The English language is like a magpie, continuously picking up shiny, intriguing words from various languages across the globe. Over the centuries, thanks to colonial rule, immigration, and intrepid explorers, English has evolved into a delightful mishmash of foreign words, enriched by the diverse cultures it encountered.
The word “Juggernaut” originated from the Sanskrit word “Jagannath“, associated with the form of Vishnu worshipped at the Jagannath Temple in Odisha, Eastern India. During the Rath Yatra festival, devotees pull three colossal temple carts through the streets, carrying statues of the deities.
The carts are 14m tall and weigh hundreds of tons. Early European visitors were so amazed by these festivals that they reportedly returned with stories, possibly fictitious, of devotees throwing themselves under the wheels of the carts. This is how the word ‘Juggernaut’ came to signify something massive and unstoppable due to institutional or physical inertia.
Outings in May
Daniel Martinez Orchestra and Flamenco at the Sheldonian Theatre
Gazing upon Sir Wren’s architectural masterpiece from the highest seats was awe-inspiring, despite being a bit challenging for those with vertigo. The performance by Daniel Martinez delved deep into the rich tapestry of Spanish flamenco, taking us on a captivating journey through the diverse styles found across Andalucia.
Macbeth – NT live at Vue cinemas
Tony and BAFTA Award winner Ralph Fiennes and Olivier Award winner Indira Varma are set to captivate audiences in a thrilling new rendition of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Shot live at Dock X, a bespoke theatre venue in London, this acclaimed portrayal of Macbeth, described as ‘pulse-quickening’ by the Financial Times, promises an unforgettable cinematic experience. Directed by Simon Godwin, this production breathes new life into Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, thrusting it into the modern day. Brace yourself for an enthralling saga of power, betrayal, and superstition as Macbeth unfolds on the silver screen.
The Fall Guy at Vue Cinemas
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt team up as a daredevil and a movie maestro in an action-packed comedy extravaganza. The film features their electric on-screen chemistry, snappy banter, and impressive stunts. Gosling plays Colt Seavers, a lovestruck stuntman for a famous actor, while Blunt portrays his love interest, Jo. The plot revolves around Seavers finding himself in perilous predicaments after the actor disappears. The cast, including Hannah Waddingham and Aaron Taylor Johnson, contributes to the hilarity, making the film a must-see for those seeking an escape from reality, gravity, and the frailty of humankind.
Trip to Paris over the May bank holiday (swipe below)
Books
The Royal Secret by Andrew Taylor
Step into the captivating world of history and intrigue as we delve into the compelling saga revolving around the signing of the secret treaty of Dover in 1670. This gripping tale unfolds against the backdrop of real events, as England’s Charles II and France’s Louis XIV forged a strategic alliance to thwart the Dutch from their territorial ambitions on the Spanish Netherlands. At the heart of this enthralling narrative are the key figures of James Marwood, a dedicated Whitehall agent, and his close confidante Cat Hakesby, a resilient widow who carries on her late husband’s architecture business. For history enthusiasts, this tale offers a delightful journey back to an era of intense colonial rivalries and power struggles, providing a profound insight into the vibrant tapestry of London life during the Restoration Period, while offering glimpses of the aftermath of the great fire of London.
Gild by Raven Kennedy
Continuing my fantasy reading spree, Gild is a captivating retelling of the ancient fable of King Midas, who was cursed (or blessed, as he thought at the time) with the golden touch. However, aside from the king being cursed with a golden touch and being called Midas, the rest of the plot is a testament to Kennedy’s remarkable imagination and creative spirit. Magical kingdoms, intense rivalries, daring pirates, passionate lovers, epic battles, and shocking betrayals are all woven into this extraordinary story. As a bonus, there are two more books in the sequence! This book is an easy read, but I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted, especially if you find violence depressing.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
“The Familiar” is a captivating tale set in the era of the Spanish Inquisition, following Luzia, a scullion with magical powers, and Guillén Santángel, an immortal familiar. The story unfolds as Luzia’s abilities are discovered and she is mentored by Guillén, leading to an extraordinary adventure intertwined with the Spanish royal court. This enchanting narrative showcases Bardugo’s unparalleled storytelling and leaves the reader eager for more of her works.
