Time Well Spent at Store Street

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Contemporary Printmaking: From Andy Warhol to the Emerging Generation

This exhibition by Orion Contemporary combines household names with Orion’s young, emerging stable of artists to promote printmaking as an art form and celebrate the importance of the medium.  To quote Andrés Olow Clase, director of Orion Contemporary: ‘From Andy Warhol’s exceptional print of 1974 to works made in 2012, the show explores the diverse vivacity and technical skill of printmaking.’  Following the inaugural exhibition in 2011, this year’s offering includes a variety of work by Lisa Denyer, Alexander Gough, Damien Hirst, David Hockney, Max Lowry, Dénes Maróti, Will Martyr, Andy Warhol and Giulia Zaniol.

I am not going to talk about the big names here; nobody needs me to tell them about the likes of Hockney or Hirst.  Instead, I would like to focus on some of the less well-known artists.

Alex Gough’s woodblock prints of Levi Mountain are influenced by his Finnish ancestry and are imbued with strong tonal contrasts, reflecting the twilight dancing on the snow, or the midnight hue as the mid-winter landscape melts into long dark nights.  Lisa Denyer’s ‘Range’ continues the mountain theme and uses a mystical combination of silver and black to engage the eye.  William Martyr’s art deco ‘Sweet Spot’ and ‘’Time Well Spent’ employs bright, vibrant colours to excite the viewer’s imagination.  Dénes Maróti pleasantly surprised me by his range: I was startled to discover that the bold, powerful images of repetitive figures were drawn by the same hand as the delicate flower prints.  Finally, Giulia Zaniol’s ‘Angels of London’ series uses a highly advanced two-plate technique of soft and hard ground, litho colours and spitbite to create images with deep and varied tonal harmony.  The combination of colours and images manages to be both haunting and calming at the same time.  Although chromatically I think the finest of the three pieces is ‘Parliament Angels,’ the image of the solitary seraph stood staring across the Thames at the distant ‘Tower Bridge’ will remain with me for some time.

Comtemporary Printmaking opens today at Store Street Gallery.  On the evening of 14th March, Gabriel Angel Moreno, will be reading a selection of his poetry written in response to the works in the exhibition, and Giulia Zaniol will lead an informal talk on the art of printmaking on Saturday 17th March at 4pm.

Contemporary Printmaking is at Store Street Gallery, 32 Store Street, WC1E 7BS.  Opening Times: 13th March – 17th March, 11am-6pm. 18th March, 11am-4pm.  Admission Free.

TRANSWORLD TO PUBLISH McFLY MEMOIR

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Some music news now…

Transworld Publishers have announced the acquisition of world rights for the first official book by McFly, to be published in autumn this year.

In what promises to be a frank, funny and original insight into the lives of one of the UK’s best-loved bands, readers will get to know the men behind McFly in a way they never thought they would.

From their early days sharing a house in Finchley to becoming the youngest band ever to have a debut album reach the number one spot, this book will give the inside track on their meteoric rise. It will include surprising tales of growing up in the limelight and the euphoric highs and desperate lows along the way. This book will be essential reading for McFly fans everywhere but, more than that, it will shine a light on what it takes to make it to the top and stay there for nine years, all told in their unique and inimitable style.

Think you know McFly? Think again.

Michelle Signore, Editorial Director at Transworld Publishers, says:

‘I am absolutely thrilled that Dougie, Harry, Danny and Tom have chosen to publish their book with Transworld this autumn. After nearly a decade together, the time feels right for McFly to tell their story and it promises to be candid, fun – and surprising!’

Faiza Seth: Businesswomen, Socialite and Charity Founder.

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Frost has interviewed the glamourous businesswomen, Socalite and Charity Founder Faiza Seth. She has worked in the city, set up charities and started her own business. Definitely an inspiration women. The charity she founded is called Soham for Kids.

