 The Scallop by Maggi Hambling, Aldeburgh Beach, Suffolk, England May 19, 2007 I was going to write a brief history of birdfeeding in my back garden for you today, but I feel too tired. I've just looked out of the window and I can hardly see the patio for starling poo. Something has to change. But in order for you to be able to offer advice you need to know how I've got into this mess. Come back on monday and I'll tell you all about it. The reason I'm feeling tired is that I've been out on my bicycle this morning. Forty-five miles around country lanes. And what lovely country lanes. Peace, quiet, cows. I want to live in the countryside. I like it a lot. I don't ask for much though. Nothing flash, something old with character, not too big, some land, two or three or four or five acres, a stream perhaps, some woodland, a dog (yes, Amy says a dog is allowed if we move to the countryside). These things cost money though. So here's my plan - if anyone knows of a nice, lonely old person with no close relatives who also has the above mentioned house/land combo, please let me know. I can shop, cut grass, play cards, hunt mice, cook. I can get a sparrow with a bow and arrow. I can do most anything. (Can you bake a pie? No. Neither can I). It'd be the refect relationship. A small change to the will would be inevitable and most welcomed. A couple of years down the line and I get the keys to the house. Sound like a good idea? If you can get your thinking caps on and get back to me, I'd appreciate it. This picture of 'The Scallop' was taken on Aldeburgh beach. I used old FP4 film bought from a car boot sale. On having the film developed I noticed that every frame has the image number on it somewhere. Knowing nothing about film, I guess it's because it's old. Does that sound right? Here's some information about the sculpture lifted straight from Wikipedia: On Aldeburgh's beach, a short distance north of the town centre, stands a sculpture, The Scallop, dedicated to Benjamin Britten, who used to walk along the beach in the afternoons. Created from stainless steel by Suffolk-based artist Maggi Hambling, it stands four metres high, and was unveiled in November 2003. The piece is made up of two interlocking scallop shells, each broken, the upright shell being pierced with the words: 'I hear those voices that will not be drowned', which are taken from Britten's opera Peter Grimes. The sculpture is meant to be enjoyed both visually and tactilely, and people are encouraged to sit on it and watch the sea. I said I wasn't going to write much and I've written loads. I feel really, really tired now. Holga CFN + out of date FP4 © James Arnold 2007 Comment (13) | Permalink |
