Dear Friends and Supporters,
as of today (30th of November) I am starting work on THE PRINT number one, the very first edition under the print scheme. I am cutting blocks at the moment. 4 of about size A5, two wood and two lino. I have decided to go for an older picture of mine, which lends itself (hopefully) very well to the type of technique I will use. Will try to make some regular updates now with news of progress!
Much Leipziger Love,
Alex
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Dear Readers and Supporters.
About this Month I wanted to write a little half way report, half way through the first print project period, that is. Due to a translation job on quite short notice this report will be more little than expected! Generally: all is well! I am still applying for reduced Health Insurance Payments due to clinical artistness. Another post at the local parish has opened up, this time in a church office unbelievably close to home. So I thought I might as well apply, seeing as they already know me from last time and all that. As it would be about 20 h a week so I see it as another string to my self-employment bow. And I will let you know about the outcome, as that would throw some different light on the Print Sceme. I have started doing illustrations for a book regularly, a a brainchild and paid for by my dad. Which you can tell because it's a book he likes and knows that I don't like. The first illustration has been a total success and that is good.
So generally I have settled into this work pace and new identity quite well. A regular small job like the church do would provide some welcome income and some welcome social interaction away from home. But it isn't essential.
My workshop has grown these past months and, when my parents come up for my birthday in two weeks time, they will bring me their own printing rollers and equipment. Stuff that produced works deemed as subversive by a totalitarian state. Did you know, by the way, that in the night from 8th to 9th of October 1989 a Leipzig pastor handprinted 30.000 leavlets on a converted clothes mangle? I have an itch to research for an essay on the role of home printmaking in the GDR. I need to order ink and as soon as this translation job is done and dusted (incidentially translating "Hit the ground kneeling" by Stephen Cottrell) I will start work on January's Print Sceme edition.
Its now also a year since I've last been to London. Which is sad. I do miss you all. And we hope to make it over next year.
About this Month I wanted to write a little half way report, half way through the first print project period, that is. Due to a translation job on quite short notice this report will be more little than expected! Generally: all is well! I am still applying for reduced Health Insurance Payments due to clinical artistness. Another post at the local parish has opened up, this time in a church office unbelievably close to home. So I thought I might as well apply, seeing as they already know me from last time and all that. As it would be about 20 h a week so I see it as another string to my self-employment bow. And I will let you know about the outcome, as that would throw some different light on the Print Sceme. I have started doing illustrations for a book regularly, a a brainchild and paid for by my dad. Which you can tell because it's a book he likes and knows that I don't like. The first illustration has been a total success and that is good.
So generally I have settled into this work pace and new identity quite well. A regular small job like the church do would provide some welcome income and some welcome social interaction away from home. But it isn't essential.
My workshop has grown these past months and, when my parents come up for my birthday in two weeks time, they will bring me their own printing rollers and equipment. Stuff that produced works deemed as subversive by a totalitarian state. Did you know, by the way, that in the night from 8th to 9th of October 1989 a Leipzig pastor handprinted 30.000 leavlets on a converted clothes mangle? I have an itch to research for an essay on the role of home printmaking in the GDR. I need to order ink and as soon as this translation job is done and dusted (incidentially translating "Hit the ground kneeling" by Stephen Cottrell) I will start work on January's Print Sceme edition.
Its now also a year since I've last been to London. Which is sad. I do miss you all. And we hope to make it over next year.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
July Newischnesess - Grendel has arrived!!
now dear all!
an exciting summer this summer! Today my book binding press (to be utilised for relief print) arrived (see pictures) and it's preliminary name is "Grendel". It was a medium to lucky find on ebay and a lot more affordable than the relief press I bid for 2 weeks ago. I have written quite a few people about the stability-traded-for-prints scheme and have yet to hear from many. Big-ups to all those already aboard! starting date ist the first of August but I will contact you individually before that. T. had her first Poetry Slam yesterday and blew away the crowds with her titles "I am a cyclist" and "a broom of one's own" ... remind me to get her to post them here somehow. It was the conclusion of her "Poetry Now" seminar and I am mightily proudof her!
Well I am nervous, excited, itching to get my hands on some ink.
In other news, my good friend Udosson and myself in the Sapling Jones guise have started weekly electronic music sessions. The finest examples are up on the project's page: myspace.com/siegfriedrost
and the good Leipzig grandparents gave us a ton of stunning gooseberrys when we popped by the allotment last time. T. amazed with a cake (see pictures) and I tried my hand on two batches of jam. And I am pleased to say that all was very successfull.
