection, there wasn't a single pair that didn't make me gasp and think "I must have these!"
It is true, like most girls I have a weakness for any shoe with a lethal looking stilleto heel, but this really is a stand-out range.


Feature articles such as this one found in Look magazine often spark a great interest with me. Not only because they keep me up to date with trends, but they inspire me to form creative opinions as well. The Your Couture designs capture all the hottest trends of the moment, including studs, embellishment, fringes and feathers. Each pair of shoes has that Rock Chic style which is now River Island's trademark. As a result, the creativity in the range and the potential hype surrounding its image, make it a perfect subject to write about and express opinion.
I would definately consider an editorial job for a magazine, as it would offer this sort of writing opportunity.

Hello, reader...

This will be the first post on my blog, so I will give you a little background information about myself. Myself, and the grim financial situation I have let myself in for.
I recently received my student loan, which will add to the less-than-one-hundred-quid on my debit card. This might sound alright to you. However when I remember that this covers the costs of expensive text books, buses, taxis, nights out AND my winter wardrobe updates, I am filled with fear!
Although this might sound like the typical situation of a party-loving student, I have a number of interests that will make this blog worth reading...