Back in the day.

Old.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

It's like a disease .

And I'm dying. I hardly ever stop thinking of bikes, I probably ride everyday, I can't stop buying bike parts. I'm obsessed.
But I love it. It does no-one any harm, it's keeping me fit and I can afford it.

You never know what life is going to throw your way and we all know that everything you thought would be the same forever can completely change in a second. What matters the most is how you cope with the ups and downs. When something negative happens to me, I've started trying to find a positive from the situation. If you don't things can soon build up and bring you down, we all know this because even though few people would actually admit to being depressed, no-one is actually happy all the time.

Donald Ducked.

What I now say instead of the F word (most of the time).

It's been a strange few days. Starting at the weekend when I rediscovered my love of Jack Daniels, and also what it does to me. Cider makes me pee once an hour all night but no hangover whereas JD just gives me a cracking headache unless I sleep it off.
Finishing work earlier means I have more of the day to myself, which is great. Have been out riding a lot and also getting stuff done in the studio.
It's my day off today, so we came over to Leeds. I hate Leeds but did manage to buy the BEST SUNGLASSES IN THE WORLD EVER. (photos soon)


+1

The film 'Juno', totally original and killer soundtrack.
Catching up with friends.
Double toe straps.
Colour prints done by hand, not digital.

-1

People who have no new stories. If I've heard it once I don't want to hear it again.
Cuts on your knuckles that won't heal.

Don't mess...

...with the cyclists of York, we stick together and together we will get you.

I have just witnessed some disgusting behaviour. I managed to miss what actually started everything but as I looked up the road on Skeldergate Bridge I saw a fat taxi driver stop in the middle of the road, jump out of his car and start swearing at a cyclist who had stopped on the pavement. At this point the driver pushed the guy on the bike to the ground and continued the abuse.
By now a few people were watching the situation unfold. It was only after the cars lined up behind the abandoned taxi got impatient did he get back in and drive off, all the time continuing the abuse.
Not being a fan of bullies, dickheads or taxi drivers and having being blessed with a crazy good memory, I remembered the guy's number plate on my way to see if the cyclist was alright. Another guy on a bike had witnessed the whole thing and came over, along with a pedestrian. The poor guy was pretty shaken up but seemingly unharmed. I gave him the plate while the others said they would be witnesses for when he went to the Police.

I can't believe how the driver acted and I hope he gets what he deserves, if it had been me he had started on I think my U-Lock and his wingmirrors might have got to know each other.

This just goes to show that no matter what type of bike you ride or for what reason, bike riders need to stick together.

Points system.

+1

New projects going well.
V-Necks.
Wicker bike baskets.
Booking flights to San Francisco.


-1

Workplace arguements.

Sundays.

Done.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

This weekend I finished building up my Bmx, basically it's all the parts from my old bike on a new frame.

Sunday night sometimes leaves a strange taste in my mouth. Traditionally this was the night when homework was done before going back to school meaning the short lived weekend was over. Now I'm in a job it has become the night on my one regular day off a week. It always feels like an inbetween time, no longer the weekend but not yet time to work.
When I was unemployed Sunday's were fine. An old friend of mine once said.
"Weekends are meaningless to the unemployed."
It was actually Friday night that I disliked in those days, but thats a whole other story.
A remedy for the 'Sunday Blues' is a drainage ditch that lies somewhere in Dewsbury but if I told you where me and Rob would have to kill you.

Accident.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

The colour when you're done dying.

Paint.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

First time out this year.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Yesterday was the first time in 2008 that managed to get my track bike out on the road. Stopped next to the Minster for a break.

Today I'm:

Sick of;

Elitism
Sarcastic rubbish in ebay listings
Taxi drivers seeing you ride towards them but pulling out anyway

Looking forward to;

Getting my film back tomorrow
The Summer
Riding bikes



If you live in York and own a bike and you haven't already been, go to Cycle Heaven on Bishopthorpe Road. The best bike shop in town.

Cheers Rob.

For hooking me up 'nuff times today.

Style for miles.

