Saturday, 2 January 2010

Remembering Arch


I took these with a little Blackbird Fly twin lens camera. It's using a redscale film which often gives apocalyptic looking results.
They are not great photographs, but I love the square format and the strange effects that unexpectedly turn up. There always seems to be an old worldy look to them. 


With a little bit of photoshopping, I may be able to turn them into something special. (With some help from Simon!) Or they can be used as textures for something else.


They were taken in a village called Geddington, a mile up the road from us and in Weekley, an even tinier hamlet. 


My brother Andrew (Arch) died on New Year's Eve 1990, and is buried in Weekley churchyard, so we always go on that day to pour a little whisky on his grave! 







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17 comments:

  1. Ashley3 January 2010 at 02:02

    I LOVE these photos. And I love what you do for your brother's memory. Thanks so much for the nice comment on my blog the other day.....I might keep that comment forever to look at when I get frustrated or have a bad day ;)

    Ashley

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  2. Retro Cafe' Art Gallery3 January 2010 at 17:18

    Lol about the soldering kit! Maybe after your other one dies you can get the pink one :). Happy New Year Jo!
    xoxo,
    Kristin

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  3. PeregrineBlue3 January 2010 at 20:08

    These are really really beautiful, I especially like the ones of the girls walking down the path. And oh what a happy thing to pour whiskey onto your brother's grave when you visit. You are truly special Jo.

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  4. Rainey J. Dillon4 January 2010 at 00:15

    They remind me of old movie reels with the antique imperfections that make them so perfect! I really like this effect Jo -they're soft simple & effective. The pale gold sky is fantastic & my favourite is the one of you standing between the trees with the curve of light to the side(that IS you?)
    It's a cool ritual you do together each year in memory your brother. I'd say he was a laid back type of guy like his sister?
    Rainey

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  5. Jo Archer4 January 2010 at 07:04

    Thanks everyone. No, that's my daughter Catherine (Kitty). Andy was a bit of a rogue. Brilliant, loving and my party buddy, but a troubled soul. He committed suicide.

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  6. Anonymous4 January 2010 at 16:18

    i am sorry to hear of your brother -- i cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a sibling. what a beautiful and wonderful ritual you have though. i can't think of a better tribute!

    your photos are outstanding! i absolutely adore them, jo! you and cate look so much alike!!! i thought that was you until i read your comment! she is just gorgeous like her mum! you should seriously consider selling all of your amazing photos as prints. i would line my walls with them. they are just outstandingly gorgeous. my favorites are... well ALL of them! i just looked back through. the golden-hued tree ones are so lovely as a set and the first one is perfection -- they all are! such a talented lady you are!

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  7. Jo Archer4 January 2010 at 19:20

    Thanks lovely lady! I'm not sure they would enlarge very well. I still owe you the b&w image of the almshouse too. I haven't forgotten. You can have any of these if you want. x

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  8. Jo Archer4 January 2010 at 19:22

    The first picture is me actually. Cate took that one.

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  9. Rainey J. Dillon5 January 2010 at 14:23

    that's the one I was referring to -I KNEW it was you!
    I'm in the eye of the storm of moving studio!Haven't really had time for blogging or jogging for that matter! ha imagine ME jogging? not a chance! anyhooo Up to my armpits .This one is around the corner from where I live & it's cheaper too!
    talk soon
    Rainey
    Hi to Alicia!

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  10. Patti Edmon Artist5 January 2010 at 16:09

    I just came from Mistress Debrina's blog - I must say that I think the photograph at the top is fabulous, just as it is... the ethereal, mysterious quality. Have fun playing with it but I hope you save the original!
    take care!

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  11. layers5 January 2010 at 23:58

    you always have the most gorgeous luminous images-so full of warmth and light-- for my gray gray blah weather here.

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  12. Kerin6 January 2010 at 00:44

    Gorgeous images Jo ~ those filled with the golden sunlight especially speak to me.

    The whiskey ritual you have to honor and remember your brother is so so cool. I lost my sister also and I often feel she is with me in studio so that is how I connect with her.

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  13. Jo Archer6 January 2010 at 06:04

    Thanks for kind comments Patti, Donna and Kerin and don't worry, I always keep the originals!
    I'm so sorry that you have lost your sister Kerin, but I'm glad you feel she is still with you. x

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  14. Debrina6 January 2010 at 06:14

    Hey Jo - Missy Debrina here! Lovin' the photos - they are as you say, kinda apocalyptic in there finish, which just rocks! I've taken up the pledge this year to buy or barter only second hand and I'm trying to establish a bartering circel - would you be interested? Especially where art supplies go. I'm trying to keep it close to home of course, but it would be nice to have some of my blogger friends who are doing the Dottie Angel challenge as part of that circle to.

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  15. Debrina6 January 2010 at 06:15

    Ummm...my "circle" typo is a bit of a hoot. Just following up with a correction and also thought I might point out that I can spell...sometimes.

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  16. Debrina6 January 2010 at 06:17

    Oh...and I know "there" should actually be "their" but I'm having trouble tonight. On the flip side, I've just upped your comments tally by three!!

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  17. Jo Archer6 January 2010 at 10:37

    ha ha! Yes, i'd be up for that, as long as no one wants 10lbs of polymer clay or similar. Just let me know how, what, where etc. Glad you and Alicia are doing it.

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