 

Faiza founded the Soham for Kids School in Hyderabad, India in 2010 because she believes that educating the impoverished is a long-term solution to alleviating poverty. This strategy requires self-enabling individuals to permanently break the cycle of poverty and eventually provide for themselves and their families. Faiza developed the holistic concept of establishing this completely free school that not only delivers a well rounded education, but also provides food, clothing and healthcare to 100 children across four grades ranging from pre-school, lower kindergarten, upper kindergarten to first grade. The charity aims to expand the school one grade each year. Soham for Kids is one of a few charitable schools in India that is non-denominational promoting a culture of acceptance and open-mindedness.

What can people do to help? People can donate or if they do have teaching experience, volunteer. There is always a need for clothes, blankets, books and toys, so people can donate these for the Soham for Kids students as well.

You used to work in the city, but now have your own business, was the transition scary? It is always scary to start your own business, because this has greater risk associated with it, and less job security. However, starting small and adding overheads slowly as business grows is a way to mitigate the risk.

Tell us about Casa Forma

Casa Forma Limited, a London-based architectural and interior design company specialising in creating bespoke luxury, turn-key properties. Casa Forma was founded in 2007 to develop properties in super prime locations of London and also offers its interior and architectural design services to third parties. Since inception, Casa Forma has successfully completed over 60 luxury residential and commercial projects in London as well as internationally. Our international practice provides a comprehensive interior design and architectural design service for residential, commercial and hospitality properties.

Our award-winning team of over 15 interiors designers, several of whom are qualified architects, can help you turn a space into a bespoke luxury living environment of impeccable quality by improving the functionality of a space thereby improving the value of a property both intrinsically and commercially. Casa Forma’s experienced team of interior designers and architects is led by world-class experts from the fields of decorative and structural design place absolute importance on understanding the particular needs and wishes of their clients for a professional service delivered to an uncompromisingly high standard. We are firm believers that the home is an extension of the homeowners’ personality, personal style, lifestyle, and tastes.


What is big in interior design right now? Currently, art deco, handmade products, and Asian influenced decor seem to be the prevalent trends in interior design.

Do you think women can “have it all”? Women can have it all, but not at the same time. There are only 24 hours in a day, and women can only balance so much. Sometimes work, family, or other commitments take different priority at different stages in a woman’s life.

How do you relax? I relax by watching TV, watching movies, getting a massage, spending time in nature, and yoga. Also just spending time with my Yorkies Dopey and Fizz automatically makes me smile and relax.

What is the best piece of business advice you ever had? ‘Think different, think Smarter. Otherwise, if you’re trying to be like someone else, the best you’ll ever be is second best.’ which was given by my husband Pallak Seth.

What’s next for you? I want to expand Casa Forma into the hospitality and commercial sectors. I also want to expand Casa Forma geographically into the emerging markets. I want to increase the class size of Soham for Kids so I can help some more impoverished and underprivileged children.

Girlie question now; what is your favourite beauty product? I love MAC Smoulder eyeliner. The eyes are the most expressive and beautiful feature on ones face and I think eyeliner really is the one product that can impact your look most.

Cheaply Does It.

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With the recession kicking in people are looking for ways to save money, or make some more. Of course the best way to save money is not to spend any, but that is not convenient or realistic sometimes. At the moment inflation is kicking our butts and it costs a bomb just to go to work. If you are lucky enough to have a job.

So, what to do? There are a lot of coupon sites now. You can check for a leapfrog coupon so you can save money on little fun things, or just things you need. If you save money then you save time. So combine things that are educational and entertaining at the same time. Buy any kids or nephews/nieces you have an educational fun toy or products for their birthdays.

Entertainment can be done cheaply. DVDs can be bought cheap and cheap tickets can be found last-minute.

Another way to save is to buy in bulk. The more you buy the cheaper it usually is. If you don’t buy a lot of stuff on your own then you can go shopping with friends and then it will be cheaper for you all.

Only shopping in sales is a good way to save. Never waste your money by buying something full price. You just don’t need to nowadays. Shop online and compare prices. Also make do and mend with the things you have.

Another good way of saving is to buy expensive stuff. No, really, that old adage that if you buy cheap you buy dear is true. Buying expensive stuff will last longer and work out cheaper in the long run. Buying an expensive pair of shoes and getting them resoled regularly and polishing them yourself will make any outfit look great. You will never look literally down at heel. Also, when you buy expensive shoes you can wear high street clothes and still look stylish and well dressed.

