Tag: #anetesoodaphotography

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 33

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 33

LATE SUNDAY AND I AM DETERMINED TO QUICKLY DELIVER SOME CULTURE -WEEK 33

FASHION & FREEDOM – IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 14-18 NOW by Freedom Festival Arts trust

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One of the most radical changes during the war was the huge change in women’s lives. With the men away fighting, more than one million women went to work for the first time. These new responsibilities led to a new look, and a century later, this era has inspired Fashion & Freedom, an ambitious, multi-faceted exhibition that examines the fashion legacy of the First World War.
Exquisite craftsmanship courtesy of fashion stalwarts Emilia Wickstead, Holly Fulton and Sadie Williams are also on display.
A series of specially commissioned original short films complement the garments, including films by directors from Nick Knight’s award-winning SHOWstudio and Luke Snellin, who wrote and directed First, which reimagines a young woman’s first day as a bus conductor.
Source: Hull 2017

This fashion exhibition is like breath of fresh air in the Princess Quay Shopping Centre and for once the exhibits come together nicely with what people visit the shopping centre.

Most of the dresses are a pleasure for the eye, some are so tempting to be touched and put on.

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The same day I had a look at the new arrival in Princess Quay Shopping Centre
Artist Claire Morgan has created the new artwork, named Elephant in the Room, which highlights Hull’s relationship with the sea and reflects on the environment and sustainability. It has been hand crafted, created from 12,000 fragments of paper and 4,270 individual threads.
It is pretty impressive, but you need to know about it, otherwise it just seems like an early Christmas decoration.

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On Thursday I had a stroll down Hull Marina/Fruit Market/Humber Street in the search for a new arrival – graffiti by Calvin Innes and Spray Creative.

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The graffiti murals liven up the place and I like the ever changing face of the streets. + both artists are pretty cool people too.

The morning was a bit dull and quiet – a different scene from few weeks back at the Humbers Street Sesh back when streets were buzzing with people. Humber Street Gallery had its doors closed and it was soooo quiet.

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AND OFF COURSE I HAD TO SEE THE SOLAR GATE SCULPTURE AT QUEENS GARDENS THAT EVERYONE WENT MAD FOR.

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Solar Gate is the latest addition to a host of new public realm artworks, including Shane Rhodes’ poem The City Speaks which encircles the newly-installed fountains in Queen Victoria Square.

I thought that setting out an artistic gallery from few photographers of the giant being installed was pretty rushed and even when I visited it did not looked finished. Patience, patience people.

I think it looks fantastic, Queens Gardens might be the next hot spot for visitors and well deserved – the park is beautiful.

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THIS WEEK MY CULTURE VENTURES ARE RUSHED – I WAS RUSHED ALL WEEK AND MY HEAD OCCUPIED WITH MAD THINGS.
BUT I AM STILL LOVIN’ MY PHOTO CHALLENGE AND SOON I WILL HAVE SOMETHING NEW TO SHOW OFF.

GET CULTURED AND KEEP CALM

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 30

by anetesooda3 Comments on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 30

Now just days away from returning to Hull after two weeks of living in a different world. As I was away from the British, from the culture last week, on the 30th week I can reflect on the challenge, culture in Hull and my relationship with Great British.

Every year I come home, Latvia for lengthy holiday with my family, friends, life and memories. Seven years away from Latvia has been beautifully changing, but sad at the same time.

Last year on return I started my HOME GLORY photo series, celebrating my origins, land of everything beautiful and people.

My life, especially social, is often lived through the lens, so coming home with a similar mindset is rather interesting. I mix pleasure with work, being completely off the routines back in the UK.

Half way on holiday I managed to drop my phone in the loo, so I lost that quick access to social media and quite honestly – interest in having one. So odd glimpse of culture in Hull made me realise that I am missing out on bloody loads, but it was not a regret. [this next line is the most important in this post]

Hull is not silent, it is bursting with potential perfect photographs celebrating culture,people, places and important stories. Therefore I feel like my Hull 2017 challenge is my welcome call back home, to Hull. And yes, I have two homes, so I am incredibly lucky, each home offering me something different to “rub on” my self-esteem and ego.

Hull is AMAZING and this year I my relationship with the city has improved – we are totally in love.

On my return work waits, there is a lot of work with culture and with various clients, so there will be no rest until end September.

Just before I left, on the notes if reflections I visited the reflective patios in Old town opposite Hull Trinity Church. The mirrored bits of pavement is another photo-must-take, usually with planning and patience. For me – visual document. For now…

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P. S. Get cultured and love Hull.

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 24

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 24

HAPPY 30+ MONDAY.

THE HEAT IS KILLING ME SOFTLY, I AM MELTING AND ACHING AFTER YESTERDAYS HULL 10K. [yes, I ran my first ever Jane Tomlinson’s Hull 10K]

BUT THE WORK WAITS, SO LETS GET STARTED.