Style for miles.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

BMX for life.

Word to the Wise.

I've finally joined the world and his wife, and gone and got me a website.

www.paperthinphotography.com

Content to be added soon.

Days off were meant to be this good.

It's only lunchtime and already I'm buzzing because today has been so good. Here are few reasons why;

1. Got up early enough to not feel like I'd slept too long but late enough to give me a couple of hours longer than I normally get.

2. Been listening to 'Rocket From The Crypt' since waking up. Do yourself a favour and do the same.

3. Went on a ride around town, for the first time in ages. Great to be back riding fixed, mashing between cars with hood up and tunes blasting (safety first) and finished off with a bag of chips for lunch.

Can only get better too, have some spare time this afternoon to plan for the Artist's Book Fair I'm part of in March, then chill with Katherine and then STEAK for tea.

Treats.

Bedford Rascal.

Bedford Rascal.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

The worlds smallest campervan?

I want it to be Summer again.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

An old old photo from the archives from when it was warm and not f-ing raining.

That tower on top of that hill.

That tower on top of that hill.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

It doesn't hurt to sometimes look at your surroundings through the eyes of someone else.

Her.

Her.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Two, Double Zero, Eight

I'm currently down south, writing this in my girlfriend's parents kitchen. We made the drive after work monday, and spent New Year's eve in a south London community centre listening to her Father's band playing a set. It's actually one on the only year's I've actually gone out, having been up since 5 am, then driving over 200 miles it was slightly hard to keep awake but managed till 2 am before falling asleep in the car on the way home.
Got a couple of days yet before have to be back home for work, so today we're off to Katherine's Nans birthday party and then tomorrow is the return leg of the drive.

There's probably some new ideas happening in the BMX side of my life soon. As I've moved more on to other aspects of cycling, I have been slightly guilty of neglecting my small brown bike but I have a hankering for a home spray job and possibly a longer frame too.

sad girls and wet afternoons

'Travelling Man' in Leeds have sold all my 'zines, had the chance to pop in today and walked out with £6.50 for the trouble. Think I may try the York branch with some new work but main distribution these days is in the US of A, with little paper planes and also another shop, in the Midwest, interested in my work.

over-thinking

I'm not sure whether or not this blog should be photographs only or my written ramblings as well. I had half thought of changing things around early in the New Year, but now it just feels like I'm jumping on the bandwagon of change and false hope this time of year brings.
I'm feeling lonely this evening. We've just spent two days with my family having a good Christmas and today, we drove back to York, Katherine went to work and I'm left alone. I never thought I would ever have this problem. Loner is a strong word but through my teenage years I always enjoyed my own company. I had friends, I left the house, I had hobbies but I was never bothered about being by myself. Now, everything has changed.
Sometimes I feel as if I'm just passing time when I'm alone and nothing constructive happens.
This year I got what I asked for at Christmas, which basically consisted of time off work and time with family and friends. Also the presents I was bought were great and showed me that the people around me know me and care for me.


I don't think much will change. I'm not sure what 2008 will bring but I know whatever happens, I'll have to work to get it, nothing comes easy.
I wish everyone who reads this all the luck in the world for the New Year.

*

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Bedtime.

This week I have worked five straight days, from 5:30am for at least eight hours. I realise that this blog wasn't exactly created for me to write about work but that is the thing that is putting my creative actions on hold, so that is what gets written about.
As you can probably imagine Christmas is a very, very busy time of year to be a postman. It's not that really but it doesn't leave much time for anything else, therefore shopping has been very difficult but I think I'm just about all done. Yesterday we found out that Katherine has to work on Christmas Day, which isn't an ideal scenario. We'll make the best of it as usual.

Blast from the past

Wallace Arnold-1
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

The days of printing my own work again could be one step closer after today,

Fingers crossed.

MADE

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Friends and Family

I couldn't live without you.

In riding news, got the long awaited MASH dvd and now have all the parts to build my new bike. Guess what I'm doing this afternoon.

wisdom from work

When you're reminded of how bad things used to be, can you be fully aware of how good things are now.

