LOVE IN MY HEART

Dear Family, Mostly Aunt Banana & Grandma & Grandpa! :)



Your thoughtfulness and generosity know no limits. I regret that in our holiday haste, we have lost track mostly of who gave what, but I do know a certain favorite few. Ok, so Daddy scored each of their favorites - Phoebe's DSIXL, and Christopher's Angry Birds board game and t-shirts, those are far and away their favorites. They both love Christopher's Bilibo chair. Phoebe absolutely adores her Spectra doll from NB, as well as the Liv Doll hairstyle head thing from Janet & Brooke. Christopher's second favorite is the train table - thank you NB! He enjoyed it as a table for a simple oval track for a few days, but I did get the city center installed by Thursday, and he does love it.

After reading Esther 2:12 I decided to do 12 months of beautification starting this January 1st-December 31st, 2012. This will pertain to understanding why it is important to embrace my womanhood, enjoy being a woman and nurture my femininity everyday. In Esther 2:12 the maidens pamper themselves for twelve months 6 months with oil of myrrh and 6 months with perfumes and cosmetics. I believe that when a woman get to know her self inside as well as outside then she will not allow anyone to treat her below her worth. Many women do not know their worth because they do not take the time to get to know who they are, what they want and what makes them happy. They constantly become who other people want them to be instead of who they truly are within. I decided in 2011 to get to know myself and be true to myself. When you make a choice to be authentic sometimes this may mean the people in your life will change. People who are intimidated by who you are will eventually rotate to the background of your life. It is important to be a thermostat not a thermometer. You should always be the lady setting the temperature and shifting the atmosphere. If you are ready take this 12 month journey with me then first print out the following schedule below:

• January - Beauty is only skin deep... Take this month to take care of your skin. Get your massage, facial and spa treatment appointments schedule for this month.
• February-Love Is...Do something special for yourself for the next 28 days. Take some time to rest. All women need their beauty rest.
• March - Get Well...Spend this month making some goals for your physical health and make changes in your eating habits. Join Weight Watchers or get a trainer or join a gym or even buy those fitness DVDs for Pilate's, Nintendo wii fitness, zumba etc.
• April- Spring into a new you...Take this month to focus on your emotional state and mental health. If you need someone to talk to schedule an appointment with a close friend, therapist, counselor or spiritual leader in your church. Give yourself time to slow down and put your emotions into perspective.
• May- Time to reconnect....plan a girlfriend's weekend no kids allowed! To build effective relationships and mutually beneficial relationships you have to connect with positive people who will keep you motivated in your goals.
• June- Vacation, Vacation, Vacation...Take time away from the hustle and bustle of your business or job every woman deserves a little R&R! This month is strictly for you so vacation alone and get some clarity for the next 6 months ahead. This will be your personal retreat.
• July- Fashion is your best friend...Find out what clothes really scream your personality. This month get to know the fashionista on the inside of you. Also reacquaint yourself with makeup tips. (A little makeup will not hurt you.)
• August- Spiritual Connection...Take this month to create and build a more intimate relationship with the Lord. Understand where you are spiritually and then reevaluate where you want to be with the Lord. Also remember the relationship you have with God is between you and Him only. Meditate on this quote for the month:

• September - Try Something New..Think of one thing you would like to do that you have not done. Think about how this activity will add to your productivity and becoming well rounded. After you do that then it is time to actually step out the boat and immerse yourself in the new activity.
• October- Financial Health..Reanalyze where you went wrong in this year and make financial goals to do better before the year is out. Also review how much you have saved and top the dollar amount next year.
• November- Holidays are vastly approaching and you are going to be doing alot of holiday shopping how about you make yourself top priority this year.
• December- The last month of the year, time to make a new vision board and reposition yourself to a successful new year. Begin to write your congratulations letter for the next year to come.

If you are still lacking christmas gifts inspiration maybe check what we developed with our friends at NOWNESS ... 