 

LAST WEEK WAS BUSY AS LATELY THAT IS ALL I GET, SO I DIDN’T DO AS MUCH CULTURE AS PLANNED.

On Tuesday I photographed a little cultural community accent near Octagon centre in West Hull [ish]. I was in the area doing some serious business and these highly flammable hay “things” have been to my attention for a while. Community around is showing that growing greens, strawberries and things down local street is very much OK. And I agree cos it looks fantastic.

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Plus the area is showing off its own take on Hull City Of Culture 2017 – everyone every were can be part of the #GETCULTUREDMOVEMENT

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ON THURSDAY I WENT DOWN TO HULL STREET FOOD NIGHTS @ZEBEDEE’S YARD/PRINCESS DOCK STREET.

Everything I do most of the time comes with a “but”. This time it was the fact that I only went to the end of the event, because was working and that was the only option. Better late than never, huh?

For a while it has been on my radar, as the HULL STREET FOOD NIGHTS is one of those happy things about Hull and its people. We like our food, drinks and gathering.

Because I went after 8 pm, crowds have eased off and entertainment finished.
I took a stroll through the food stalls, chatted with armed police and enjoyed the rainbow with everyone.

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The images shows just what I was saying before and I am glad I went even though there was possibility that all the food and people will be gone!

If any interest to you – I took home a chicken&bacon&leek pie from THE HULL PIE.

 

GET CULTURED, GET INVOLVED!!! SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 6

by anetesooda1 Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 6

Week 6 of the City Of Culture 2017 has been very exciting for me. I don’t know if that was because I found the pub out of town in Hull that thinks it has the most culture, or if it was the company of fellow photographer imagesaremoments  when visiting  .

At the beginning of the week I was in a hunt for the Ye Olde White Harte and the famous skull.

I must admit that I am embarrassed to say that I had to google-map myself there and  I DID NOT KNOW THAT THE PLACE EXIST.

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The beer garden is a bit magic and the pub is full of character.

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I questioned the bar staff girls [lovely ladies] about the skull and it turns out it is a real skull found on the premises. It is assumed that it is a 19 year old girl…So the characters of the pub and potential ghost presences are even more fascinating.

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As there was a staff meeting and I was literally getting in the way, I only took a quick snap of the skull and left with a promise to come back for a pint one day.

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As I made my work to work, I was armed to look for “culture” in outskirts of Hull.

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And then I found a pub… that states it has the most culture of them all.

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Inkermann from outside looks awesome. It is like a gem in the middle of nowhere and must be the place for the locals.

And there are stories behind the pub and the “massage salon” next door….

The reason why all this is on my blog WEEK 6, is simple – when I am looking, I find these fascinating places and people in Hull. And you certainly need to know about it. Cos it is not just the main events of City of Culture we celebrate, we celebrate little things as well.

The next day I headed to Hull University and Brynmor Jones Library to see the Lines of Thought – A British Museum Touring Exhibition at Hull University .

I invited a fellow photographer Sergej/imagesaremoments  to join me and we entered the world of posh study area and the coolest library seen.

Exhibition was very well attended for a Wednesday daytime.

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I was impressed with the some of the drawings and also maybe discovered the first abstract/illusion drawing.

 

Next door there was another exhibition. Sometimes I don’t pay attention to where I go, so all I know it was a Hull University collection….

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When we were finished with the stationary art, we had to have a look around the recently refurbished library. As a graduated student, I think that the library is the perfect place where to have a little time with books and all the work you have to do. And the facilities are beautiful.

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No excuse not to be a good student.

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imagesaremoments was appreciating the architecture and all’ so we got a permission to go upstairs and see the beautiful view from the 7th floor of the library. I was stunned by the views and the environment students can access to study. WOW.

We also had a walk around the Hull University grounds, imagesaremoments shared his passion for buildings and architecture in general.

 

imagesaremoments look at the buildings in a very different way then I do. I witnessed the passion for it and the way he photographs every bit of “excitement”.

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So yeah, interesting week and I shall look forward to next ventures.

Hull City Of Culture 2017, Uncategorized

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL- WEEK 4

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL- WEEK 4

Welcome to a reflection of one of the less – cultural Hull 2017 week so far.

This week has been more about reflecting my challenge and photography content, working on other photography jobs and planning.

 

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This photograph is a view from Princess Quay, in a distance you can spot one of the City Of Culture installations ‘I Wish To Communicate With You’  initial concept by Italian artist Silvio Palladino.

The installation has involved the majority of the Thornton Estate’s 600 residents, living in 240 homes.

This photograph is part of my future involvement in City Of Culture and planning my next material.

