Like drawing... on yourself

Today, a day of worry for all. Well, in actuality, not for all but just mainly for myself. This worry somewhat subsided after I turned over my potentially degree-defining exam paper on Britain and the End of Empire at 09:15 AM to find that it was not that bad at all! However, the strain of three hours pretty much non-stop writing has kind of crippled my right-hand for the rest of the day. However, I am still able to type with said hand, and therefore thought that I would blog on a topic of two issues, as follows...

I have been holed up in the University of East Anglia's library facilities for the past three weeks, and whilst revising, have often found myself bored. One act of boredom prompted this rather heraldic crest-like image involving my initials, year of birth, and some pirate related imagery, which has no bearing on my life whatsoever. I used a black Pilot V5 High Tech point 0.5 pen and the finest twenty-one and a half year old hand flesh - for anyone interested in materials. 

Basically, this made me think about the art of the tattoo and tattoo-ing, whether they are indeed an art form?! I know that such a topic can draw divisions in many a household - not to mention my own avec mes parents. I often flutter and flirt with the idea, but have not, as of yet committed directly to any permanent markings. I mean I personally think that if I were to undertake this treatment, it would have be a purposeful, meaningful and artistic/aesthetically pleasing image. Is this what a tattoo should be?

The second issue with personal defacement is this - the issue that it is generally not socially acceptable. I mean I suppose we should accept anyone and everyone for who they are? However, we all know that deep down (maybe not so deep for some) we are all judgmental bastards! For instance, I went to work the other day at the SCVA basically stuffing envelopes for 5 hours. That aside, when I got into the Crescent Wing I saw the receptionist, a bloke in his mid-20's. This is a minor detail. But, what was not so un-noticeable were the two giant sleeves of artwork strewn down both his arms, starting from his shoulders one would assume. 

I thought whoaa they are really cool. But then I thought pretty much instantly after, 'how the hell did he get a job here with those invasive tattoo's?' - there it was, the social judgment. I carried on this line of thought to presume that as it was an Art Centre that it would be wrong to not give him the job, as his sleeves were quite beautiful really. But there I went again, judging. For all I know he could be massively intellectual with a lot to offer, a really clever guy??

Well anyway, I should not ponder on such thoughts. I mean thats not to say that every tattoo in the world is nice. However, I suppose that is down to personal preference. It could be quite feasible that someone loves that fact that they have a picture of Taz the lovable Tasmanian Devil on their forearm?! Not for me! But sure, why not think about it?

Where there is a Will there is... a great deal of intelligence!

So it goes... Will Self is a very clever man. Therefore, when hearing that he would be making an appearance at UEA (Understanding, Empower + Act... apparently) you could say I was certainly a little excited. But, as with all these things you usually purchase a ticket around the day they go on sale and then forget about it until a few days before the event roles round. Myself, being human, did this, and nearly jeopordised my opportunity to spend an evening with Mr. Self. Luckily I managed to break the shackles of Bank Holiday work (and pay) an hour early in order to resume my social plans. I was not going to miss this, especially after having to forfeit Coxon.

I turned up alone in Lecture Theatre 1, but I was hardly alone in the sense that the place was rammed - mainly with an older generation. I really did not expect such a large turn out for this literary event, but then when considering the size of the LIT faculty etc. I suppose it is not so unsurprising. Additionally, I was sitting there thinking, slightly concerned, because the ticket said that the impending reading and talk started at 19:00 PM (BST), but there no was indication when it would end, which made me a tad anxious about what one of these things was all about, being a virgin and all... Plus, I mean I like the guy, but I did not really want to be sitting in a cold lecture theatre for the next 2 days or something?!

From the clutches of darkness... or the side door, he appeared. He is a strikingly tall man, which I had previously not appreciated. One aspect of his style was described as "...always a mirror of what we are living in, but wished we didn't" - profound. After a lengthy introduction and low down on all his key works by some organizer, he then took to the stage to read from one of his latest novels, The Butt. His introduction was brilliant, displaying some of the inventive dry wit that you would almost expect, "It's a pleasure to be back in Norwich, or... Avvvivva". This was met with streaming laughter.

The evening was very intellectual affair. After the acclaimed authors reading discussions were then raised around his satirical style, as well as his concept of "Othering". He also divulged into some of his political and socio-economic opinions, which often act as subject matter for his writings. It was made apparent that the late J.G. Ballard acted as a great influence on this man - who like many apparently has a strict working day with deadlines and word counts that he strives to meet. And after questioning along the line of text messaging and text speak, in which Self replied "I am texting now... with my Penis" - the evening came to an end. It had been a thoroughly enjoyable hour an nine minutes of my life. One that led me to buy a couple of his books instantly after, as he offered a signing in the campus branch of Waterstones.

"And what is your name?" he said, "Well actually, it is William".

Importantly, what I took away from the experience was that there are great deal of things you can do with your life. Plus, we are here on Earth for a while, so we might as well get on and do something?! Plus, it would appear that he is also not a big fan of the Labour Party...

When will I learn your no good for me...

So, back to Uni and Esser steps up. I have done this whole Uni/gig thing quite a bit over the past three years - and am kind of sad that this is all soon coming to an end. I am also totally gutted that I can't make the Graham Coxon gig Sunday night, especially after having one of the 'hot-tickets', damn work. Boy needs bread and all that!

Anyway, Ben Esser. I have been following him for a while, and he is worth a listen. First single out on Merok (my fave record label) was I Love You/Long Arms - all you can say is what a great 9" debut. Both tracks are infectious and catchy pop gems. However, Esser is no one-trick pony, as he amusingly uses social commentary and wit, shown oozing out of second single Headlock. 

Live he has a real swagger, supported by a full band including a total cool kid in a panama hat on keys. Appearing on stage in a pretty busy-looking gold clad jacket it was clear he had come to party. That and the fact that he was stoned off his face, but this did not detract. 

Sometimes... when your at gigs, you end up checking your watch don't you!? Don't lie, we have all done it. Well, Esser kept me well entertained. I was plugged in for the whole set. He mixed his tracks well between pop, and then slowing it down with some R 'n' B. The added sampling was delightful. Carrying good banter with the small but cool audience also enhanced his performance - there is something about confidence! Plus, I decided that it was a cool audience, as all the uncool people were at Friendly Fires, UEA. I would much rather see someone starting out, which was a sentiment shared by the meagre 60-70 witnessing!

Flying guitars and waving arms, this all went by in a 45 minute flurry, but thoroughly enjoyable. Well worth the credit-crunch friendly £6 ticket. From this I would say at least get your ears around his debut album out 4th May, Braveface. Cheeky and lovable - a pretty honest record boasting a total summer vibe.

http://www.myspace.com/esserhq