Gift Wrapped: DVF on Nowness.com.




Gift Wrapped: Alain Ducasse on Nowness.com.






Gift Wrapped: Yves Béhar on Nowness.com.

Article by Maria Vittoria Berti for Exibart, published 20th December 2011:
FRANKO B - BECAUSE OF LOVE: L’ARTE SI FA CON IL FOUND RAISING


BECAUSE OF LOVE is a new multi-discplinary performance piece currently under development by Franko B. To find out more and support the project, please visit indiegogo.com/because-of-love.

The New Year is vastly approaching and it is getting closer to the countdown of another year. Many have started to recite their New Year's Resolutions however this does not mean anything if you are carrying the same habitual, traditional habits into every year. The year may change but you stay the same every year. It is important that this year you become new with your "new" year. You have to make a decision to become new in mind, body and soul. I am going to share five things I have vowed to myself to do in order to cultivate a "new" me and even greater me in 2012. If you are willing to take the journey then continue to read the steps below:

1. Stop making New Year's Resolutions. Are you flabberghasted by this statement?Yes, you are reading this correctly because a couple of years ago I stop making resolutions and start making goals. Resolution is stated to be an act or declaration (an announcement). However goals produce actions and results for you to accomplish. When you make a resolution you may never accomplish it because you are merely stating it but with a goal you write it down and the vision is becoming more obtainable. Goals are written down to give you an end result for each year. Get a pencil and paper, stop talking to others and make your vision plain by writing down what you expect to accomplish for 2012.
2. Have A Vision Board Party. After you write your vision plain on paper now it is time to make your visualize your goals. When you begin to see your vision come forth on your template (which is the board) then you become excited about the end result. You are excited to work harder towards making your vision a reality. So, Jan 7th, 2012 I am having my first Vision Board Party at my house with some other like minded individuals who are positive thinkers, innovators, and shakers. It is so important you start your New Year off being surrounded around people who are moving in an positive direction for their success. Make a note to yourself before January 2012 is here  schedule a vision board party with like minded individuals.
3. Cultivate Healthy Realtionships. The year 2012 should not be a year where you are bringing the same dead weight into your new year. Before 2011 takes a bow it is important you trash all the toxic relationships in your life. The relationships that have distracted you from becoming great or have distracted you from staying focus on your goals now is time to let those relationships expire by December 31, 2011.
4. Give Back To Yourself 100%. Sowing and reaping is a continous law and principle according to the Bible. If you have sown expect to reap what you have selflessly planted into others. So many people have been taught that it is selfish to give back to yourself. It is important to sow into yourself  so you can reap the full benefits. If you are good ground then why not expect a greater return by investing in yourself. When you give back to yourself it will create an abundance.  You will be able to give back to others out of your abundance and overflow.
5. Embrace The Moment. Too often we want to rush through every process in our life without enjoying the lesson that we have to learn in the situation. Instead of being antsy about getting to the next phase embrace the moment you are currently in at the time. Sometimes we want to rush through the rain without enjoying the growth the rain has to offer. Embrace every big, small, good, bad or diffcult moment because it all is working to build character. (Romans 8:28)

T'was the night before Christmas, and what no-one could see,
The men with the dolphins were under the sea.
Most of the crew was flat on their backs,
Snoring and dreaming all snug in their racks.

Those men on watch were making their rounds,
Some manning the planes or listening for sounds.
Back in maneuvering or down in the room,
They all hoped the oncoming watch would come soon.

I'd finished some PMs whose time was now due,
And hoped for some sleep, even an hour or two.
Against better judgment I took a short stroll,
And found myself wandering into control.

The Nav had the Conn, the COW was in place,
The COB had the Dive and a scowl on his face.
The helm and the planes were relaxed but aware,
The QM and ET were discussing a dare.

To comply with the orders the Nav told the Dive,
To bring the boat up with minimum rise.
The orders were given and soon they were there,
At periscope depth with a scope in the air.