I have planned some serious “culture stuff”, so here is the list below:

  • I will be creating City Of Culture Slinkachu [read more about what is Slinkachu here: Slinkachu.com Street Installations and Photography]
    I have tried Slinkachu in my second year at Uni, so I DEFINITELY KNOW WHAT I AM DOING – NOT.  I am waiting for my “little” people to arrive and in the meantime, preparing props and planning locations.
  • I am planning to meet up with City Of Culture Volunteers. All the volunteers involved in City Of Culture are so important, so I want to hear their stories and celebrate the work they do. This was to happen this week, but volunteers are very busy, so I am patiently waiting.
  • I am planning to visit Lines of Thought – A British Museum Touring Exhibition at Hull University and see the history for myself. I have discussed the exhibition with other “cultured” people that have seen it and apparently is a moment to be appreciated.
  • One of the really interesting things not just to photograph, but get involved in definitely is RE-MADE IN HULL in ScrapStore Community Centre Hall, Hull. For this one me [and you] need to book your attendance
    [link here: http://scrapstorehull.co.uk/Hull2017/]
    I am thinking about 4th of February, so it could be awesome if someone would like to join me. Free lift to and from location available upon request :)
  • All things Hull History Centre and Revolutionary Makers Workshop
    The main focus will be to get there in general, have a look at “Hull Characters” exhibition.

 

more to come….

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MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL- WEEK 3

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL- WEEK 3

Hello on a very exciting Monday!

BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show and my fave Nick Grimshaw early this morning announced that BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend is coming to Hull.

Honestly seconds before he revealed the city, I was like “it must be Hull, cos City Of Culture, Hull, Hull, common ‘Ull”

So I am super excited and I will do anything in my power to be there, cos awesome photo opportunity and Kings Of Leon.

Here is more info available:

City Of Culture 2017 Radio 1 Big Weekend Hull

Anyway…
Last week was the third week of the City Of Culture 2017.

I was obsessed with the blade and tried to get there on a Wednesday EARLY sunny morning. The weather forecast failed and it was dark, damp, but getting out early meant no crowds….

Early mornings are interesting when you are not part of the early hours rush.
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To my very disappointment The Blade even though available to myself, was not much easier to photograph. I am either giving up on trying to capture the lengthy beast from the grounds or I have to learn how to fly….

Interesting is the fact that during a normal rush hour morning, The Blade is just part of the landscape for those who pass it on their way to work, workman, seagulls…

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The same morning I also went to Hull Maritime Museum to see the BOWHEAD.

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The experience proved that I really need to be in a mood for a therapeutic session with whales floating on a screen, accomplished with “smooth” music.

I also went to the Ferens Open Exhibition official opening or private view.

I am honoured to be part of the exhibition although on the opening night I was in the same blender as other artists. The good news is that the opening was very crowded, full of culturally interested people and with a pride I was looking at my two prints, thinking how the hell did I got in here.

The bad news is that Ferens Art Gallery did not listened to me when I told them that my name needs changing on the catalogue, so for those who don’t know me by Anete Martinsone – nice to meet you.

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AND on Saturday morning I headed to Princess Quay for the POP UP ART GALLERY RUN BY CHILDREN. 

Princess Quay cleverly use the retail space that is empty for art exhibitions and I think it is a great way how to utilize space.

I was left with a very warm feeling that kids are all about the Hull, as well as grown ups.

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Again, just being involved is what this challenge is about. I might not been as entertained as I was during Made In Hull week, but I for what is worth – I am improving my relationship with Hull and its community.

Thank you

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HULL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2016

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on HULL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2016

Comedy in Hull is always alive, but once a year Hull Comedy Festival brings the laughs together in a form of a festival.

For the second year running, I had the honours to be be part of it – photograph and laugh [sometimes laugh is distracting me from holding a frame].

This gallery will be bursting of great moments, pulled faces, awesome comedians, local talents and sausage rolls.

My highlight of this year was The Kagools. All my love to these two brilliant girls. They salsa-kissed Hulls mayor and THAT IS JUST ONE REASON WHY THEY ARE SO AWESOME.

Great to see local comedians, comedians from Leeds and other outskirts of Hull [sorry].

BIG MASSIVE HUGE THANKS TO GARY JENNISON AND JED SALISBURY. ALL MY LOVE TO YOU BOTH FOR MAKING THIS FESTIVAL SO LOVABLE.

Since I’ve started taking so many photographs, I struggle to write essays and speak thousand words, therefore there is just one last thing to say:

 

THANK YOU HULL COMEDY FESTIVAL 2016 FOR MAKING MY LIFE FUNNY AND I CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR!!!!

 
PLEASE LIKE, SHARE AND RE LIVE THE HULL COMEDY  FESTIVAL 2016.

 

Lots of love
Anete Sooda

 

 

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Freedom Festival 2016

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on Freedom Festival 2016
Freedom Festival 2016

Time has passed since the Freedom Festival, but it is never too late to share some great moments and re live the festival.