Now I will get back to the art and office lair and bury myself in some paperwork. Best,
Al
an exciting summer this summer! Today my book binding press (to be utilised for relief print) arrived (see pictures) and it's preliminary name is "Grendel". It was a medium to lucky find on ebay and a lot more affordable than the relief press I bid for 2 weeks ago. I have written quite a few people about the stability-traded-for-prints scheme and have yet to hear from many. Big-ups to all those already aboard! starting date ist the first of August but I will contact you individually before that. T. had her first Poetry Slam yesterday and blew away the crowds with her titles "I am a cyclist" and "a broom of one's own" ... remind me to get her to post them here somehow. It was the conclusion of her "Poetry Now" seminar and I am mightily proudof her!
Well I am nervous, excited, itching to get my hands on some ink.
In other news, my good friend Udosson and myself in the Sapling Jones guise have started weekly electronic music sessions. The finest examples are up on the project's page: myspace.com/siegfriedrost
and the good Leipzig grandparents gave us a ton of stunning gooseberrys when we popped by the allotment last time. T. amazed with a cake (see pictures) and I tried my hand on two batches of jam. And I am pleased to say that all was very successfull.
Now I will get back to the art and office lair and bury myself in some paperwork. Best,
Al
 |
| News July 2009 |
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Dear all,
It's time, I know, it's high time! First let me introduce some new pictures, taken by Fabian, our friend from downstairs at the last gardening work day. I wish someone had taken some "before" pictures co things are really changing now.
Now some general news. T is doing fine and continuing to do fine at Uni. She is very seriously thinking about joining her old handball club again and working away on her transcription of a late medieval biblical text in German.
Some weeks ago we found out that I lost the church job to a lady who was already a member of the congregation. But it seems I was No.2. Knowing how politically charged such things are I can see where they may have been coming from with their desicion.
In the middle of the turmoil of that time just after they turned me down God chose to speak o or two simple, deep things. T and I had sceduled a talk each with another friend living in the house, Andrea. Basically to give us some outside opinion. During my stint with her I talked about how seeing a special blog of a donations-funded community in Portugal made me bitter. "I could get people to just give me money to do exactly what I would like!" I said sarcastically. Enter God: "Why don't you?" said Andrea.
And she continued to talk about a story she heard about a writer who got about 80 people to give her money for a certain amount of time so she had enough to live of while she started writing.
Here came the second profound thing: "I guess you either say 'Everything I've learned in the last 10 years is more or less waste' and go and do somethign completely different (which will also not guarantee you a job) or to say: 'I believe that I can do things that are worth something and that what I can do is woth a living' "
From this talk unfolded the plan for a project. I would ask people I know if they would want to commit to giving monthly for a period of 3 half years initially. The reasons they would give is to a: provide me and T with a basic income for the start up period of my art and translations business
b: to purchase hand made print (woodcut etc.), of an edition limited to the number of regular donors, to be received every six months
I loved this idea, because it wasn't completely donation but also a real investment (value of the prints would rise if I turn out to be successful as a printer), a bit like shares. It also is affordable (basic rate is 10 Euro/Pound a month) and more relational than art business "as usual".
So now I'm looking to set this up in the next few months. If you would be interested (some examples of drawings of mine are on www.myselfandtheschneider.wordpress.com , those posted by saplingjones)to be one of my circle of patrons, please leave a comment or get in contact.
That's most of the news for now.
Love from Leipzig
Al
It's time, I know, it's high time! First let me introduce some new pictures, taken by Fabian, our friend from downstairs at the last gardening work day. I wish someone had taken some "before" pictures co things are really changing now.
 |
| Gartenarbeit Eisenbahnstraße (gardenworks) |
Now some general news. T is doing fine and continuing to do fine at Uni. She is very seriously thinking about joining her old handball club again and working away on her transcription of a late medieval biblical text in German.
Some weeks ago we found out that I lost the church job to a lady who was already a member of the congregation. But it seems I was No.2. Knowing how politically charged such things are I can see where they may have been coming from with their desicion.
In the middle of the turmoil of that time just after they turned me down God chose to speak o or two simple, deep things. T and I had sceduled a talk each with another friend living in the house, Andrea. Basically to give us some outside opinion. During my stint with her I talked about how seeing a special blog of a donations-funded community in Portugal made me bitter. "I could get people to just give me money to do exactly what I would like!" I said sarcastically. Enter God: "Why don't you?" said Andrea.
And she continued to talk about a story she heard about a writer who got about 80 people to give her money for a certain amount of time so she had enough to live of while she started writing.
