On Saturday we had to make an emergency 15 mile round trip to pick up essential art supplies for Mrs S and, as she rummaged
around the shop, I thought about the many artists and creative people I've been lucky enough to know over the years. The
creative process is a thing of wonder to me and I've always tried to be a sympathetic and supportive encourager of talented
people - whilst frustratingly not having a single creative bone in my body. It could all have been so different though, as evidenced by a recently rediscovered early work. I give you, 'Self Portrait 1969', by Your Humble Blogger (Aged 9).
Since fronting Race Horses from 2005 to 2013, Meilyr Jones has played with Gruff Rhys, Euros Childs, Stealing Sheep and Cate Le Bon. Last summer Meilyr released his first
solo single 'Refugees', which was followed towards the end of the year by the fantastic 'How To Recognise A Work Of Art'.
His debut LP, '2013', finally arrived a couple of weeks ago and is a rumination on the tumultuous year that saw both his band and relationship come to an end - a very fine piece of work it is too. Autobiographical Chamber-Pop never sounded so good. If you like what you hear, check out the whole album here.
10 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Hi Mr. S, Is Mrs. S. taking a course? What medium does she like to work in? (I can spend hours breaking my budget in an art supply store.)
Ahh, Welsh music. I know someone who posts quite a bit of that... I loved Race Horses first album but thought the second album was a real disappointment. Those first couple of Meilyr tracks were great, esp. How To Recognise A Work Of Art which was particularly splendid. Can't say I'm taking to the rest of the album though. Maybe it needs more time, but I get bored of it halfway through.
Hi Marie! Good to hear from you. Mrs S has worked in several mediums over the years. Currently she's creating hand-built ceramics in preparation for an important show next month. The kiln in our shed is firing as I type!
Robster. It took me a few listens to really get into the whole shebang I have to admit, but now I'm pretty much hooked. I only know Race Horses from odd songs played by Marc Riley and bloggers such as your good self, but I'll definitely check that first LP on your recommendation.
You are far too hard on yourself! What's all this about not having a creative bone in your body? It's clear how much you do, not only for the wonderful way that you write but also now evidenced in this lovely piece of art from your 9-year old self. I'm sure Mrs S would agree, there is great sensitivity, observational detail and, yes, clearly talent in your super drawing. For many, the barrier to drawing as an adult is just lack of confidence, isn't it? - but when we're young we just draw for fun and have no such inhibitions.... this pic is proof of that, and it's great! By the way, when I was struggling with a particular book one time, my art director suggested I was simply getting too hung-up about it being right and that I should have a drink or two beforehand to loosen up...! I'm not saying you should try that... but you never know... ;-)
Mr. S, As C put it (so eloquently, I might add), you are a wonderful writer! Even when I know that a song is outside my area of interest, I've got to read your engaging writing about it. I'm unaccomplished creatively myself, but I'm discerning enough to recognize quality when I see it.
Two talented people in one household. If Mrs. S. is as kind and generous-spirited as yourself, what more could anyone hope for? Not to mention the fact that you live, in my humble opinion, in the most beautiful country in the world. (Yes, I know I'm biased!)
Two very good tracks, I like them a lot. I will be investigating this lot. My partner is an artist. I will not pass one her comments about the artwork at the top of the page.....
How to Recognize... is the best song I have heard in a while. Completely new to me. Love your work of art, Swede. Always appreciate when you dig up these artifacts.
C & Marie. You're far too kind, but I think I'll leave the creative side of things to Mrs S! My role is as a supporter and appreciator of the arts.
John. I thought the same myself! And what a broad-shouldered lad I was!
George. Fear not! Your partner's thoughts on the sketch are probably very close to my own!
Brian. As Robster's comment hinted at, the album takes a bit of getting into. It could be the track sequencing, I'm not sure, but it's a little unevenly paced. I'm liking it a lot right now though. It has something of Eric Matthews about it - that could just be me though!
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10 comments:
Hi Mr. S,
Is Mrs. S. taking a course? What medium does she like to work in? (I can spend hours breaking my budget in an art supply store.)
Ahh, Welsh music. I know someone who posts quite a bit of that... I loved Race Horses first album but thought the second album was a real disappointment. Those first couple of Meilyr tracks were great, esp. How To Recognise A Work Of Art which was particularly splendid. Can't say I'm taking to the rest of the album though. Maybe it needs more time, but I get bored of it halfway through.
Hi Marie! Good to hear from you. Mrs S has worked in several mediums over the years. Currently she's creating hand-built ceramics in preparation for an important show next month. The kiln in our shed is firing as I type!
Robster. It took me a few listens to really get into the whole shebang I have to admit, but now I'm pretty much hooked. I only know Race Horses from odd songs played by Marc Riley and bloggers such as your good self, but I'll definitely check that first LP on your recommendation.
You are far too hard on yourself! What's all this about not having a creative bone in your body? It's clear how much you do, not only for the wonderful way that you write but also now evidenced in this lovely piece of art from your 9-year old self. I'm sure Mrs S would agree, there is great sensitivity, observational detail and, yes, clearly talent in your super drawing. For many, the barrier to drawing as an adult is just lack of confidence, isn't it? - but when we're young we just draw for fun and have no such inhibitions.... this pic is proof of that, and it's great!
By the way, when I was struggling with a particular book one time, my art director suggested I was simply getting too hung-up about it being right and that I should have a drink or two beforehand to loosen up...! I'm not saying you should try that... but you never know... ;-)
Mr. S,
As C put it (so eloquently, I might add), you are a wonderful writer! Even when I know that a song is outside my area of interest, I've got to read your engaging writing about it. I'm unaccomplished creatively myself, but I'm discerning enough to recognize quality when I see it.
Two talented people in one household. If Mrs. S. is as kind and generous-spirited as yourself, what more could anyone hope for? Not to mention the fact that you live, in my humble opinion, in the most beautiful country in the world. (Yes, I know I'm biased!)
Looks like you're part of a 'wall' on the edge of the 18 yard box.
Two very good tracks, I like them a lot. I will be investigating this lot. My partner is an artist. I will not pass one her comments about the artwork at the top of the page.....
How to Recognize... is the best song I have heard in a while. Completely new to me. Love your work of art, Swede. Always appreciate when you dig up these artifacts.
C & Marie. You're far too kind, but I think I'll leave the creative side of things to Mrs S! My role is as a supporter and appreciator of the arts.
John. I thought the same myself! And what a broad-shouldered lad I was!
George. Fear not! Your partner's thoughts on the sketch are probably very close to my own!
Brian. As Robster's comment hinted at, the album takes a bit of getting into. It could be the track sequencing, I'm not sure, but it's a little unevenly paced. I'm liking it a lot right now though. It has something of Eric Matthews about it - that could just be me though!
'whilst frustratingly not having a single creative bone in my body.'
Nonsense. This blog is magnificently creative. Great words and going by the posting of the birds in the garden, great photos.
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