Credit: Theatre designed by Peter Jackson. Published and distributed by Tobar Limited - St. Margaret, Harleston, Norfolk, England, IP20 0PJ. Telephone: 01986 782222
Showing posts with label 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008. Show all posts
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
The Play's the Thing!
Okay, so I may be pushing thirty but playing with my new toy theatre over the Christmas holidays wasn't just for fun dagnammit, it was research! That's right, research for my personal portfolio that'll be unveiled to the impatient masses in the New Year. Here's me playing with my new toy carrying out some vital research:
Credit: Theatre designed by Peter Jackson. Published and distributed by Tobar Limited - St. Margaret, Harleston, Norfolk, England, IP20 0PJ. Telephone: 01986 782222
Credit: Theatre designed by Peter Jackson. Published and distributed by Tobar Limited - St. Margaret, Harleston, Norfolk, England, IP20 0PJ. Telephone: 01986 782222
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Wishing you a Kooji Christmas!
As another year approaches we wish you all a very happy Christmas and best wishes for the future!
Kooji Creative x
Kooji Creative x
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Jimmy Choo Shoes
Wow, what a thrill to see Professor Jimmy Choo OBE live and in person! ...and what a humble person he is too. Every seat in the lecture theatre was taken at Creative Networks (a great new monthly Networking event in Leeds that hosts talks by top-notch industry gurus like Jimmy).
The son of a Malaysian shoemaker Jimmy climbed to fame and is known the world over for his beautifully crafted shoes. His shoes have been strutted around in by pop-stars, celebs and royalty (even the late princess Diana herself had shoes especially made for her!)
It was mesmerising to listen to him speak about his journey and I think the most important point he made, when he was imparting his knowledge and experience to the audience, is that determination is the key! When he first set out in his career he explained how important it is to get your name on your work, to be recognised and be credited for your work. Don't let other's take advantage.
He said, "You must INSIST!" Insist that your name is put on your work. Insist that you are given credit for your hard work!
An audience with Prof. Jimmy Choo OBE - what an absolute treat!
Friday, 7 March 2008
Kooji does Poland...Again! - Day Seven
Farewell
Marzena had kindly helped us to organise a minibus for the return trip to the airport in Warsaw. This made it far easier than the trip on the way here and we really appreciated her advice. The drive back was very comfortable and fast too, as we took the newly completely motorway that was only in its first stages of completion last June. The flight home allowed us time to reflect on our experiences over the last week. Everyone was far quieter than during the outbound flight, but after such an amazing week it wasn’t surprising. Dave, our Leeds Met minibus driver, was waiting for us at the East Midlands airport and it was great seeing him again. I nattered away at him in the bus for a few minutes about our trip, but the tiredness overcame me soon enough (to his relief most likely!)
Toodleloo! Pip Pip Cheerio!
We were the last to disembark and we thanked Dave again for his help. It was the end of another tremendous adventure!
Marzena had kindly helped us to organise a minibus for the return trip to the airport in Warsaw. This made it far easier than the trip on the way here and we really appreciated her advice. The drive back was very comfortable and fast too, as we took the newly completely motorway that was only in its first stages of completion last June. The flight home allowed us time to reflect on our experiences over the last week. Everyone was far quieter than during the outbound flight, but after such an amazing week it wasn’t surprising. Dave, our Leeds Met minibus driver, was waiting for us at the East Midlands airport and it was great seeing him again. I nattered away at him in the bus for a few minutes about our trip, but the tiredness overcame me soon enough (to his relief most likely!)
Toodleloo! Pip Pip Cheerio!We were the last to disembark and we thanked Dave again for his help. It was the end of another tremendous adventure!
Thursday, 6 March 2008
Kooji does Poland...Again! - Day Six
Fundacja Miedzy Nami
Today was a very early start, but the whole team were really excited about the day ahead. We all dashed off for the bus to Kreznica Jara, a village just outside the city of Lublin, where the arts therapy centre ‘Fundacja Miedzy Nami’ is based. We spent the morning collecting the remaining footage for our project and checking over all the details with Marzena and her IT Manager. There was a lot to discuss with them about the documentary film and promotional flash website, that is being produced as part of our final year group project. These will be used to help raise an awareness of the centre and its artists. Johnny and I will be working on the flash website as an ongoing project through our company Kooji Creative, once the initial version is completed in time for my end of year show.
