Amelia’s Magazine | Pedal Powered Generators courtesy of Magnificent Revolution – Review

blender
Bike-powered blender.  All images: Magnificent Revolution, prescription edited by Zofia Walczak

Magnificent Revolution is an not-for-profit London-based education collective who put together regular workshops on energy use and generation.   One of their regular workshops is the Bike Generator workshop, adiposity and I went along to the last one.  The course was held at Hackney City Farm and I’m pleased to say it was a full turn out.  It started on time and everyone had to introduce themselves to their neighbour and explain why they were there and what their background was. The person you told your story to would then give a summary of oneself and you did the same for them – which is a good icebreaker technique with a new group that I think helps them to bond well from the beginning of a course.

bnw

Unbelievably the straw bale room where the course was being held was actually warm for the very first time out of any of the courses I had ever attended there in the past. There seems to have been considerable work done to the building to improve its insulation qualities and most of the walls have now been fully rendered. Rather than using the traditional fire to try and heat the room up I noticed there was an electric heater already switched on before the course had begun. This created an ambient temperature that was pleasant to sit in throughout the morning.

soundsystem

Bike-powered Sound System

The instructor level was very well provisioned for as well with no less than three instructors on hand. This was a very good move because it meant when it came to the practical component of the course – which was the whole afternoon – there was an instructor for each of the three groups that we were split into.

cinema

Bike-powered cinema

Barbora was the lead instructor and she explained all the theoretical aspect of electricity generation very clearly. Occasionally the other female instructor would chip in with more in-depth technical notes whilst the male instructor was more on hand to make sure all the technical equipment was working correctly.

sessions

Bike-powered gigs

The morning was dedicated to theory, but the afternoon was the part everyone was really on the course for – to rig up some projects utilising bike power. The three projects were well thought out and covered the three most typical applications people might use bike power for. The simplest was rigging a bike up to charge a battery; the second one ran a bike generator through a capacitor that ran a light then a laptop playing music. The third used the latest technology to run an LED projector.

All the equipment was on hand and it worked and I was amazed that they got all three groups to construct all three projects – a testament to their organisational powers and good timekeeping. I’m pleased to say that all three groups got each project to work – which was a 100% success rate. It is this sense of achievement that has people leave the course with a smile on their faces! All in all a very enjoyable day, it is clear that the instructors are very experienced at doing this sort of training and work together well as a team as they do not tread on each others toes. It also meant that everyone of the students always felt there was someone on hand to ask questions if they had got confused over something.

Full marks too for providing a good set of notes and URLs of suppliers, as for a subject as technical as this it is necessary that you can start researching on the web whilst the subject is fresh in your mind. Probably the most experienced trainers I have encountered on any of the workshops I have attended in the last year.

Categories ,bike, ,Hackney City Farm, ,Liam Devany, ,Magnificent Cinema, ,Magnificent Revolution, ,Magnificent Sessions, ,pedal-powered cinema, ,Pedal-powered generators

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Amelia’s Magazine | A review of the Tarradiddle Exhibition


Illustration by Gemma Milly of Zara Gorman’s Millinery.

Over the last few years the RCA’s MA Fashion course has quietly been producing a series of designers who have reinvented their particular disciplines – from menswear designers James Long and Katie Eary to womenswear’s Michael van der Ham, page Erdem and Holly Fulton (whose influence could already be seen on the Bournemouth catwalk). All of whom (except Erdem ) subsequently showed at London Fashion Week via Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East.

The RCA MA course actually consists of several different courses from Millinery (a course of one) in which Zara Gorman showed her exquisitely shaped hats…

Illustration by Katie Harvey

to Womenswear and Menswear knit, troche accessories, nurse shoes and of course Womenswear and Menswear. The press release listed the words of inspiration that described the various elements of design the graduates of 2010 presented. It was slightly disconcerting to see the world ‘Chav’ being used as an inspiration, a word created by the press to demean those that wore Burberry Check head to toe (Pre Christopher Bailey Hello Danielle Westbrook) it’s connotations appear to be similar to Noveau Rich – those with money and no taste.

