tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73581564787229796542024-03-13T18:45:53.141-07:00One too many wishesSofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-73718044177318147982016-05-30T08:18:00.000-07:002016-05-30T08:18:33.315-07:00379. Wishes to sing a different tune<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 250%;">Exhibit A: Myself as a semi-dandy figure, enjoying the sunshine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 250%;">____________________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 250%;">Exhibit B: Some thoughts on not being born this way</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 250%;">I
recently pulled a post-it note memory from my brain - a hazy childhood one,
wobbled in crayon. It’s a ‘sexual’ memory of myself and a friend pressing
together two naked Polly Pocket dolls (sound effects included). 10 or so years
later my current brain, on remembering this incident, thought ‘how neat’, ‘how
perfect’. ‘How easy it would be to prove my girl-loving status with this one
memory’. Once upon a time a girl rubbed naked dolls together and now she rubs
her naked girlfriend in a slightly more sophisticated manner. It’s a neat
narrative but I reject it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 250%;">Why?
1. I don’t know if a ‘Ken’ style Polly Pocket doll exists, but I never had one.
I was a resourceful child, acting out a sex scene with the dolls I owned and
the gender identity of the dolls didn’t necessarily play a part in this. 2.
Whilst I was the leader in this game, my friend was a willing participant. I
have no information that indicates that this old friend identifies as anything
other than ‘straight’. 3. There’s nothing to say that a sexual/romantic
experience at age 7 is more definitive to understanding your sexual orientation
than one at 17, 37 or 77. 4. Most importantly,
no one action has to determine your sexual orientation. In fact, even a
multitude of post-stick notes don’t have to determine your sexual orientation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 250%;">For
the sake of explanation, here are some more of my post-its: I exclusively watch
girl on girl porn. I crushed hard on a boy for the longest time in secondary
school. I regularly read girl on girl erotica. I crushed hard, in a new way, on
my now girlfriend. She is the only partner I’ve had. I crushed regularly on
male teachers as a kid. At the age of 14, when an acquaintance asked me if I
liked boys, I said something like “yes, but I might one day change my mind and
like girls”. Yet I also willingly identified as straight throughout secondary
school. Sometimes in bed I’d imagine I was Julia Roberts in the ‘Pretty Woman’
sex scenes. When I walk down the street I see people that intrigue me in
different ways (I also sometimes think how sad it is that I’ll never have sex
with all the street people. Who are they during sex?). And when I was a kid I
rubbed naked dolls together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 250%;">Sometimes,
for the sake of practicality, I order these post-it notes into neat stacks and
compute them into the labels bi/pansexual. But personally, I’d like to think of
the post-its littered amongst the messy desk of my brain. They can be lost, I
can throw some out, I can take a highlighter pen to others and throughout the
years I’ll add many more. And so, organising, ordering and defining can never
encompass this ever changing <i>sexuality</i>.
I use the word <i>sexuality</i> here as
opposed to sexual orientation because sexuality goes much further than what
gender(s) you are (‘nt) attracted to.
Though many of the post-its I’ve included above are gender specific,
they also say a lot about what things, acts, experiences, characteristics and
ways of loving that I’ve been drawn to in the past. The limitless, complex
nature of sexuality is another reason why I prefer not to simplify the
narration of my sexual orientation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 250%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 250%;">Yet
as a bi/pansexual person whose sexual orientation is often up for question,
double underlining that particular Polly Pocket post-it could have its
advantages. It would give me a neat narrative, one that rationalises and
explains why I like girls. It would enable me to safely (in the very literal
sense of the word safety) state that my orientation is innate. If my
orientation is innate it cannot be changed, which is a useful statement in a
heteronormative environment that may attempt to change it in violent, subtle
and unsubtle ways. If my orientation is innate I cannot be accused of being
unnatural (or worse, perverse). If my orientation is innate, then I didn’t willingly
choose to sin / put my life opportunities at a disadvantage / bring disgrace
upon myself or others associated with me. If my orientation is innate, I
couldn’t help it and it wasn’t mine or my parents or societies fault. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 250%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 250%;">In
the end, I don’t know if the incident with the Polly Pockets proves that my
sexual orientation is innate or not. However I do know that neither position
should make it more or less valid. I do know that I have no obligation to prove
my orientation. I also don’t need my orientation to be turned into a blame-game
because it is not inherently negative to not be heterosexual. There be no need
for fault or blame. There be no reason for me to change my orientation and
there be no reason for me to justify it either. Simultaneously, I recognise
that this is the position of a privileged few, of whom I’m lucky to be part of.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 250%;">I
also know that I’m </span><span style="line-height: 40px;">benefiting</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 250%;"> from the born this way narrative even if I don’t
tell it. I know that parts of society are only coming to accept me because it
is believed that I was born this way. I wouldn’t give up any of this acceptance
over an ideological discrepancy but I do hope this acceptance won’t continue to
hinge on the born this way theory. I also recognise that not everyone who tells
the born this way story are doing so for the reasons I have rationalised
above. My own wish to reject this
narrative is not more radical, progressive or valid though I will admit that I
get wary when I hear narratives that correlate outstepping ones gender role
with one’s sexual orientation (e.g. the idea that a boy playing with Barbie’s
revealed an early sign of his gayness). </span></span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 250%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 40px;">Coincidentally</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 250%;">, in a sexy book I recently read,
Katherine Angel talks about her writing and narratives, stating ‘</span></span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 250%;">One can turn one’s nose up (and plenty of people
do) at individual narratives. There are dangers in the language of the first
person; the dangers, for instance, of taking an individual narrative as
speaking for others, of obscuring or rendering invisible or illegitimate other
narratives. Another motivation for suspicion of the individual narrative is on
the grounds that is merely anecdotal, or too suffused with personal investment
to be admissible into the ranks of knowledge.’ </i><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home%20User/Documents/writing/Not%20Born%20This%20Way%20(S.Scholten).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 250%;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 250%;"> </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 250%;">She pretty much sums it all up well - all personal narratives have
personal credibility, yet none must speak for all.</span></span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 250%;"> </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 250%;">What I mean to say is, if the born this way narrative can be the
subject of a number one single then it must have some mainstream precedence.
But if you don’t really feel like dancing to ‘Born this Way’, then know that
I’ll be standing on the edges with my post-stick notes, writing about why ‘Born
this way’ is not my queer anthem.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 250%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Home%20User/Documents/writing/Not%20Born%20This%20Way%20(S.Scholten).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: start;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;">[1]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"> Katherine Angel, ‘Getting Beneath: Sex and the individual’, in</span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"> The Institute of Sexology</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">, ed. by Sarah Auld (London: Welcome Collection, 2014) pp.20-25 (p. 25).</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ahB_CYVa8wosp2fRFWIp2AUeGiptd0Zp_pRb56DjVTVgcj6YJgIlSHfvpe0zwbM3ZRt1XmmOWGC-0Xhh6Jqzw1o1W9DLmLsUoaTGLRn6KLLGU4hRrBy1K8o6vEMQGox437q5hAg6doc/s1600/20160529_143124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ahB_CYVa8wosp2fRFWIp2AUeGiptd0Zp_pRb56DjVTVgcj6YJgIlSHfvpe0zwbM3ZRt1XmmOWGC-0Xhh6Jqzw1o1W9DLmLsUoaTGLRn6KLLGU4hRrBy1K8o6vEMQGox437q5hAg6doc/s400/20160529_143124.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFWZFzJw8HQn9DjjGAd5Lq5mtaaUmoyrRcfsf1zF9q9LImgNckcxW2pQZph7XZpY-gblale94pmkB0JR78cG0Xt9g4R98HJ1Ai9cRW0sQwsJjks2nkhDYyMWkkPTyOg2Kkw50n4hs1Mc/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFWZFzJw8HQn9DjjGAd5Lq5mtaaUmoyrRcfsf1zF9q9LImgNckcxW2pQZph7XZpY-gblale94pmkB0JR78cG0Xt9g4R98HJ1Ai9cRW0sQwsJjks2nkhDYyMWkkPTyOg2Kkw50n4hs1Mc/s400/DSC_0033.JPG" width="265" /></a><br />
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Exhibit C: A breather and some blossom. The blossom from my bedroom window is such a lovely sight.</div>
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Exhibit D: Some reflections</div>
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1. I wrote the piece above something like a year ago. Close to a year ago, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh7WRYXVh9M" target="_blank">Ingrid Nilsen made her youtube coming out video.</a> By casual chance, I decided to watch it recently and I was struck by the way in which she talks about repressing her sexuality. What this all means, I don't know. But on an emotional level at least, I was struck. Listening to someone talking about the weight of being born gay is a reminder to me to respect that position and to never be blase about that narrative, even if it may differ from my own.<br />
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2. I would probably situate all of this within a number of other contexts now. I would think about 'political lesbianism' a little, about choosing a sexuality/position as part of your politics? I would think about how for some this maybe 'desexualizes' one's sexuality. I would think about Foucault (oh god, I'm sorry I went there....I'm really a theory baby!) and 'The History of Sexuality' and the idea that sexuality is not some autonomous drive, but constructed and contingent on history. I'm less interested in why one might identify as something, and more interested in what certain identities may provide (for individuals and societies alike). I'm not sure where this will lead me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz48vwkFWuQW9PvPN6J6CHUUCSBOKDZkwZ7F6eWnSiCTrC5kv76nWANdtFWsNYrQugNIfGNKLUoW7aOXcuT9KWcAI37a883EMK_PpJke8-pgtrHZx_NAhvZF2fTkWh38KCduMyv74txY/s1600/the+queer+community.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz48vwkFWuQW9PvPN6J6CHUUCSBOKDZkwZ7F6eWnSiCTrC5kv76nWANdtFWsNYrQugNIfGNKLUoW7aOXcuT9KWcAI37a883EMK_PpJke8-pgtrHZx_NAhvZF2fTkWh38KCduMyv74txY/s640/the+queer+community.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Exhibit D: A final tumblr note of wisdom.</div>
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Sofie</div>
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Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-32792184706096667952016-03-22T14:29:00.001-07:002016-03-23T06:24:43.026-07:00378.Wishes to muse on<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xHfsHK6_KwSkMckXZ5LuV_juWgEf18FMi4LStTQ80_66R6BK9GfPG1o8hFo2xsfD1GRqwBdbOC31GVx-ZIASHvkon20XBNvjN1EIZS2xh0fi4Pg8kpGfH5jGJaLgIzZkX5VAsu19q0s/s1600/tumblr_nn4ljk09Tr1rv8bvco1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xHfsHK6_KwSkMckXZ5LuV_juWgEf18FMi4LStTQ80_66R6BK9GfPG1o8hFo2xsfD1GRqwBdbOC31GVx-ZIASHvkon20XBNvjN1EIZS2xh0fi4Pg8kpGfH5jGJaLgIzZkX5VAsu19q0s/s320/tumblr_nn4ljk09Tr1rv8bvco1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://vine.co/v/irqnnxh5z6V/embed/simple" width="300"></iframe><script src="https://platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script></div>
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<i>Exhibit A & B: Some moments of calm, before the writing begins.</i></div>
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I have recently been organising a 'theory' group within my university department. It's 50% a weekly meeting to discuss/debate selected theoretical writings, 50% a way to build a sense of community within my department, a chance for staff and students to have a drink and a chat (You ever noticed that university can be a pretty lonely place for some?). I enjoy theory group with an uneasy sense of elitism. Someone said to me 'astrophysicists are not expected to make their ideas accessible' (true true, the joke of rocket science). I'm not so sure. I never am. I have found that reading theoretical writings (and generally studying for a degree) has slowly got easier for me, and this is thrilling and frightening. I think I have become inbred in an academic language. Is that okay? Is it just like learning German? </div>
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Accessibility doesn't ever stop at language though, there are far far more issues here. Time=Money, and reading just 10 pages of an excerpt from Satre's <i>Being and Nothing</i> (I know I know, probably a bad choice) can take a few hours, that won't earn themselves back. As a low income background, thus high income government grant student, the time=money equation never bites me. And this is an immense privilege. I do a lot of thinking about this. I do a lot of thinking about groups and organising and compiling reading lists and why why why and who we choose to read. I really liked Sara Ahmed's post about citational politics, and how she came to the decision to not cite any men in her new book.<a href="http://feministkilljoys.com/2015/12/30/feminist-shelters/" target="_blank">(here)</a> She described citations like bricks, and her book like a house. I wonder which bricks do I want to build my mind on?<br />