The QM confirmed our position with care,
The broadcast was copied, we brought in some air.
The Nav on the scope let out a small cry,
He shook his head twice and rubbed at his eyes.

He looked once again to find what it was,
That interrupted his sweep and caused him to pause.
Try as he might there was nothing to see,
So down went the scope and us to the deep.

I asked what it was that caused his dismay,
He sheepishly said, "I'm embarrassed to say."
It could have been Northern Lights or a cloud,
Or a meteorite he wondered aloud.

But to tell you the truth I guess I must say,
Whatever it was it looked like a sleigh.
And though it passed quickly and never was clear,
I almost believe it was pulled by reindeer.

We laughed and teased him and I got up to go,
When our moment was broken by "Conn, Radio."
They told us a message was just coming in,
We looked at the depth gauge and started to grin.

"Radio, Conn, I feel safe to say,
Your attempt at a joke is too long delayed.
If it had been sooner it might have been neat,
But I doubt we're receiving at four-hundred feet."

"Conn, Radio, you can come down and see,
We're not playing games to any degree."
I headed aft with nothing better to do,
Surprised by the fact it was still coming through.

It stopped and was sent to control to be read,
The Nav read it slowly and scratched at his head.
Then again he began but this time aloud,
To those that now waited, a curious crowd.

"To you Denizens of the Deep and men of the sea,
Who risk your life daily so others stay free.
I rarely have seen you on this, my big night,
For far too often you are hidden from sight.

But purely by luck I saw you tonight,
As your scope coaxed the plankton to glow in the night.
And lucky for me I've finally won,
The chance to say thanks for all you have done.

I know that you miss your families at home,
And sometimes you feel as if you're alone.
But trust what I say and I'll do what's right,
I'll take something special to your families tonight.

Along with the gifts I'll take to your kin,
I'll visit their dreams and leave word within.
They'll hear of your love, and how you miss them,
I'll tell them that soon you'll be home again.

It might not be much I know that is true,
To thank you for all the things that you do.
But I'll do what I can, while you do what's right,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight."

Dear Fear,

Today I have made a decision to let you go by letting myself be free. I am turning in my resignation letter because I have been abused, tormented and constantly stressed by your tactics. I am tired of being manipulated by your control and not living the life God created me to live. I have allowed you to transmit your diseases of anxiety, stress, nightmares, paralyzing antics,phobias and everything else stemming from your tree. The last four years have been HELL with you and I am no longer going to stay in this toxic relationship. I want to live a life outside of my comfort zone where survival, mediocrity, depression, settling, tired ,and what if I cant' has been apart of my circle. I am choosing freedom to live life on edge, adventure, fulfillment, success and reaching for the sky. I cannot live in freedom if I continue to work for you so today I let you go. You can no longer hold the death of my daughter over my head to keep me hostage to the four walls of the pit I created through isolation. I know who I am now and no longer accept the false identity that I have carried with me 4 years. I am facing you today in order to live a fearless life. I am no longer scared to take a risk and move forward. I do not know what the future may hold but I am certain that you, "Fear" cannot walk with me in my next season. So I am cutting all ties with you and resigning from the position I use to hold in your company. I have traded it in for the powerful, fearfully and wonderfully made woman I am...

So Long Fear,
Stylicia Bowden

The fragrance of a woman should be light, engaging and intoxicating with delights of purity...~Stylicia~

Before a girl's turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. Esther 2:12 (NIV Version)