Holla.

Happy because:

Having home-made roast dinner tonight.
No work tomorrow.
Got paid.
Sunday morning lie-in.
New wheels.

Don't let the black cloud get you down.

As of this week I'm now working out at Stamford Bridge as a postie. It's still busy but it's hella better than the central office. Everything's a bit strange at the moment, I'm so busy at work don't really have much time for anything else. This means I start to resent working. But then I couldn't live without the money it brings in, which adds a certain pressure and the age old struggle of balancing money and happiness starts all over again.

I'm slowly starting to get back into creative actions, there are one or two things approaching on the horizon.

Always outnumbered never outgunned

Things are moving along nicely in York, much better than this time last year but the less said about that the better. Haven't been doing much towards the greater good creatively speaking, mostly trying to earn the money to buy my own darkroom set up, unless I blow everything on a bike parts!
Talking about bikes, I ride EVERYDAY. Current set up of fixed gear is granny bars and luggage rack too, have time trial bike and track bike projects on the go as well. Every chance I get I try and do more than a few miles on my road bike too. The feeling of riding gives me is indescribable. It's soothing while at the same time a massive rush.
At work, me and my fellow workers have been in the middle of industrial action for a while now. Result is a massive backlog of mail sat waiting to be delivered, not good, and doesn't lend itself to a good working environment, which is why things are in the pipeline. I learnt from Rob that working somewhere with a bad atmosphere for a long time does no-one any good at all.

Greetings.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

My girl is tough.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Classic steel frame with modern groupset, the best of both worlds.

I did a little bit of documentary photography at the weekend for a friend's project. It felt so long since I had picked up a camera for any length of time, hopefully the photos will help and draw a line under her time in Leeds and England.
Sunday morning I got up really early and did a 25 mile charity cycle ride, with Vicky and her boyfriend Mike. I'm never as confident as when I'm on a bike, did the 25 miles no problem. Next stage is to bring a little competitiveness into things to shake things up.

Saltaire Arts Festival

Anyone in the Bradford area should get themselves to Saltaire this weekend for the Open House trial, my work is displayed in 73 Victoria Road. I'll be over myself on sunday for a butchers.

.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Ready for the worst

Ready for the worst
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

This is how my fixed is looking these days, ready for winter and a fully kitted up workhorse.

Been riding a hell of a lot, my calves are like steel! I've been transferred on to a different walk at work because I was progressing so fast. So now I'm back to the start relearning a new area. I had completely forgotten how good it is to receive a regular pay cheque, because it had been so long.

I'd like to think although the quantity of my picture taking has decreased the quality is still there. Got some photos back the other day and theres still a few bangers on every roll, so I'm happy.

.

Routine doesn't make for good blog writing. My days usually start sometime around 6.30am, involve working and a lot of bike riding and then some eating along the way before I fall asleep about 11pm.
I'm enjoying myself though.

Settling.

I don't get much internet time under my belt these days (probably a positive thing), so here's an update for anyone interested.
I started my new job on Tuesday, I've done the induction and my on the job training so I'm officially a Postman! The job is pretty stress free overall and it'll deffo help in my get fit scheme, although currently its just knackering me out. I feel like I'm really taking advantage of our new location, haven't driven in a week and probably put 60 miles under two wheels in the same time period, in all weathers too.
With everything thats been happening, creativeness has slowed but not my desire to create so it's only a matter of time.

Studio.

Studio.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

More bikes than sense.

Yesterday my Dad and I had a little road trip to South Manchester, to pick up my new bike. Yes another bike, which makes the total for the household four. This one is an 1980's Peugeot Aneto racing bike. I got it from ebay for a sum I considered a bargain at the time, now I've got it home and ridden it though I'm over the moon I bought it. It has Cinelli bar and stem combo with a Campagnolo front hub, which weren't even mentioned in the listing. The shimano groupset is in perfect order and as a bonus its featherlight and goes like a train. I've come to the conclusion the guy who sold it didn't know what he had, it has not been looked after at all but a scrubbing brush and a bit of effort is all that is required.
The back room of the house is looking very cramped already and I haven't even brought my fixed over yet. Today was the first day Katherine rode in York on her's. Sounds corny but it was a very proud moment.
New photos soon.