Here came the second profound thing: "I guess you either say 'Everything I've learned in the last 10 years is more or less waste' and go and do somethign completely different (which will also not guarantee you a job) or to say: 'I believe that I can do things that are worth something and that what I can do is woth a living' "
From this talk unfolded the plan for a project. I would ask people I know if they would want to commit to giving monthly for a period of 3 half years initially. The reasons they would give is to a: provide me and T with a basic income for the start up period of my art and translations business
b: to purchase hand made print (woodcut etc.), of an edition limited to the number of regular donors, to be received every six months
I loved this idea, because it wasn't completely donation but also a real investment (value of the prints would rise if I turn out to be successful as a printer), a bit like shares. It also is affordable (basic rate is 10 Euro/Pound a month) and more relational than art business "as usual".
So now I'm looking to set this up in the next few months. If you would be interested (some examples of drawings of mine are on www.myselfandtheschneider.wordpress.com , those posted by saplingjones)to be one of my circle of patrons, please leave a comment or get in contact.
That's most of the news for now.
Love from Leipzig
Al
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Tribute to Gig-A-Blogs (Easter Sunday Morning Service at Thomaskirche Leipzig)
Dear Friends.
I KNOW there is much else to tell (how did you pick yourself up...you looking for jobs now or what else?) but I wanted to tribute Mr Strawberryyog as we had a tremendous time, Theresa and I, at the above mentioned event. It featured, as usual, I think, the Gewandhaus Orchestra and, obviously, the Thomanerchor. This church looks alot bigger on the inside than out and, though we were half an hour early, we only got some seats squished up under the pulpit, which odly is more or less right in the middle of the church. Which meant we were eyeballing the Bishop of Saxony, who had been asked to preach, which was very nice. Obviously me knowing the Bish of the LCiGB an all I wasn't phased one bit.
Now the service was grand: they kept the making it all relevant by refering to recent events bit very low key which was good. All liturgie was sung (which is not common anymore) and all chorales were sung with all the verses (also not common, but delightful (Christ lag in Todesbanden 1-6 and auf, auf mein Herz mit Freuden 1-8).
And how do you like Händel's Messiah Part III as part of the service... I for one loved it. Very well done by all musicians and each bit of text with the correlating biblical text pointed out below.
All rounded off with eucharist and I left the church rejoicing. Truely marvelous, though I still like the intimacy that St. Anne's provides with it's music more.
Job news later!
Love,
Al
I KNOW there is much else to tell (how did you pick yourself up...you looking for jobs now or what else?) but I wanted to tribute Mr Strawberryyog as we had a tremendous time, Theresa and I, at the above mentioned event. It featured, as usual, I think, the Gewandhaus Orchestra and, obviously, the Thomanerchor. This church looks alot bigger on the inside than out and, though we were half an hour early, we only got some seats squished up under the pulpit, which odly is more or less right in the middle of the church. Which meant we were eyeballing the Bishop of Saxony, who had been asked to preach, which was very nice. Obviously me knowing the Bish of the LCiGB an all I wasn't phased one bit.
Now the service was grand: they kept the making it all relevant by refering to recent events bit very low key which was good. All liturgie was sung (which is not common anymore) and all chorales were sung with all the verses (also not common, but delightful (Christ lag in Todesbanden 1-6 and auf, auf mein Herz mit Freuden 1-8).
And how do you like Händel's Messiah Part III as part of the service... I for one loved it. Very well done by all musicians and each bit of text with the correlating biblical text pointed out below.
All rounded off with eucharist and I left the church rejoicing. Truely marvelous, though I still like the intimacy that St. Anne's provides with it's music more.
Job news later!
Love,
Al
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The verdict is out
Dear friends.
First of all I'd like to apolgise for my terrible spelling. I don't really double check before posting which ends nowhere else but in a "here" instead of a "hear"... good grief, but there you are.
Now the news you've been all waiting for and which have shaken the Schneider family pretty heavily: I have had no news.
This translates to one of two things:
a, I was not the person the selection committee put forward at the church council meeting on Thursday.
b, I got the week wrong and the meeting is next Thursday.
b, being only the last desperate flights of my fancy it boils down to this: they didn't take me.
I will wait until I hear from them before I ask if there were any particular reasons. I'd like to know this to either do things differently next time (if there is one) or to know if applying for a church job makes no sense for me her in the land of my ancestors. Well, as I said we were pretty shaken by this and in a faith sense as well. Job opportunities had gone from good to very good to exactly what I was looking for only to be denied in the end. That is really ... well it's a bit soul destroying. Having to go through this time of hope in which I cannot easily concentrate on anything else and then to pick me up (well, God helps there, admitted) again and look for something else. It's been nearly 5 months now and perhaps I've learned what I should learn and would like to move on to having a non-benefit income again now, please?