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<i>Exhibit C: Hannah Arendt speaking in an interview</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTUQRm_8XK2z2SgdNay_cvntJzJ1F-5QFK6D2aqgZ9QlPSaqR6f8pZ1SX2i-5mF-cXitorawdxBjJKVtEBjjtxmpSbr9ysR4mkggXrMlpRzBnkYVfps0R5uXPkRZO7HIieQcMhyphenhyphen72LVY/s1600/tumblr_nnxjst6yov1sotwjpo6_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTUQRm_8XK2z2SgdNay_cvntJzJ1F-5QFK6D2aqgZ9QlPSaqR6f8pZ1SX2i-5mF-cXitorawdxBjJKVtEBjjtxmpSbr9ysR4mkggXrMlpRzBnkYVfps0R5uXPkRZO7HIieQcMhyphenhyphen72LVY/s320/tumblr_nnxjst6yov1sotwjpo6_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>in 1964. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsoImQfVsO4" target="_blank">(here)</a></i><br />
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I think about this all in reference to writing. I thought for a while that I wanted to write professionally. Yet I still can't get past the idea that writing=defining. I still can't get past being told to write with a 'confident tone' (I am not unconfident, I yell. I am perfectly confident that nothing is fixed enough to write confidently about) I still can't get passed my endless drive's for nuance. I still can't get past the idea that writing=claiming a kind of authority. Do I have</div>
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such authority? Do I really need to speak? (She says in a written blog post) If I don't write, what do I create? I very rarely paint or draw anymore. I know creating doesn't have to be 'artsy' and creating doesn't have to mean creating a material product. But for a long time in my life it has meant those things, and for a long time I thought this was an essential part of me. I appear to be empty these days, emptied out of all my my-ness. Creating in this way was part of me, but I am not interested so much in me these days. I no longer write diary entries. I do not know how much I want to</div>
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project myself anymore. </div>
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I still love clothing. For a while I wanted to complicate clothing. To know it's histories, process, and politics. Less so these days. I know what I choose to wear and not to wear is always a political, tied up act. I can never separate it from that fact. But it's just as much pretty things and colors and shapes and textures. This is one of the only places were I seem to exhibit that kind of "artsy creativity". The other is in spaces. I have a (dreadful "bourgeoisie") penchant for interiors. It effects my mood incredibly/terribly to sit in a customised, coloured space and the process of curating a space is almost as exciting to me as curating my outfits. <i>Exhibit D: Myself in one of many favourite outfits, in my living room.</i><br />
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I wonder if the internet is dead to me. If I don't want to project, is the internet dead? I can look at other peoples projections still, and I do. Yet I'm finding these projections are getting smaller and smaller. I'm filtering out so much. There's so little online that interests me, and this is sad. I am trying to fix this at the moment, trying to curate my online world in a way that is useful and exciting and stimulating and sometimes just happy. I am struck by the same questions though. What do I look at and why why why? Is it dangerous to be able to curate my own world in this way? Or is this a powerful tool? Who say's my online world is any less truthful, less real, than the 'real world'? <i>Exhibit E: A few of the things that are making up my world right now:</i></div>
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Blogs: Books:</div>
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-<a href="http://clothescamerasandcoffee.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rosalind at</a><i><a href="http://clothescamerasandcoffee.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Clothes, Cameras & Coffee</a> </i> -Lisa Eldrige <i>Face Paint </i></div>
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-<a href="http://bethanyroselamont.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bethany at </a><i><a href="http://bethanyroselamont.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Milk Teeth</a> </i> -Jamaica Kincaid<i> A Small Place -</i><a href="http://www.kidisalright.com/" target="_blank">Aida at </a><i><a href="http://www.kidisalright.com/" target="_blank">This Kid Is Alright </a> </i> -Toni Morrison <i>Beloved</i></div>
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-<a href="http://feministkilljoys.com/" target="_blank">Sara at </a><i><a href="http://feministkilljoys.com/" target="_blank">FeministKillJoys </a> </i> -Nella Larsen <i>Passing </i></div>
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-<a href="http://girlfury.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rose at</a><i><a href="http://girlfury.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Girl Fury </a> </i> -Earl Lovelace <i>The Dragon Can't Dance</i></div>
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-<a href="http://perma.pupae.net/" target="_blank">Eline at p</a><i><a href="http://perma.pupae.net/" target="_blank">erma pupa </a> </i> -Sam Selvon <i>Ways of Sunlight</i></div>
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-<a href="http://naturally-dapper.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Meagan at </a><i><a href="http://naturally-dapper.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Naturally Dapper. </a> -</i>Art Spiegelman<i> The Complete Maus </i></div>
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-<a href="http://www.lallymacbeth.com/" target="_blank">Lally at </a><i><a href="http://www.lallymacbeth.com/" target="_blank">Lady Macbeth </a> -</i>Jean Rhys<i> Wide Sargasso Sea</i></div>
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-<a href="http://velveteenstyle.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kani at </a><i><a href="http://velveteenstyle.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Velvet Girl </a> -</i>Shereen El-Feki (and others)<i> The institute of sexology</i><br />
<i>-</i><a href="http://curiousfancy.com/" target="_blank">Ragini at</a><i><a href="http://curiousfancy.com/" target="_blank"> A Curious Fancy </a> </i><i>-</i>Allen Ginsberg<i> Howl and Other Poems</i></div>
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Wishes, Sofie<br />
<br />Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-52689719606762323192015-11-05T13:05:00.000-08:002015-11-05T13:07:14.806-08:00377. Wishes to write about outfit photographs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td><br /></td><td style="text-align: justify;">I’ve been doing a lot more writing recently, for places
other than this blog. Yet I am still the person who spontaneously pulls out
half their wardrobe in an attempt to create a new outfit. Inspired by an image,
a new item (bought or stolen from other wardrobes), a newly sewn / customised /
repaired item, I will place items on my bed, try combinations on, and get
experimental with hair and make-up. Afterwards, I will take it all off, place
the outfit in my mental closet of possible outfits and get into bed. Often I’ll
wear the outfit the next day and sometimes I’ll photograph it as well. <br />
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Yet, I am still trying to reconcile this love of outfit
creation with the act of taking outfit photos. Do I really want or need to
share this aspect of my life with you, and is this even the best medium for
this? I will probably write about this soon. In the meantime, whilst I remain
unsure, you can enjoy these photos of the most beautiful skirt ever.</div>
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Wishes for November, Sofie.</div>
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Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-46969502665123840632015-06-18T05:54:00.001-07:002015-06-18T05:54:27.190-07:00376.Wishes to write more<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Photos I've taken over the past university year</div>
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Katia (of the blog Katia Pellicotta) recently left me this comment in reference to a line at the end of a blog post:</div>
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<i>“omg that "pushing through with resolutions" was so good to read I'm trying so hard to keep some even though everyone seems to have forgotten about doing so by this point so ! thanks”</i></div>
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I was pleased my words resonated with her and her words -like many of the comments I get on this blog- resonated with me. It resonated in particular because me and resolutions have got a bit of a dirty reputation. On the 31st December my mind states “Don’t chew your nails Sofie”. The 1st January arrives, my nails are aggressively chewed, bacteria is spread and a filthy taste is left in my mouth. </div>
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However, this year I made a number of different nail-nul resolutions, such as: read one book a month (one of my own choice, rather than one of the billion I read for my degree!), write two things a month, submit one thing a month to a publication, and other such creative pursuits. I placed these resolutions in a table, as a way to record my progress. As I write this I realise I should seriously buy myself some gold star stickers to make this whole process more fun. It is fun. It is hard. Really, really hard. Honestly my resolution-completion levels are at about 10 percent. Last month I read two books, wrote one thing, submitted to nothing, and touched none of the three other projects I had planned. </div>
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Now let us note that I’m a student in a position of (albeit temporary) financial stability, health and privilege. And still it’s hard. But let’s also note that my notions of productivity are quite possibly a symptom of capitalism. Let’s note that failure is not failure but success. That consistent failure teaches. Let’s also note this pretty cool image. I’m sending it on postcards to my partners in crime but I send it to you too.</div>
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<a href="http://margot-terc.tumblr.com/post/93172218481/from-get-yours-zine" target="_blank">Image by Margot Terc from "get yours" zine (you should really go check out her work)</a></div>
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I keep these notes post-sticked in my brain, making sense and nonsense of my struggles. And I keep trying. </div>
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I’m also pretty interested in habit formation these days. This has partially been spurred by some amazing resources I’ve encountered recently, including; <a href="http://www.rookiemag.com/2015/04/structuring-life-with-depression/" target="_blank">this amazing piece</a> by Ragini about meeting goals particularly if you suffer with depression, <a href="http://burymewithmyplanner.tumblr.com/post/114846427606/form-your-habits-free-printable-you-can-download" target="_blank">these sheets</a> for tracking the progress of your habits and <a href="http://burymewithmyplanner.tumblr.com/post/115373485741/other-habit-forming-tips" target="_blank">these extra tips</a> by Martina. I’m becoming more invested in habit formation as a process towards meeting my resolution goals. And I’m also more interested in good habit formation rather than bad habit removal. My nails are still bitten but as I finish this draft I can write I’ve started a daily writing habit. And, I hope if you want to, and can, that you’ll keep pushing through.</div>
<br />Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-21782987052580812902015-04-25T12:19:00.002-07:002015-04-25T12:19:46.515-07:00375.Wishes you'll watch LGBT+ube<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S5uul98UVbI" width="640"></iframe><br />
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Last year when staring and scrolling and refreshing Youtube, I did something different…I clicked on a recommended video. Radical right? And then I did a silly thing and binge watched almost the full channel. The next night I mentioned the channel titled <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo8OoseslReeef2JBdJdu7Q" target="_blank">‘Roseellendix’</a> to my girlfriend on the phone and it turned out she’d also watched all their videos. We began to fangirl. </div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo8OoseslReeef2JBdJdu7Q" target="_blank">Roseellendix </a>is a Youtube channel created by Rose Dix, featuring videos of herself and her girlfriend (now wife!) Rosie Spaughton. In an alternative universe, I don’t think we would have been friends in high school. Nor do I think I’m gaining any grand intellectual insights watching them. So why does the ‘fangirling’ continue? (Like omg, they do these really cute video chats with their viewers every Tuesday, and have cute wedding photos on their Instagram and their cat Flynn went missing recently but survived. Phew!)</div>
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Is it the girl-love aspect? Not entirely. After discovering Rosie and Rose, I’ve tried to watch similar videos by other girl couples but they’ve always felt cold. So is it Rosie and Rose’s personalities? Yes- to an extent. As a duo the girls are funny, entertaining, at times thoughtful and altogether warming to watch. But would I obsessively watch the life of a heterosexual couple on Youtube? Unlikely. I wouldn’t need to. I grew up on heterosexual love/sex/relationships. I watched all the rom-coms, the when Harry met Sally’s or the Pretty Woman’s or the Pride & Prejudice’s or the Sense & Sensibility ‘s or… and on. I was taught in school that sex was purely a P in V only affair (which not only excludes parts of the LGBTQA+ community, but highlights a wider problem with our rigid perceptions of sex). As a day tripper of the school library I thought I read widely, but looking back I can’t remember encountering a single LGBTQA+ character. </div>
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For me then, watching Rosie and Rose is about the invisible being made visible in a way that I never encountered in the media I consumed previously. But it’s more than that, because vlogging is its own medium. Even if mainstream TV, film, books ect do diversify in representation (and lets not pretend this is purely an issue of LGBTQA+ representation), they won’t have the sense of ‘realness’ that comes with vlogging. Watching Rosie and Rose I get the same ‘we’re real, we exist!’ rush that I get when I see two girls holding hands in the street. This holds particular importance when girls holding hands irl is a rare sight. The ‘realness’ of these videos also works to shut down my internalised societal voice when she asks ‘how do you know you’re bisexual’ as if I’m obliged to prove my desires to myself. And whilst there may be something to be relished in the abnormal status of queer, these videos are a reminder that queer can also just mean you and your girlfriend snuggling on a sofa, having a chat.</div>
