Photosynthesis

It took centuries to discover why plants are (usually) green and how they grow and create food from thin air. I was watching a programme about botany last night and there was a long explanation about the science of it.

First people experimented by weighing a plant before and after tending it for five years and finding that although it gained weight it did not affect the soil. Then they tried growing plants but without light, which meant they would not thrive. They realised that they created starch in their leaves, but took time realising they absorbed carbon dioxide and gave out oxygen as a byproduct.

The whole programme was very informative but I wasn’t taking notes. But the idea that humans could understand it and may be able to use the process artificially is amazing. The ability to turn sunlight into fuel would be something that could help humankind.

Postponed craft fairs

Sadly the two craft fairs I signed up for have been postponed because they fall too close to Christmas, there are other similar fairs on at the same time and the cost of living makes them less likely to be profitable because no one will have any money.

I would like to participate in ones next year but how can I be certain that things will be any better then? People are going to suffer financially and luxuries like arts and crafts may not be saleable. The whole idea of being an artist and trying to sell work seems less and less feasible.

Meanwhile, I’m seriously thinking about leaving my studio at Spode. I didn’t use it very often since Covid happened because I’m still avoiding people. I don’t know if I can afford it any more. Life isn’t terrible but sometimes you need to be sensible.

Fuel price cap

Later today the United Kingdom is going to be told the new price cap for Gas and Electricity which will affect the cost of bills. The price is set to skyrocket to about £2300 a year in October but then £4200? Per year in January! Bills are going to be unaffordable for the poorest in society and the question of whether to heat or eat becomes very bad if all you can afford to buy is cheap tinned food but you can’t heat it up.

The UK is supposed to be the sixth richest nation in the world but we seem more interested in giving the fuel companies shareholders masses of money instead of supporting our citizens. Our government is currently deciding who will replace Boris Johnson by letting 160,000 members of the British Conservative party choose the next prime minister instead of doing something about the cost of living crisis. Note to Liz Truss who is likely to win. If you cut taxes that’s fine for the rich, but a lot of people don’t pay them because their incomes are already too low. A 1% cut of nothing is nothing.

Before covid?

You could go to a beach and find someone just painting stones as a job (Lulworth Cove in Dorset). A respectable way of earning some money as an artist. Sitting in the sunshine, working on imaginative designs. We bought one with a blue octopus painted on it. The stones were probably collected off the shingle beach (yes I’m writing about different shingles). I would love to go back there but I doubt this artist would still be plying his trade. Yes the world has changed.

Abstract for Ukraine

It’s six months since Russia invaded Ukraine and I wanted to make an abstract image in blue and yellow to support the country. The Yellow marks are meant to represent sunflower petals catching the sun against a brilliant blue sky. The petals are interconnected to symbolise that determination of Ukraines people to support each other. Don’t forget the Russian troops massed on the borders of the country before invading. They had no right to do so despite trying to say the invasion was a ‘special operation’. Russia, please leave, we won’t forget what your troops have done.

Back to craft fairs?

I have tentatively put my name down for a couple of craft fairs later in the year. It’s taken a while because I’m still concerned about covid and being in crowds. I’m trying to lower my anxiety levels. I went to an outside event at the weekend but still put a mask on when I went inside. As the craft fairs will be inside buildings I will be very aware of the situation. I’m still not going into my Studio at Spode and I think it’s the same thing. My shaking arm appears to be caused by anxiety (I do feel very tense), I might be getting some help, I’ve got to find out what’s available but hopefully I will be able to get back to normal eventually.

Gladiolus

This brilliant red flower spike broke off a gladiolus that was growing in the yard (there are all sorts of plants out there) decided to bring it into the kitchen o we can enjoy it for a fee more days. It’s also an opportunity to consider painting it. I think I might paint it with texture and in close up. Flowers are amazing aren’t they?

Slippers

I wanted to buy some new slippers today but they only came in small medium or large in our local supermarket. We’ll that was strange. Feet come in lots of sizes and not averages. I had socks and shoes on which I didn’t want to take off but I remembered something from reading art books. Your forearm is the same length as your foot! The medium ones were the closest in length to my forearm and seemed to match the length of my shoes so I bought some. On wearing them they are a smidgen too small, but if I had bought the large ones they would have been like boats! Supermarkets? Not good to just sell three sizes!

The outlook

What will happen.

Where will we be?

Who shall save us

If needs be?

We watch the world

And what do we see?

Too much damage

Too many crimes

No one caring

No big fines.

The world is creeping

Towards catastrophe?

Who even cares,

You or me?

The corporate world

Has profits to collect.

Shareholders to pay

Not tomorrow, but today.

Not caring whether

There money causes trouble

While all around?

The Earth turns to rubble.

Give peace a hope

Give earth a chance

Stay one of the ‘Woke’

In this merry dance.