The artists in the Handicrafts Workshop
Shrek inspired artwork :)
A beautiful hand-made landscape
Slawek working on his woven rug
A huge selection of rugs, cushions and nick-nacks
A closer look
Branded T-Shirts
We gathered video footage of the artists in the workshops and took high resolution photos of artwork that will be used in the gallery section of the website. Although we were tempted to continue working, Marzena invited us to take a break. Today’s lunch was a generous serving of our most favourite Polish dish: Pierogi. This had been cooked in the Cookery Workshop earlier that day and was delicious.
We felt that this was the most appropriate time to show our appreciation for sharing this meal with us, and began presenting everyone with the specially made branded t-shirts we had produced for them. The Student Centred Change Management office had kindly agreed to pay for these and they were very well received by all. It was an extremely emotional moment and I was really taken aback by the reaction of our friend, Agnieszka, who we had been told was very nervous around cameras. Nothing seemed further from the truth when she pulled me towards the cameras and gave me a huge hug. It was incredible.
Marzena claps as the gifts are dished out
(left to right) Wieslawa, Marzena, Anna and Jolanta
Check out all those sponsors!
Katherine and new friend Agnieszka
Another heart-breaking moment was when one of the disabled participants came to us looking for his t-shirt. We looked all over but couldn’t find his size. Raf took off the t-shirt he was wearing and gave it to him. It was an amazing gesture and really selfless of him.
Chata Swojsko Strawa
That evening we took Marzena, Janusz and Justyna to a local restaurant called ‘Chata’ and treated them all to a meal. It was our way of thanking them for such a memorable visit. It also gave us the opportunity to present Marzena with the money we had raised over the last few months from Cake Sales and fundraising events for Fundacja Miedzy Nami. Many of the ceramic pieces that are made at FMN are shipped over to Emaus in Cambridge and then transported to Leeds Met. Selling these in the UK is a large part of this fundraising initiative as they are very popular here and can generate a lot of interest.
Katherine presenting Marzena with the fundraising money
The artists in the Ceramics Workshop and a selection of their work:
Later the same evening our friend Hubert Gorczyca from Fundacja Fuga Mundi, the video production company we were introduced to during our last visit, came to see us. We hope to help FFM and Hubert later this year to promote his film projects. Seeing him again was brilliant and it gave us a chance to catch up.
The time came to say our farewells and we waved goodbye to our friends. To our surprise Marzena and Janusz both agreed to visit us here in the UK for our end of year show. Janusz is quite scared of flying so this is a huge gesture on his part. Having them both at our final exhibition and showcase will be wonderful as this gives us a chance to introduce them to our tutors back home at Leeds Met.
http://www.chata.lublin.pl/
It’s Murder on the Dance Floor
After our hosts left, the team decided to dance the night away in a nearby discothèque. Dancing isn’t one of my strengths, but no one seemed to mind and it finished off a perfect day.
>>> Kooji does Poland...Again! - Day Seven
Today was a very early start, but the whole team were really excited about the day ahead. We all dashed off for the bus to Kreznica Jara, a village just outside the city of Lublin, where the arts therapy centre ‘Fundacja Miedzy Nami’ is based. We spent the morning collecting the remaining footage for our project and checking over all the details with Marzena and her IT Manager. There was a lot to discuss with them about the documentary film and promotional flash website, that is being produced as part of our final year group project. These will be used to help raise an awareness of the centre and its artists. Johnny and I will be working on the flash website as an ongoing project through our company Kooji Creative, once the initial version is completed in time for my end of year show.
The artists in the Handicrafts Workshop
Shrek inspired artwork :)
A beautiful hand-made landscape
Slawek working on his woven rug
A huge selection of rugs, cushions and nick-nacks
A closer lookBranded T-Shirts
We gathered video footage of the artists in the workshops and took high resolution photos of artwork that will be used in the gallery section of the website. Although we were tempted to continue working, Marzena invited us to take a break. Today’s lunch was a generous serving of our most favourite Polish dish: Pierogi. This had been cooked in the Cookery Workshop earlier that day and was delicious.