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Vlogging is also special because it’s personal. It’s personal in that vloggers are a little more touchable and contactable than the actors, writers and muscians we look up to. It’s personal in a way that allows LGBTQA+ people to control their representation, without an ‘outside’ party negotiating an individual’s identity. It’s personal in a way that allows individuals to purely be individuals rather than spokespersons for whole groups, thus showcasing a multitude of experiences. I may relate to Rosie and Rose, and you may not. That’s also fine. But for me vlogging as it stands now will still feel more real, more personal than creative fictions. It doesn’t merely fill the representation gap, but offers a different way to connect that can particularly resonate with some LGBTQA+ people. Though representation is by far not the only issue LGBTQA+ people face, I still view vlogging as just a little radical, right? So in the quest for personal multitudes, here’s just a few other LGBTQA+ vloggers/channels that I enjoy watching…</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JakeFTMagic" target="_blank">Jake Edwards</a></div>
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Jake eloquently speaks about the very issue of trans visibility on youtube in this video, and makes some great points about how representation can impact lives. Jake makes a variety of videos, such as life vlogs, videos showcasing his original poetry and music, and advice videos. ( Plus he’s already released two albums, which is pretty impressive)</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealJazzBertie" target="_blank">The Real Alex Bertie</a></div>
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Alex has a huge backlog of great videos about sexuality and trans issues. You get a real sense he puts a lot of effort into what he’s doing and really does want to educate people. Two recent developments on his channel are TGT (Trans guy talks) where he and Jake talk more informally about a broader range of issues, and TQTAB (The Quest to Alex’s Beard) which is a new series discussing the various stages of his medical transition. (ps if you’re annoying like me and like watching cute love, see his and Jake;s relationship)</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TransDIYer" target="_blank">Kat Blaque</a></div>
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Kat Blaque makes a myriad of videos, a number of which are these great critical ones, which often focus on feminism, race, trans issues, and life as an illustrator. Her illustrated videos are pretty beautiful, and two of them can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQqGCfa-oEo" target="_blank">here</a> and<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRiWgx4sHGg" target="_blank"> here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/everyoneisgaydotcom" target="_blank">Everyone is gay</a></div>
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Everyone is gay don’t believe everyone is gay, but they do make a great lip-syncing advice-giving duo. It’s particularly nice to hear so many lesbian and bisexual women phoning in with their love/life que(e)ries, as often when we talk about gayness it is centred on gay men. </div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCImXOnPYnCgdMiGw0UE16jw" target="_blank">First Person </a></div>
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Kristen of everyone is gay now also works on First Person, a new channel that focuses on the personal stories of LGBTQA+ people. It’s a nicely polished show, and even though it has only just started I’ve enjoyed all their episodes so far.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuqPtkmeFr7I9RTr7Q72WIg" target="_blank">Dark Matter</a></div>
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Dark Matter are <a href="http://returnthegayze.com/" target="_blank">Alok Vaid-Menon</a> and <a href="http://queerdarkenergy.com/" target="_blank">Janani Balasubramanian</a>, a poetic duo who probably would stir up some of the things I’ve written here. They’re beyond and their words are challenging and important. <a href="http://returnthegayze.com/2015/03/31/when-representation-isnt-enough-why-all-of-us-arent-proud/" target="_blank">This great piece</a> by Alok gives another angle on representation and how representation is not enough. I’m still learning/questioning/moving and their work is an endless teaching to me. It might be for you to. </div>
Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-68068047941139713812015-02-02T13:15:00.000-08:002015-02-02T13:15:21.352-08:00374. Wishes you a good February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Among clothes and books in the new uni bedroom</div>
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Hello January (Goodbye.) Hello Readers. This time round I hope to briefly engage you in some happy narcissism. It feels as if I haven't really wrote about my life in a while and so lets call this a worthy update on the past year. In the first half of the year I studied art whilst I revised for a resit of an English exam. I knew I wanted to study English literature at university at this point but I still relished in the art making and the creative surroundings of college. And sure, there was a lot of painting, thinking, sketch-booking, growing, artsy people but there was also all the seemingly unromantic stuff- chatting awkwardly with new people, sharing biscuits, sitting in an ugly canteen, being alone at lunchtimes and procrastinating. These mixed but fulfilling months culminated in a surreal examination and final exhibition in which I showed these three pieces of work...<br />
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A pencil and thread 'geographical map' of my relationships with loved ones</div>
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Two paintings alongside prints commenting on childhood exploration of sexuality (irl this is at least 3 meters in length!)</div>
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Acrylic painting on board about the comfort and terror of habits</div>
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This resulted in adults smugly laughing, art tutors questioning and praising, peers complementing, my mother (who I rarely show my work to) throwing wild friendly critique and a friend handing me a letter with his interpretations of the work. I was lucky enough to feel the exciting tactile reality of using art to provoke conversation.Talking about conversation ('scuse the pun), summer also had me finally letting close ones know I was dating my best friend and that whatever I am, it's not 'straight'.<br />
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With some snazzy grades under my belt, I moved out to study at Newcastle University and am now tenderly taking on semester two. Among many things, semester one had me tentatively writing poetry and finding a new creative venture to nurture. A new way to say unsaid things. Here's just two poems I wrote...<br />
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If you are at all interested in the things I've done/ am doing 'creative wise', then you can look at <a href="http://sofiescholtenart.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">sofie scholten art</a>. My less narcissistic pursuit (though isn't everything imbued with narcissism and is this a bad thing?) is <a href="http://youaretoocoolforschool.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">you are too cool for school </a>were I like to post links to interesting things I'm reading, seeing and watching. It's an online bookshelf for myself, but hopefully also a useful resource for others. The content is generally about gender, sexuality, fashion, art, artist advice, writing, life advice, literature and erm, like everything else...! Let's have a conversation about it! And so I end this bout of narcissism, and wish you a good February, especially if you're pushing through with resolutions.<br />
Love SofieSofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-37962958931424416342014-12-18T11:47:00.000-08:002014-12-18T11:47:03.893-08:00373. Wishes to be challenged<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
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<span style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 150%;">'Nothing is unique. Nothing is new. Not even this. So why do we
bother?'</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I inked those words 4 years ago in a diary, but they'll often drip
into my every day in some quiet way. Those words encapsulate a problem that probably everyone considers. Often I've lazed deadbeat
on my bedroom carpet silently shouting - What is the point? - What is
the point? - What is the point? Why do or say anything if its all
been done and said better before?</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A soothing argument for those moments on the carpet is the importance
of repetition. What we have to say may not be new, however our
audience - whether that be a friend or a host of readers - may not have
considered it before. What we have to say may not be unique however
our voices are and thus our method of expression may connect to
certain individuals. And finally the more an idea is repeated, the
more likely it will gain acceptance. One voice in a crowd is obscure,
but many voices become the crowd.</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This argument has helped me on many occasions, reminding me that,
whilst what I have to say may not be new, there's still a validity in
saying it. The argument has had its uses, but there's always a
flip side. Does repetition of ideas help us see clearer or does it
blind us? Do you ever feel (particularly when browsing the internet) as if you're only seeing one version of an argument, just tweaked in
slightly different voices? Do you feel comforted in seeing your own
views repeatedly represented or do you, like me, feel a little
uncomfortable?
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Do you ever wonder what demographics you're missing out on, such as
those who don't use tumblr? (tumblr is interesting itself as a space
often used for repetitive reblogging). I'm reminded here of a
conversation at the family dinner table. My brother, a 25 year old
wizzkid who earns a living as a web developer didn't know what LGBT
stood for until I recently informed him. How is it that a young
person who spends each day avidly using the internet has not come
into contact with the term LGBT? To me, the tumblr user and reader of
the likes of rookie this came as a surprise. What circles do we keep
to and what are we all missing out on? My brother, sure seems to be
missing out on the voices of those I'm so accustomed to hearing (then
again maybe this comes back to the white straight male missing out on
the voices of those marginalized in society?). But likewise, I'm
missing out on the voices my brother reads- whether I'd agree with
those voices doesn't matter. I'm also missing out on lots more- other
marginalized groups, people who don't speak English, people of an
older generation, and people who don't have access to the
internet.</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So what can be done? Here's my suggestions for carpet and tumblr
moments. Question my suggestions. Question everything, especially if
you keep hearing it. Consume a variation of media, both online and
offline. Discuss with your brother at the dinner table if you can.
Discuss with the people you wouldn't usually discuss with- your real-life friends and enemies are great resources. These discussions
can be more radical than the reblog. About to make something?
Consider how your meditations on a topic can go further. If you feel
like you have nothing to add to a discussion, that's also cool too.
Repetition ain't inherently a bad thing. Keep going with the writing and the
making, but always keep considering the writing and the making. And
don't resolve the discussion you had with yourself.</div>
</div>
Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-69068741212514898842014-11-30T06:59:00.000-08:002014-11-30T06:59:56.324-08:00372.Wishes to see this happen<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/h5Zd8wsWdPY" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
The world is a pretty difficult place to live in and <a href="http://stylelikeu.com/" target="_blank">stylelikeu</a> are not going to
'fix' that. I am not donating to or promoting stylelikeu because I
believe they can 'fix' things or even because I fully accept their
ideas of authenticity and “whats underneath”. This post is more a
quiet thank you. A thank you for entertaining me and enriching my life over
the past through years. A thank you for teaching me a little more
about the world and how others view their existence within it. A
thanks for showing me people I can identify with and whose footsteps
I wouldn't mind stalking. A thanks for showing me creative people who
are killing it and who have given me hope to kill it as a creative
person. Basically, a thanks for providing me with some models of
existence and a wealth of inspiration.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you haven't heard of
stylelikeu, then <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_jxFaykzU8CSjCdSJamAv6Yh_S48prrm" target="_blank">the what's underneath project</a> is a good place to
start, before finding yourself addicted to their closet videos. If
you like what you see, then maybe you'll want to either promote or
donate to their <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192510836/i-am-whats-underneath-true-style-is-self-acceptanc" target="_blank">kickstarter</a> as I have. And maybe we wont be 'fixing'
the world, but doing something tiny to say thanks. Amongst my ongoing
sense of uselessness, I can only try to find ways I can be useful. A
bit of money and time given to a project I like are only starting
points, but starting points are always better then never seeing the
line painted on the ground.<br />
Hope you are all doing well.<br />
Sofie</div>
Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-61314903335153074072014-10-18T11:57:00.000-07:002014-10-19T02:26:41.999-07:00371.Wishes for a new set of fairy lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
A reader once requested me to do a bedroom tour, a request I intended to honour before I packed up and left for a new uni bedroom. Unfortunately, my videoing equipment was kinda defunct when it came to filling those boxes and so, in an aim to honour the request I decided to take some photos documenting myself in my room the week before I left it behind. I'm slightly sad I never got to tell you why I nicknamed the ceiling Voldemort or how my bedroom wall collages evolved or how the mirror was my grandmas or about my handmade magical bookshelf. And I'm slightly sad that I currently have no fairy lights to read under.<br />
<br />Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-36156102283142154402014-10-01T11:28:00.000-07:002014-10-19T02:26:25.078-07:00370.Wishes to get my hands on needle and thread<div style="text-align: left;">
So after writing a little embroidery 'how to' guide on this blog, I thought I'd give you guys some added embroidery inspiration by showcasing some of my fave embroidery artworks/artists. I discovered most of these artists whilst doing an school art project, but they're by no means an exclusive list, especially as embroidery has becomes ever more popular.
