Wicked

"...it’s a wicked world in all meridians"
Moby Dick, Herman Melville

Answers for Bobby

A. Not much! I suppose the weather is sweet, and I like my house. I tend to daytrip around to other locations in search of retreat and inspiration.

A. Well, I really like that we've never met actually; it feels like this project is more honest that way. I was interested in the idea of making a project with someone, where neither party felt that they had to censor any of their visual/literature choices. The fact that we are getting to know eachother just makes the proposition more interesting for me. I like when you do a post and I get to see it - it's like a little gift you've made for me, and when I make a post (of which there are not many) I want you to enjoy it. I also like that no one else, thus far, is following but us: it makes it a secret we've hidden in plain sight.

A. There's not much I don't find exciting about Pirates and Mermaids... the mythological/artistic tension between the two of them for a start.

A. I find it weird that Bobby's voice is so epic, but then he kind of mumbles as well - it's like a little idiosyncrasy that I'm beginning to find comforting. He also has skills in telepathy, but I'm not sure he's fully harnessed them yet; that's why we practice sometimes. A little weird thing that was weird because it was unexpected, is that Bobby is pretty much the most talented person ever at making paper cranes.

A. There were two snagged! One I played with prettily, and the other I ravished and left his body on my doorstep...

A. Art is what lies between our dreams and reality. I try not to judge things, but some 'art' makes me furious at it's mediocrity. I'm harsh on painters. I don't know why. I guess after being brainwashed academically about what painting is, and its relevance to contemporary art etc, I decided my passion was for photography. I feel that photographs propose more interesting questions in contemporary society than contemporary painting does. A painting has to touch my soul, or at least make me look twice and think, to get my attention.

A. I actually only have one favourite book of all time: "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy. I read it at least once a year, as I'd rather re-read things I find absolutely perfect than read new stuff that doesn't measure up. Nothing has ever felt so amazingly and lovingly and tragically 'human' to me than this book.

A. I will be teary, confused, nauseous, homicidal and generally lost. I may not be able to speak to him until he grows another one.

Questionnaire For Ri

Q: What inspires you most about where you live?
Q: How do you feel about having started a joint art project with someone you've never met in person?
Q: What about Pirates & Mermaids has you most excited?
Q: Weirdness can be a conduit to creativity. What do you find weird about Bobby?
Q: 3 days at sea and nary a pirate snagged. What gives, mermaid?
Q: How do you define "art" (if at all)?
Q: List your 3 favourite books, and please explain why they call to you. (admittedly, not really a question but close enough).
Q: Will you be sad when Bobby's beard comes off after 28 days?

Answers for Ri

A: Ah Mermaids - saviours of the sea and the saviours of me. I've long found their beauty intoxicating, their motives mysterious. Coincidence conspires of late to remind me of their existence:
-the 3 found at night swimming around our ship before the new year;
-the transparent beauties brought to life in the most enjoyable, Voyage of the Dawn Treader;
-and mysterious She who was stranded on an eastern rock for 3 days and 3 nights.
A: One thing I have an eye for, is an eye for beauty where uncommonly found - an eye for an eye. To have such a perspective, one must think slightly out of phase with the commonality.
A: I learned long ago that when opportunity arises, it must be seized. What is the worst possible outcome? Surely nothing that prohibits a dip into the pool together. As an admirer, I am honored to be asked.
A: Towards the end of 2010 I made my first crane. It had been on my Tublist for a while. Time had come.
A: Most definitely. Creativity in one field naturally translates to another, helped by a love for music. I can't wait to hear Ri's first original composition (as I jump way ahead of myself).
A: I do, in fact my oldest song of this nature, entitled Pirates!, dates back to the mid-1990's.
A: I long to be near the sea, often in it, and increasingly on it. Some sea art does exactly that: inspires longing to view the source and be calmed by it.
Take me to it. Now.
A: I'm confident that there is room for such a concept to flower. In that it costs only time - the spending of said when only a pleasure is life lived well.

Their respective songs, of "Arrr" and "Ahhh"
rough and ready; soft and pliant;
over and under; piscine and defiant.
-
Questions to come...

Questionnaire For Bobby.

Q: So, Bobby: Have you always been into Mermaids - or is this a just a phase you're going through?
Q: When did you first realise that Ri was a bit different?
Q: Why in the name of 'all that is holy' would you agree to start a blog with Ri?
Q: When did you learn to make epic paper cranes?
Q: Do you think that Ri has the potential to be a guitar player (with a great teacher, that is)?
Q: Do you, as a Pirate, compose songs about the sea/mermaids/pirates/etc?
Q: Do you long for the sea/ what is your relationship with art that depicts the sea?
Q: What's your take on Pirates and Mermaids in the current climate (financially/artistically/musically)?

Please be so kind as to answer these questions and perhaps make a questionnaire of your own for your artistic counterpart.

Magnetic Virtue

"Meditation and water are wedded forever."

Moby Dick, Herman Melville

Welcome! And a Quote.

"It’s lovely to know that the world can’t interfere with the inside of your head."

Angela’s Ashes, Frank McCourt