A look celebrated and parodied by Ab Fab’s Eddie and her love for trends and ‘hot’ designers, It’s impossible to not know she’s wearing a ‘designer’. Astrid Andersen plays with fashion’s ability to celebrate and pastiche it’s own brand at the same time on the same item (think LV’s monogrammed bags or Moschino Jeans). Her menswear is certainly not forgettable with its construction of the base elements of sportswear. Nor was Courtney McWilliams’s take on casual wear in which the t-shirts and jackets proudly beared that particularly English symbol: the pit-bull.

Illustration by Joseph Keirs

This was an incredible exhibition of the craft, research and invention that is currently occurring within the Fashion Department of the RCA.

Menswear designer Trine Jensen presented breathtaking sweaters embroided with charms (as in bracelet) to hoops.

Victoria Stone’s cut up shirts… Illustration By Marnie Hollande

Sam McCoach’s tubular womenswear knit Illustration by Lesley Barnes

Poppy Cartwright’s white PVC collection produced fantastic shapes, her combination of high shine against the matt fabric embellished through the subtle addition of white embroidery.

All illustrations by Naomi Law

Frances Convey’s colour and shapes

Illustration by Katie Harvey

Yuri Yuferev cages presented dramatic feminine shapes harden through the materials positioning around the body.

Illustration by Lesley Barnes

The monochrome creped collection by Cecile Bahnsen came complete with 1990′s inspired sportswear jackets. Elements of grunge reappeared through the designers choice of length – often the dresses hang tightly around the ankle. Flashes of Amber from clueless appear with the presentation of the Fez hat. It’s that time already. The revival of the 1990′s.

Illustration by Marnie Hollande

Bahnsen’s graphic monochrome was interspersed with cut out pieces was softened through the pastel pink colouring.

This is but a small selection from the class of 2010, the more this reviewer revisits the look book accompanying the show the more previously unnoticed details emerge from these young designers collections.

Illustration by Gemma Milly of Zara Gorman’s Millinery.

Over the last few years the RCA’s MA Fashion course has quietly been producing a series of designers who have reinvented their particular disciplines – from menswear designers James Long and Katie Eary to womenswear’s Michael van der Ham, this Erdem and Holly Fulton (whose influence could already be seen on the Bournemouth catwalk). All of whom (except Erdem ) subsequently showed at London Fashion Week via Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East.

The RCA MA course actually consists of several different courses from Millinery (a course of one) in which Zara Gorman showed her exquisitely shaped hats constructed from a combination of leather, purchase wood and plastic.

Illustration by Katey Harvey

to knitwear, accessories, shoes and of course Womenswear and Menswear. The press release listed the words of inspiration that described the various elements of design the graduates of 2010 presented. It was slightly disconcerting to see the world ‘Chav’ being used as an inspiration, a word created by the press to demean those that wore Burberry Check head to toe (Pre Christopher Bailey Hello Danielle Westbrook) it’s connotations appear to be similar to Noveau Rich – those with money and no taste.

A look celebrated and parodied by Ab Fab’s Eddie and her love for trends and ‘hot’ designers, It’s impossible to not know she’s wearing a ‘designer’. Astrid Andersen plays with fashion’s ability to celebrate and pastiche it’s own brand at the same time on the same item (think LV’s monogrammed bags or Moschino Jeans). Her menswear is certainly not forgettable with its construction of the base elements of sportswear. Nor was Courtney McWilliams’s take on casual wear in which the t-shirts and jackets proudly beared that particularly English symbol: the pit-bull.

Illustration by Joseph Keirs

This was an incredible exhibition of the craft, research and invention that is currently occurring within the Fashion Department of the RCA.

Menswear designer Trine Jensen presented breathtaking sweaters embroided with charms (as in bracelet) to hoops.

