[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 14 May 2024].
pay here
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 6 March 2024].
shot through the heart
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 27 October 2023].
now he's gone aloft
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 19 February 2023].
cape marguerite
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 17 February 2023].
Some Dimorphotheca ecklonis I captured in St Kilda Cemetery on the first day of Spring in 2007.
untitled #117 [st kilda cemetery, st kilda, victoria, australia, 2007]
And some beautiful monarch butterflies hanging out amongst them.
I took these photos after going to my old GP practice for a check-up because of some odd sensations I'd been experiencing.
That appointment resulted in me having blood tests that revealed I had vitamin D deficiency and B12 anaemia for the first time.
Good times...
faithful unto death
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 16 August 2022].
While reviewing images to edit for what should have been the past week's #SepulchralSunday post, I decided I wanted to create a new curated series called last words. Photographs from my sepulchre series that focus closely on poignant inscriptions on graves.
This capture and another I took at St Kilda Cemetery in 2007 caught my eye and inspired the idea.
Strangely, I had already edited this particular photograph. Notably, the day before my birthday in 2018.
However, I can't see where I've previously published it online or otherwise, and I don't know why exactly I edited it that day.
As I can't locate where I might have published it, I have to believe I never shared it before, so I stuck with my choice for the first post from this new curated series.
I hope you enjoy this new series as I share them over the coming weeks mixed in with my other series: late bloomers, stained glass and, as we approach Christmas again, season's grievings.
viloplats
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 28 July 2022].
The latest product from Ikea*: a flat-packed, self-assembly grave.
*Obviously, this is satire.
edward-howard howard-gibbon
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 10 July 2022].
The final resting place of a Norroy King of Arms.
pink petunias
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 28 January 2022].
From Wikipedia: The Maya and Inca believed that the scent of petunias had the power to ward off underworld monsters and spirits. Their flower-buds were bunched together for magical drinks. According to New Age folklore, Petunias will only thrive where there is "positive energy" and will not grow in places where there is "negativity".
When given as a gift, Petunias have (in the language of flowers) two mutually exclusive meanings, symbolising on the one hand being comfortable with someone, and on the other anger and resentment.
A somewhat clichéd image, the interpretation of petunias in the language of flowers feels appropriate right now.
It's a tribute to how comfortable I felt with my friend Anthony at all times. And the anger and resentment I feel in waves (mingled with melancholy and intense, overwhelming sadness) for the fact that his life was cut short.
And so many of the comments and posts I've seen about him since he passed highlight his gentle nature, positivity and enthusiasm.
unstained glass
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 29 August 2021].
This week has been such a mixed bag. A rollercoaster of emotions.
High points: spending the evening with friends doing a BYO quiz at a pub on the other side of town, and long chats with friends far away about life, love, art, work and the future.
Low points: feelings of panic, fear and dread. Some of that feeling has calmed, but it'll be a while before it goes. And there is so much more left to do to lift it.
Meanwhile, and possibly related, the past few days have been the most productive I've been able to have since before I caught Covid. Especially in terms of working on things long overdue that will move me further in the direction I want to go.
I've been working on avenues to find new clients, including updating and adding projects to my profile on The Dots. I still have more projects to add, but it now includes some social media design and copywriting work I did in my previous job.
Unfortunately, you can only view the content of my projects when logged in. If you're a member, feel free to connect with me.
I've also been working on profiles on other sites. And I need to create a portfolio website showcasing my design, social media, book design, editorial photography, writing work, etc. Not just my photography, which is what my main website is for.
I also seem to have fallen into a new line of work. My first assignment is expected to start from 13 September for three weeks, running alongside any other projects I pick up during that time.
Some of you already know what it is (no spoilers in the comments, please!) But I'm going to keep it under wraps for everyone else until it starts.
I hope it will inspire me, lead to new photo series, and maybe even involve collaboration. I'll say no more for now.
I hope those of you in the UK are having a pleasant bank holiday weekend and that all of you are staying safe and well x
communing with nature
[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 8 August 2021].
A new image from my stained glass series for you this Sunday night.
Wednesday to Friday of this week was full of cleaning and life admin. On Thursday and Friday, I wanted to share work here but was too exhausted to manage it.
On the plus side: all of my flat except the kitchen and my bedroom is now clean and tidy. I'm hoping to get both of those rooms sorted early this week around everything else I need to catch up on now that I feel mostly back to normal.
Yesterday, some lovely friends visited my neck of the woods, and I was spoiled with a large, tasty lunch and lively conversation. It was good to see friends in person for the first time in almost a month.
Eating out and being maskless in a busy restaurant felt a bit daunting. But we managed to get a table on the edge of the outdoor area, which made it feel slightly less so.
The in-person conversation was complimented by another long and winding phone conversation with a friend into the wee hours afterwards.
Today was relatively short but productive. I feel like my body and mind are in recovery mode after a physically and emotionally exhausting week. So I'll be having an early night - by my standards - to try to help me face all the things I need to get through this coming week.