Whether through a cityscape, the countryside, or online, wandering can be a great source of inspiration. There are several practitioners to take inspiration from: Francis Alys, Hamish Fulton, Eisa Jocson, Helen Mirra, Richard Long, Ella Parry-Davies, Yvonne Rainer, and Moira Williams, to name a few. However, the focus of this exercise is on your independent response.

You will begin this project by investigating an environment as you journey around it and collect a range of responses; noted, drawn, filmed, photographed, and collected. Use a notebook to map the area, plan a journey, pick up small items, write descriptions of your view, and use a camera to record in imaginative ways… Let your mind wander as you explore and ponder on your observations.

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I was in Loughborough town the other day. Parking my car, I’ve decided to take a little walk with my phone’s camera ready to shoot whatever captures my interest and creates associations of any kind.

I have put my headphones on: music inspires me and enhances my senses.

A misty afternoon…

I ventured out on to capture some pictures of the serene nature around me. The fog added a mystical touch to the scenery, making it even more captivating. As I walked, I noticed the trees were shrouded in mist, and it made them look like they were floating. I snapped a few photos of the peaceful atmosphere, hoping to preserve the moment forever. The damp air was refreshing, and the sound of the raindrops tapping against the leaves was soothing. It was a perfect day to take some pictures and enjoy the tranquillity of the outdoors…

A heart-shaped puddle on the pavement with a reflection of the open door!

golden daffodils encircling a tree.

Empty chairs…

VINCENT!!!

Almond Blossom

Currently on view

Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890), Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, February 1890

oil on canvas, 73.3 cm x 92.4 cm

Credits (obliged to state): Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

Large blossom branches like this against a blue sky were one of Van Gogh’s favourite subjects. Almond trees flower early in the spring, symbolising new life. Van Gogh borrowed the subject, the bold outlines and the positioning of the tree in the picture plane from Japanese printmaking.

The painting was a gift for his brother Theo and sister-in-law Jo, who had just had a baby son, Vincent Willem. In the letter announcing the new arrival, Theo wrote: ‘As we told you, we’ll name him after you, and I’m making the wish that he may be as determined and as courageous as you.’ Unsurprisingly, this work remained closest to the hearts of the Van Gogh family. Vincent Willem went on to find the Van Gogh Museum.

Loughborough town hall.

Some more photos of the town hall square. The lights were on. I’ve noticed lovely reflections on the ”Sockman” statue.

On my way back, with the daylight being absent, I wanted to discover what the route would look like.

I was surprised by some of the photos: they were more atmospheric.

OLD STREETS:

Composed by Mikis Theodorakis

Lyrics by Manolis Anagnostakis

Old streets that I loved and hated endlessly

to walk under the house’s shadows

Inevitable nights of homecoming and the city is dead

Finding my insignificant presence in every corner

make me meet you someday, lost range of my desire…

And I, oblivious and disorderly walk

while I am still holding a small flickering flame

in my wet palms

And I was walking into the night

without knowing anyone

and without anyone recognizing me…

I really enjoyed my little walk in Loughborough city centre. It made me appreciate the effort of going out eager to see, discover and record all the interesting things that capture my attention and my imagination. The associations were countless!