Victoria Stone’s cut up chiffon shirts in conjunction with her oversized suits presented a more masculine take on womenswear, a look for those inspired by Woody Allen’s Annie Hall Illustration By Marnie Hollande

Sam McCoach’s tubular womenswear knit sashed down the catwalk. Illustration by Lesley Barnes

The ankle grazing dresses set off by the rounded shapes of the graphic coats. The collection was muted accessoried with tubular jewellery and flat shoes.

Poppy Cartwright’s white PVC collection produced fantastic shapes, her combination of high shine against the matt fabric embellished through the subtle addition of white embroidery.

All illustrations by Naomi Law

Frances Convey’s colour and shapes

Illustration by Katie Harvey

Yuri Yuferev cages presented dramatic feminine shapes harden through the materials positioning around the body.

Illustration by Lesley Barnes

The monochrome creped collection by Cecile Bahnsen came complete with 1990′s inspired sportswear jackets. Elements of grunge reappeared through the designers choice of length – often the dresses hang tightly around the ankle. Flashes of Amber from clueless appear with the presentation of the Fez hat. It’s that time already. The revival of the 1990′s.

Illustration by Marnie Hollande

Bahnsen’s graphic monochrome was interspersed with cut out pieces was softened through the pastel pink colouring.

This is but a small selection from the class of 2010, an almost impossible decision to make, as the more this reviewer revisited the show’s look book, previously unnoticed details consistently emerge from these young designers collections.

Illustration by Gemma Milly of Zara Gorman’s Millinery.

Over the last few years the RCA’s MA Fashion course has quietly been producing a series of designers who have reinvented their particular disciplines – from menswear designers James Long and Katie Eary to womenswear’s Michael van der Ham, page Erdem and Holly Fulton (whose influence could already be seen on the Bournemouth catwalk). All of whom (except Erdem ) subsequently showed at London Fashion Week via Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East.

The RCA MA course actually consists of several different courses from Millinery (a course of one) in which Zara Gorman showed her exquisitely shaped hats constructed from a combination of leather, approved wood and plastic.

Illustration by Katey Harvey

to knitwear, accessories, shoes and of course Womenswear and Menswear. The press release listed the words of inspiration that described the various elements of design the graduates of 2010 presented. It was slightly disconcerting to see the world ‘Chav’ being used as an inspiration, a word created by the press to demean those that wore Burberry Check head to toe (Pre Christopher Bailey Hello Danielle Westbrook) it’s connotations appear to be similar to Noveau Rich – those with money and no taste.

A look celebrated and parodied by Ab Fab’s Eddie and her love for trends and ‘hot’ designers, It’s impossible to not know she’s wearing a ‘designer’. Astrid Andersen plays with fashion’s ability to celebrate and pastiche it’s own brand at the same time on the same item (think LV’s monogrammed bags or Moschino Jeans). Her menswear is certainly not forgettable with its construction of the base elements of sportswear. Nor was Courtney McWilliams’s take on casual wear in which the t-shirts and jackets proudly beared that particularly English symbol: the pit-bull.

Illustration by Joseph Keirs

This was an incredible exhibition of the craft, research and invention that is currently occurring within the Fashion Department of the RCA.

Menswear designer Trine Jensen presented breathtaking sweaters embroided with charms (as in bracelet) to hoops.

Victoria Stone’s cut up chiffon shirts in conjunction with her oversized suits presented a more masculine take on womenswear, a look for those inspired by Woody Allen’s Annie Hall Illustration By Marnie Hollande

Sam McCoach’s tubular womenswear knit sashed down the catwalk. Illustration by Lesley Barnes

The ankle grazing dresses set off by the rounded shapes of the graphic coats. The collection was muted accessoried with tubular jewellery and flat shoes.

Poppy Cartwright’s white PVC collection produced fantastic shapes, her combination of high shine against the matt fabric embellished through the subtle addition of white embroidery.

