Have a Kooji Christmas and a Merry New Website!

To celebrate the launch of our new website and a brand new year Kooji sends out a message of Christmas cheer and good tidings to all our friends.

Our name in lights!

Kooji finally hits the big screen; The BBC big screen in Millennium Square, Leeds that is! A collection of dream inspired images and sound, this showreel stopped passers by in their tracks during the Christmas period.

BarCamp Leeds 2007

Linda Broughton, Head of the New Technology Institute in Leeds, mentioned BarCamp earlier this year and, after taking a look at what people had said about it online, we decided it'd be something we'd really enjoy. Unfortunately by the time we found out about when it was being held the registration had already closed, so after some good old-fashioned pleading with Linda we were able to secure ourselves places by offering to help out with reception duties. This was a fantastic opportunity as it meant we were able to meet and greet everyone who attended. Groovy BarCamp mugs were dished out to all too, along with some particularly tasty lollypops.

Photo © Richard-G

Armed with a handy Kodak camera we took photos of each BarCamp attendee and began putting together a 'Networking Wall.' If you go here you can find almost everyone's names from the wall, on Flickr.

Photo © Mohsin Ali

Who can forget the 'Box of Mystery.' I had this crazy idea to tempt people in with a cardboard box. Personally, I think too many sugary sweeties and coffee were to blame. "Oooh BEHOLD the Box of Mysssterryyyy!"

Here's a photo of Katherine with Professor Reinhold Behringer from Leeds Met University. He works in Innovation North, the faculty where we both studied.

Photo © Mohsin Ali

Who says you can't draw on walls? :P

Photo © Mohsin Ali

Here's us doing some networkin' schmoozin with Johnny's bro, Andrew.

Photo © Mohsin Ali

RockStar Versus Kooji - FIGHT! A game of Virtual Table Tennis with Ian Bowden from RockStar. I totally beat everyone that night (including the lad to my left (Simon) note the fear in his eyes) :D RockStar took us all out for drinks and burgers afterwards too!

We met some very nice people during BarCamp Leeds 2007, including some we already knew or were later about to know. Here's a shout out to all who crossed our path (all in alphabetical order cos that's the way we like it!):

Ben Dalton

Deb Bassett

Dominic 'The Hodge' Hodgson

Imran Ali

Linda Broughton

Lorna Mitchell

Mark 'Ernie' Earnshaw

Maz Hardey

Paul Bacchus

Paul Jenkins

Paul Stanton

Reinhold Behringer

Ryan Taylor

Simon Edwards (Freestyle)

Simon Wheatley (Virtual Tennis Virtuoso)

Tom Smith (Wacom Extraordinaire!)

City of Light

We were given a leaflet about Leeds Light Night from Chris Nriapia (the BBC Big Screen Manager) who we met up with earlier this month. He recommended going along and taking a look at all the exhibitions set up around the city, so we did. We started with Millenium Square and were given a personalised 'Zombie Tour' of the local vicinity, then across to the Electric Press where we were able to interact with a video installation of a paranoid pedestrian. Everytime you approached the screen without care, the walker would eventually catch you out by looking over his shoulder. Old School Board was our next destination to take a look at one of their staircases, followed by a visit to the Civic Hall to watch a huge video projected onto the side of the building. It was a really cool night and we're definitely going again next year!

Opportunity knocks

Leeds Metropolitan University asked us to create a DVD highlighting the best moments from their international volunteering projects. A series of motion graphics and video were used to great effect and the outcome was a well received promotional tool.

Don't over-(re)Act!

To promote this year's conference on digital live art we were asked to design the branding and website from ground up. To support the events surrounding (re)Actor2 Kooji have produced posters, a brochure, branded items and animation which will feature on large screens around Leeds city centre!

T-Shirts and Suits

During our trip last week to Manchester for this year's RSA Flying Start Programme we were fortunate enough to hear a talk by David Parrish, International Business Advisor for creative people and author of the book: 'T-Shirts and Suits: A Guide to the Business of Creativity.'



"David Parrish helps creative businesses to become even more successful by bringing together creative people (T-Shirts) with smart business thinking (Suits)."

For those who work as freelancers or run businesses in the creative industries this is a must read. A fantastic book, crammed with advice and the great news is you can read the full version in interactive PDF format for FREE here!

