After getting home from Aesthetica I found I was whirling and exhausted from all I had seen and experienced. I had done so much and spoken to so many people, returned home so full of ideas and advice, that my brain was overflowing. I needed something to ground me and so I walked on the beaches, dug a little in Mums garden, and breathed in Spring. Just as I began to settle back into myself, I got some rather exciting post – the Future Now Anthology and latest issue of Aesthetica, both featuring my work. Seeing The Seagrass Walk in print like this is spine tingling and fills me with the same sense of purpose the group show at York Art gallery gave me. I want more of this. And so, I have begun to read over my notes from Aesthetica, begun to make lists and plans for the big What’s Next? I am looking forward to playing with my ideas, to creating and messing about and seeing what starts to happen.
I will share my play and my messes with you all as they happen but yesterday I heard some news that means I need to look backwards for just a moment.
There is a pub in Kings Cross in London called The Harrison. It is hugely important to me, and to so many others, and it is in trouble. In 2012 I started an arts and literary journal called Elbow Room. It ran for 6 years and included 20 volumes, three special editions, and two prize anthologies. Every volume was handbound and numbered. We published art and poetry and short fiction. It was a space for art of all sorts to sit together, inspiring each other. We also ran live events for the launch of every volume, allowing us to include live music and spoke word within Elbow Room. These events found their home at The Harrison.
Elbow Room is one of the best things I have ever done. I met incredible people, learned so much, and was forever changed by the experience. None of it could have happened the way it did, found the community it did, or had the lasting impact it did without The Harrison.
The Harrison is a hub for Folk music, creativity, and the arts. It is a meeting point for people trying to create something special. It is a home to many of us. It offers a space to experiment, to come together, to play and share. It is a safe space for connection and collaboration. From the stage of The Harrison I learned to speak to an audience, heard exceptional poetry and gorgeous music, and met so many gifted people, including Tom Hyatt. Tom and I went on to publish a book about London’s Folk scene. The weeklong festival and exhibition that brought the book from the bound pages and into the world took place in The Harrison.
There aren’t many places I feel truly comfortable, truly at ease, truly able to walk into a room and simply be with people, sharing and chatting and listening. The Harrison is on that very short list, and now it is in danger of closing. The loss of this venue would be immeasurable. We can’t let it happen. They are trying to raise the money to fight back, and so I am asking you, my lovely readers, to give a little to one of the most important independent music venues in London, so that more incredible art can grace its stage. Follow the link below for the full story and details on how to donate.
Thank You.