We felt that this was the most appropriate time to show our appreciation for sharing this meal with us, and began presenting everyone with the specially made branded t-shirts we had produced for them. The Student Centred Change Management office had kindly agreed to pay for these and they were very well received by all. It was an extremely emotional moment and I was really taken aback by the reaction of our friend, Agnieszka, who we had been told was very nervous around cameras. Nothing seemed further from the truth when she pulled me towards the cameras and gave me a huge hug. It was incredible.
Marzena claps as the gifts are dished out
(left to right) Wieslawa, Marzena, Anna and Jolanta
Check out all those sponsors!
Katherine and new friend AgnieszkaAnother heart-breaking moment was when one of the disabled participants came to us looking for his t-shirt. We looked all over but couldn’t find his size. Raf took off the t-shirt he was wearing and gave it to him. It was an amazing gesture and really selfless of him.
Chata Swojsko Strawa
That evening we took Marzena, Janusz and Justyna to a local restaurant called ‘Chata’ and treated them all to a meal. It was our way of thanking them for such a memorable visit. It also gave us the opportunity to present Marzena with the money we had raised over the last few months from Cake Sales and fundraising events for Fundacja Miedzy Nami. Many of the ceramic pieces that are made at FMN are shipped over to Emaus in Cambridge and then transported to Leeds Met. Selling these in the UK is a large part of this fundraising initiative as they are very popular here and can generate a lot of interest.
Katherine presenting Marzena with the fundraising money
The artists in the Ceramics Workshop and a selection of their work:
Later the same evening our friend Hubert Gorczyca from Fundacja Fuga Mundi, the video production company we were introduced to during our last visit, came to see us. We hope to help FFM and Hubert later this year to promote his film projects. Seeing him again was brilliant and it gave us a chance to catch up.
The time came to say our farewells and we waved goodbye to our friends. To our surprise Marzena and Janusz both agreed to visit us here in the UK for our end of year show. Janusz is quite scared of flying so this is a huge gesture on his part. Having them both at our final exhibition and showcase will be wonderful as this gives us a chance to introduce them to our tutors back home at Leeds Met.
http://www.chata.lublin.pl/
It’s Murder on the Dance Floor
After our hosts left, the team decided to dance the night away in a nearby discothèque. Dancing isn’t one of my strengths, but no one seemed to mind and it finished off a perfect day.
>>> Kooji does Poland...Again! - Day Seven
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
Kooji does Poland...Again! - Day Five
Fundacja Miedzy Nami and The Emaus Foundation
In the morning Johnny, Rafal and I visited Marzena Bochenek, Vice President for Fundacja Miedzy Nami (The Among Us Foundation), and met the president for FMN and the Emaus Foundation, Zbigniew Drążkowski. Emaus and FMN work very closely together in their efforts to help the homeless and disabled. We were shown around the Emaus Shop, which supplies clothing and trinkets, which are donated to help raise funds.
http://www.fmn.lublin.pl
http://www.emaus.lublin.pl
The Emaus Shop
Marian Pietraś and Zbigniew Drążkowski
Bar Hades Art Exhibition
Today was the day of the art exhibition at Bar Hades in Lublin. Janusz Padzinski, the artist’s mentor from Matki Teresy z Kalcutty, had invited many high profile individuals from the surrounding areas to attend this event and it was a great honour to be a part of it all. Jarek’s giraffes were very popular and being able to see them all together as a series was a real treat.
Jarek's giraffe paintings are so colourful!
Jarek receiving his congratutions
Justyna, Janusz, Katherine and Johnny
Johnny, 'Little Stash', 'Big Stash' and Faith
Johnny, Katherine and 'Little Stash'
Katherine, 'Little Stash' and Johnny
Katherine and 'Little Stash'
Aww! How sweet :D
Interviews at Matki Teresy z Kalcutty
Afterwards we walked back over to Matki Teresy z Kalcutty to interview Janusz and Justyna. Janusz told us about the story behind some of the artwork that had been produced by the disabled artists. The project involved creating a composition based on the story of two kings: one who was ruled by money and financial gain, and the other who followed only his faith. He explained that while the abled artists painted accurate depictions, the disabled artists painted much more abstract, expressionist pieces; these he felt, had greater worth as they proved that disabled artists were just as capable and their work just as valid as their counterparts.