<a href="http://static.squarespace.com/static/511988a4e4b0343281b8cbad/511988a5e4b0343281b8cbb4/5119c741e4b0d00cab67e0d4/1361401458912/JENNYHART_ThisWorkNeverEnds.jpg?format=1000w" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://static.squarespace.com/static/511988a4e4b0343281b8cbad/511988a5e4b0343281b8cbb4/5119c741e4b0d00cab67e0d4/1361401458912/JENNYHART_ThisWorkNeverEnds.jpg?format=1000w" height="640" width="605" /></a>
<a href="http://static.squarespace.com/static/511988a4e4b0343281b8cbad/511988a5e4b0343281b8cbb4/5119c736e4b0dcc6d89849ac/1361401315212/JENNYHART_GirlWithJapaneseClouds.jpg?format=1000w" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://static.squarespace.com/static/511988a4e4b0343281b8cbad/511988a5e4b0343281b8cbb4/5119c736e4b0dcc6d89849ac/1361401315212/JENNYHART_GirlWithJapaneseClouds.jpg?format=1000w" height="320" width="292" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.jennyhart.net/" target="_blank"> Jenny Hart</a><br />
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Harts work is nearly always very detailed, and inspirational from a stitching point of view. Yet there is also something very charming about her odes to iconic figures like Piaf, alongside embroidered pencil sketches of students.<br />
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<a href="http://www.franko-b.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.franko-b.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1.jpg" height="285" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.franko-b.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.franko-b.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/20.jpg" height="285" width="290" /></a> <a href="http://www.franko-b.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.franko-b.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/8.jpg" height="285" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.franko-b.com/" target="_blank">Franko B</a></div>
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Franko B's series 'I still love you' is incredibly different to Jenny Hart's work, most obvious in the bareness of line. Yet this bareness is incredibly effective, giving a poignant air to his imagery. Sure Franko could have drew these images conventionally, but the connotations of embroidery- of romance and delicacy alongside the actual violence of needle puncturing fabric- are so befitting of the images. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://cdn2.brooklynmuseum.org/images/opencollection/exhibitions/size3/PSC_E1980i008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2.brooklynmuseum.org/images/opencollection/exhibitions/size3/PSC_E1980i008.jpg" height="411" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.judychicago.com/" target="_blank">Judy Chicago</a></div>
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<i>The Dinner Party </i>by Judy Chicago is a triangular table made of up 39 place settings each with an embroidered runner and accompanying crockery. Each place celebrates a 'significant' female in Western history. The scale of this piece is immense and understanding it as a project that took 5 years from conception to production always impresses me. It's hard to find good images of each runner but if you can get the chance to look in a book (or in person!) it's well worth it to see the high level of technical ability and the glorious imagery of the runners.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYOZYNaoNacy5UFqsZ_OPNe3VIW3CZ2txbabjo8lV-pOKbmEifTeFhU-itaH-t6ORSdNcJJlj3Xl4Z-8GganEz7oXYPjnqfbtxNOw9pTvGNdfLfywg6lfJouQVC8aZ9DD_pibcb8DeB9I/s1600/005copia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYOZYNaoNacy5UFqsZ_OPNe3VIW3CZ2txbabjo8lV-pOKbmEifTeFhU-itaH-t6ORSdNcJJlj3Xl4Z-8GganEz7oXYPjnqfbtxNOw9pTvGNdfLfywg6lfJouQVC8aZ9DD_pibcb8DeB9I/s1600/005copia.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://anateresabarboza.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ana Teresa Barboza</a></div>
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I can never find much on Barboza, except her seemingly defunct blog which archives a variety of her works. It's a great place to go back to and be inspired by a good variety of textile works that combine the pretty with the brutal. </div>
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<a href="http://www.ghadaamer.com/ghada/Dreaming_files/Dreaming%20of%20Felipe-RFGA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ghadaamer.com/ghada/Dreaming_files/Dreaming%20of%20Felipe-RFGA.jpg" height="576" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ghadaamer.com/ghada/Ghada_Amer.html" target="_blank">Ghada Amer</a></div>
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Amer works in paint, sculpture, print, topiary, pencil, crayon, thread and often all at once. More striking than that is her recurring subject matter- female sexuality, pop culture, satire, and love. I find all her work really thought provoking, but I particularly like her selection of large thread pieces that when looked closely at often reveal sexual images.</div>
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Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-44782423672616819352014-08-25T11:42:00.001-07:002014-08-25T11:42:37.651-07:00369.Wishes for a little Berry<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCgyr2GvwxJSLuIzqdO2fjJoSk6eM6VtF_ASMRCq6oejwqCuOpIpEz7E5pYJyI7dmOOrhqSYfHLcRP466r3mG5NXAmGDDFWzz5CKVhP0BK3h5c5QwFO6GPgZffs2Tqv997bZnDDzprpo/s1600/IMG_9893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCgyr2GvwxJSLuIzqdO2fjJoSk6eM6VtF_ASMRCq6oejwqCuOpIpEz7E5pYJyI7dmOOrhqSYfHLcRP466r3mG5NXAmGDDFWzz5CKVhP0BK3h5c5QwFO6GPgZffs2Tqv997bZnDDzprpo/s1600/IMG_9893.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIP8PhYcIYcrSdA9Epkzo69_fA0otzLc8zw54OyTJBrAbfH-GJ0M9gPHmrhpLtPZwUqTBMiHoTu1Vjt1M-v1rql2o5VOr298eEHB7Mh5Vg5gK1s9Yk26ZDN56Lv83QGBY96AhqSTrzU8/s1600/IMG_9920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIP8PhYcIYcrSdA9Epkzo69_fA0otzLc8zw54OyTJBrAbfH-GJ0M9gPHmrhpLtPZwUqTBMiHoTu1Vjt1M-v1rql2o5VOr298eEHB7Mh5Vg5gK1s9Yk26ZDN56Lv83QGBY96AhqSTrzU8/s1600/IMG_9920.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CgFOxZbbXvxsqjh9NpZtHC_5_-s0PPZbuczYHA2HZdStlmkfXuOLKyni3w53sqeJdNM8BjYa2QQ62bqaaYTBxcLn451-Gkr0ksVqOW6BqVGz3wSSOBjKXzECqU3Ub1YLIks8qVhpqi0/s1600/IMG_9861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CgFOxZbbXvxsqjh9NpZtHC_5_-s0PPZbuczYHA2HZdStlmkfXuOLKyni3w53sqeJdNM8BjYa2QQ62bqaaYTBxcLn451-Gkr0ksVqOW6BqVGz3wSSOBjKXzECqU3Ub1YLIks8qVhpqi0/s1600/IMG_9861.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqXJfj6dLqwi591_qevF7NLH7adJkki7ivQX7x5nCCADuy8pjV5r1vJqZQkTS2pVQdCcAknym-Ghe_xMS2E4cbeHFaEiYJ-hPuTjc_vqp7vG1L8CThYv7K3gkKoOx9jlSGDIa6PSt510/s1600/IMG_9875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqXJfj6dLqwi591_qevF7NLH7adJkki7ivQX7x5nCCADuy8pjV5r1vJqZQkTS2pVQdCcAknym-Ghe_xMS2E4cbeHFaEiYJ-hPuTjc_vqp7vG1L8CThYv7K3gkKoOx9jlSGDIa6PSt510/s1600/IMG_9875.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 4</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">What comes to mind when we say fashion? A blurry word we use to describe a whole host of changing undefinable things- an industry? clothing? a style? an art piece? a movement? Or the dictionary definition of fashion as 'the popular style of dress, customs ect at a given time'. Nothing really encompass the multitudes attached to the word, but the concept of time seems important to them all. For me fashion has meant various things at various times in my life. At 9 it meant gel pen designs drawn for my imaginary fashion company S.S Styles (S.S being my initials, and alliteration my new favourite thing). At 13 it meant Vogue magazine and learning the lingo; It's GABRIELLE 'COCO' Chanel, Fashion HOUSE, ALEXANDER Mcqueen, Fashion Week, THE SATORIALIST. At 14 it meant bloggers and writing out my fashion wishes, whilst still dreaming the fashion designer dream. It also meant learning to sew seams and learning, re-learning my personal style. Now at 19 I'm surprised that I held onto the fashion designer dream for another 3 years. I'm surprised because that dream feels as if it's been defunct for a very long time. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyrU9HcX14C1Opq65fHEUSXjJ6hVizeXi8PuHEVQxjJWw510qilhCOF8u-VgZoqj9-r_ih1ukXakx8BxTxu_kCzShTmIkgkPU1WM-gRqSHJGP0Mm2u4fGNfyy69MBXcLkBGBVanLRtSM/s1600/IMG_9811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyrU9HcX14C1Opq65fHEUSXjJ6hVizeXi8PuHEVQxjJWw510qilhCOF8u-VgZoqj9-r_ih1ukXakx8BxTxu_kCzShTmIkgkPU1WM-gRqSHJGP0Mm2u4fGNfyy69MBXcLkBGBVanLRtSM/s1600/IMG_9811.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 5</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvs9cdeWtCL8mtxOakJZ_R1preOYXrBwNbPBLA1ZsVfD19kHuZkZF6Xnxao7T3MnuQ9OLyKgLOCxUgyGmPW8olseG6ZbsI3HeA8ZtWW3mElVszqJsHcxdcDBjl3xBw0UAxr5JB0I9BeM/s1600/IMG_9878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvs9cdeWtCL8mtxOakJZ_R1preOYXrBwNbPBLA1ZsVfD19kHuZkZF6Xnxao7T3MnuQ9OLyKgLOCxUgyGmPW8olseG6ZbsI3HeA8ZtWW3mElVszqJsHcxdcDBjl3xBw0UAxr5JB0I9BeM/s1600/IMG_9878.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 6</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuuZ967gaN8zzih0u4KLWymTYtxo-_uaOAto6X0PDNH6jnw8l2UjKzmkXQgFpmcZmmwq5DgoB1T3ZRW9n_OzE3931z9-IDIgDQyd6fgGD79dZLOFjNqiYJ-nTp_wdunXiMS-_aOwqVaU/s1600/IMG_9853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuuZ967gaN8zzih0u4KLWymTYtxo-_uaOAto6X0PDNH6jnw8l2UjKzmkXQgFpmcZmmwq5DgoB1T3ZRW9n_OzE3931z9-IDIgDQyd6fgGD79dZLOFjNqiYJ-nTp_wdunXiMS-_aOwqVaU/s1600/IMG_9853.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 7</td></tr>
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Often tales of dreams are struggles, the dreamer battles obstacles until they finally succeed. What about the tale of changed dreams and drifting dreamers? I haven't given up on dreams, I'm just not interested in the fashion one any more. Nor would I use the word dream, instead I'd prefer goal. Dream suggests an uncomfortable sleepiness whereas goal suggests an awakened realization to the plausibility of the dream. A wake up has stirred in me the past months, oddly inspired by the fictional character Rachel Berry. I didn't expect to be stirred by the flawed but addictive T.V programme Glee, but then again I didn't expect a lot of things. Rachel's conviction to be a Broadway star has found me saying 'what would Berry do?'. Sure the programme and her character are outlandishly flawed, but there's something quite inspirational in the idea of trying every day to work towards a variety of goals. My goals are less fashion based these days. They're more varied, focusing on doing and finding out the things I love, rather than sticking to on one dream that no longer suits.</div>
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My wishes are still written here, the lingo has just changed. Dreams are out, goals are in. Yet fashion, whatever it means is not completely defunct to me. I still sew seams, though I'd prefer to read WORN journal than look at Vogue. And in the most obvious sense, I wear different clothes each day of the week.</div>