(Better yet, grab yourselves a paperback copy of the book here and read it in it's full papery glory :D)

Useful Links:

David Parrish - Creative Industries Business Adviser and Trainer
T-Shirts and Suits Creative Enterprise Network
T-Shirts and Suits Blog
David on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Join the TSS Group, Be a Fan of the Book on FaceBook
View and print the eBook on Issuu

The sweet smell of success

Commissioned by The British Library and Harewood House for the Wilberforce 2007 project, this online graphic novel and printed booklet was a collaboration with pupils of Easingwold School. The aim was to promote awareness of the abolition of the slave trade in Britain in the 1800s.

http://www.bittersweetproject.net/

Darling, we're the young ones

For the awards and celebrations event at Guild Hall, Young Enterprise Yorkshire and Humber required a professionally designed, printed programme to hand out to guests. The leaflet needed to do more than simply list the day's events, it had to convey a positive image of the charity organisation to show that they are making a difference to young people across the region.

Kooji does Poland

We travelled to the city of Lublin in Poland, to work with Arts Therapy Centres: Matki Teresy z Kalkuty (Mother Teresa of Calcutta) and Fundacji Miedzy Nami, (The Among Us Foundation). The standard of Arts and Crafts was incredible and we felt it was a privilege and an honour to meet and be a part of such a creative endeavour.

Farewell

On the last day we travelled to Fundacja once again for the presentation of work produced during the two weeks we had been taking part in the art workshops. We also met many of the artists as they worked with ceramics, textiles and woodwork. Often they would demonstrate what they were doing and kindly let us have a go.

Katherine in the ceramics workshop at Fundacja Miedzy Nami

A selection of beautiful ceramic pieces

Marzena showing Katherine their album of artwork

There was a naming day ceremony also which meant a great deal of sweets and cakes were consumed. Apparently every first name has a special day devoted to it! This tradition should definitely be adopted here in the UK.

At the end of the afternoon we were presented with special goodbye gifts. It was really overwhelming how generous they were and how we were treated like VIPs. The presents were mostly pieces of artwork and crafts from the artists at the day centres. Katherine held back the tears as everybody applauded. Sadly we were unable to say goodbye to some of the artists we had met at Mother Teresa as they had been taken out for the day but we will remember them always.

We’ll never forget the expressions on everyone’s face when we presented them with our parting gifts on the last day. Our sponsors kindly donated a variety of gifts and we were so pleased with their reactions. One lady, who hadn’t spoken a word to us the whole two weeks, suddenly declared “parasol!?” when Katherine handed her a Yorkshire Forward umbrella. She also seemed quite pleased with her Enterprise rent-a –car mug, though couldn’t understand why there was no piping hot tea inside when she unwrapped it! Johnny (Johnny’s polish counterpart) was so happy with his brightly coloured Dean Clough mouse-mat, coaster and magnetic diary. It was such a pleasure to see him so kiddy over his presents.

The staff at Fundacja opening their presents

The story doesn’t end here as we intend to return in a year’s time. Janusz has been building his new home and after discovering that Katherine is a horse fanatic (lots of animated gestures and neighing) has suggested that the whole group venture off to a retreat out in a nature preserve. He has invited us to stay with him in his new home and we are greatly looking forward to seeing everyone again soon.

OUR SPONSORS:
Thanks go to the following companies for their kind donations:

Bentley and Co
Dean Clough
Duchy Parade Films
Enterprise rent-a-car
FCN Distribution
Gapwork
Genesis Social Enterprise
Graduates Yorkshire
Kooji Creative
Leeds Metropolitan University
Luminary Solutions
Martin House
New Technology Institute
Pace Micro Technology
Praxis Centre
Tis Development
Yorkshire Forward
Young Enterprise Yorkshire and Humber

Painting a present to remember us by

During our time visiting the Mother Theresa Day Centre, we proposed a collective project to paint a wall in the canteen. This would be a colourful addition to the room and something the residents could remember us by. However the room was due to be re-wired which would mean the wall being damaged and the painting ruined. A compromise was reached instead.

Johnny and Katherine hard at work

The painting is taking shape...

We were given a large wooden board to paint a joint painting from us to them so they could hang it on the wall with the other work. The only catch was that we had about 2 hours to finish it. As the deadline approached we asked if would be able to stay behind longer as we didn’t want leave it unfinished. Luckily Janusz agreed and gave us the key to lock up after we finished. We hope the residents enjoy the painting as much as we did creating it!

Johnny deep in thought

There's nothing better than getting covered in paint!

Our Present :)

>>> Farewell

A Night in Prison

During the first week in Lublin we kept hearing about Prison, a themed restaurant which came highly recommended. We therefore decided to give this a go and buzzed our way in (the only way to enter Prison). Inside the tables were surrounded by metal bars and other jail memorabilia. Before our food came two other volunteers walked up as they had noticed us come in earlier and wanted to say hi. They mentioned that we were supposed to hold out our hands on entering if we wanted to be handcuffed together and stamped for good measure. Not wanting to miss out we asked the waitress who brought our food to bring forth the handcuffs! This did mean that we each lost the use of one of our hands whilst trying to eat but Katherine was adamant that we have the full Prison experience.