Today I was reminded how beautiful and powerful it is to be a woman. So many times we neglect ourselves and forget that God has created us to be feminine. The word feminine is best described as having the characteristics of a soft,tender and ladylike disposition. Many women lose sight of embracing their womanhood which result in them not taking care of their womanly nature. It is important women understand how significant it is to be the elegant, soft spoken, dainty and attractive lady that God has called us to be. We constantly get caught in distractions which take us away from nurturing our own needs and cares. We have to be aware of what daily regiments are needed for us to survive in a man made world. The essential lifestyle of a woman is pampering herself mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically being immersed in her womanhood. Many women neglect themselves constantly and do not take care of their own needs.It is our job to immerse ourselves in pampering, perfumes and taking care of every aspect and need of our body. We need to care for ourselves whether we buy new clothes, get our hair done, nails done, buy the latest perfume or makeup; this is recognition of us embracing our femininity and tapping into to our feminine nature.It is so important we no longer overlook our own personal needs and put them on the back burner. It is never good for a woman to not care about her well being. A good friend of mine reminded me of how much I had neglected myself by not nurturing by own femininity. She helped me realize how important it was to start taking care of me again. It has been a great 8 months of beautification for myself. Today, God reminded me how beautiful, sweet, and indulging it is to take care of myself. When I went shopping today for perfumes and scents it made me realize how vital it is to take care of my needs first. So, I challenge you to spend 12 months in renewing your mind, body and soul; saturating yourself with your feminine nature.Ladies, never be scared to take care of your needs first and foremost. It is essential to your feminine nature and power you hold within.Never again allow your feminine needs to be put on the back burner. Always take the time to pamper yourself from head to toe, your mind, body & soul cannot live without it!

It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society. ~Jiddu Krishnamurti

To know oneself is the epitome of pleasure. ~Stylicia~

Celibacy is considered to be known as the act of abstaining from sexual relations. The synonyms that coincide with this word is as follows: purity,virginity,singleness and virtue. Celibacy is more than abstaining from sexual activity but it is an act of becoming pure in mind, body and soul. It is also the recognition of understanding the importance of becoming one, whole and enjoying singleness.Many women spend their life going from one relationship to the next but feel depleted and empty after each relationship ends. The woman becomes distorted because pieces of her mind, body and soul is scattered across the world with each man that she dated. Instead of taking time to get to know herself she finds herself back in another relationship that pulls her further away from her true self. This cycle is an abusive cycle that many women find themselves participating in everyday. There comes a time when a woman has to make a decision to become whole to help her find her authenticity.

For the first time in my life I decided to take a journey into celibacy being whole in all areas of my life. When I reflect on the 32yrs. of my life I cannot remember a time when I took time to be involved with getting to know myself, my likes, my dislikes, and what I truly wanted in life. I found myself always involved mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually with a man. I constantly gave pieces of myself to them and in this process I begin to lose me. I wanted the man that I was involved with to love me and marry me but the story never ended that way. The truth is I did not know who I was at all. I was passive about what I wanted and was not assertive about getting my needs metin the relationship. I began to settle and accepted whatever that was served to me but in reality I was not being true to myself. However, in April 2011 I decided to take a vow of celibacy in all areas of my life especially in my relationships with men. I attracted the same men over and over but I had to realize it was something in me that had to change. It has been 8 months in my journey of celibacy and it has been the best time in my life for me to get to know who I am and spending quiet time with myself.I have gotten to know what mechanisms makeup "Stylicia". The journey has sometimes been painful facing issues that were hard to face but exposure is important if wholeness is your final destination. The things that you chose not to expose can be the things that will harm you in the end.
I have become one with the person on the inside of me; the person that was dying from malnutrition and needed to live again. I am becoming my AUTHENTIC self day by day. When I make the decision to date and connect back with the outside world I will have a different outlook. I will not attract the same men because my spirit will be whole and healthy. This year of Celibacy has taught me how to celebrate my singleness in a great way. Singleness is a celebration of oneness, wholeness and cultivating healthy relationships. The patterns of dysfunction is terminated when you decide to take control of your life and be the woman God created you to be. No longer letting the real you die on the inside while you become an imitation.

Take a journey into celibacy and become the true you, the woman God has fearfully and wonderfully made you to be!

The "packages" they offer for school portraits are absurdly expensive, and they want us to order them in advance, which we are reluctant to do - what if the kids don't cooperate and the photos come out hinky? So we sent them both to school on picture day with no pre-paid package order, knowing we'd be able to buy them online after-the-fact.



