Devious Journal Entry

A YEAR REMEMBERED - 2011


My recent visit to the National Gallery in London (December 13th 2011) to view Leonardo da Vinci's artistic work provided an opportunity to really look at close quarters at the most wonderful array of art by this genius, all brought together under one roof; a true magical moment. With misgivings about ease of viewing, crowds and time allocation evaporated as all was perfectly arranged to permit everyone to spend enough time with each masterpiece. For me the closeness needed to observe the fine quill and ink drawings seemed the same distance the man himself used to create them; a very intimate sense of connection spanned the centuries within the eight inches I and he must have occupied. Admiring the brush-strokes of paintings seen only via photographs in books, my appreciation and respect for Leonardo's skills and artistry expanded.

Outside after an eye-popping time enthralled with the brilliance of the man, the reality of the moment could not be ignored. The Christmas tree a Norwegian spruce an annual gift rose elegantly bedecked with white lights, tall and majectic standing ahead of the gallery's ballistrade commanding the whole square, Horatio for one time each year overshadowed. Only a scattering of people wandered round the fountains and a peaceful thrum of voices, not traffic, planes or sirrens sounded giving me extra space for Leonardo. Perhaps the economy of the country, debt-ridden banks and the like all conspiring to dull our hearts, the four hundred year old art remained in my mind, murmuring voices surrounded us and the ample quietness all seemed to say more about humanity than all the usual noisy hullaboo metered out by computerised Britain does every minute. Whatever politics demands, how we all cope with tightening our belts, one fact remains. More benevolence, kind-heartedness and generosity seems to happen at times of financial hardship than at any other. We Brits will survive and prosper. Europe will remain the global mass we akin with, and givng will top the charts each year.  

As a Londoner living now in the beautiful Cotswolds a visit to London to see these artworks and see old friends becomes a pilgrimage requiring at least two nights accommodation. The cost, the time, the anticipation makes the excursion a special event. Nothing stops our enthusiasm. Of course we also enjoy gathering with friends, sharing news and plans, dining in modest restaurants and on my birthday dining at the Ritz, never enough time, never counting the cost consumed with ensuring all waking moments are filled with joy.  And on that note...

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone. However, if religion is not your thing. Or for those of you who may even be offended by it. I care little. You'll no doubt make the best of it.

Looking back over the past year a busy photographic time has been had. The ups and the downs maintained their presence as always, yet the highs always overtake the lows - just why this happens I do not know. The words of my wise old grandfather, a humourous GP all his life resound in my head, "We all have the ability to make our own luck, you just need to be aware where it may lie and go there and retrieve it. Once lost, it seems to remain lost but can suddenly appear like magic if you demonstrate integrity, truth and compassion". He's been dead now for some twenty five years, departing aged one hundred and four, a man who knew how to live. I threaten my own adult children with remaining amongst them for an equal length of time. They smile yet appreciate that it could well come true...

My thanks to everyone that has worked with me this year. The clients who've fed me with inspiration, commissions and choices, the photographic printers who've laboured to provide the prints to the exacting standards demanded by moi, the models who've tollerated my specific foibles and who have responded with exhilarating performances, all but one a heartbreaking individual, if anyone deserves a happy Christmas she does. The equipment purveyors, one in particular who pulled out all the stops to get me a new telephoto lens in short notice. And of course the many Deviants who have been generous with compliments, kind in approach, and generally all-round good eggs, as my grandfather would have said.

For 2012 my mantra shall be, 'Bring a little happiness into every day, try to leave some beauty of any kind behind me each evening, and to smile before speaking'.   


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Martin's Journal - April 2011

A STRING OF PEARLS  -  Ramblings of a recalcitrant photographer

'The jape-wrenched thought rushed headlong through my anxious mind
While slumber forged ideals and passions into numbness,
My brain exercised nimbly yet with eyes open I thwart logical thinking.
I dream'.  
© Martin Billings April 2011


A year or so ago I dreamt the complete synopsis of a novel. This in itself is remarkable. And not placed with writing prowess neatly resting upon my shoulders I nonetheless, in the bright new morning sun the next day, commenced to plot the sequence of dreamt thoughts, but although expecting to remember little of the detail the shock of discovering that not only could every minor detail be recovered quite effortlessly, I could also enhance the sections scant with description and meaning into compliant prose. The shock was overwhelming.

Speed I considered was paramount in order that at any moment the open door of my brain may snap shut. I needn't have worried as within the day I had formed the correct and most satisfactory set of words upon the pages fluttering out of the printer like pretty freshwater pearls. To my mind they were pearls, stringing together forming a continuous collection of meaningful circumstances. I sent my work (it formed a screenplay more than it did a story) to a film post-director. He was generous to provide me with a full and detailed assessment. He liked it and demanded to see further sections when I had written them.

The other night my subconscious was kind enough to provide, in full colour, a novel idea for a photographic shoot. Yes you pre-empt my next sentence. All detail laid bare, even the style of furniture was clearly defined, but unfortunately the location was not. On this occasion, unlike the screenplay not everything was delivered. I indeed felt let down, but not downhearted. In truth as in finding pearls a search tempered with luck is the name of the game. Nothing worth doing should really be easy, and I realised that I would have to graft a bit to reach a conclusion, if I wanted it. The pearls did exist only exposing them took a day or two. In some way this shoot is unique, the idea was, you might say, given to me, project managing the logistics and subsidiary stuff comes easier each time: completion is but a step away - images practically in my hands.

What do these events say to me? Well perhaps I should eat oysters more often, and avoid watching TV before sleep, but ensure I experience the good company of friends where inspiring conversation takes place and wholesome food consumed. A recipe for happiness and creativity is almost guaranteed. When seeking the arms of Morpheus each night, a balanced and healthy diet, fresh air and exercise is some way to encourage dreams and avoid nightmares. What can be accomplished after waking is all a bit of a lottery.