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Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-15451721041366853592014-08-01T09:31:00.001-07:002014-08-01T09:31:52.379-07:00368.Wishes to teach embroidery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5kBAS785cbTQFrkoSDbhLsNa1C28xDPfBpfn-cQQtsnN3xQoG7u_7dvm6ZzXNPVXj6V9AwIAKzDRauQ2mdoU5hS4sUqxQXzD4BAhNNtRI1jT-xhPX2hwfmqZBy7sq8vMgnFPNMhf2Q9z/s1600/42baja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5kBAS785cbTQFrkoSDbhLsNa1C28xDPfBpfn-cQQtsnN3xQoG7u_7dvm6ZzXNPVXj6V9AwIAKzDRauQ2mdoU5hS4sUqxQXzD4BAhNNtRI1jT-xhPX2hwfmqZBy7sq8vMgnFPNMhf2Q9z/s1600/42baja.jpg" height="601" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVutjCiFx6CwwMjc2tPpvM4xyJ5xnh2qjWcHaDuiFfVETkiUpBTuhqxSJ7g21aRHoISCgDfH2vgewBeYgAoMKHlbmq7xKfeDfEeU3q62XYBnWdUDoXdQVu1KSwCn6kkfBcLBVOQIjtJyk7/s1600/Barbozabaja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVutjCiFx6CwwMjc2tPpvM4xyJ5xnh2qjWcHaDuiFfVETkiUpBTuhqxSJ7g21aRHoISCgDfH2vgewBeYgAoMKHlbmq7xKfeDfEeU3q62XYBnWdUDoXdQVu1KSwCn6kkfBcLBVOQIjtJyk7/s1600/Barbozabaja.jpg" height="502" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><b><a href="http://anateresabarboza.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ana Teresa Barboza</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Almost 2 years ago I took it upon myself to learn how to embroider for an art project. After I grappled with the basics myself, the internet became a great resource for stitch tutorials and inspirational artistic embroideries; Yet I never did find an informative piece that threaded together those simple basics I taught myself. And so, let us begin.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Embroidery is fairly simple, and whilst can be time consuming, it doesn't have to be. For example it took me 1 hour to sew the words 'You spin me right round baby' onto my dancing skirt, whereas it took closer to 10 hours to sew the skirt itself (dramatically increased by the fact that I don't have a sewing machine). Embroidery doesn't have to be about precise measurements or neatness, instead it can be more about quickly adding an element of fun decoration to something. Yet for the more ambitious it can also be used to create intricate artwork, like that of Ana Teresa Barboza. Either way, both use the same set of tools and skills.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><u>What you'll need (from left to right)</u></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Fabric- Start with a cotton or polyester, rather than a heavy fabric or a delicate sheer fabric that might tear. With experience you can begin to experiment and even try working on non-fabric surfaces (eg paper)</span><span style="line-height: 16px;"></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Scissors- Fabric scissors are extra sharp, but are totally optional for embroidery.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Needle- I just use a normal one with a large eye (the hole at the top), though you can invest in an embroidery needle.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Embroidery Thread (also known as Floss)- Other thread can be used, but investing in embroidery thread is highly recommended. It's softer, gives a much better finish, comes in a great variety of colours and most importantly can be separated, which will become clear in the next part. You can buy one colour from 25p or bundles of 50 colours for around £6 online and the stuff with last you a long time.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Embroidery Hoop- These come in various size and the quality doesn't really matter. It's probably best to start with a small or medium sized hoop (19cm) for about £1.50.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><u>Setting up</u></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Once you've got your equipment, there's only 2 basic things you need to know about- the thread and the hoop.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">The Thread- Embroidery thread is generally made up of 6 threads twined together. You're probably going to want to separate those threads otherwise your stitches will look bulky and won't lay tightly on the surface of your fabric (like the lettering I did above in a rush). So first cut yourself no more than an arms length of thread and then rub your fingers on one end: You'll easily see the separate strands. With your fingers you can separate the thread into 2 sets of three strands (you're best bet at first) or three sets of two strands. Thread you're needle with one set of strands, no need to tie a knot.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">The Hoop- Your embroidery hoop is made up of two hoops- an outer one with an adjustable screw and an inner hoop. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">1.Start with a piece of fabric with a width at least 10 cm larger than the diameter of your hoop. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">2.Fully loosen the screw on your outer hoop, then lay your fabric on top of the hoop. Then place your inner hoop on top of the fabric, inside the outer hoop, to make a sandwich. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">3.Now tighten the screw till it's almost fully screwed. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">4. Now tug at the edges of the fabric all the way round the hoop, then tighten the screw a little. Repeat this process a few times until your screw is fully tightened and the fabric is flat and taught within the hoop. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">It's easiest to embroider onto a flat piece of fabric than a finished garment, as garments are harder to get taught in the hoop. So if you're having difficulties, you can always embroider onto your separate piece of fabric and then sew this onto a garment like a patch.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><u>Embroidery Stitches (FINALLY!)</u></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">There are many different stitches that can be learned, but you can create all sorts of designs just by knowing one stitch. So here I'll introduce you to a few basic ones.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Straight Stitch- So this is basically the stitch most people know if they've ever had to sew anything before. So you probably wont even need to learn how to do it, and even if you do, you'll have figured it out in 2 secs. <a href="http://www.embroidery.rocksea.org/stitch/straight-stitch/straight-stitch/" target="_blank">Heres a tutorial. </a>You can use this to 'fill in' shapes a bit like colouring in (and like colouring in, it's easier if you draw your shapes onto the fabric in pencil first) and you'll never have to use another stitch. I've used it above for the waves, sea and eyes. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Split Stitch- This one is great for outlines or writing neat letters, like the ones on my skirt or the ones above. <a href="http://sublimestitching.com/pages/how-to-split-stitch" target="_blank">Here's a tutorial</a>. The above design was done using only a straight stitch and split stitch.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Lazy Daisy- The name says it all. Great for daisy petals but could be used for anything, tear drops, raindrops, snot drops. <a href="http://www.embroidery.rocksea.org/stitch/chain-stitch/lazy-daisy/" target="_blank">Heres a tutorial.</a></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">French Knot- This ones a little more complicated, but it's nice for the 3D effect it gives. I used it to make the centre of my daisy more interesting but it's also great to know this one for tying off the end of your thread. <a href="http://sublimestitching.com/pages/how-to-french-knot" target="_blank">Heres a tutorial.</a></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">You can find many more stitch tutorials online, but hopefully this has threaded those basics together for you. If you're still puzzled you can ask me any questions below, and if you still need some embroidery inspiration I'll probably be writing up something about that soon too.</span></div>
Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-29125418842228974102014-07-21T14:30:00.002-07:002014-07-29T10:14:51.009-07:00367. Wishes to stop envying bloggers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the week that I almost finished the laborious production of this simple skirt I saw stylikeu's profile of <i><u><a href="http://stylelikeu.com/themes-2/miami/ludovika-koch/#!FpfoY" target="_blank">Ludovika Koch</a>.</u></i> I felt slightly defeated, but more so bewildered, excited and inspired by the 15 year old's sewing talents. Unfortunately this reaction to a young talented person on my computer screen is quite unusual. The usual reaction stops at defeat, even when I'm searching for inspiration. Googling for inspiration, but sucked into questioning. Why does no one notice my tumblr? Why is my writing not read? Should I get a twitter to promote myself? Why is my voice not being heard? And most importantly, why does this even matter?<br />
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Sadly these questions are often directed at those young talented bloggers I've loved and admired for years. That love and admiration still holds strong and its why I'm still clicking onto their sites- yet the experience is tainted by a faintly obsessive envy. Interestingly this envy is directed at those specific bloggers that I see myself in. They'll probably be the my age, live in the UK, have similar interests and experiences to me. The consensus is that, if they have found 'success', then why haven't I?<br />
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The internet helps us find people we find relatable and accessible, and it lets us access them. Access their tumblrs and twitters and instagrams and blogs. Poking, scrolling and clicking for ever more information, ever more reasons why 'THEY' are more successful than 'ME', frantically searching for a scrap of information that tells me they are wealthier than me, have more opportunities than me, live in a nicer area than me ect. Sometimes I may find the answer of privilege I hoped for, but it'll only ever be an assumption based on that tiny scrap. Just like our idols before the web, our "internet idols" (I use internet in no way to disregard these peoples work, and understand the internet is not some separate sphere ) are mythic. All that access, all those words and pictures still do not give us the full picture, only a very small version of the human behind the screen. We may feel we know the blogger personally, but really we only get an edited image, not much different to the edited versions we get of people in our every day lives.<br />
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It is not necessarily negative to have idols, and in no way am I suggesting the internet is to blame for the human phenomenon of idealisation. I'm just suggesting there's definitely use in trying to remember that unlike in the everyday where we don't always get to choose who we look at, the internet lets us pick and choose our 5 favourites and forget the billions of others. There's also use in remembering that there are all kinds of 'success' and you can make your own meaning for that term. And finally, there's use in remembering that those pixels on a screen are flawed in ways you may never know, as well as wonderful in ways unshared. My skirt is not double hemmed. It frays underneath, but I don't mind because I didn't need it to be double hemmed. It's just as good as any other skirt. And someone might even look at it somewhere and be impressed with my skill.Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-28974208001263719672014-04-04T11:59:00.002-07:002014-07-29T05:34:27.319-07:00366.Wishes for that feeling<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TUEsihgq8zU" width="640"></iframe>
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Ask me who my favourite poet is and I'd say Kate Tempest. Maybe I'd wanna give you a learned, rational response based on years of reading and grading but thats not what it's about. It's about feeling, and Kate makes me feel in tenfold.<br />
SofieSofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-42098886936904966422014-03-20T12:09:00.000-07:002014-03-20T12:47:16.608-07:00365.Wishes for street food suggestionsA few unrelated notes...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSwwC-ffi7AcEPwKMIQBd1QxYbdGQTv8bw_H3E4_GWzYQcafK7rfa2l-SzBhJ3KzoupSvE4UCmPWXT_nzv1_2dIxyFHHqEHOqM35E8ISG4NffPR1F4aPOnrSQuDa67WHIeq0cmSYhjL8/s1600/IMG_2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSwwC-ffi7AcEPwKMIQBd1QxYbdGQTv8bw_H3E4_GWzYQcafK7rfa2l-SzBhJ3KzoupSvE4UCmPWXT_nzv1_2dIxyFHHqEHOqM35E8ISG4NffPR1F4aPOnrSQuDa67WHIeq0cmSYhjL8/s1600/IMG_2883.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