All illustrations by Naomi Law

Frances Convey’s colour and shapes were a moment of joy, continuing the rounded shoulder shape of the jacket currently popular.

Illustration by Katie Harvey

The monochrome creped collection by Cecile Bahnsen came complete with 1990′s inspired sportswear jackets. Elements of grunge reappeared through the designers choice of length – often the dresses hang tightly around the ankle. Flashes of Amber from clueless appear with the presentation of the Fez hat. It’s that time already. The revival of the 1990′s.

Illustration by Marnie Hollande

Bahnsen’s graphic monochrome was interspersed with cut out pieces was softened through the pastel pink colouring.

Yuri Yufere presented dramatic feminine shapes harden through the materials cage like positioning around the body, the collection also included softer pieces of block patterned dresses complete with see through jacket.

Illustration by Lesley Barnes

This is but a small selection from the class of 2010, an almost impossible decision to make, as the more this reviewer revisited the show’s look book, previously unnoticed details consistently emerge from these young designers collections.

Illustration by Gemma Milly of Zara Gorman’s Millinery.

Over the last few years the RCA’s MA Fashion course has quietly been producing a series of designers who have reinvented their particular disciplines – from menswear designers James Long and Katie Eary to womenswear’s Michael van der Ham, clinic Erdem and Holly Fulton (whose influence could already be seen on the Bournemouth catwalk). All of whom (except Erdem ) subsequently showed at London Fashion Week via Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East.

The RCA MA course actually consists of several different courses from Millinery (a course of one) in which Zara Gorman showed her exquisitely shaped hats constructed from a combination of leather, wood and plastic.

Illustration by Katey Harvey

to knitwear, accessories, shoes and of course Womenswear and Menswear. The press release listed the words of inspiration that described the various elements of design the graduates of 2010 presented. It was slightly disconcerting to see the world ‘Chav’ being used as an inspiration, a word created by the press to demean those that wore Burberry Check head to toe (Pre Christopher Bailey Hello Danielle Westbrook) it’s connotations appear to be similar to Noveau Rich – those with money and no taste.

A look celebrated and parodied by Ab Fab’s Eddie and her love for trends and ‘hot’ designers, It’s impossible to not know she’s wearing a ‘designer’. Astrid Andersen plays with fashion’s ability to celebrate and pastiche it’s own brand at the same time on the same item (think LV’s monogrammed bags or Moschino Jeans). Her menswear is certainly not forgettable with its construction of the base elements of sportswear. Nor was Courtney McWilliams’s take on casual wear in which the t-shirts and jackets proudly beared that particularly English symbol: the pit-bull.

Illustration by Joseph Keirs

This was an incredible exhibition of the craft, research and invention that is currently occurring within the Fashion Department of the RCA.

Menswear designer Trine Jensen presented breathtaking sweaters embroided with charms (as in bracelet) to hoops.

Victoria Stone’s cut up chiffon shirts in conjunction with her oversized suits presented a more masculine take on womenswear, a look for those inspired by Woody Allen’s Annie Hall Illustration By Marnie Hollande

Sam McCoach’s tubular womenswear knit sashed down the catwalk. Illustration by Lesley Barnes

The ankle grazing dresses set off by the rounded shapes of the graphic coats. The collection was muted accessoried with tubular jewellery and flat shoes.

Poppy Cartwright’s white PVC collection produced fantastic shapes, her combination of high shine against the matt fabric embellished through the subtle addition of white embroidery.

All illustrations by Naomi Law

Frances Convey’s colour and shapes were a moment of joy, continuing the rounded shoulder shape of the jacket currently popular.

Illustration by Katie Harvey

The monochrome creped collection by Cecile Bahnsen came complete with 1990′s inspired sportswear jackets. Elements of grunge reappeared through the designers choice of length – often the dresses hang tightly around the ankle. Flashes of Amber from clueless appear with the presentation of the Fez hat. It’s that time already. The revival of the 1990′s.