Poor Johnny had to eat his meal handcuffed!

>>> Painting a present to remember us by

Weekend Trip to Marynka

Half way through the fortnight our entire group of volunteers were taken to the lakes, close to the Ukrainian border. Our first stop was one of the lakes to sunbathe, paddle or set out on a pedal boat. We picked the latter of course and, with the help of one of our translators, we secured our vessel and set out to explore the lake. Afterwards we drove further on to our final destination, a peaceful woodland retreat with log cabins, a barbecue and various activities available.

Pedal boating across the lake

Teresa had originally planned to take us to another site but had to change in the last weeks leading up to our trip to Poland. She warned us that the accommodation may be very basic so we had visions of us having to rough it in squalid conditions. However we soon found that the log cabins we’re actually fantastic, well equipped and very spacious (larger than our flat at home!).

First of all a large group of us rented mountain bikes for a 1hour cycle ride around the forests and farms surrounding us. Following this we formed two teams of 4 /5 for a Volleyball game in which Johnny became an unexpected champion! The game was very casual but there were a few moments of pure class. We could have stayed there all evening but eventually the sweat dripping off our brows meant it was time to pop inside to freshen up before the evening’s barbecue.

Katherine and the other volunteers bike riding

The volunteers sat together to sample the grilled sausages, peppers, fish and other tasty dishes. All of which was washed down with a mixture of Polish beers, Vodkas and wines. Suffice to say everybody had a good time and we got to know each other a lot better that evening!

On our return trip to Lublin we stopped off at Majdanek which is a concentration camp. It was a sombre experience and the visit filled us with feelings of sadness. It’s hard to believe that this place existed but preserving it like this is important to serve as a reminder of what has and cannot be allowed to happen again.

On the approach to Majdanek

>>> A Night in Prison

Lublin University

Janusz was eager to show us around Lublin University’s art and multimedia departments so we were taken there during the second week. The range of facilities and the artwork on display was impressive to say the least and we were pleased to see the traditional art and the digital multimedia sitting side by side. Professor Lech proudly showed us around and asked students if they would demonstrate some of their work. At the end of the visit they also gave us CDs of video and animation work to take home with us. Also we were presented with a large book of artwork produced by the professors and staff of the University.

Examples from the student's Life Drawing class

Johnny, Janusz, Katherine and Professor Lech

>>> Weekend Trip to Marynka

Janusz treats us to a meal out

Janusz and his wife invited Teresa and ourselves to a traditional Polish lunch in a restaurant outside of Lublin and closer to the countryside. Inside the building was decked from top to bottom with wooden sculptures, farmer’s tools, hunting equipment and upturned tree trunks. Roots spread out across the ceiling creating an amazing effect.

Beautiful tree trunks decorating the restaurant

Neither of us was prepared for the amount of food that was to fill the table after we ordered. We tried bits of everything and barely managed to make any impact on our own plates. Food in Polish restaurants seem to be very meaty and chunky, all served in generous portions. We felt bad that we could barely make a dent in the huge feast spread across the table but our hosts were happy to see us enjoying Polish hospitality to the full.

A banquet of food spread across our table!

>>> Lublin University

Kazimierz Dolny

As part of the drawing exercises, Janusz and Marzena took us to a small town, Kazimierz Dolny with a large group of artists from both the Mother Theresa centre and Fundacja. The town was renowned for its artists and the picturesque architecture and landscape. It was perfect for the exercise and we all found a great deal to inspire our sketches.

Volunteers Steph and Lea drawing

Johnny drawing the town's architecture

At lunch time our hosts treated everyone to a meal in a local restaurant. Pierogi seemed to be the order of choice with a wide variety of delicious fillings. Afterwards we were taken back to Lublin though we would have loved to have spent more time in Kazimierz Dolny. It was obvious that there was a great deal more to see than we had time for.

The two Johnnys!

Johnny checking out Kazimierz Dolny

>>> Janusz treats us to a meal out

Fundacja Miedzy Nami

As well as working at the centre in Lublin we were also able to spend some of the time at Fundacja. We took part in some countryside drawing studies in the surrounding areas which were beautiful, an ideal place to be creative. On a second visit we were able to try out some pottery and help set up what would be a final presentation of artwork produced by everybody during the two weeks we were in Poland. Marzena Bochenek, the director for the centre, kindly offered to fire our clay work and post it on to the UK. We created a vase, two incense stick holders and an unusual walrus head. She also sent arts and craft produced at Fundacja to be sold in the UK to raise funds for the centre.

