I occasionally talk about art on this blog but not often. It's something I really wish I had a talent for but alas, none to be had for me. Not the case with Johanna. Something about this very talented artist and blogger really appeals to me. The themes she explores of fairytales, folklore, and female strength and savagery give lots of food for thought and like the best art, it inspires conversation. Also, there is something quite impish about her style. A definite sense of the dark side but tempered by a tongue in cheek edge. Not unlike the high camp theatrics of the hammer horror genre. Edgar Allen Poe through an Art Deco lens.
I've followed Johanna on and off for a few years now but it's a blog I always come back to. As well as her obvious talent for art, I love her personal style and her kitschy apartment.
Following on from our vow to not leave it so long between experiencing live theatre again, Mr N and I went to see an adaptation of 'A Doll's House' by Henrik Ibsen at the Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre on Friday night
You may remember from this post that we have visited this beautiful theatre before. This time, I took more pictures anyway
The theatre is a sort of glass-walled capsulesuspendedin the centre of The Great Hall
of the historic Victorian Cotton Exchange Buildings in Manchester
The adaptation was a good interpretation of the written work, an observation of marriage and societal norms in the 19th century. The acting performances were solid but not outstanding. That said, last time we were at this theatre we saw Imogen Stubbs, who is a hard act to follow.
"a woman cannot be herself in
modern society", since it is "an exclusively male society, with laws
made by men and with prosecutors and judges who assess feminine conduct
from a masculine standpoint."
Henrik Ibsen
Of course, I partook of one or two pre-show goodies
(I didn't chomp on Mr N's foot)
An interval drinkie
I spy cake!
Horror of horrors, I have bought a pair of jeans, the ultimate wardrobe staple of the lazy girl. I vow to wear them carefully!
And, yes, I've dyed my hair black and no, I'm not sure I like it :(
Yesterday was World Book Day. My Little Miss decided she wanted to be Dorothy. Cue a re-watch of the film and a trawl of the internet for inspiration
Of which I found lots!
As much as I've always wanted to be Mombi, I simply can't resist Glinda's sparkling beauty and that dress! The colours, the colours, it's all too dreamy, I can't take it gaaaaaaah!
So I thought I'd share some other random stuff that's been inspiring me lately...
Int she grand? I'm totally inspired for Spring now!
Finally, on a musical note, I have been pleasantly surprised by the new direction this girl has taken
Pink and red together - swoon
Traditionally, I'll admit I was not a fan, more of a dismissive overlooker. But, reading a bit about her charity work, other extra curricular activities and her general attitude towards sexism in music, empowering women and the importance of building self esteem in young girls, has made me see her in a different light. The latest album has echoes of Hole, Bikini Kill, The Breeders, and Lush among others, so the music's not bad either!
She has a bit of a potty mouth and her material is too adult for my 5 year old daughter at the moment but, given a choice between Kate and the bumping, grinding, copious flesh exposing, domestic violence acquiescing "pop princess" Rihanna, I know who I'd rather my daughter choose as a role model
Riot grrl for 21st century teens? The Courtney legacy Courtney didn't quite manage to leave?