YellowFace by R.F. Kuang
As expressed by the author in the Acknowledgments section, this is a chilling narrative about the experience of solitude within a cutthroat industry. The plot revolves around two writers, Athena Liu and Juniper Hayward, with the former achieving instant success and the latter facing commercial failure. Tragically, Athena passes away after choking on a pancake, leading Juniper to appropriate her manuscript, put her own spin on it, and achieve fame. This story encapsulates the harsh realities of the publishing industry, the relentless pursuit of financial gain overshadowing the love for literature. Additionally, it delves into the genuine issue of social media-based harassment and character defamation, shedding light on how easily individuals can be broken by the callous actions of online aggressors. I would recommend this to aspiring writers, as although it is a work of fiction, it poignantly reflects the truths of the literary world.
In the studio
Upcoming events
- Wallingford Carnival 10 am-5 pm on Saturday 15th June
- Upper Heyford Social 11 am – 6 pm on Saturday 29th June
Wood cuts with Asma Hashmi
Continuing on my journey to explore the world of printmaking techniques, I have taken the first steps into the intricate realm of woodcut printing. As my first project, I carved out the image of a chimpanzee, under the expert guidance of my esteemed mentor Asma Hashmi and the results are truly satisfying. I am eagerly anticipating the endless possibilities that lie ahead in my printmaking voyage.
Update on Artweeks
I was incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support and assistance of my daughter and husband as we set everything up in just an hour. One valuable lesson I’ve taken away from this and previous experiences is that when presenting art in a venue that isn’t your own, you must be prepared to adapt to unexpected challenges on the day and think on your feet. Fortunately, there was less improvisation required this time, and the event largely unfolded as envisioned. I have shared some snapshots from the display.
And my exhibition featured in the OX magazine – page 44
Bird illustrations
These were ideas I wanted to paint and all inspired by my day to day life. The first one is inspired by my back garden’s apple tree, which has beautiful spring blossom on it each year, and is a perfect habitat for birds to perch on.
Thanks to the concealed bird feeder nestled within the lush magnolia foliage, it enables smaller birds such as finches (goldfinch and bullfinch both local to the UK) to access the seeds without competition from pigeons and crows.
The vibrant burst of spring colours following a bleak, grey winter is truly therapeutic.
And speaking of finches, the strawberry finch is a stunning tropical bird. Its vibrant red feathers are perfectly paired with the lush mulberry plants. During the breeding season, the male transforms into a mesmerising vision, boasting a radiant red plumage adorned with striking white spots.
Parisian inspirations
If the allure of Paris fails to ignite a fiery passion within you, then perhaps something is missing.
The River Seine stands as the unparalleled symbol of Paris, an embodiment of timeless elegance and grace. The Seine, a river of centuries, with a one in 100 annual probability of flooding, has witnessed the passage of time since 12,000 BC. Its indomitable spirit greatly influenced the numbering of Parisian streets, where those perpendicular or oblique to the river commence their numbering from the side nearest to its embrace.
A visit to Paris would be incomplete without seeing the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is currently under construction and repairs. Hopefully, this architectural marvel will be open to the public again soon.
Fun fact
The original novel by Victor Hugo, Notre-Dame de Paris, played a crucial role in saving the Notre-Dame Cathedral from ruin. Throughout the centuries, the cathedral has had various uses, including serving as a food storage facility in the 1790s. Thanks to Hugo’s passion for architecture and his popular novel, a 25-year restoration project was initiated, transforming the cathedral into the iconic landmark we know today.
And that’s all
Longer days and shorter nights mean less squeezing into tights and more wiggle room for open toes. It’s all about blooms and greens making the world look like a giant salad. To survive this season, I arm myself with Allevia so that hay fever doesn’t turn me into the stuffy-nosed monster. Cold salads become my new best friends, and homemade strawberry lemonade is the unofficial drink of the season for me. I’ll even fire up the barbecue at the first hint of sunshine – who cares if it’s just a tease? Outdoor walks, garden time, and turning into an art hermit are all part of my survival guide for spring and summer.
Cogitatio 
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