Up & Running

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

In York.

It happened.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

We have the keys for our new house. In fact Katherine has been living there this week, while I'm still back at home sorting out our stuff. Trying to juggle the responsibility of house sitting, moving, ebay deals and preparing work for a gallery next week.
The house itself is amazing, this room here is the second bedroom and soon to be a studio space. The landlord is as far removed from our last as possible, the neighbors are friendly, basically everything has worked out at last.
Only a few more days left before I leave Leeds and become a full time York resident, and I really can't wait.

'til tomorrow

I often think of things to do, just so I don't have to do the things I need to do, which means in english, I am very good at putting things off.
Today I have been avoiding starting to pack for the move. I took over an hour to eat a simple breakfast, I read a newspaper thats over a week old, I spent time on the internet etc. It's not that I'm not looking forward to moving it's just that sometimes if I don't have to do things straight away I'd rather not do them.
I wouldn't call myself lazy. When I have a job to do, I do it, and I make a proper job of it. I even enjoy having tasks to do and being against a deadline. I think the correct term is apathetic. I know what needs to be done but I still don't do it.
Although an argument for why I don't mind being the way I am is the things I achieve in these 'moods'. Today I have taught myself new methods on Photoshop with the help on the online guides. Other times, when some people consider me to be wasting time, I'd say I am learning. The internet is a good example of this. Hours can go by and maybe I don't achieve anything but I learn things I never knew before, so I'm happy.
Of course putting things off means I have less time left to complete the task, which can lead to stress and anger, so it's not all a bed of roses.

.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

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Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

On a Sunday

Went to York cycle show today, thought I may not make it because I felt a bit rough after the wedding yesterday. Saw bike polo in person for the first time, had a look around the exhibitors tent and avoided the rain.
Hung out with Mike and Vicky and saw his Penny Farthing and a few others in his collection. Got a whole lot of motivation to ride too and build up a 'proper' track bike too.
Tomorrow have an early morning taking my folks to the airport, haven't seen 4.00am in a hell of a long time.

.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

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Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Real life is

stranger than fiction.

Yesterday I was informed that my girlfriend's Dad had a good time on the first day of his new job. The job itself involves him traveling around the country to set up a scaletrix type car racing track, for public events, and being commenter on the races that happen. Different to say the least, but the best part of it is his new work mate is a look-a-like for the Finnish Formula One driver Mika Hakkinen. He travels the world doing appearences! Even better my girlfriend's Dad looks a lot like Tony Robinson (off of Time Team etc) so was picking up tips on how to get into the business.

So cool.

Bigger, Better, More expensive?

I've done my zines for a year now. It was a goal I set for myself, but I was never in the game just for the money. In fact the price I charge means I barely (or rarely) break even on each issue.
However I can't continue this way. Today I've been crunching the numbers for my latest project. There's a large initial outlay but thats the same with everything. The problem comes deciding what to charge, too much and it won't sell but not enough and I'll lose money. I'm a new artist and have little 'history' but the work I produce is technically flawless and produced by hand at every step. Every print is individually printed by hand from negative and usually done in limited quantities. Just when you think it's sorted there's gallery commission to add on top, which the customer may not realise but usually bumps up the final price.
With any new work there's a certain risk, I am confident my work appeals to the public and will sell, otherwise I wouldn't produce it, but asking other's to have the same confidence and then invest money too, is a very new experience for me.

BUY BUY BUY

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Issue 4 of my zine is ready and available from my etsy shop and other respected establishments.

Good news day

This morning I got a phone call telling me I start work at Royal Mail on the 24th July and then we received a letter from the agents saying our contract is ready to sign and the house is ours.

Not got anything planned today because my car is in the garage going through its MOT and its raining cats and dogs already.

Time is Such a Wasted Luxury.