Libraries are incredibly underused, dust off your library card if you have not used yours recently. There are tons of books, but also DVDs and CDs.

Scour charity shops for clothes, books, CDs, things for your home. Or do a swap shop. If you need to see a chiropractor then maybe think of doing a skills exchange with someone else. Everyone has something to offer someone else. Whether that is something you do as a profession or as a hobby.

First Anniversary of Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

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Japan mourned today as the first anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami brought Tokyo to a halt.

Today marks a year since the magnitude-9.0 earthquake struck at 2.46pm local time (5.46am GMT) , people all across Japan bowed their heads and observed a minute’s silence. Millions mourned and sirens were sounded in dozens of coastal communities were 15,800 people have been confirmed dead and there are still 3,300 others missing.

The earthquake devastated the country’s north-east coast and also sparked the world’s worst nuclear disaster for 25 years.

The Prime Minister said that Japan would be “reborn as an even better place”. “Our predecessors who brought prosperity to have repeatedly risen up from crises, every time becoming stronger,” he said. “We will stand by the people from the disaster-hit areas and join hands to achieve the historic task of rebuilding.”

Japanese taxpayers are facing an expected cost of $230bn (£145bn) over the next ten years to rebuild cities, towns and villages.

The emperor, empress, prime minister, foreign dignitaries attended a ceremony at the capital’s national theatre alongside hundreds of survivors.

Britons are prouder of their history, NHS and army than of the Royals.

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While 2012 celebrates the Diamond Jubilee and London hosting the Olympics, it is history that makes people most proud to be British.

A survey commissioned by Channel 4 from Ipsos MORI found that more people (45%) are proud to be British due to the country’s history than they are because of the Royal Family (28%). And more people cite the NHS (37%) and the armed forces (36%) as a source of pride than they do the Royals. British sports teams come in at a lowly 10%. Bringing up the bottom of the table is British business, with only 4%.

Overall, which two or three of the following, would you say makes you most proud to be British?

1. Our history (45%)

2. The NHS (37%)

3. British Army / armed forces (36%)

4. The Royal Family (28%)

5. Our culture and arts (24%)

6. Our system of democracy (22%)

7. Having a free press / media (15%)

8. British sports teams (10%)

9. Our position in the world (5%)

10. British business (4%)

Timed to coincide with, Make Bradford British, a documentary series exploring what it means to be British, the survey also found that a ‘good sense of humour’ (45%) topped the poll when people were asked what are the best characteristics of British people, followed by friendly (34%) and tolerant to all sections of society (30%).

But while being funny may be the best British characteristic, of those surveyed, half (50%) said the worst was drinking too much. Ignorance of other cultures (33%) and complaining too much (23%) were also cited. And a fifth of respondents thought the worst characteristic was being lazy (20%).

Tea topped the poll not only as people’s favourite drink (38%) but also what they thought was the country’s national drink (65%) proving that we are a nation of tea lovers.

While fish and chips is seen as the national dish by four in ten Britons (41%) just one in ten (9%) say it is their favourite food. Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding tops the poll as the nation’s favourite dish (33%).

And while 15% enjoy a curry as their meal of choice, only 8% think it’s the national dish.

Make Bradford British continues on Thursday 8 March at 9pm on Channel 4

Lauren Laverne, Jo Whiley, Claudia Winkleman, at Lauren's Oxfam Get Together

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Lauren Laverne, Jo Whiley, Claudia Winkleman, Dee Koppang at Lauren’s Oxfam Get Together event for International Women’s Day,

Lauren Laverne gathered together a host of celebrity friends to support Oxfam’s Get Together campaign for International Women’s Day this week, raising funds for women around the world.

Guests at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party included Jo Whiley, Claudia Winkleman, India Knight, Sali Hughes, Grace Dent, Gizzi Erskine, Mary-Kate Trevaskis, Dee Koppang, Hemmo, Polly Samson, Sophie Heawood, and Donna Grant.

