Accidental Vix

Two of my favourite things… gigs are reminders of fab times, and lyrics are there as reminders of fab times but also to cheer me up in bad times. So, I decided to make a gigs and lyrics book for my great friend Jane, as she was my gig buddy when we were living up North, and we were regulars at Manchester Academy. We often text each other song lyrics in times of need, but also when musical moments and memories come to us. Making this book reminds me of how important music is in my life, and it is also one of the reasons I fell in love with my husband as his music and DJing are his passion. Above are a few of my fave pages, and fave bands… I may not see another REM tour but at least I got to share the last one with Jane, and here’s to many more!

Xx

Now we’ve returned back to London it’s time to get into a routine and back to being creative as much to distract from the pain as the fact that I can’t sit and do nothing. I had my first physio session of the year this morning, which wasn’t as bad as I was expecting and it’s good to know that some of the pain/problems are nothing out of the ordinary and just because I’m not weight bearing yet not to mention the 2 major operations in the past 4 years.

But, now back from physio I’m struggling to decide which creative project to do first. This led me onto thinking about what inspires me to do my various projects, and one of the most important things seems to be the music I am listening to at the time, which not only helps me get into my zone but also creates different moods for me to design to. What is your fave music for creative inspiration? My top three of the moment are Adele, Counting Crows and REM (that goes without saying.)

On that note, I’m off to do some drawing, sewing or brainstorming depending on my music of choice.

Xx

Any REM fan will know what I’m talking about! Although gutted to learn on 21 Sept 2011 that my favourite band are splitting up I am not surprised. REM have been a huge influence in my life, especially my art since I remember and although I am sad there will be no more gigs and new music after November there are still 15 fab albums to listen to. There are many songs with many meanings but 6 of my fave have to be:

At My Most Beautiful – ‘at my most beautiful I count your eyelashes secretly, with everyone whisper I love you. I let you sleep.’ I’m not going to say much more on this one apart from that it is my all time fave song!

Walk Unafraid – ‘I will walk unafraid… I was brought into this life a little lamb… courageous stumbling, fearless was my middle name…’ Courage can always be mustered from somewhere when we need it.

Daysleeper – ‘my night is coloured headache grey’ – that would be a fab name for a paint colour. This song reminds me of a time when I wasn’t sleeping very well and used to listen to this to drift off thinking about what the other parts of the world were doing ‘Hong Kong is present. Tai Pei awakes up.’ When I listen to this I think of the chaos that life often is.

It happened today – ‘this is not a parable, this is a terrible, this is a terrible thing.’ Just about sums up how I felt at the news of the band that I grew up listening to being no more, but on a more positive note I love this tribute from Pearl Jam, let the covers continue and REM songs live on. This one is for you Michael, Peter, Mike and Bill.

The Great Beyond -’I'm pushing an elephant up the stairs.’ This is definitely my cheer up song, thanks to my dear friend Claire. Everytime I hear this song I think of her and smile. When we were at school I remember going through a particularly difficult time and walking to life drawing when Claire started singing this to me and I couldn’t do anything but giggle so Claire this one is for you!

Everybody Hurts – ‘Everybody hurts, everybody cries.’ This is a classic and a reminder that we all have bad days, and need to cry. The strongest memory I have of this song is being driven to school by my mum when I was younger and me obviously giving her a particularly hard time that day as children often do and Everybody Hurts came on the radio. My mum just went silent and said – listen to this, I have feelings too!

Each image above was drawn/made and influenced by these incredible songs, and now off I go to listen to the best band that ever lived, with my sketchbook. Thank you REM for so many good years and influencing so many people along the way!

Xx

Sometimes things just wind me up, upset me or just get me stressed and unfortunately I seem to be more sensitive at the moment with so much going on, but when things get me down I just have to step away, take stock of the situation and calm down. I find the best way to get rid of my stress, frustration and tears used to be taking it out on a volleyball but now my injuries have prevented that I turn to my sketchbook, so this is the sketch that removed me from things for a few minutes and even though it’s not my best sketch it took me back to happy times seeing REM at Old Trafford in 2008 before bringing me back down to earth and reality, feeling a little happier.

I would recommend that the next time you’re feeling a little sad pick up a pen and let it take you away for a while.

Xx

I’m so glad this week is over and the end is in sight for my latest challenging shop design… One down three to go before christmas! At least it’s one less thing to worry about as I’ve got a few things on my mind at the moment. I find the best thing is to lose myself in music, so along with my celebration card listing today I’m going to celebrate that it’s Friday by choosing items based on rem lyrics:

Pirate pixie’s treasure trove – I love disco necklace (I’m gonna DJ at the end of the world – I’m gonna DJ)

Mystic’s realm – pink rose rings (the flowers often bloom at night – Flowers of Guatemala)

Lilly’s night garden – address book (gardening at night, just didn’t grow – Gardening at night)

Moody cow designs – handbag (a twist of colour – 7 chinese brothers)

Bead cornucopia – black and white dice (eighteen wheeler, payback dice – Low Desert)

Have a great weekend

Xx