Illustration by Marnie Hollande

Bahnsen’s graphic monochrome was interspersed with cut out pieces was softened through the pastel pink colouring.

Yuri Yufere presented dramatic feminine shapes harden through the materials cage like positioning around the body, the collection also included softer pieces of block patterned dresses complete with see through jacket.

Illustration by Lesley Barnes

This is but a small selection from the class of 2010, an almost impossible decision to make, as the more this reviewer revisited the show’s look book, previously unnoticed details consistently emerge from these young designers collections.
Lauren-Mortimer-Kids-With-Guns
Kids With Guns by Lauren Mortimer.

Last week saw the opening of Tarradiddle, viagra order an exhibition showcasing the combined talents of nine artists of the recently founded all-female collective ‘Martha’, each exploring an experimental mode of story-telling through their work. The private view took place on 7th June 2010 opposite the Hackney City Farm in London’s East End, and saw the pop-up gallery space full to bursting with people over two floors who came for an eclectic mix of art (and the amazing hand made biscuits!). There was a real collective feel to the show as the works themselves sat in harmony alongside one another, a variety of mediums from paintings, illustration, through video and sculpture.

Sorcha-O'brien-open-closed
Open Closed by Sorcha O’brien.

I got a real sense of a dark, almost menacing undercurrent throughout this exhibition with a subtext to each piece that I’m keen to discover. What I found infectious was the way this tone is transformed into an uplifting experience right through the artwork on show.

Lauren-Mortimer-Swing-Cannon
Swing Cannon by Lauren Mortimer.

Upstairs had work ranging from the beautifully playful, yet disturbing illustrations of Lauren Mortimer depicting children in typical childhood scenarios with a sinister twist, her subject’s childhood naivety contrasting brilliantly with the haunting, ethereal subjects of Linda Hemmersbach’s paintings. Zosienka Gibb’s work continued in a similar character driven vain with a series of portraits depicting characters from ‘The Master and the Margarita’, the novel by Mikhail Bulgakov, her images smattered with traces of symbolism and influenced by an African, British and Eastern European childhood.

Linda-Hemmersbach
Art by Linda Hemmersbach.
Zosia-Gibbs
Work from Zosia Gibbs.

I found Marina Rees’ work captivating, adding variety and depth to the show through a combination of sculpture and images made using a host of unusual natural materials, that examine the human relationship with animals.

Marina-Rees-polar-mask
Polar Mask by Marina Rees.

The lower level was dedicated entirely to moving image, and was split between the work of Jade Mortimer and Sarah Blaszczok. Jade’s work dominated the centre of the room with set pieces accompanying a sumptuously shot film depicting two character’s mysteriously ominous encounter, based around some unique pistol shaped decanters marketed in the 1960’s by Avon. Sarah’s film was similarly intriguing with it’s wordless narrative showing events unfold as the characters carry out mundane and repeated acts, the result was in equal parts both sinister and ridiculous.

Jade-Mortimer-New-World
Jade-Mortimer-New-World-still
New World by Jade Mortimer.

The show’s biggest appeal lay in the sense of an unspoken story being told throughout the exhibition, and an incentive to pay close attention to all the work that was on show. My own desire to explore what I saw here stemmed not only from a visceral reaction to the art itself, but to make my own sense of the ambiguity within each piece. It was an exhibition cohesive in themes and ideas, and was undoubtedly a rewarding overall show. The word Tarradiddle means a concocted story or fib, and it’s definitely one I whole heartedly recommend trying to debunk.

Tarradiddle-exhibition

Categories ,Arts Collective, ,East End, ,exhibition, ,graduate, ,Hackney City Farm, ,Jade Mortimer, ,Lauren Mortimer, ,Linda Hemmersbach, ,Marina Rees, ,Martha, ,Mikhail Bulgakov, ,Sarah Blaszczok, ,Tarradiddle, ,Zosia Gibbs, ,Zosienka Gibbs

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