Journal
Monthly Review – March 2025
I’m afraid you’re going to have to put up with more Japanese themed content, at least for another month. Did I mention we’re going in April? That I was super exciting? Yes, fine, I’ll shut up about it now.
With the weather getting warmer and evenings getting lighter it’s been time to dig out the camera for some more practice before the aforementioned, yet not to be hitherto discussed looming holiday. This means I’ve not found time to work on too much creatively asides from the painting in progress I shared last month. It has been stored for another time (probably in May) when I can sit down and work on it, although I will hopefully (more than likely) have thousands of pictures to work through so it may more the end of that month!
What I've been reading
Again, apologies, it seems Bookhaus one of my local bookshops has also jumped on the bandwagon, of the millennial DINK (dual income, no kids) interest in Japan. ‘The Roads to Sata, a 2000 mile walk through Japan’ by Alan Booth caught my eye and I’ve been devouring it ever since.
First published in 1985, this book catalogues the authors journey by foot from northern-most tip of Japan, Cape Soya, to it’s southern most edge Cape Sata. Trudging down highways, visiting local Ryokan Inns, attending local festivals and experiencing both the positive and negative aspects of Japanese culture, hospitality and landscape.
I began this book with perhaps a biased sense of wonder about Japan, which felt antagonised by aspects of its portray by the author. This book is a very real portray of the country and over the course of its pages I have in fact lost this sense of antagonism and had it replaced with a deeper understanding of the country and its customs, which if anything deeps my appreciation for it.
I would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys travel writing or has even a passing interest in the country!
What I'm listening to
I’ve tried to cut back a bit on my tape purchases this month, as I’ve been coming back to Dave Brubeck and his band time and time again. I think most people, even without much interest in Jazz will recognise the iconic ‘Take Five’ track, the lively upbeat saxophone and accompanying piano signing the melody. I doubt however, the many will have had the more uptempto live version, in which each member of the band is given their own section to riff.
What's inspired me
To break up the monotony of a seemingly endless pile of ironing, I tuned into the Youtube channel of Jason ‘Grainydays’ Kummerfeldt, an american film photographer who frequently roadtrips around the U.S and photographs it using a variety of film cameras and stocks. His latest video is a trip to the Kodak family and eventually onto New York and features some gorgeous shots of the Neon and sunset in Coney Island. Super inspiring!
Creative Outlets
With the paintings on hold and some sunnier weather finally arriving, my partner and I took to the streets of Bristol and went for a wander around Clifton Village. I brought the Leica along for the ride and inspired by the Grainydays content, shot a mix of colour and black and white (although Digital), (Sorry Jason!).
I’ve been focusing more on capturing cinematic looks lately, inspired by the painter Edward Hoppers work. I’m really pleased with some of these shots and will probably look to add some to the print collection.