1.Today my eyes were kinda killer, an emerald modification of this tutorial<span style="color: blue;"> <i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.lisaeldridge.com/video/25731/classic-smokey-eye-tutorial/#.UyoEes7sngs" target="_blank">here</a></span></i></span><span style="color: red;">.</span> I find this site really useful for good make up tutorials, and <i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://powderdoom.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">powerdoom</a></span></i> has to be no 1 for makeup inspiration. Make up, amongst a mulititude of other things is on my writers mind. So I thought it'd be useful to note down some of my recent post ideas, things I'm hoping to write soon:-<br />
<ul>
<li>Embroidery pt 1: tutorials/basics</li>
<li>Embroidery pt 2: examining resurgance of embroidery/ artist inspiration</li>
<li>Diary writing changes linked to blogging mishaps/naiveity/mistakes</li>
<li>Sexuality and language</li>
<li>Love of Cabaret and drama</li>
<li>"Masculinty"/"Femininity" in clothes and feeling like a warrior</li>
<li>Handmaids Tale and red</li>
</ul>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wp43OdtAAkM" width="480"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YOdh430r9kE" width="480">
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2.These 2 songs need to serenade you all. My remedy for sadness is badly singing 'I believe in the power of love!'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIvv-tD7YoOqKjhU_pgAxFiuMue1oE5HW4ygnMn32kz848j217vDQa3DGBBAixkIPF6cUDcNmlsdLVgLhQ2j47voko34ljfnZUvsLPPRS62ZzOZU6PUOJC1M_kkfHLNgDxossCEJTgn8/s1600/IMG_2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIvv-tD7YoOqKjhU_pgAxFiuMue1oE5HW4ygnMn32kz848j217vDQa3DGBBAixkIPF6cUDcNmlsdLVgLhQ2j47voko34ljfnZUvsLPPRS62ZzOZU6PUOJC1M_kkfHLNgDxossCEJTgn8/s1600/IMG_2897.JPG" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
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3.I have a rather large collection of post, and having so many letters and cards makes me so happy. Yet I'd kinda forgotten about this little colection of cards that I got through <i><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.postcrossing.com/" target="_blank">postcrossing</a></span></i> (which I wrote about<span style="color: red;"> <i><a href="http://www.onetoomanywishes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/332wishes-to-recieve-post.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></span>), and today am reminded to get involved with the postcrossing community again.</div>
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4. I semi regularly read rookie, and think this recent article on<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"> <i><a href="http://www.rookiemag.com/2014/03/shutting-down/" target="_blank">internet burnout</a></i></span> </span>was really important and helpful.</div>
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5.The two books above are really great for any literature nerds like me.</div>
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6. I'm heading to LAAANDEN (London) next week for a univeristy open day, and was wondering if anyone knows a good place to get your hands on some street food? Please let me know in the comments below.</div>
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Sofie</div>
Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-17239728084699348952014-03-16T10:58:00.001-07:002014-03-16T14:09:20.995-07:00364.Wishes for artistic visions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJkLI1jfMOiZTOd6eVANS8Uuor5QJuhDrjjyoyVqaEsHzHS1hzXd4jyod5fCcgFeO3hs-5U2tcf1q-acW1QwvzjMWaxTNA9Qf3joCqqqQKpijpAmyxTLcl2s4e3pmf83Nd169BypQXtc/s1600/artist+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJkLI1jfMOiZTOd6eVANS8Uuor5QJuhDrjjyoyVqaEsHzHS1hzXd4jyod5fCcgFeO3hs-5U2tcf1q-acW1QwvzjMWaxTNA9Qf3joCqqqQKpijpAmyxTLcl2s4e3pmf83Nd169BypQXtc/s1600/artist+001.jpg" height="640" width="444" /></a></div>
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Above I wear the clothes of an artist (ripped jeans, large overcoat, Gustav Klimt style
blue smock) in homage to the fact that I’m currently studying at art college
and unlike many of my peers I’m not at university. If like me last year, you’re
undecided on what to do after studying you’re a-levels then the art foundation
course might be for you,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What is Art
Foundation?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">-If you’re
already studying an arty (arty here means all visual art and design practices
such as graphics/textiles/fashion ect.) A-level then you might already know
that art foundation is kinda the bees knees route onto an arty degree, and
that’s the precipice of the course. Art foundation is not a foundation degree
but a year long course (mine is specifically titled Edexcel BTEC level 3 Foundation
diploma in Art & Design) classed as further education. It is free if you
are 18 or under when enrolling and when studied within your home region.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why do it?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">-As
mentioned above, if you feel like studying an art degree (Go you!) then it’s
often suggested that you’ll have more chance of getting onto your chosen degree
with a foundation course under your belt, with some courses even requesting it.
Art foundation greatly develops your skills and gives you the chance to build
up a larger, more varied portfolio (the thing that will play a big part in the
application process). Now by no means does this mean institutions wont take you
without foundation, some do, but its worth considering- plus an extra year
making art = </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">FUN</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why I
personally did art foundation is a little different to that nice clear
explanation above. I knew I wanted to go to university, yet I battled with
deciding which subject I wanted to study (because like, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">OMG</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">, there are WAY too many exciting
things in this world and I kinda wanna know everything). I narrowed myself to Art
or English Literature and so chose to do Art Foundation to figure myself out.
If by the end I decided to do art, then woohoo, and if I decided to do English
then the year wouldn’t have been a waste. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These are 2
not uncommon routes into Art Foundation, yet infinite variations exist. Maybe
you just want to develop your artistic skills or want an arty ‘gap year’ before
studying science or getting a job.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/464fc425c19c473a7d8333be27f95243/tumblr_n230vuLLe01sgomn0o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/464fc425c19c473a7d8333be27f95243/tumblr_n230vuLLe01sgomn0o1_1280.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What you
study?</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">-I can only
speak from experience and it’s always important to research this yourself. My
foundation includes a combination of ‘skill based work’ (life
drawing/printmaking/observing), taster projects in various art disciplines (I
chose photography, ceramics, illustration and fine art) and critical and theoretical
studies. In the second half of my course I’ve been able to specialize in my
chosen area of fine art. Honestly there is unintended death running through my
words, which doesn’t really reflect how fun, interesting and exciting my year
has been up to now. I wish I could be best friends with my tutors, I have a
sassy white space to dance and work in, I get giddy over my Wednesday fill of
art history, and above all I’ve had time just to focus on producing art that I
care about.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/b834c9c2086f687f954a0202766cebcd/tumblr_mzwz9pJgdg1sgomn0o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/b834c9c2086f687f954a0202766cebcd/tumblr_mzwz9pJgdg1sgomn0o1_1280.jpg" height="380" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Can I
really fanny about with artsy fartsy stuff before studying English/ Science/ Maths?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">-That
question assumes that a year making art is just fannying about, when in fact it’s
serious stuff. You probably already know that, and instead want to prove its
worth to the skeptics around you. I was a top A-level student (whatever that
means) at a sixth form that put a lot of emphasis on top universities, and so
to say I was doing a ‘gap year’, let alone a gap year in art took a bit of
courage. I get your feels. The simple answer is yes, you can take a year or
longer ‘out’ as long as you use it wisely. I’ve been accepted to 4 top
universities to study English Literature (still waiting on my last) and I
believe applying a year later than my peers has only been to my advantage. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<![endif]-->Above I wear the clothes of an artist (ripped jeans, large overcoat, Gustav Klimt style blue smock) in homage to the fact that I’m currently studying at art college and unlike many of my peers I’m not at university. If like me last year, you’re undecided on what to do after studying you’re a-levels then the art foundation course might be for you.<br />
<br />
What is Art Foundation?<br />
-If you’re already studying an arty (arty here means all visual art and design practices such as graphics/textiles/fashion ect.) A-level then you might already know that art foundation is kinda the bees knees route onto an arty degree, and that’s the precipice of the course. Art foundation is not a foundation degree but a year long course (mine is specifically titled Edexcel BTEC level 3 Foundation diploma in Art & Design) classed as further education. It is free if you are 18 or under when enrolling and when studied within your home region.<br />
<br />
Why do it?<br />
-As mentioned above, if you feel like studying an art degree (Go you!) then it’s often suggested that you’ll have more chance of getting onto your chosen degree with a foundation course under your belt, with some courses even requesting it. Art foundation greatly develops your skills and gives you the chance to build up a larger, more varied portfolio (the thing that will play a big part in the application process). Now by no means does this mean institutions wont take you without foundation, some do, but its worth considering- plus an extra year making art = FUN!<br />
<br />
Why I personally did art foundation is a little different to that nice clear explanation above. I knew I wanted to go to university, yet I battled with deciding which subject I wanted to study (because like, OMG, there are WAY too many exciting things in this world and I kinda wanna know everything). I narrowed myself to Art or English Literature and so chose to do Art Foundation to figure myself out. If by the end I decided to do art, then woohoo, and if I decided to do English then the year wouldn’t have been a waste. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/464fc425c19c473a7d8333be27f95243/tumblr_n230vuLLe01sgomn0o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/464fc425c19c473a7d8333be27f95243/tumblr_n230vuLLe01sgomn0o1_1280.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
These are 2 not uncommon routes into Art Foundation, yet infinite variations exist. Maybe you just want to develop your artistic skills or want an arty ‘gap year’ before studying science or getting a job.<br />
<br />
What you study?<br />
-I can only speak from experience and it’s
always important to research this yourself. My foundation includes a
combination of ‘skill based work’ (life drawing/printmaking/observing),
taster<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/b834c9c2086f687f954a0202766cebcd/tumblr_mzwz9pJgdg1sgomn0o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/b834c9c2086f687f954a0202766cebcd/tumblr_mzwz9pJgdg1sgomn0o1_1280.jpg" height="380" width="400" /></a></div>