Making of.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

recommended

The film American History X has been recommended to me for a long time. Finally got around to watching last night, and now I wish I'd listened and watched it a long time ago.

Dogs die in hot cars

Spent most of today laid by the river at Ilkley in the sun. It looks like I may have got burnt but not badly.
There's a couple of opportunities for displaying my work and I'm very happy with the ideas I have for both. Seeing my work up on the wall at a gallery or somewhere similar makes me proud but also raises a lot of questions in my head. I'm the first to admit I don't know a whole lot about art but to be producing work considered worthy of exhibition amazes me.
Paper Thin zine Issue 4 has a title and is in pre-production, give it a couple of weeks and it should be ready for the shelves.

Bradford Open 07

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

*click image for link to see photos BIG*










My work will be included in the Bradford Open Exhibition and will remain on the wall until August the 19th at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Lister Park in Bradford.
Work is available to buy.

.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Losing my religion?

Maybe I'm going soft in my old age but I have found myself using a digital camera a little more than usual recently. From 100% anti-digital I found myself shooting more with my girlfriend's Canon 300D when both my money and film stocks began running low. I've never owned my own digital camera and have no desire to get one. The idea was to document little things around me using digital so I wasn't wasting film.
This is how things have continued until I discovered that by setting customised parameters on the 300D I could achieve a low contrast and low saturation image, like I had been trying to get using film.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

The image above was taken about 20 minutes ago. I took two photos at the time and deleted one straight away because it was too over-exposed. Next I uploaded it to flickr and now I'm using it to illustrate my point here. If I had taken this with film it could have taken anywhere between a day and a month to get the negs back, along with the further scanning and printing costs that naturally occur.
My point is this image is taken because at the moment I like to take photos of unusual light patterns etc. This probably will never be used for anything apart from my personal archive. By using digital to take photos like this I'm saving money that can be spent on other photographic projects.
Also since I no longer have darkroom access and no longer work in a mini-lab I can no longer print my own work. Handing over control to such a huge part of the process makes me sad. I'm lucky to have found Ian, at Silvertone, who I trust more than myself to print my exhibition work but as far as a regular mini-lab for run of the mill colour films I'm constantly disappointed. Whether it be with print quality or a host of other issues I can't seem to find one that I have faith in.
This is more for my benefit than anyone else's but I still love film. The standard of print that can be achieved by using film will never be matched by digital, there's a depth to the image than goes beyond explanation. If an image is never going to be a print though, well then aspects like convenience, speed, time, money.....make digital a more attractive option.

Cafe interior

Cafe interior
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Cafe Amante is host to my first solo show that will permanently reside in their upstairs seating area.
The Cafe is in Brighouse town centre, on the corner of Bradford Rd and King St, it serves a range of hot drinks, sandwiches and sweets.

Boxes

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Following the herd.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Another step closer.

To moving to York.
To having a job as a Postman.

Just.

When you thought life couldn't get any worse, it doesn't, it gets better.

Nothing but bad luck.

Almost cut my nose off shaving last night, the shop I need to mount my photo wasn't open today and I've broken two pieces of glass out of the frames I need.

On the plus side, went to see 'Zodiac' at Hyde Park cinema. Thrilling.

*

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

old.

old.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Its all go

Last night our garden became a crime scene. Two lads had been robbing in Pudsey (about 2 miles away) and been on the run from the police, when they got to our place they decided our hedge would be a great location to dump the goods, their clothes and hide out. First thing we know about it is one police man leading one in handcuffs in the back garden while another is chasing off down the road. All in all it only lasted less than an hour, both were arrested, all the stuff found, the rest of the property searched, a quick explanation to us and then goodbye.
This week my main tasks are getting my work ready to be hung in the cafe in Brighouse, as the opening is this Saturday. Also got more appointments to view houses in York and fix up Katherine's bike.

One step closer

To having a job as a postman.
To earning money as an artist (had my first etsy sale).
To having first solo exhibit (in Brighouse cafe).
To having a comfortable saddle on my fixed gear.
To paying off my student loan debt.

check it

www.paperthinphotography.etsy.com


new work will be added regularly.

