lightstream
Nigel Grierson
I loathe the phrase coffee table book, the Collins Dictionary defines the phrase coffee table book as "A coffee-table book is a large expensive book with a lot of pictures, which is designed to be looked at rather than to be read properly, and is usually placed where people can see it easily." It implies that the book has been bought, not for enjoyment but to be seen, like taking a box at the opera that's lit to be observed in rather than watch from.
Its particularly galling when it applies to the work of a single artist, rather than a subject. I will confess to a fantastic thirty minutes leafing through a book on classic British motorbikes of the nineteen fifties whilst waiting for a friend that happened to be a huge bike enthusiast, with a number of examples in his garage, somehow it's disparaging when the book is a collection by a single artist/photographer, in this case, Nigel Grierson. I think it's down to a feel, when a book is the work of a single artist, it feels more like an exhibition, like you've been given access to your own personal gallery, it's a more intimate relationship, especially when there's a theme.
Like many I was first introduced to the works of Nigel Grierson through the sleeves that he and co-23 Envelope partner, Vaughan Oliver, did for 4AD, in the late eighties and early nineties when Fatea was more indie orientated and published on paper, it sort of adds another delight that I'm review "lightstream" a book published by Lost Press, rather than an online gallery and when it comes to the publishing, Lost Press have served Nigel well.
"lightstream" is simple, thirty six images and a couple of quotes, the most important 'A snapshot steals life that cannot return. A Long exposure (creates) a form that never existed', from Dieter Appelt, as it provides the key to unlocking the untitled images.
There is a fusion of form, human and other with landscapes, seascapes and natural light trails, with some forms more recognisable, age, gender, never and individual, others ephemeral disappearing and emerging from background, foregrounds and a feel of St Elmo fire or when subtly contrasted against the skeletal remains of Brighton Pier.
The most important thing to remember as well is that these are images straight from the camera, reflecting moments that come together, rather than captured as a whole. The key to that is to avoid that fear of failure, the fear that holds back creativity and enjoy that which is presented.
Nigel Grierson, is no longer beholden to a client, the liberation of shooting for yourself and allowing others to interpret your work, rather than interpreting the concepts of others have given him a view and you the chance to vanish into your own little gallery.
For more detail:www.lostpress.org
instagram.com/lostpress/
Neil King
Cocteau Twins - Pearly Dewdrops' Drops
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Corsair is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.