projects in various art disciplines (I chose photography,
ceramics, illustration and fine art) and critical and theoretical
studies. In the second half of my course I’ve been able to specialize in
my chosen area of fine art. Honestly there is unintended death running
through my words, which doesn’t really reflect how fun, interesting and
exciting my year has been up to now. I wish I could be best friends with
my tutors, I have a sassy white space to dance and work in, I get giddy
over my Wednesday fill of art history, and above all I’ve had time just
to focus on producing art that I care about.<br />
<br />
Can I really fanny about with artsy fartsy stuff before studying English/ Science/ Maths?<br />
-That question assumes that a year making art is just fannying about, when in fact it’s serious stuff. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
You probably already know that, and instead want to prove its worth to the skeptics around you. I was a top A-level student (whatever that means) at a sixth form that put a lot of emphasis on top universities, and so to say I was doing a ‘gap year’, let alone a gap year in art took a bit of courage. I get your feels. The simple answer is yes, you can take a year or longer ‘out’ as long as you use it wisely. I’ve been accepted to 4 top universities to study English Literature (still waiting on my last) and I believe applying a year later than my peers has only been to my advantage. <br />
If anyone at all reads this, and still has questions, then please do just ask me them in the comments. I’d be more than happy to help, plus would love to here any other experiences of art foundation.<br />
<br />Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-30119048880428305062014-03-09T14:50:00.001-07:002014-03-09T14:51:20.678-07:00363.Wishes for the full picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are very few negatives to being half Dutch, other than the <a href="http://onetoomanywishes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/448wishes-to-vote.html" target="_blank">odd quarell with the border agency </a>and the frequent mispronuciation of my name. I can deal with those and they're far outweighed by the positives. Intrestingly I describe myself as half Dutch rather than half English and it's true that my experience of Dutchness is one of halves- specifically the good half. The choice at a Dutch breakfast table, the endless coffee and Vlaai ( a cake associated with my mothers home region Limburg), the 'ke' and 'je' of the language, and the illustrations of Fiep Westerdorp. Fieps famed 'Jip and Janneke' are hard to ignore in The Netherlands, adorning everything from tea sets to plastic belts (like the one I'm wearing above).<br />
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<a href="http://www.animaatjes.nl/plaatjes/j/jip_en_janneke/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.animaatjes.nl/plaatjes/j/jip_en_janneke/26.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/j/jip-and-janneke/graphics-jip-and-janneke-844559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/j/jip-and-janneke/graphics-jip-and-janneke-844559.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">'Jip and Janneke'</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> De Kabouter- Poortvliet</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.abracadabraradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/miffy_featured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.abracadabraradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/miffy_featured.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Nijntje (also known as Miffy)- Bruna</span></div>
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Yet quizing the internet in hope to gain a wholer picture of Fieps work and life brought me little more than pictures. Quizing my mum about Fiep brought only more pictures, specifically pictures by two other Dutch illustrators- Dick Bruna and Rien Poortvliet. I haven't been able to find much information on all 3 artists and so for now can only admire these charming images. Maybe the fact that these pictures are so recognisable is a greater testament to them then any nosy biography. I still can't help wishing my understanding of them wasn't only in these colourful fractured glimpses; The same goes for understanding my Dutch heritage.<br />
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Tot ziens (see you soon)<br />
SofieSofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-91324664901131409872014-03-02T13:35:00.000-08:002014-03-06T07:15:17.808-08:00362.Wishes to keep moving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dmeLvmWX5FnyGpuoFy5Z_Bqi1G3jAZbnU-JjznS2pmJp4O_k1ttIGiL2wJyG6TDteyUs5hb-KJKj8A9AABHE0eTC3FZv3ycXVioOTdbhJI8MNoCLta-r7TpB-nMa0Tl2PmcYbG8-S2Y/s1600/IMG_1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dmeLvmWX5FnyGpuoFy5Z_Bqi1G3jAZbnU-JjznS2pmJp4O_k1ttIGiL2wJyG6TDteyUs5hb-KJKj8A9AABHE0eTC3FZv3ycXVioOTdbhJI8MNoCLta-r7TpB-nMa0Tl2PmcYbG8-S2Y/s1600/IMG_1800.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">photos that have little to do with the text below, but are just here for admiring the cuteness of this outfit </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>"</i><i>[mass noun]</i>
Desire or willingness to do something; enthusiasm: <i>keep staff up
to date and maintain interest and motivation</i><i>" </i>Oxford
Dictionary</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
I’m not happy with the dictionary
definition of motivation. Its got too much to do with mindset and not
enough to do with moving. Sitting close by to motivation are motion
and motor, words that seem to better describe my understanding of
motivation. Now I realise this blog is fairly strong evidence of my
lack of movement, yet I’m hoping that I’m starting to change.
Actively change. Moving in a new direction. Not least so I can get
into and survive university next year, but also just so I can do the
fun stuffffs and the projects harboured in my mind.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
Here’s a little list of things that
are helping me but might help you and might sound preachy, I’m
sorry, ok (seriously though, I understand that I have a lot of
privileges that make self motivation easier for me, like not having
to pay any bills for one):-</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Understanding oneself (ooooh, one
must delve deep into ones inner self) Trying to ask questions about
why you procrastinate, why you’re not motivated, what sort of
routines suit you, what environments do you work best in. In my
case, instead of beating myself up about my poor mindset, I realised
that doing stuff didn’t have anything to do with how much I wanted
to do it, but about putting clear processes and shedules into place.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Which brings me onto schedules
(ewww). I have a weekly schedule that stays the same, and includes
time blocks for the different work, projects, and playtime I want.
So that includes the stuff I have to do, the stuff I want to do, and
the hours that I don’t want to be restricted to schedule. The
second most useful thing I’ve done over the past half year has
been to make daily schedules before I go to bed, based on the more
vague hour blocks of my weekly schedule. Though scheduling seems
yucky and restrictive (especially when I always wanted to be that
free spirited spontaneous artist person), it is actually intensely
freeing as it removes stress and means that free time becomes real
free time, rather than free time spent feeling guilty about
something you SHOULD be doing.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Sassy people who will work with
you.(yay) This has to be most important change I’ve made since
2013, and is the reason I’m even typing this right now. Me and
Charlotte have been setting ourselves a program of weekly
challenges, culminating in a skype Sunday review in which we discuss the challenges we’ve faced and how we can
overcome them in the next week. Alongside a few other challenges, I
have to blog weekly from now until Easter whilst she is works
towards making a short film.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
So, if you’re out there, I’ll see
you in a weeks time.</div>
</div>
Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-61864231028728990112013-09-04T03:14:00.000-07:002014-07-29T10:15:15.748-07:00361.Wishes to keep creating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22mWE_xPs-2bLL5A8JyCDTHXy1tnXOXRtnZqMDnnEVJU0emlNU6SkIjQ_jC0H7RdmfCMjjIBvS20m9zZ1C0o-pHqYFZinMYBMnz0XBSzvUkIsvYVBzXC1G8ByNdIfvgagbEG1maKgFPY/s1600/chill+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22mWE_xPs-2bLL5A8JyCDTHXy1tnXOXRtnZqMDnnEVJU0emlNU6SkIjQ_jC0H7RdmfCMjjIBvS20m9zZ1C0o-pHqYFZinMYBMnz0XBSzvUkIsvYVBzXC1G8ByNdIfvgagbEG1maKgFPY/s640/chill+detail.jpg" height="640" width="508" /></a></div>
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I've rekindled some of my old ways over the summer, and happily got back into doodling/painting/making art just for my self. To keep my motivation going and because I have this conviction that no matter how crappy and unworthwhile you think your work is you should share it, I have started a lil' art tumblr. Have a nosey or don't at <a href="http://sofiescholtenart.tumblr.com/">sofiescholtenart.tumblr.com </a> even though it's still in the embryonic stages.<br />
Sofie<br />
<br />
also if you have an art tumblr then send me your links below, as I'm using this tumblr to keep TABS ON ALL OF YOU!Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-8443903662037085772013-08-26T15:27:00.000-07:002013-08-26T16:24:34.811-07:00360.Wishes for better sex ed<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoJKgv5SqAMCqEzYymsCZUFi_7dR84gxt1Yj1IqWvk1aY1m79HM7jhosqf9NiDnzb2DI5V3R5jROxC6g6Nzgeimg6gmBglOrhDM6HKeI0d3nZXT1nh0rOGvKzG1wCS2zpO9DtbCbpykA/s1600/stick+it+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoJKgv5SqAMCqEzYymsCZUFi_7dR84gxt1Yj1IqWvk1aY1m79HM7jhosqf9NiDnzb2DI5V3R5jROxC6g6Nzgeimg6gmBglOrhDM6HKeI0d3nZXT1nh0rOGvKzG1wCS2zpO9DtbCbpykA/s640/stick+it+1.jpg" width="404" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">watercolour doodle that I painted recently</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<![endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I fucking
love sex. Not that I have much experience, in a realm as large as the universe
I’ve only explored our solar system, with much left to discover beyond even the
discoveries mapped out by scientists. Though an intrepid explorer you could say
my read knowledge outweighs my practical experience, yet I’ve got a libido for
both. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This drive
may have been influenced by my sexually enthusiastic friend or my unenthused
school sex education. If sexuality in all its forms is so key to humanity,
health and happiness I do wonder why in the </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">UK</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> at least it is not freely discussed
in schools alongside our compulsory doses of Math, Science and English? Where
was porn, masturbation, erotica, body positivity, communication tatics, BDSM, real anatomical explanations,
sexuality, gender, intersexuality amongst a multitude of other topics on the
curriculum? Luckily for me the internet filled, and continues to fill those
gaps, yet what of those who do not have internet access or find information too
late or just may not have the initial curiosity? For their sake I do hope all
those screaming about the insidious effect of sex heavy media on our teens will
turn their fervourent<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>voices to the
advocacy of clear, inclusive and critical sex education.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 67.5pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In my own
journey I hope to find a place were my fervoured support will soon be of use.