Janusz and Justyna in Matki Teresy z Kalkutty
Lubię śnieg bardzo!
The team were caught in a brief snowstorm on the walk back from the centre. Johnny and I decided to try out some more of the local cuisine, so we went to a nearby restaurant in the Old Town and had pancakes.
Heading off into the snow in search of pancakes
Bowling in Lublin
I had never been bowling before until this trip to Lublin and so the team decided to take me for my first experience in Lublin Shopping Plaza. I got a strike in two on my first attempt! A fluke it seems, as the following attempts were mostly gutter balls.
Johhny didn't get any gutter balls :P
>>> Kooji does Poland...Again! - Day Six
In the morning Johnny, Rafal and I visited Marzena Bochenek, Vice President for Fundacja Miedzy Nami (The Among Us Foundation), and met the president for FMN and the Emaus Foundation, Zbigniew Drążkowski. Emaus and FMN work very closely together in their efforts to help the homeless and disabled. We were shown around the Emaus Shop, which supplies clothing and trinkets, which are donated to help raise funds.
http://www.fmn.lublin.pl
http://www.emaus.lublin.pl
The Emaus Shop
Marian Pietraś and Zbigniew DrążkowskiBar Hades Art Exhibition
Today was the day of the art exhibition at Bar Hades in Lublin. Janusz Padzinski, the artist’s mentor from Matki Teresy z Kalcutty, had invited many high profile individuals from the surrounding areas to attend this event and it was a great honour to be a part of it all. Jarek’s giraffes were very popular and being able to see them all together as a series was a real treat.
Jarek's giraffe paintings are so colourful!
Jarek receiving his congratutions
Justyna, Janusz, Katherine and Johnny
Johnny, 'Little Stash', 'Big Stash' and Faith
Johnny, Katherine and 'Little Stash'
Katherine, 'Little Stash' and Johnny
Katherine and 'Little Stash'
Aww! How sweet :DInterviews at Matki Teresy z Kalcutty
Afterwards we walked back over to Matki Teresy z Kalcutty to interview Janusz and Justyna. Janusz told us about the story behind some of the artwork that had been produced by the disabled artists. The project involved creating a composition based on the story of two kings: one who was ruled by money and financial gain, and the other who followed only his faith. He explained that while the abled artists painted accurate depictions, the disabled artists painted much more abstract, expressionist pieces; these he felt, had greater worth as they proved that disabled artists were just as capable and their work just as valid as their counterparts.
Janusz and Justyna in Matki Teresy z KalkuttyLubię śnieg bardzo!
The team were caught in a brief snowstorm on the walk back from the centre. Johnny and I decided to try out some more of the local cuisine, so we went to a nearby restaurant in the Old Town and had pancakes.
Heading off into the snow in search of pancakesBowling in Lublin
I had never been bowling before until this trip to Lublin and so the team decided to take me for my first experience in Lublin Shopping Plaza. I got a strike in two on my first attempt! A fluke it seems, as the following attempts were mostly gutter balls.
Johhny didn't get any gutter balls :P>>> Kooji does Poland...Again! - Day Six
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Kooji does Poland...Again! - Day Four
Bar Hades
Johnny and I spent the morning at Bar Hades helping Janusz, Faith and Jarek prepare for the art exhibition that was organised for the next day. Jarek Kaminski draws and paints the most beautiful compositions; all which centre around the same subject: giraffes. Although we have been told that Jarek has never seen a giraffe in person he seems to be quite fond of them. His first attempt at portraying the beasts began when he drew over another artist’s drawing. ‘How rude!’ you might say but from this small gesture began a whole series of giraffe inspired imagery. We set up the artwork along with our friends and then visited Stasio back at Matki Teresy z Kalcutty.
http://www.hades-lublin.pl/
Johnny hanging Jarek's giraffe paintings
Johnny and Faith admiring their handiwork
Jarek, Faith, Katherine, Janusz and Johnny
Matki Teresy z Kalcutty
After the previous day’s lessons in Polish from our friend ‘Little Stash’ came today’s full-blown Christmas carol extravaganza! March is a strange time to be singing Christmas carols for some, but for us we thought nothing of it. We simply enjoyed the chance to share a special moment with our friends. Next stop was a visit to Jan Kurowski at his home in the city. ‘Johnny’ is such a happy person, so full of wonder and it was great to get a chance to see him again. We all sat and had tea together after a personal tour from him.