Postman Ben

Today I went for an interview with Royal Mail, it wasn't for a specific job but to be put on the waiting list for jobs that are in York. It went ok and the more I think about it the more I wouldn't mind working there. Time will tell.
Yesterday I went to York, for the first time I took my bike. Cycled up from the racecourse, all around town and then back down the river. Got the chance to use my new lock for the first time and test out how my bag feels while riding. Both passed the test with flying colours. Although not sure I can say the same about my saddle, it may be time for an upgrade.

Issues

These thoughts need to be written, I may or may not have touched upon this subject before, again I may or may not choose to break up this impending rant with pretty pictures.

Where do ideas come from?

I don't think there'll ever be an answer to that question. The one most people might say is 'your head' or 'your imagination'. The most important word I've just written is YOUR. This is because ideas should be your own and not somebody else's. Which brings me on to my main point of distinguishing inspiration and copying.

I once went through a stage where I thought up several amazing ideas. Slowly I found out that each one of my ideas had been done before by artists much more famous than myself. As I had not known this previously, I was not a copy, but concluded that I must have the same thought processes as these other famous artists, and therefore I myself must be a creative genius too.

Bathroom.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

I'm not sure how true that last statement is but the more I expand my knowledge of the art world I find the same ideas being repeated time and time again.
Now, inspiration can be found in everything, and with so many people in the world its not surprising that two people who don't have any connection could think the same thought.
To use myself as an example, I have been fascinated with flat, almost monotone colour photographs recently. A day or two ago, I read a blog about someone the other side of the world who wrote exactly the same thing. Its coincidence but it feels spooky all the same.

House
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

In this age where anyone can post what they do on the internet, poaching and copying ideas is a lot easier to do. I look at flickr everyday, and everyday I am inspired by something I see or read. I do not go out and copy other's work but their image might start a chain reaction in my imagination that leads to a new idea.
This is inspiration. If I went out and took exactly the same shot, then that is copying.

One of my main photographic passions is candid street photos using black and white film in my Holga. I'm not doing anything particularly original but I do what I do my way, and mine alone.

Being original in everything you do can be an impossible dream. One that can do more harm than good to the creative process.

My first sale.

Leeds_Holga
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

This image has given me my first sale from the exhibition in Leeds on Wednesday night. Thank you to whoever bought it.

Birthdays. Same day every year.

On my back.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

Things were meant to kick off on tuesday night, with "This Is England", the new Shane Meddows film, but we got confused and arrived too late to get in. Gutted, however its on tonight again at Hyde park so we're going at the right time tonight. Should be a treat as I've heard nothing but good things about it.
Wednesday, my actual birthday, did the present opening thing. All good stuff. You always get less the older you get but I think the presents get better because they're more often than not useful instead of a toy that you'll get bored off in a week. This year I got the bag (above) of my dreams, a coffee grinder and Ancorman on DVD (maybe the funniest film ever made).
I went to lunch with my parents at a little Italian in Headingley called Salvos and ate far too much but it all tasted amazing. Then at night we went to the exhibition I was a part of in Leeds. It was a very swanky event with most of the audience being barristers or solicitors. It was a great atmosphere, champagne was drank, hopefully everything sold meaning money for artist and charity a like. Afterwards, yet more Italian food, where I had a bit of birthday luck, after we left I realised they hadn't billed us for our drinks.
Wound down today by sleeping off a bad head and then trying to make Brighouse look beautiful in photographs that will be exhibited in the cafe where I'm have a solo permanent 'exhibit'.

bedroom industry

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

How to pass 3 1/4 hours in Leeds (or any town centre)

1. Avoid crowds
2. Walk aimlessly around
3. Visit an exhibition
4. Get a drink
5. Find a bookshop
6. Stalk old people
7. Silently judge people aka people watching
8. Window shopping
9. Avoid street sellers/charity workers
10.Daydream and/or make lists
11.Be thankful your not working