In the meantime I’d love to point you in the direction of some of the sexy
things I’ve been watching and reading:-</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJm5yR1KFcysl_0I3x-iReg" target="_blank">Laci Green's Sex+</a></b> is a one stop video shop for informative friendly sex ed, and you can also find her at her other channel <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWPjR59a5UEjyhHM0ag7IZA" target="_blank">A Naked Notion.</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.scarleteen.com/" target="_blank">Scarleteen</a> </b> is similiar to Sex+ but in the written format, giving the chance for more in depth discussion.<b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkxMlA7rt-mnIc1AjbyAsPw" target="_blank">Sexplanations</a></b> is a new channel run by the very cute, but also really informative sextologist (cool job title!) Dr Doe. She talks "basics" but also things you may not know about (or atleast I didn't!) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<b><a href="http://theuntitledmag.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">The Untitled Mag</a></b> isn't devoted to sex, but definitley deals with it. Sadly they haven't posted in a while.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<b><a href="http://queermuseum.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">The Pop-Up Musuem of Queer History</a></b> is really important, and I also happen to be a history geek.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://heavypetting.tv/" target="_blank">Heavy-Petting</a></b> just makes you happy.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://fuckyeahsexpositivity.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Fuck Yeah, Sex Positivity!</a></b> is what it says on the tin and is my newest addictive find.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>This<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLH5Da-NcY&feature=c4-overview&list=UUtY_-59UimQeBcrNvWrv76w" target="_blank"> performance</a></b> by Hari Nef hopefully will make you think.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And to throw one more in, I love Arabelle Sicardi's <b><a href="http://www.fashionpirate.net/" target="_blank">fashion blog</a>,</b> but also like to check her tumblr<b> <a href="http://fashinpirate.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Its Whatever</a>,</b> and I've been trying to make my way through her <b><a href="http://fashinpirate.tumblr.com/post/48123851039/so-you-wanna-talk-bout-feminist-queer-gaze-in-film" target="_blank">list of films through the feminst & queer gaze.</a></b></li>
</ul>
Sofie<br />
(ps let me know of anything sexy I should also be consuming below)<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span>Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-89789988352769085162013-08-18T10:01:00.002-07:002013-08-18T10:01:47.838-07:00359.Wishes to stop cleaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TxdFs_4INgRauBqjj27b2YYuOO-6iEfZx5rrSygZ7lQ530xELgNJPywTM6Mx9Gbxd6Osc6Di2ISZIMbo8OTL3VpgQrDNd28Lj_lkBqG9uqLFoVdUTsWIGSV3HCMRBLVcSCTNhQiDpSE/s1600/IMG_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TxdFs_4INgRauBqjj27b2YYuOO-6iEfZx5rrSygZ7lQ530xELgNJPywTM6Mx9Gbxd6Osc6Di2ISZIMbo8OTL3VpgQrDNd28Lj_lkBqG9uqLFoVdUTsWIGSV3HCMRBLVcSCTNhQiDpSE/s640/IMG_0932.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I suppose this post is only further evidence of the<a href="http://www.onetoomanywishes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/358wishes-to-capture-details.html" target="_blank"> importance of details.</a> The second image illustrates the simplicity of this outfit (something I've been wearing for the household chores that have been a big part of my summer) without the addition of a cute ribbon and socks needed to make me feel sassy and freeeeee. Hope your all well!<br />
SofieSofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-70883549891305425752013-08-12T10:42:00.000-07:002013-08-12T10:42:49.096-07:00358.Wishes to capture the details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1APwOrOumsA2ieqpqcVocbWdzqErks1YXKbIJJUdySC4n7tHtcyBirX8kR3MM8dz-xiKu-DXrdmKUPxgjSLIINh53Vs7GqPEdtCjliLr9e2tfNOKM1gF0PIRM6hzQP-UqVF1c5tqLk2U/s1600/IMG_0971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1APwOrOumsA2ieqpqcVocbWdzqErks1YXKbIJJUdySC4n7tHtcyBirX8kR3MM8dz-xiKu-DXrdmKUPxgjSLIINh53Vs7GqPEdtCjliLr9e2tfNOKM1gF0PIRM6hzQP-UqVF1c5tqLk2U/s640/IMG_0971.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSn__emEaBcdBzfyrlI7QiTFsO7mY2kJxk8Q-2kE41SSpVl2a6Db34aBecZ_CR21ImvaSFfbnAN74gq7dorFlkqYL1eKow5kup7ErTQOs_INtksUceLHgHoA1kCrV9d5gLg1spdqUd_Y/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSn__emEaBcdBzfyrlI7QiTFsO7mY2kJxk8Q-2kE41SSpVl2a6Db34aBecZ_CR21ImvaSFfbnAN74gq7dorFlkqYL1eKow5kup7ErTQOs_INtksUceLHgHoA1kCrV9d5gLg1spdqUd_Y/s640/IMG_0962.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jW1HM3rTUCrooRn0yZoaiKplpvQ7KaNij_iagG2m-FxZLuKgCx2KoifvzDxJh1zWGe-bfTblAohohyphenhyphenW7H_nmmGEt8JFqNr9gd5C1q0xaGw5tIi5ke9ohHzbwxBOMBUhD42p7Zse7xlk/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jW1HM3rTUCrooRn0yZoaiKplpvQ7KaNij_iagG2m-FxZLuKgCx2KoifvzDxJh1zWGe-bfTblAohohyphenhyphenW7H_nmmGEt8JFqNr9gd5C1q0xaGw5tIi5ke9ohHzbwxBOMBUhD42p7Zse7xlk/s640/IMG_0963.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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A lot of what I wear is in the detail, detail which I sadly am never great at capturing in the photographic form. The gold and olive green glitter shimmering my eyelids, the rosy pink lipgloss, the pleat in my trousers, the flower clasp in my hair, and the deep burgundy shade of my shoes. Each element brings the outfit together, and puts the part of my mind that needs to curate a specific character to rest. I am more than my outfit, but when I'll be judged on that outfit it must tell the world exactly the me I want to be that day, the me that includes all those meticulous details.<br />
SofieSofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-25946988833412446812013-08-04T11:59:00.001-07:002013-08-12T04:41:11.631-07:00357.Wishes you'd hurry up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQL4bQaftDc6cUefmc6lW3xOdUlAQRpQiWHmErCg-UEdNgogDuQ06QiMTw_RrWRY9_BxZGMWUhzevyIaYddirHUhwZI1Tw-YygatAEuDyp9t8ktjD6pojvMEhUL9_kvUr_HW3iIHfUDs/s1600/DSCF1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQL4bQaftDc6cUefmc6lW3xOdUlAQRpQiWHmErCg-UEdNgogDuQ06QiMTw_RrWRY9_BxZGMWUhzevyIaYddirHUhwZI1Tw-YygatAEuDyp9t8ktjD6pojvMEhUL9_kvUr_HW3iIHfUDs/s640/DSCF1449.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfP-bKjAW8uEWz-v_C4LpeGtSZYJJjjRMmiClERTqEem6Xbfi36AMW1tF11PH8b-fA4JSsvG4sp6YfjeQUMcegOmjvyAMwNf9uU0jsxWfAD-bcUNN6feVkjL4oTBZIKTitQHxGtqC94c/s1600/DSCF1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfP-bKjAW8uEWz-v_C4LpeGtSZYJJjjRMmiClERTqEem6Xbfi36AMW1tF11PH8b-fA4JSsvG4sp6YfjeQUMcegOmjvyAMwNf9uU0jsxWfAD-bcUNN6feVkjL4oTBZIKTitQHxGtqC94c/s640/DSCF1453.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Outfit that I photographed seemingly eons ago, but never posted.<br />
SofieSofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-25534296233287570362013-07-31T10:52:00.000-07:002013-07-31T10:52:00.575-07:00356.Wishes to not become a hoarder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG_98DJn_OMyb9SfFFuEVPiDvIc_YoZffa51HzMXF3zQhHkeG3lwa5lFmr_KWeyJhzDSxOAjcnSVTCeueDoOjZuyPpzdNs0LLISCBM1pK0WHIpnIzjpr_MFEOMZ0xGQUvfcIQb_O4NYI/s1600/an-education-jenny-carey-mulligan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG_98DJn_OMyb9SfFFuEVPiDvIc_YoZffa51HzMXF3zQhHkeG3lwa5lFmr_KWeyJhzDSxOAjcnSVTCeueDoOjZuyPpzdNs0LLISCBM1pK0WHIpnIzjpr_MFEOMZ0xGQUvfcIQb_O4NYI/s320/an-education-jenny-carey-mulligan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEK4VMn-kptAXcgpAXd_nK2Jo1nCOqrxORT3vb3DvnKt08dxMsUUhTgmPUrYS_EQkOe1VXo75a-5H1Gwhe7wjgdCGdm91BOLxWmWQpOOvP8Z20S8zNrd02f64GxBRzHTIQVUwBQTBnPo/s1600/tumblr_m8ao3zijl01qlnon5o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEK4VMn-kptAXcgpAXd_nK2Jo1nCOqrxORT3vb3DvnKt08dxMsUUhTgmPUrYS_EQkOe1VXo75a-5H1Gwhe7wjgdCGdm91BOLxWmWQpOOvP8Z20S8zNrd02f64GxBRzHTIQVUwBQTBnPo/s320/tumblr_m8ao3zijl01qlnon5o1_500.jpg" width="580" /></a></div>
<div class="western" lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="en-US">I
assume as knowledgeable readers that you have seen </span><span lang="en-US">the</span><span lang="en-US">
appropriately titled film “An Education” and will have </span><span lang="en-US">memorised</span><span lang="en-US">
that scene in which an enthusiastic Jenny bubbles “</span><span lang="en-GB">I’m
going to read what I want. And listen to what I want. And I’m going
to look at paintings. And watch French films. And I’m gonna talk to
people who know lots about lots.</span><span lang="en-GB">” I
assume such things because I assume you are knowledgeable and
youthful, and </span><span lang="en-GB">like
me,</span><span lang="en-GB"> related to the character of
Jenny. Maybe even like me </span><span lang="en-GB">the</span><span lang="en-GB">
</span><span lang="en-GB">lingering</span><span lang="en-GB">
last notations of your diary entries </span><span lang="en-GB">bubble</span><span lang="en-GB">
with similar wishes to spend a lifetime reading books in a quest to
know lots about lots, and finally become the culturally cultivated
individual you ha</span><span lang="en-GB">ve</span><span lang="en-GB">
always envisioned </span><span lang="en-GB">your</span><span lang="en-GB">self
as</span><span lang="en-GB"> </span><span lang="en-GB">in the
</span><span lang="en-GB">future.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="en-GB">Knowledge
is most definitely a noble and just generally lovely pursuit. I have
always loved the classroom, the ability to collect knowledge, and the
ensuing spilling of trivia to friends and </span><span lang="en-GB">family,
however</span><span lang="en-GB"> wishing to become the
embodiment of knowledge (aka Stephen Fry) alone is unworthy, despite
my </span><span lang="en-GB">mother's</span><span lang="en-GB">
‘knowledge is power’ lectures. Knowledge is merely a tool, and
should not be hoarded, unused in the desolate junk yards of our
brains</span><span lang="en-GB">. Y</span><span lang="en-GB">ou
quite rightly may say knowledge has helped me understand the world
and </span><span lang="en-GB">myself, and to
write</span><span lang="en-GB"> these reflections on knowledge
itself, yet I still feel that my younger attitude towards it needs
rethinking, with these few </span><span lang="en-GB">proposals:</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
-That I must not
needlessly collect knowledge for the sake of an undusted collection.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
-That I wish to be
valued on what I do rather than what I know and that at the moment
I’m rather lacking in the first category of doing.</div>
<div class="western" lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="en-GB">-That
we should give this opportunity to others, and remove this "hipster"
(I dislike that word) attitude of valuation by pop culture reference.
</span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="en-GB">And
</span><span lang="en-GB">that I apologise for assuming that
you are worthy readers if you have viewed the film "An
Education". </span></div>
<div class="western" lang="nl-NL" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="en-GB"> </span>Sofie</div>
Sofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7358156478722979654.post-76856280747300771612013-07-30T13:41:00.000-07:002013-07-31T10:52:38.562-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zs44pn1U-Ol_LmvBM6riaU2QZpe7OnHzOfhqECYPeuLRd4RMRHRPsN397qo8Nhn6df-JXMUyWelPL4h6-QIQF_zlpfkNzK2owUFl1R8aZCviQSx603PULIUhRSILPBG4SXFtZpkklbw/s1600/camping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zs44pn1U-Ol_LmvBM6riaU2QZpe7OnHzOfhqECYPeuLRd4RMRHRPsN397qo8Nhn6df-JXMUyWelPL4h6-QIQF_zlpfkNzK2owUFl1R8aZCviQSx603PULIUhRSILPBG4SXFtZpkklbw/s640/camping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
camping trip a year on</div>
Dear Sofie,<br />
<br />
I am feeling rather nostalgic and blue-sey about the existence of your blog. I hate to read and look at you a year older and wish to be you. I wish to be old Sofie. But old Sofie, you were not really more proactive were you? Just because you kept a blog? The truth is you were. You did more, you somehow managed to balance blogging with schoolwork and you were not consumed by fear/boredem/pity. You were not the neutral slob of goo that you have become in recent months. You were not floating in your own bubble of shit, merely consuming your own shitty thoughts, untill the shittiness became normal, became your polluted atmosphere. <br />
<br />
You had people responding to you, appearing to care about the things you wrote, a small audience of readers that you could engage with. You've forgotten how rewarding that was, and forgotten to be grateful and humbled by their kind, thoughtful comments. <br />
<br />
You've gotten so far into your own head, that you've stopped doing. <br />
Yes, over the past year you did schoolwork, you showed a basic level of passion for the lessons you sat through, you worked hard to get some grades.<br />
Then again, maybe it goes much further back.You had a lot more passion as a child, and now you have few to no passions or atleast have not helped them grow.Hard stubby seeds, this has become the winter of your life. But the season is summer, and theres nothing stopping you but yourself. The blog is a harsh reminder, but also a comforting one. You did it once, you can do it again.<br />
<br />
Love 18 year old SofieSofie Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07755965817561947642noreply@blogger.com0