Christopher's photo came out adorable!

And Phoebe's photo is the absolute epitome of Phoebe! Phoebe and I have a deal - she pics out her Fall outfit, but I get to pick her Spring portraits outfit. So she chose her clothes and accessories, and I didn't even require she brush her hair if she didn't want to (which she usually doesn't). I love it! And look at that skin - she's so beautiful!

I'M THINKING OF YOU - Performance at Gru, Geneva, 25th November 2011. Video by La Nuit La Nuit.

www.globegallery.org/

Friday 2nd December 2011, auction starts at 6.30pm
Auction hosted by John Anderson with special guest Chris Donald

Globe's live auction aims to raise funds to support the development of our new contemporary arts venue in Newcastle.
With more than 60 artworks generously donated by artists including Douglas Gordon, Mike Nelson, Mark Fairnington, Jane & Louise Wilson, Franko B, Stefan Gec, Simon Leahy-Clark, Fiona Banner, John Kippin, Fiona Crisp and many others, and with prices for everyone, this is a not-to-be-missed evening.
All proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go towards continuing the development of our innovative programme of exhibitions, projects, artist support, community and school workshops, and our range of award winning volunteering opportunities.

You can now leave silent bids if you are unable to come to the live auction. The auction items can be viewed at the gallery on Wednesday 30th November and Thursday 1st December from 11.30am to 5pm

For the first time in my life at 32 years old I am not consumed with anybody or anything and it feels good to be in this place of contentment. I always found myself involved in a relationship with a man who had no intentions of being with me or making me his number one priority. I always found myself consumed with people I called my friends but they never had my best interest at heart. I never perfected the art of being by myself getting to know who I am or what I really like or dislike. I was always consumed with a man in my life; he was just a male counterpart to pass the time by in my life. Well,7 months of self discovery going on 8 months shy of a year I am at a peace.I never felt this way before in my life.

Seven months ago I found myself in another empty 4 year on and off again relationship with a man who did not dare give me a title as someone other than a friend with benefits. I was not a victim because I was an active participant of his back and forth confused web. I wanted more but he was never willing to give me more only enough to string me along. However, like most women I stayed hoping to change his mind when his intent was to be with me until he got tired of me. I believe I held on so long because I found comfort in someone who was there for me in the midst of the 4 years of coping with the death of my daughter. I know we both stayed consumed with each other to not have to deal with the pain of me losing a daughter and him losing a 6yr. relationship that almost settled into marriage. The real truth of this tale is we both were rebounding off the pain and hurt of life. Then April 2011 came and he wanted to cut the umbilical cord just to tell me he had no desire to stay in touch with me anymore. I was hurt but my heart did not feel shattered at all. It seem as if I woke up out of a deep sleep I was in for 4 yrs. then a light bulb came on in my head saying "It is time to let go" of the dark pit I lived in for 4 yrs. since Serenity died.

Actually, he was the link that needed to break in order for me to live again. Yes it is true I thought he was such a coward for not telling me this in person when he had seen me only a week ago in the US. He waited until he got to his next duty station to email me a farewell email. Now as I think back on his cowardly departure I am overjoyed because he gave me a gift I needed in my life which was closure. Closure to my pain, darkness, unhappiness, and not properly grieving my daughter's death. His goodbye was hard to stomach but today in solitude, meditation, peace, joy and the love of God this man help me close the doors on unhealthy, dysfunctional, unhappy and painful relationships. He was a big part of the dysfunction but also a big part of my healing and wanting to live again and feel alive. Seven months later I am happily single, on a journey to wholeness, going to a therapist to face my grief and get help; finally I cut my hair as a sign to get back to who I am and to free myself...NEVER AGAIN WILL I BE CONSUMED...I AM FREE!

IN YOUR FACE - Group exhibition at Show Studio, 1-9 Bruton Place, London W1J 6LT.