Lauren who is an ambassador for Oxfam’s Get Together Campaign, joins over 3,000 women around the UK who have registered to hold their own events to mark International Women’s Day. At her tea party, she served guests multi coloured sandwiches, and praline ice cream lollipops which exploded with a single bite.

 

Lauren said: ‘Such a pleasure and a privilege to host a Get Together for IWD today. My friends are all busy mums and/or working women, but they were all so keen to make a donation and to take the time to come together on behalf of the campaign. It was inspiring and surprising and a lot of fun. We’re already making plans for something even bigger and better next year!’

Claudia Winkleman tweeted: tea with amazing women for #oxfamIWD Have a look at http://www.oxfam.org.uk/women’sday.

Zoe Ball will be celebrating International Women’s Day for Oxfam this evening with a Get Together frock swap with her friends – last year she hosted a tea party for International Women’s Day. Zoe tweeted: Shout for all dames hosting a #gettogether with girls for International Women’s Day

Other celebrity ladies holding Get Together events for Oxfam include Miquita Oliver, who held a women-themed quiz night. And a dazzling array of celebrities put on a glamorous Get Together jumble sale, with stalls organised by Dawn Porter, Gemma Cairney, Caroline Flack, Chris O’Dowd, Kate Nash, Sara Cox, Cherry Healey, Gizzi Erskine, Grace Woodward, Harry Potter actress Jessie Cave, singer Brigitte Aphrodite and TV presenter and stand-up comic Jeffrey Leach. The ‘Rumble in the Jumble’ raised £7,000 for Oxfam.

Oxfam’s Chief Executive Barbara Stocking said: ‘We are so grateful for the support of everyone who is holding an Oxfam Get Together event for International Women’s Day. There are 1.3 billion people living in poverty worldwide – and the great majority are women and girls. Oxfam is working hard to change this through all of our programme work.’

 

 

The Latest Greek Bailout – The Worst Decision Possible

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It always happens with politicians, you get ‘compromise’. And it’s exactly what’s happened with the latest Greek bailout. Rather than the much needed bazooka to deal, with the problem we’ve ended up with the usual indecisive and ineffective compromise, which only results in a short term solution.

If politicians had just had the guts to commit a bit more support we might have had a real resolution. As it is Greece is left mired in uncertainty. It is extremely likely a further bailout and/or default will be needed.

Even under the optimistic baseline scenario of the current deal Greece will still be at a debt to GDP ratio of 129% by 2020. That’s 8 years away and still well above the 120% considered unsustainable.

And what reasons are there for thinking the baseline will come true. Greek growth was far worse than expected last year at -6.1%. Greece has never been able to successfully implement the required reforms in the past. If Greece misses its growth targets by just 1%, a scenario which seems highly possible given Greece is expected to grow by a rosy 2.3% in 2014 (despite severe austerity measures), all other factors being equal Greece will have a debt to GDP ratio of 159%. Virtually the same as it has now! And if Greece doesn’t return to growth the consequences don’t bare thinking about. One bad number in the next 8 years would knock everything of course.

This bailout will not offer any confidence for business. The Greek people are already furious. How will they be after another 8 years of severe austerity with no or little progress on debt? Even if they achieve the baseline and get back to 129% debt to GDP they are still left in a dire position.

Once again the policy makers have found the worst option. Short term thinking politicians are pandering to their electorates and only thinking of their upcoming elections.

To set a date for default, take ownership of the problem and leave the Euro would have been a better option for the long term for both Greece and the Euro.

Even better a bigger bailout designed to knock Greek debt to GDP ratio back below 100% would have inspired confidence. Businesses would not be so afraid to invest. Greece might have even been able to sell some of its assets to the private sector for a reasonable price. This was an affordable solution. Unfortunately the German tax payer and others refuse to pay.

At some point either the Germans or the Greeks are going to say enough is enough. NO MORE BAILOUTS. It is likely that Greece will default again and leave the Euro anyway. But instead of doing it now and beginning the recovery we must drag on with the worries of Greece weighing on growth and confidence throughout the whole of Europe.