Johnny and Katherine drawing in the nearby countryside

Johnny, Katherine, Maria and Steph with the local students

Maria, Katherine, Janusz, Johnny, Steph and Terenia

>>> Kazimierz Dolny

Holy Day of Obligation

Poland’s Holy Day of Obligation fell on the Wednesday which meant a day off for everybody to attend a special procession. There were rose petals on the ground and banners being held up high. Much like a second Christmas the day was very important to the locals, so many of whom were present for a speech given by Bishops and holy men and women. This took place on a stage set up in the centre of town.

Maria, Steph and Lea in Lublin town centre

>>> Fundacja Między Nami

Fundacja Fuga Mundi

Whilst taking part in the exhibition and concert at Bar Hades we met Hubert, a short film maker based just above the bar. He invited us to visit his studio where he played some of his work, including a UK based piece following a small group of deaf teenagers during a trip to Yorkshire. Much of Hubert’s work focussed on demonstrating how disabled people were functioning in society, often achieving great things. As we are involved heavily in Multimedia ourselves we were extremely grateful to Hubert for taking the time out to talk to us.

Hubert filming at the exhibition in Bar Hades


Visit the Fundacja Fuga Mundi Website
Fundacja Fuga Mundi's YouTube Channel

>>> Holy Day of Obligation

Professor Gavin Fairbairn’s Lullaby

During the first week we were invited to attend the exhibition which we had helped setup earlier in Bar Hades. We brought a DV camera to record the event and a lovely bouquet of flowers to present to the artist. Katherine was tasked with presenting these with a polish line meaning “on behalf of Leeds Metropolitan University I present these flowers”. (See the full promo video on the Projects section of the Kooji Creative website). The artist Stash focuses on one subject for all his work, a young carer named Ola who works at the Mother Theresa centre. However, each piece has a very different feel to it and the exhibition was very successful.

Stash with his portrait of Ola (Photo © Janusz Padzinski)

Eva prepping Katherine before the presentation/ Johnny setting up his shot (Photo © Janusz Padzinski)

Following on from this the guests we’re treated to a musical event featuring classical piano pieces, Polish opera and a surprise performance from Professor Gavin Fairbairn! Sporting a classical guitar Gavin started with a gentle lullaby followed by a slightly more upbeat song. The whole event was fantastic and we enjoyed every minute of it.

Gavin playing his lullaby (Photo © Janusz Padzinski)

>>> Fundacja Fuga Mundi

Bar Hades Art Exhibition

The first task we were given was to help in the preparations for an exhibition to be held at the local ‘Bar Hades,’ a very cool underground venue which used to be a nunnery. We helped to mount the artwork which was to be displayed later that week. ‘Stash,’ one of the artists from the centre, was to be honoured at the evening event and we felt greatly honoured to be trusted with his fragile works of art.

Katherine and Terenia

Stash's painting of Janusz (the only one not of his carer)

>>> Professor Gavin Fairbairn’s Lullaby

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Day Centre

Teresa accompanied us on our first day at the centre and after several kisses on our cheeks and (polish) words of welcome we were whisked away in Janusz’s mini-bus. We were really taken aback by the welcome we received at the centre and the hospitality we were shown. Despite our difficulties in communicating at first we found that a bright beaming smile went along way and they appreciated it when we did try to speak in Polish. We learnt lots of positive, encouraging words before we came and made sure to use them frequently as we looked on and grinned.

Johnny and Katherine at Matki Teresy z Kalcutty

Katherine sat with the artists in the workshop

We were introduced to the participants and they proudly pointed out their artwork furnishing the walls of their studio. We then gave them some gifts we had brought along with us: Leeds Met T-Shirts, Frisbees and Yorkshire tea biscuits. Johnny even demonstrated the art of ‘dunking.’

Basia working on her glass painting

Katherine with the gang

With our friend Marla - the workshop assistant

>>> Bar Hades Art Exhibition

Venturing into the Unknown

We set out on this journey with high hopes and eager anticipation. We had already had some email communication from our hosts and so we were very excited about meeting them all in person. We found it extremely hard to know what to expect and Teresa Pioro, who helped to organise this volunteering project, asked us on the mini-bus about this. She said she was looking forward to hearing if our expectations were met after the trip, and if we had any experiences we hadn’t predicted. The food was the first welcome surprise and the team enjoyed sampling lots of cuisine at the first restaurant we stopped off at in Poland. Our favourite was definitely the pierogi, small dumpling sacks containing potato, spinach and meats. Delicious!

The Leeds Met Poland 2007 Team

It was sad to part with the other volunteers as we got off at our hotel and we told them to let us know how their first week goes as we said our goodbyes. Many of our friends stayed with host families and so picking up the language was something they’d be experiencing almost round the clock. We wouldn’t be attempting much Polish until our first meeting with Janusz Padzinski, a fellow artist who works at the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Day Centre in Lublin, the city we were staying in for the next two weeks.

His and hers matching suitcases!

>>> Mother Teresa of Calcutta Day Centre