Private view 1st December, 6-8pm. Exhibition continues until 4th February. Tues-Sat, 11am - 6pm.

Marina Abramovic, Franko B, Debra Baxter, Luis Bunuel, Nancy Burson, Chris Crites, Stephen Doherty, Leo Gabin, Lucy & Bart, Gao Brothers, Shadarfarin Ghadirian, Douglas Gordon, Fraser Hamilton, IngridMwangiRobertHutter, Patrick Ian Hartley, Stephen Jones, Nick Knight, Little and Whitehead, Nasir Mazhar, Amir Mobed, Polly Morgan, Harold Offeh, kennardphillips, Ed Templeton, Rudolf Schwartzkogler, Santigo Serra, Tim Shaw, Anj Smith, Hank Willis Thomas, Void Of Course

www.showstudio.com

[click to view readable image]

Franko B will perform I'M THINKING OF YOU at GRÜ, Geneva on November 25th. More information and tickets here.
www.grutli.ch

The Saturday Arts Club podcast - 19th November 2011

Includes an interview with Richard Smith from Peter Scott Gallery, Lancaster, who talks about Franko B's recent solo exhibition, SOMEONE TO LOVE.

Listen here (Richard Smith interview starts approximately half way through).

Christopher has taken a turn for the talkative! and artsy! We're past parroting and echoing now, he's using real phrases, expressing his own thoughts, trying to have real conversation - it's so wonderful!! :) And at the same time he's developed this new-found interest - and skill - at drawing! Where before he couldn't (or wouldn't) make straight lines or attempt circles, he's now drawing people, with faces and eyes and "toes" (that look like really really long legs) and ears and hair, and trees, apple trees specifically. It's like the flood gates are open! And of course we're SO loving it! Oh, I wonder what's next!?

I am most thankful this year that my son is talking! But I'm not to keen on having to pick and choose between which Thanksgivings to attend - my neighbor Janet's noon Thanksgiving is a huge big fun deal, then my sister's Thanksgiving is the first in her own home - don't want to miss that, and JR's sister is having a huge Thanksgiving at his Mom's too - and I know how much it means for his Mom to see the kids. I guess I'm thankful that I don't have to put together a big deal meal at my house! :) Most likely the best thing will be for us to share in the early one at Janet's, then JR & Phoebe head to Richmond, and Christopher & I head to Dianne's. Being apart isn't ideal, but neither of us really mind, which is in itself rather unfortunate.

Today I spent a day in meditation reflecting on my mental and spiritual state.I realized for so long in my life I was always on a journey trying to change and improve the negative things about me or what I thought was negative about me. I would also find myself battling with myself trying to improve myself. I sought others approval as they would always say what I need to change and try to make sure they saw the change. All I can say right now in my life is "WOW". Why did I go through this torture to change who I am or focus on the negative things about myself when I should have been focusing on the wonderful, beautiful, conversationalist, adventrous and free spirited person I have always been in life. I realize I focused more on the negative things about me because I did not believe in the wonderful person I am and how spectaular I really am at this stage in my life. I was challenged to do an exercise to list 10 words that describe who I am and to my pleasure the words were positive. I looked up every word in a thesaurus and it help me identify positive aspects about who "Stylicia is as a woman and how God created me. I am no longer seeking the approval from others to convince them of my change because I love me and will not get defensive when others have their opinion of me. They will have an opinion of me but the fact of the matter is not their opinion but what fact I believe about who I am. An opinion is a personal belief, assummption or hypothesis a person will make about you. A fact is something that is verifiable, the truth and it is simply authentic. No longer be defined by others opinions (something that is not factual) but be changed by the fact(something that is verifiable) by what you believe about yourself. Once you do this it will show you the wondeful person God has created you to be...

