I know a place where you can feel completely away from the world. In the middle of the woods, and far off the beaten track is a thicket of lush Rhododendron leaves.
Completely surrounded by vegetation, no-one knew I was there. The trees above were swaying gently in the breeze, but that was the only sound. The fresh scent of damp wood and earth permeated through the place. I had wanted for a long time to explore here; to carefully step right into the centre.
London is many things, light and dark. Perhaps nowhere else in England embodies the intersection between chaotic creation and destruction like this monolithic metropolis, that 8.6 million people call home.
There is something foreboding about London; to feel a little intimidated by ‘The Big Smoke’ is a sign of wisdom. The idea of London as the epicentre of historic dominion and oppression remains. You can very much feel the ghost of the terror and darkness that once inhabited the streets; lasting darkness of the kind immortalised in the poetry of William Blake. And everywhere little reminders lay, like the hopeless inequality which hangs heavy and leaden over this place. I have resisted London, although I cannot deny the cultural weight which is here.
In a city of such enormous contrast and energy, it felt right to take photos in black and white. My close friend William and I packed our bags, and set off into the mass.
Blackfriars, LondonCovent Garden, LondonCharing Cross, LondonWestminster, LondonCovent Garden, LondonThe Mall, LondonWilliam looks out from the Switch House tower. Tate Modern, LondonVictoria Memorial, Green Park, London
I have been going to Bristol infrequently for some time now, and every time I do it is a different experience. There are so many areas, and hidden places to find. Without fail, it is an exciting place to be. My good friend Aimee and I wanted to take a day to dreamily delve into this varied city.
City Hall, Bristol (F) Fuji SuperiaWe made a brief stop in Arch House Deli for something to eat. (F) Fuji SuperiaBrowsing through some of the kooky little shops in The Clifton Arcade. (F) Fuji Superia…. okay, so maybe a bit more than just browsing in Papersmiths. (F) Fuji ProviaWe summoned some gusto, to head up and over the suspension bridge. (F) Fuji SuperiaWe finally laid back on the sofa in ANNA Cake Couture. (F) Fuji SuperiaOver what you might call a cup of fancy tea, we savoured the last moments of the afternoon. (F) Fuji Superia
One overcast afternoon, me and Madison were in the city. We were aimlessly strolling with the intention of eventually finding our way to a tennis court for a game. The mood seemed to match the thick cloud which enveloped the sky, rolling swiftly past and intermittently dampening everything with light rain.
Having walked past this place a thousand times, curiosity led is into The Forum Coffee House on St. James Parade, Bath.
There are some things that just can’t go missing from my life for any extended period. Fresh bread is certainly one of them, and Rye bread has always hit a primal cord with me; something about the aroma of the flour, and the flavour. I set forth with friend Shannen in tow, to find somewhere to pick a loaf up.
We discovered a trim little bakery called The Thoughtful Bread Co. based on Barton Street, in Bath.Truth emanates from the heart of this little operation, and is manifest in the invitingly warm scent that drew us in. As light flooded the store, I could tell that the breads made here are an artisanal outlet for the bakers.Spurred by the prospect of eating such fresh bread, we ventured up the hill and past the Circus towards the heights of Lansdown.Looping down through Hedgemead Park, we found ourselves on the seemingly choreographed whoosh of Walcott Street, where a Prunus was flourishing.
Spring is here, there is an air of life in the air, a call to action to go outside and embrace the warmer weather that surely must be coming. What greater way to fulfil this than to walk the local environment. Accompanied by a great friend of mine Madison, we set out to wonder, and to find some local food.
The snowdrops radiate like little bursts of life.Madison by the wall.The place is Newton St. Loe, within easy walking distance of my university campus.Newton farm shop is the definition of local.The shop has an extensive stock of local and organic wines and ciders.We found provisions. You get the impression that the cashier would know where almost anything in the shop has come from, none of it will have travelled far.Adorable new-born piglets complete the experience.
This is a little diary of the things that took place on a trip back home to leafy Sussex over the Easter period past. It was great to have some peace time, to integrate everything that has been happening. Everything was very familiar, very comfortable.
Exploring boots, they were to get progressively muddier each time they were worn.Open ground tugs at you through the brush.Spaces with a lingering sense of the occult.Spires point into the haze.Tracing steps to the sea with an old friend.We took photographs.Walking with my brother.Climbing to the top of the hill.
Sometimes its easy to overlook what’s around you. Maybe you’ve seen the same view, place, object a thousand times.
I find it important to find means to appreciate everything in new ways, and this often requires re-evaluation, a new perspective. Night time can be great for this, and although I have come to know my surroundings quite well, I wanted to do a short walk in town in the night, to search out something different.
Treading out from the centre of town.A place will slowly open up its secret passages, but only if you will look.Under darkness what you find is yours, to share with the lamps.I found shimmering light, on the river.