Here are some images from New York

diary entry

I haven't published much to this blog over the last few months, but have updated considerably today. I've managed to master the posting of images on the blog which has been a great help and is generally more condusive to writing.

I've also had difficulty coming to terms with the concept of critical theory; I have experienced reading a chapter in Cavallaro's Critical and cultural theory, trying to absorb it and returning to the chapter a week or so later to find that I haven't retained much at all. I have found some other books which provide more of an introduction to the subject, and one in particular explains that 'if you have come from of background of subjects such as media studies, sociolinguistics and communications studies the student will have a general feel of the new theoretical approaches to literature....rather than [coming from a background of ] taking straight 'A' level literature...with the emphasis on set books' (Beginning Theory by Peter Barry) - the latter seems appropriate to me, and encourages me. I am keen to get to know the language of critical theory, and feel that I am gradually becoming more acquainted with it.

I'm also looking forward to the essay. The seminar the other day was very helpful in giving a structure to approaching the essay and developing it. The question now is which topic to write about. Since I have started thinking about it, I have been switching topics - being pulled this way and that as another idea presents itself to me. However, hopefully this will settle down as one particular subject becomes more interesting than any of the others.

Views on surveillance

I took a number of photographs of surveillance equipment in the last month. The more I took the more I realised that we are photographed constantly. I heard that the average person is captured on cctv about 300 times per day. The UK has the most number of cctv cameras in the whole of Europe; apparently there is one camera per 14 people here.

Most people are ambivolent about this situation probably being used to the situation, and in any event there appears nothing we can do about this violation of our privacy. Although it may seem like a gross invasion of privacy, cctv also has its uses in tracking down lawbreakers which can then result in them being brought to justice.

security guard, Hackney refuse depot

Security guard on duty at Hackney recycling depot; they are not keen on photographs being taken here

old style security

This old style security system is located at Westminster College, Battersea

security, Stamford

A sinister looking security camera is located at the entrance to a car park in Stamford, Lincolnshire. The camera in the black bulb rotates every few seconds to record all those entering and exiting the car park. At first sight the standard looks like a lamp standard, but then a moving component can be seen rotating.

security notice, Tower Hamlets, London

A very wordy notice warns people about what they can or cannot do within this private area. It also warns people where to walk for their own protection. The notice is written in English, but the additional notice warns pictorially that there are cctv cameras in operation.

security screen, London

This is the screen view of a square in London which can only entered through a security gate. The security camera belongs to a small business which is located at the gated entrance to the square.

cctv, Docklands

Security cameras bristle on a small lodge building situated at the entrance to warehouses and storage depots in the East End of London near Docklands. The cameras are directed onto every angle to capture any one entering or leaving the business property.

jansjournal

jansjournal

I haven't blogged for some time, and have been having a bit of trouble getting back in again. I'm going to go back to some of the critical theory modules of last term which I didn't feel I completed.

jansjournal: November 2006

jansjournal: November 2006
During my research for my project 'Amazing Space' I have come across a number of interesting references to the critical theory of textuality, the gaze, gender and sexuality and so on.
Initially my project started with my consideration about how others see us, how we may be observed as we go about our lives, and how wrong assumptions may be made.

figures at the pinnacles

Figures at the Pinnacles is the first painting on canvas that I painted on my return to Scotland.

Last Leaves

This painting is based upon the last leaves on a tree; the leaves themselves look abstracted close to, but from a distance give the impression of dried and dying leaves.

Cyprus Studio

This photograph was taken in a studio in Cyprus in 2003. I was there for three weeks and spent my time making charcoal drawings.

Mediterranean garden - drawing: charcoal on paper