We went and met Jeffrey Brown today at a book signing in Travelling Man. Got three new books, as birthday presents and got each of them signed. He was just as I imagined from the comics...basically cool as block ice.

where everybody knows your name

Yesterday I handed in my work for the exhibition I'm a part of on wednesday night. Everything looks and feels spot on and I'm really hoping it all goes well. One thing that stuck in my mind was that the organiser remembered my name. This may not seem like a big deal but all too often little details that are important get forgotten. A lot of the time I don't accept forgetfulness as an excuse, I consider it to be rudeness. The reason is I don't forget people's names so why should others forget mine. It's a slippery slope judging other's by standards you set for yourself, and one I usually avoid, but now and again I can't help it.
Today I have a meeting with two cafe owners who would like me to hang my work on their blank walls. If everything goes ok both parties should benefit from an arrangement. By looking at the space they have and talking about what each of us want from the opportunity, a deal should be easy to come to.

homeward bound

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

The amount of time we're spending in York these days makes it feel like we're already living there. We have seen a house we love but the person who is renting it seems to be the hardest person in the world to contact.
Both of us have job prospects in one form or another and the more we see the more we like.

This morning felt like I needed to make something. So ended up making a little book. Nothing complicated but blank pages waiting to be filled.

Living Room.

Living Room.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

Martin Parr can kiss my ****

Weekend Update

Biro_wrist
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

I use the word update in the loosest possible way. This weekend has pretty much had it all. Friends, driving, (not enough)riding, snooker, disappointment, sleepless nights, shit films, photo taking and good food.
Pretty short post but it'll end with some cracking advice. Next time your really pissed off find someone and play frisbee. You cannot be annoyed when playing it, and if you are all alone just watch Family Guy.

16/05/1984

My birthday is shaping up quite nicely already and I haven't even made any plans yet. The day before Jeffrey Brown is in town for a book signing, so am going to hit that up. For those who don't know he draws really amazing comic books about his life, mostly his love life, probably hella emo for a lot of people.
On the day itself, I'm in an exhibition in Leeds. Its by invitation only and has a silent auction to sell the work in hope of raising money for charity. All thats left is to fit a nice meal, preferably Italian, in somewhere and I'm laughing.

I always have mixed feeling about my birthday. Some years I view them as another year older and closer to death and some years I just sit back and enjoy them for just being one day in the year when you can do whatever you want.

I followed these two for ages

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

how do you live life, as if life itself was some kind of gift?

Some things can get really complicated. I wish they didn't, but it looks like renting a place to live in York is turning into one of those things. We're stuck in an awkward position. We're trying to get a job in York but because we don't live there it's hard to be considered seriously, but because we don't have a job yet we can barely afford to move to York and then find a job once we're there. See it's even complicated trying to write an explanation.

paper memories

I sometimes feel I ought to be taking more photographs in and around my parental home. It won't be long before I'm moved on to pastures new again and it would be nice to have some paper memories to go over from time to time.
Ok, I've just copyrighted the phrase "paper memories", I thought of it first. But seriously I've been realising that a lot of my reasons for being a photographer or lens-based artist (thats fancy 'fine-art' terminology, don't y' know) centre around capturing moments and memories, so I can look back and see where I've been and the things and people that I knew. I'm not saying this is a bad reason, just that it is my reason.

When one thing ends, another begins

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

I love being busy. When I'm up against a deadline or when tasks are mounting up around me I thrive. When I can work at an easy pace nothing seems to get done.
One thing about my tendency to have an overactive thought process means that I usually consider every little detail in a problem but the downside to this is theres no room for anything else. I have been writing statements, proposals and everything in between for the last few days and just as I finish one lot I find out about more that are due to hand in, in the next week or so, and so the process starts over again.
Another aspect of being busy that I love is that free time becomes so much more enjoyable. Something as simple as playing frisbee becomes priceless instead of a waste of time.
Having tasted success recently I am hungry for more. For every exhibition I am accepted into I apply for two more and every time I hope that it might be the first time someone will buy a piece of my work. A lot of my work is very personal and therefore I don't produce work specifically for the purpose of selling but knowing that there are people thinking the same as me is extremely encouraging.

