Things I Love This Week

Advent Calendars - I've ended up with two, a 'Me to You' one and a Hotel Chocolat one. Nom.

Finishing Xmas Shopping - All over for another year!

Alice In Wonderland Sugar Bowl - Bought a lovely sugar bowl for a mere £10!!

New Kettle - Even though we've bought plenty of things for the new appartment already, the lovely cone shaped, red Morphy Richards kettle is definately one of my favourite items!

Masters Certification - My MA certificate arrived, its not quite as nice as my degree one, but still, people are always impressed by it!

Work Xmas Do - Good night out, and nice to see people outside of work!!

The Portrayal Of The Occult

An essay on occultism in film from my third year of my degree, part of a Spiritualities, Sacred and the Screen module.

The portrayal of the Occult, in particular Satanism and Demonic Children; focusing on the films The Exorcist,  The Omen, Rosemary’s Baby and Little Nicky

The term ‘Occult’ refers to many things, the word itself comes from the Latin word occultus which roughly translated means hidden or concealed. Primarily, it is a term used to group together the paranormal or supernatural, (Dictionary) as well as covering left-hand path religions and beliefs such as Satanism and Devil Worship. Many religious groups ranging from Abrahamic religions (for example; Christianity, Judaism, Islam) to India religions (for example; Hinduism, Sikhism) recognise the Occult in one form or another (Jenkins, 2004). However, some religions, in particular conservative Christians, view anything that is not Christian as being Satanic, or of Satan, and therefore deem anything that is un-Christian as being part of the Occult (Cult Awareness). Many of these religions deem the Occult as acts or articles of paranormal or supernatural activity which are not achieved by or through their idea of ‘God’, and are therefore considered the work of an opposing entity of some form. However, ‘Occult’ can also refer to acts that require knowledge which is not generally widely know or “talents which lie beyond the five senses” (Religious Tolerance)         

Occultism is the study of the Occult and covers topics such as ‘Magick’, alchemy, spiritualism and astrology amongst others, and also includes activities such as tarot cards, tea leaf reading and Ouija boards (Cult Awareness). Many whom study the Occult, known as Occultists, claim to follow non-traditional religions such as Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Thelema and various forms of Satanism, such as LaVeyan Satanism and Luciferianism. It is unclear when exactly Occultism appeared, yet some ideas and beliefs systems can be traced back to at least the Middle Ages (Jenkins, 2004). However between the 15^th and 17^th centuries Occultism had a revival in Western countries (Jenkins, 2004). Many 17^th century scientists, for example Sir Isaac Newton, were accused of using the Occult within their research and experiments (Isaac Newton's Life). This revival was stopped due to the Age Of Enlightenment, which saw more people accepting reasoning from science and natural philosophy over religion (What Is The Age Of Enlightenment?).

Beauty Comes From The Soul

I like tattoos. I find them to be artistic and a visually pleasant way to express yourself, providing it has some sort of meaning to the person wearing it. Although I have heard/seen photos of Rick Genest previous to his appearance in Lady Gaga's music video and his catwalk work for Mugler, after seeing the 'Go Beyond The Cover' advertisment for DermaBlend, I was inspired to learn more about the person behind such life changing tattoos. From several interview video clips you can clearly see that this man is simply a creative personality whom comes across as genuine and intelligent.

I think Rick inspires debate as to what the true definition of beauty is; is it a series of boxes upon a list to be complied with and ticked off, or is it more relaxed, individual and specific to the subject in question? Personally, I feel that we have images of what the media and retailers feel should be considered beautiful thrust in our faces on such a regular basis that we now really have to take time out to stop, think and look before deciding for ourselves what we deem beautiful. But even then, many feel apprehensive about going against the grain to see alternate beauty. I like the fact that what one person finds repulsive, someone else can find beautiful, and resent people who criticise for others for holding opposite opinions to their own.

I'd love to be able to meet him, as I'm sure many people would. However, I wouldn't waste time asking him 'why?' as it is obvious that to him this is what beauty and feeling comfortable in your own skin entails. Instead, I would simply want to admire the artwork that adorns his body, as I am afterall a massive fan of horror films and the macabre myself.

I'll leave you to make your own conclusions about him and his tattoos, but I am inspired.



Go Beyond The Cover advert for DermaBlend:


Interview with Rick Genest:

Things I Love This Week

Horse Riding - Loving riding (as always) but loving seeing that I've improved since starting at a new riding school. Adore the horses I've been riding, Dennis and Minnie too <3

Steven's Scooter - Glad he's bought a new scooter as the old one is a piece of junk! I curse the day it was bought!

M&S Lemon Drizzle Cake - Not usually a massive fan, but it was pretty nice cake!

Boardwalk Empire - Only watched the first episode but hoping to get involved quickly.

Long Shot Film Festival 2011 - Gutted that I didn't win the audience award with 'Resume' but think it was just the wrong audience and that people failed to see the creative, unusal message. Was good to get my film screening in a room full of people, even if it was terrifying too.

Bents Garden Center - Went over the weekend and was impressed by their christmas displays, also picked up a couple of bargains for when we move out!

David Blaine & The Great White

One of my biggest ambitions in life is to swim/dive with sharks, I'm very jealous of this very crazy David Blaine video for designer Adam Kimmel. Mr Kimmel, if you need anyone else for some reshoots I'll volunteer!!



Dressed for Dinner from adam kimmel on Vimeo.

A Bout De Truffe

Tom Tagholm's A Bout De Truffe is another of my absolute favourite shorts. I first remember being shown it by my lecturer whilst doing my BA degree and it's stuck with me ever since. This French short is about Jean Dubois, a truffle hunter who is down on his luck, until he comes across the daddy of all truffles. It is set in a beautiful delapidated cottage in a woodland (you know how much I love decaying things!) and his pig, Carinne, is gorgeous.

Danse Macabre: The Most Beautiful Film In The World

I first saw Danse Macabre, a film by Pedro Pires, at Edinburgh's Dead By Dawn Festival in October 2010. I think I must have watched the whole film with my jaw hanging open. It was visually stunning and the concept was beautiful. I really don't even know how to summarise what an impact it has had upon me! I found out today that I could finally buy the entire film from iTunes and it really has made my year in regards to being an audience member.

Here's the trailer:

Long Shot Film Festival 2011

I am very happy to announce that my short film 'Resume' has been selected to be screened as part of the Long Shot Film Festival!

It's my first proper screening of any film that I have created so I'm super happy and excited!!

You can buy a ticket for a mere £5 from here if you'd like to come along!! There is an audience award category, so keep your fingers crossed for me!