http://www.dpsmtk.lublin.pl/
Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej
The afternoon was spent being shown around the Fine Arts and Multimedia Technology departments at ‘Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej’ (UMCS). This is an impressive university and the fact that both creative faculties work alongside each other in this way is wonderful. Many of the students from these faculties are involved in volunteering projects at both the MTK and FMN arts therapy centres.
http://www.art.umcs.lublin.pl/
The ceramics department at UMCS
Some of these look almost alive!
One of the students we met was Justyna Kieruzalska; an incredibly talented artist. Justyna is deaf, but hasn’t allowed this to stand in her way. She has been studying Fine Art for the last four years without the help of a note-taker or interpreter. It was wonderful to see that Justyna and our friend Ruari, who is also profoundly deaf, were able to communicate with one another. Ruari uses Irish sign language and Justyna uses Polish, but they were still able to understand one another. It was an amazing sight.
Another Night in Prison
As a follow up to our last trip to Lublin, we took our friends to a nearby theme restaurant: Prison. It was a restaurant we visited during our last stay and one of our most favourite places to eat. It rounded off a most enjoyable day.
http://www.restauracjawiezienie.lublin.pl/
Cuffs with dinner? Yes please!
Well maybe not throughout dinner this time!
>>> Kooji does Poland...Again! - Day Five
Johnny and I spent the morning at Bar Hades helping Janusz, Faith and Jarek prepare for the art exhibition that was organised for the next day. Jarek Kaminski draws and paints the most beautiful compositions; all which centre around the same subject: giraffes. Although we have been told that Jarek has never seen a giraffe in person he seems to be quite fond of them. His first attempt at portraying the beasts began when he drew over another artist’s drawing. ‘How rude!’ you might say but from this small gesture began a whole series of giraffe inspired imagery. We set up the artwork along with our friends and then visited Stasio back at Matki Teresy z Kalcutty.
http://www.hades-lublin.pl/
Johnny hanging Jarek's giraffe paintings
Johnny and Faith admiring their handiwork
Jarek, Faith, Katherine, Janusz and JohnnyMatki Teresy z Kalcutty
After the previous day’s lessons in Polish from our friend ‘Little Stash’ came today’s full-blown Christmas carol extravaganza! March is a strange time to be singing Christmas carols for some, but for us we thought nothing of it. We simply enjoyed the chance to share a special moment with our friends. Next stop was a visit to Jan Kurowski at his home in the city. ‘Johnny’ is such a happy person, so full of wonder and it was great to get a chance to see him again. We all sat and had tea together after a personal tour from him.
http://www.dpsmtk.lublin.pl/
Ohh, Jingle Bells!
Hitting those high notes :D
The afternoon was spent being shown around the Fine Arts and Multimedia Technology departments at ‘Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej’ (UMCS). This is an impressive university and the fact that both creative faculties work alongside each other in this way is wonderful. Many of the students from these faculties are involved in volunteering projects at both the MTK and FMN arts therapy centres.
http://www.art.umcs.lublin.pl/
The ceramics department at UMCS
Some of these look almost alive!One of the students we met was Justyna Kieruzalska; an incredibly talented artist. Justyna is deaf, but hasn’t allowed this to stand in her way. She has been studying Fine Art for the last four years without the help of a note-taker or interpreter. It was wonderful to see that Justyna and our friend Ruari, who is also profoundly deaf, were able to communicate with one another. Ruari uses Irish sign language and Justyna uses Polish, but they were still able to understand one another. It was an amazing sight.
Another Night in Prison
As a follow up to our last trip to Lublin, we took our friends to a nearby theme restaurant: Prison. It was a restaurant we visited during our last stay and one of our most favourite places to eat. It rounded off a most enjoyable day.
http://www.restauracjawiezienie.lublin.pl/
Cuffs with dinner? Yes please!
Well maybe not throughout dinner this time!>>> Kooji does Poland...Again! - Day Five
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