blue

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

this feels like it was yesterday

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

going nowhere

we're not moving to Sheffield.

how long can inexperience be a reason?

is it not common sense that if someone is lacking experience then it means they will stay that way until somebody gives them a chance? if no-one is willing to take the first step we're all doomed.

believe

This morning I went along to a selection meeting for an exhibition thats happening next month. As usually happens I got pretty nervous and then afterwards had a complete loss of confidence. So much so that I convinced myself I'd blown any chance of being included.
Imagine my surprise when about five minutes ago I receive an email saying the two pieces I took to the meeting have been accepted but also they want two more as well because they would prefer to show a series of four!

I think my problem stems from a basic lack of confidence and coupled with my over-active imagination/thought processes I can talk myself out of pretty much anything. The more I seem to put my work out there, the more positive feedback I receive, yet its hard for me to truly believe. There's a point when modesty does you no favors, obviously arrogance is worse but under-selling yourself can be just as damaging.

All my life people have told me you don't get anywhere if you don't ask or try, gradually I'm seeing how true that is.

blog or blag

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

some days I feel like everything is completely out of focus

unprofessional behaviour

I went for a job interview today, well actually two interviews, one I'm not too bothered about and one I almost got on my knees and begged for the job. By middle of next week I should have a clearer idea of my immediate future.

Katherine's living it up southern style for the weekend, so if weather forcasts are correct for this weekend I think I'm just gonna lay in the garden and soak up the sun (and most likely burn).
Yesterday I went for a ride from Rodley to Saltaire along the towpath. On a fixed gear its more like running than cycling. All told about 15 miles and no pain in legs so must be getting used it again.

just window shopping

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

Making plans is asking for trouble. Sometimes they are blown out of the water by something that you never saw coming and sometimes a chain reaction begins from an event so small you hardly gave it a second thought.
Maybe the solution to the whole thing is to live life 'in the moment' but this method also has its drawbacks.
Responsibility pretty much kills any chance of living day to day as more often than not the days have a routine. At the moment I'm longing for some kind of routine in my life, I'm sleeping about 10-11 hours a night, which makes me feel like crap when I get up. For the first time in a while I'm applying for a job that I really, really want.
On a completely random note, I've started making my own iced-coffees at home. They're still in the experimental stages but I'm enjoying the testing.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

The search begins

Yesterday was our first day examining property in York. We only had a few viewings and the first was a large two bed terrace. Not really what we were looking for and made worse by the over-powering smell of dog piss everywhere. Next was a 'compact' cottage, when estate agents use the word compact it basically means tiny to you and me. Although it was full of character I could have probably stood in the middle of each room and touched all four walls.
We finished up with a couple of flats that were either completely unfinished or too posh. So although we didn't find anywhere we want to live we have a better idea of the areas and kind of place we want to end up in.

I like flying in...

..little paper planes.

http://www.littlepaperplanes.com/artistworks.php?artist=Paper%20Thin

Now!

Elysee - All Photographers Now!
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin.

Paper Thin going worldwide....or at least as far as Switzerland.

Nails in the coffin

Today we might have finally taken the last step in being able to say goodbye to 34 Grange Court. All the bills have been paid, confirmation given to landlords so bond money should be in the post in next few days.

Keeping all my fingers crossed about hearing back from a job in York but at the same time trying not to dwell on it.
I have always wanted to be one of those people that live for the 'journey' in life rather than the 'destination' but recently I've found myself observing life instead of living it. Living back at home has made it feel like I'm on pause. Being comfortable is like being numb, you're aware of the problem but its not hurting enough to do something about it. When we were living alone things got pretty rough but at the same time it felt good to be out there doing stuff.

Spring time has brought sunshine, which means riding! Met Mark for the first time in months yesterday, and although we didn't exactly strain ourselves learning new tricks it felt great to be out rolling again. Didn't feel too bad either this morning so muscles must be starting to remember their job too.