“Hope” is the thing with feathers

“Hope” is the thing with feathers —

That perches in the soul —

And sings the tune without the words —

And never stops — at all —

And sweetest — in the Gale — is heard —

And sore must be the storm —

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm —

I’ve heard it in the chillest land —

And on the strangest Sea —

Yet, never, in Extremity,

It asked a crumb — of Me. 

-   Emily Dickinson (1891)

Pictured top: Feather Tattoo (AKA Hope), 2019, ink and gouache on Khadi paper, 21 x 15 cm. 

It’s almost two years since I made this drawing and like to think that something of the almost overwhelming sense of optimism I felt at the time is conveyed in the work. Today, while the State of Victoria holds its breath, I hover between despair or (as in the lyric from A Cock-Eyed Optimist by Oscar Hammerstein), am “stuck like a dope with a thing called hope”. 

BACKSTORIES postponed

Hope, 2019, pigmented drawing ink and gouache on Khadi paper, 21 x 15 cm (unframed)

To those who have told me how much they are looking forward to BACKSTORIES, my forthcoming solo show at Stephen McLaughlan Gallery, a sincere thank you. 

I’m looking forward to it too, only now it will happen a little later than originally planned. For the well-being of all concerned, the exhibition, which was due to run from 15 April - 2 May, will be rescheduled for a happier, healthier time that is still to be determined. 

Meanwhile, pictured top is one of my newly framed works that wait in readiness. Its title is Hope. 

Keep safe, everyone.

FESTIVAL OF THE PHOTOCOPIER ZINE FAIR 2018

The renowned Sticky Institute Festival of the Photocopier is currently under way and, as always, will culminate in a ginormous zine fair. In recent years it’s been held at Melbourne Town Hall, a venue well suited to accommodate the ever-growing number of stall holders. This year it’s anticipated that they'll number over two hundred.

Moth Woman Press will be among them, with three new zines made especially for the event, namely Fallen Women, The leaves, like women, interchange and Alice’s Wonderland (see below). We’ll also be carrying a a goodly selection of zines from our back catalogue.

Do join us if you can.

The complete list of FOTP2018 events is here: http://www.stickyinstitute.com/fotp2018

Festival of the Photocopier Zine Fair 2018
Melbourne Town Hall
Sunday, 11 February, 12 - 5 pm

Fallen Women, 2018, 16 pages, signed and numbered edition of 100

For more about Fallen Women, visit Moth Woman Press HERE.

The leaves, like women, interchange, 2018, eight page zine with poem by Emily Dickinson. Signed and numbered
edition of 100

For more about The Leaves, like women, interchange, visit Moth Woman Press HERE.

Alice's Wonderland, 2018, eight page zine, signed and numbered edition of 100

For more about Alice's Wonderland, visit Moth Woman Press HERE.