Day towards day

Hour after hour

Stepping into a future, with no direction other than the whispers that motivate you from within…..

Last week I started writing the backstory, to go along with the paintings that I am going to be showing in October. And inevitably, rather than focussing on what I should be doing… which is collating information for discussing the subjects in the paintings, I got distracted hacking back into my soundcloud account. Music is such an incredible thing for invoking memories and emotions. I also uncovered piles of lyrics and songs that are half formed, which no doubt will keep me busy during the winter months. “Ocean Sighs” Play on Soundcloud

I came across this on my newsfeed on facebook today and I thought it was very apt for inclusion here.

They didn’t kill the Gods.

They raised walls

where forests once stood.

They lit candles

and forgot the fire.

They searched the heavens

while turning their eyes from the earth.

Yet the Gods

have never dwelled

within carved stone.

They still walk

among the firs that defy the winter,

within the roots of the World Ash,

in the raven’s cry,

in the voice of thunder,

and upon the sea

that bows to no man.

We remember.

We remember the wind

that taught not obedience,

but courage.

We remember the nights

when the fire told stories

older than the kingdoms of men.

We remember

that every tree,

every river,

every mountain

bears a name

no book shall ever erase.

The Gods ask for no temples.

They ask for an oath kept.

A steady hand.

A spirit

that remains standing

when winter grows long

and the world falls silent.

They seek no servants.

They seek women and men

who meet their fate

with straight backs,

clear eyes,

and hearts unshackled by fear.

For the sacred

doesn’t dwell

behind closed doors.

It breathes in the forest.

It runs with the wolf.

It flies with the raven.

It flows through mountain streams.

It burns

in the fire

that no winter

has ever been able to extinguish.

Don’t seek the Gods where men have built walls.

Return to the places where the wind still remembers their names.

Author unknown

Wishing a blessed Lughnasadh to all celebrating and I hope that the harvest is bountiful. Whatever it is that you have been growing!

And just like that… July was over. In a blur of travelling, creating, socialising, making, marketing, reflecting, prioritising and focussing on the road ahead. Where do we need to be heading? What are we going to do? And most importantly who we are going to do it with?

As an Artist I fully embrace the need for lots of space away from people to manifest my creations, but there is also a time for coming out of that crabshell, temporarily, to meet the others on the same beach. July has been just full of that medicine.

The key word for the last month month, for me anyway, has been “community” and the gathering of like minds. Being guided with an unseen hand towards those resonating on the same wave length. Comrades and partners in crime. Well, certainly if that crime is creating ART.

Had such a wonderful time at the “Meet the Artists” show at Gallery 9 King Street in Whitehaven, with Danny and Angela Strange of Strange Ceramics that I was inspired to create the new channel on2thestreet, for interesting things happening in the Arts in Cumbria.

So please send me a message if you have something exciting happening in the arts that you would like featured at on2thestreet on youtube. Other elements of this will be coming soon so watch this space for more information.

Check out the couple of videos of Danny talking about his screen prints, and his work and dont forget to subscribe for notifications of new content.

The next show to feature at Gallery, 9 King St in whitehaven will be Images of Nick Cave 6th - 29th August 2026. Book launch with complimentary drinks and live music. 5pm - 8pm.

Gallery Curator Danny Flynn will be showing his limited edition screen prints and lithographic overlays of australian singer and author Nick Cave, taken from the archives of British photographer Derek Ridgers.

…grace - a limited edition book of Nick Cave photographs taken between 1984 and 1997 is also available, only from the gallery.

Gallery, 9 King St, Whitehaven, CA28 7LA

The Peoples Gallery launch at the Rosehill Theatre was also a wonderful evening. I thoroughly enjoyed an impromptu poetry reading by Luke Bateman of his Sun poem, which is one of the featured pieces in the Gallery.

The “People’s Gallery” group show is on until the 22nd Aug 2026.

/https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19WR9MbC9L/

So if you happen to be in the neighbourhood, do go along for a look at the wonderful collection of local artists work featured this month.

And last but not least, yesterday I attended the premiere of the much anticipated screening of Magical Egypts “how do we know what’s real?”

Well. I have to say I was absolutely blown away. I remember watching the ‘Magical Egypt’ when it first came out, back in the day and I have followed the progression through the series. This is by far Chances best work to date. Well done guys. A huge congratulations to all involved in the making. And the after show discussion was something else entirely. Had the pleasure of chatting with the films writer / director / artist Chance Gardener and his faithful sidekick and producer Vanese who I have come to know very well over the years. The surprise guest you will hear all about over on the Magical Egypt substack!

Anyway. I have waffled at you enough for now.

Big Love

Speak Soon

Jade

ps, and don’t forget… if you want to be a part of the new venture please email me at on2thestreet