Anyone can become angry - that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way - that is not easy. ~Aristotle

I realized recently that I've been avoiding blogging, because I don't want the RIP Biggie post to get pushed down. :( He was such a cool kitty, and I really miss him. This is one of my favorite photos, look how close in size Phoebe & Biggie are. :)

My intention is for this post to break posting aversion. No matter where he is on my blog, Mr. Bigs is at the front of my mine, and in the depths of my heart.

PERFORMANCE NIGHT AT THE RCA

3 NOVEMBER 2011

Works selected by contemporary artists Nigel Rolfe, Franko B, Leah Capaldi and Jack Tan will be exhibited in a night of Performance Art at the Royal College of Art.

Following a week-long programme of intensive coaching and development, proposed work by students will be selected for an evening of performance at the Battersea campus of the Royal College of Art. As part of the college’s interdisciplinary initiative (AcrossRCA) students from design, animation, visual communication and fine art will be taken through a process of proposal, development, refinement and selection for Performance Night at the RCA.

The event makes apparent how other disciplines, as diverse as industrial design engineering or textiles, can enter, enrich and inform performance art. Questions are raised about how performance consists as a field of enquiry, its development, and the permeability of its boundaries.

The Performance Night exhibition takes place on 3 November 2011, 6.30pm to 10pm.

Free Admission
Royal College of Art, 15-25 Howie Street, Battersea, London SW11 4AS
Public information: www.rca.ac.uk
Tel: 0207 590 4444

Franko B - SOMEONE TO LOVE - Peter Scott Gallery, 21st October - 12th November 2011.

3 NOVEMBER 2011

Works selected by contemporary artists Nigel Rolfe, Franko B, Leah Capaldi and Jack Tan
will exhibited in a night of Performance Art at the Royal College of Art.

Following a week-long programme of intensive coaching and development, proposed work by students will be selected for an evening of performance at the Battersea campus of the Royal College of Art. As part of the college’s interdisciplinary initiative, students from design, curating, animation, visual communication and fine art will be taken through a process of proposal, development, refinement and selection for Performance Night at the RCA.

The event makes apparent how other disciplines, as diverse as industrial design engineering or textiles, can enter, enrich and inform performance art. How performance consists as a field of enquiry, its development, and the permeability of its boundaries.
The Peformance Night exhibition takes place on 3 November 2011, 6.30pm to 10pm.

Free Admission
Royal College of Art, 15-25 Howie Street, Battersea, London SW11 4AS
Public information: www.rca.ac.uk
Tel: 0207 590 4444

We are a heartbroken home today. Our beloved Biggie has been put to eternal rest. We are so sad to lose him, but are at ease knowing he's no longer sick with the cancer we didn't even know he had. :(

Franko B's solo show, SOMEONE TO LOVE opens at Peter Scott Gallery, Lancaster on 20th October, with an artist's talk chaired by Dr Emile Devereaux on Friday 21st at 2pm. 

More info. and tickets here.


'Franko B is an instinctive and direct artist whose unique consideration of himself and what it is to be human is internationally recognised in a practice that spans performance, live art, installation and sculpture. In a display containing newly commissioned work, Peter Scott Gallery presents an installation that focuses on the fate of animals, who for Franko B “represent the balance of life”. 


There is darkness in the work, a sense of gothic terror and romance, but also a sense of new purpose for the objects and animals on display - they have been saved from demise and given a new lease of life. Furthermore the artist is present, prepared and presented like the other exhibits. Franko draws a line between himself and these animals, and shares their vulnerability in being on display. After all, “What difference is there?” Franko B asks, for whom “humans are animals with an ego and Gucci glasses.”' 


Exhibition open 21st October - 12th November.

Omg so whenever we thought JR's fever was gone, it came back with a vengeance! Poor guy had a 101+ fever from Friday 9/30 through Saturday 10/08! But finally, finally! he's feeling better. Better Sunday. More better Monday. Still not 100%, but I am able to work, and he is able to handle the kids. Now if we can just escape the kids getting it I will be so relieved. Me too, I don't want it either.