NOT MUCH TO REPORT SOCIALLY...

.., but it was good to escape the work along with Białystok for the New Year break and great to be back in Warsaw - Must thank Andrzej and Jasz for letting us use the flat in Praga. Praga itself, which lies on the East side of the Wisła, I’d always intended to but never got around to visiting when I lived in Warsaw. The place is incredible - a bit of a photographer’s paradise if you like row upon row of tower blocks; and although we promised one another to avoid work as much as possible, both Dominika and I couldn’t resist spending half a day wondering around the place clicking away. The light proved fantastic that morning so from the hundred or so negs., and a bit of luck, we should just get one or two interesting shots.

Work aside however, and it was fantastic to see some old mates again and to pop down to Jazz Pub where Wisia, the landlady, just gets more glamorous month on month. She is irresistible though.., and I must say that I’ve been dying to photograph her since we first met her at the beginning of last summer. Being an ex model I’d expected an irresistible urge in her too to pop up whenever there was just a whiff of a camera about; perhaps it’s the professional in her however which leaves her cold at the idea of casual snap-shots, I dunno, but so far I’ve failed to convince her to pose for my own particular, proletarian lens. Additionally, I’d love to paint her, but so far – no joy there either, although there was a little hint this time of a ‘yes’ – ‘maybe’ – ‘next time’..! We’ll see though – she does seem as elusive as the sunshine we haven’t seen here for months. And, talking of portraits, good news there! I heard from a friend in England that the National Portrait Gallery are finally lifting the age limit on the BP Awards, so it’s time to knuckle down again to get something done for next year. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m quite excited about the prospect of submitting work again for the annual event. Since I became ineligible, because of age back in 2001, I’ve missed the particular discipline involved in getting a portrait ready each year for the awards, and with it, the general excitement that goes along with getting involved in such a huge event. So hopefully, here we go again... Any takers for sittings.., Wisia..?

The work, in the lead up to the forthcoming show and in general, continues to develop nicely also. Step by step it’s beginning to move on from the ‘easier on the eye’ stuff which I’ve completed to-date, with the last canvas to complete for the exhibition itself looking much more substantial already than the others. Incorporating elements from some video and photographic work, which were shot from the windows of trains and buses while rushing through the Polish countryside a while back, it does possess less of a momentary air about it than the rest, but still thankfully seems to fit nicely with the completed canvases.

For now and until after the opening then – na razie