 

 

WARNING – there is nearly 200 photos, so before you decide to open the gallery and re live the festival, prepare a cup of tea and a bowl of biscuits.

 

I will keep the the reading to the minimum, so that you have the chance to indulge in the moments.

Massive thanks to Freedom Festival for trusting me with this big and important job, it was my honour to be the official photographer amongst great talent, such as Thomas Arran and Neil Holmes.

I was photographing the festival across three days – performances, music, theatre, people and moments.

My highlight was definitely Les Commandos Percu and Deabru Beltzak Danbor Talka: Clash of Drums on Friday night and Saturday daytime, when everyone embraced the rain and enjoyed the festival.

Looking back at the photographs, especially from the night time – the festival has been a learning curve and I have so much space where to develop.

I have recognised a strong Parr and Dench influence when I look at people and moments through the lens. I am drawn to human kind being awkward at times, honest, happy, beautiful, clumsy, innocent and guilty…I celebrate people.

The Freedom Festival this year has been incredible – it was distributed well across very significant and beautiful areas of Hull, it had wide range of art available to different kind of people and it was engaging.
I certainly feel like I was part of something really good, something that is so “Hull”.

I hope you enjoyed the festival and are ready for next year- 10th anniversary of Freedom Festival.

If you would like to enjoy festival from different points of view visit here:

Freedom Festival 2016 Highlights

and

Freedom Festival 2016 on Flickr

 

SO…Have you got the supplies ready?

 

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FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE: PRESENT AND FUTURE PLANS

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE: PRESENT AND FUTURE PLANS

I sack off tomorrow. I am going to Latvia, my home and heart. Before I leave everyone for 2 1/2 weeks, I would like to give a quick update of what has been going on, what I will be up to for two weeks and what are my future plans.

 

For the past month I have been living a post-student life and so many great things have happened. I have left the student-hood and got my life back. Suddenly I can absorb the world around me. The seasons have changed from autumn to winter, to spring and yes, July have arrived quickly.

First great and awesome thing – the hard work over three years have summed up in First Class Honours and yesterday in the post I got the actual scores, so it is not just a mistake. I am super happy.

After the Degree show, I presented “End Of Life” celebration project at Manchester Hothouse Redeye event,photographed Hull 10K, been to Jazz Comedy Night in Hull, become an official volunteer at the Dove House Hospice and have got some pretty amazing photography jobs…. a lot has happened.

Starting in August I will start working even harder and have so many plans.

First –  I will release wedding, engagement, family photo shoot and pet photo shoot packages. I have to start make some money out of this fantastic talent I have [education too hehe] and I have to be open minded.

I will continue to photograph as volunteer at different kind of events to celebrate life and people, because that is who I am and hopefully will have enough time to explore the world through the lens.

 

Currently working on collaborating with Freedom Festival and pre-festival events, will be at the Humber Street Sesh in August, will continue working with Eskimosoup and hopefully will officially become a freelance photographer.

 

Most important – “End Of Life” project is on the top of the list.
I am currently pausing the grave yard and funeral part, but will be working towards celebrating end of life in work collaboration with Dove House Hospice and explore people that either have a life limiting illness or experience someone else having life limiting illness. I will be looking at celebrating life lived, legacy left behind and other great things that we can think of in the means of life. I will be speaking with people, sharing my views and project and really want to open up this difficult subject of death and end of life to a broader spectrum of people.

Although I say I have paused the funeral and cemetery photography, I will be photograph and explore the core of the project – cultural differences between Latvian and British.

For the first time, my time in Latvia is not going to be just about leisure and taking holiday snaps. As the origins of “End Of Life” project comes directly from my Latvian heritage, I feel the urge to work on the project whilst there and bring back my vision of the subject of death and how open-minded [or not] Latvians and Eastern cultures are.
Whilst visiting Latvia I have selection of photographs that are defining visual of death and end of life subject in British culture and will recreate them in Latvia.
I also hope to have a quick visit to at least one grave yards in Lithuania and Estonia.

Plus, I have an ambitious plan to contact and visit Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital Pathology Centre slash morgue and embrace the darkest part of end of life.

My professional life relies on WordPress blog, Facebook page. I feel like I need to reconstruct my blog and have an additional online portfolio.

As you may have noticed, my Facebook page is fairly new – still working on it.

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Whilst I will be in Latvia, I will continue organically extend my “HOME GLORY” ongoing series and will create master pieces that are truly and utterly my kind of Latvian.

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There is that one last thing I will be doing on the day before I fly off – Before I Die Wall @Hull Pride tomorrow from 1 pm.

I will be there early to photograph setting up and you might see those photos as early as 9 am and later on the day I will be at the Hull Pride.

IN THE MEANTIME – LIVE LOVE CHANGE LIFE.