I'm pretty flummoxed now (if my guess at the meaning of this word is right) and it spreads. I'd really like some positive leads now, my nose is smarting from doors closing in my face. THe good old freelancing thing does not look so promising either, as money has not yet been flowing in reasonable amounts there (well none at the moment but even beforewe went to england...). When I mentioned that the job centre could possibly be cutting our benefits because T. earns abit now as opposed to nothing things broke a bit. This situation is generally a difficult one for her and getting her hopes up with such an outcome doesn't help. Doesn't help me neither. Well now the questions are quite a few. Will let you know news as they arrive. THanks for your support guys.
A+T
First of all I'd like to apolgise for my terrible spelling. I don't really double check before posting which ends nowhere else but in a "here" instead of a "hear"... good grief, but there you are.
Now the news you've been all waiting for and which have shaken the Schneider family pretty heavily: I have had no news.
This translates to one of two things:
a, I was not the person the selection committee put forward at the church council meeting on Thursday.
b, I got the week wrong and the meeting is next Thursday.
b, being only the last desperate flights of my fancy it boils down to this: they didn't take me.
I will wait until I hear from them before I ask if there were any particular reasons. I'd like to know this to either do things differently next time (if there is one) or to know if applying for a church job makes no sense for me her in the land of my ancestors. Well, as I said we were pretty shaken by this and in a faith sense as well. Job opportunities had gone from good to very good to exactly what I was looking for only to be denied in the end. That is really ... well it's a bit soul destroying. Having to go through this time of hope in which I cannot easily concentrate on anything else and then to pick me up (well, God helps there, admitted) again and look for something else. It's been nearly 5 months now and perhaps I've learned what I should learn and would like to move on to having a non-benefit income again now, please?
I'm pretty flummoxed now (if my guess at the meaning of this word is right) and it spreads. I'd really like some positive leads now, my nose is smarting from doors closing in my face. THe good old freelancing thing does not look so promising either, as money has not yet been flowing in reasonable amounts there (well none at the moment but even beforewe went to england...). When I mentioned that the job centre could possibly be cutting our benefits because T. earns abit now as opposed to nothing things broke a bit. This situation is generally a difficult one for her and getting her hopes up with such an outcome doesn't help. Doesn't help me neither. Well now the questions are quite a few. Will let you know news as they arrive. THanks for your support guys.
A+T
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Da Interview
Dada. Hello friends! Many thanks to both of the commentors on my previous post for their encouraging words and interest. The human mind (at least mine) has it's patheticnesses... i.e.: on Friday I was still euphoric and pretty sure they's de be taking me + feeling my interviev-performance was pretty ace. Monday and Tuesday see me as a nervous wreck and all my words during the interview when replayed in my mind sound like death knells to my employment hopes. Fickle Emotion!
Anyhow this is how the whole things went:
I was chaufered to the church offices at Baalsdorf by a friend and houseshare cohabitee, Paula. I was a bit early and after a confusion about doors was welcomed into ROOM I, to face my 'task' just as soon as the lady who was before me finished her turn. That time came none to slow and I was handed a hypothetical letter from a member of the church which I was to write a reply for. Time span: half an hour.
The gist of the letter went as follows (and here yee St. Anners, how things can be):
The author could not believe how the congregation dares to charge a certain amount for the use of a double grave, esp. in current times of crises and as Christians. He listed simple points of action he would take: a, pay half the amount charged per annum as only one half of the grave is currently being used by his family b, deduct all voluntary work hours donated by the occupant in former years at a certain rate of Euros per hour c, deduct a overall summ in lieu of the shadowy situation of the grave. He then concluded with the sincere promise to consider leaving the church if his suggestions would not be accepted.
Well, I gave him friendly but short thrift and did not comment on the blackmail. I was finished in quite good time. And quite sure of my letter (as I mentioned: not so now). Finally I was escorted into ROOM II by the friendly pastor to meet the panel of on other pastor and 5 or 6 church council members (the administration here comprises of four or five seperate congregations all of which sent somebody).
So an introduction followed ending with my turn to introduce myself. A quick remark on my lessend powers of memory as concerns names due to my state of slight nervousness was greeted with quiet chuckles...an I was away! Answered questions as to what I thought my job would comprise of, could I work independently, could I deal with difficult behaviour, why should the hire ME (classic), strengths and weaknesses. Was I sure I could work independently? ...
Well it seemed that i went well, leading me to say that if they weren't keen on a completely other type of person (like female and a bit older) I had a good chance. They closed in saying that everyone would be informed of the outcome after thursday, when the church council meets in full to decide. But the applicant put forward by the selection committee would be at the church council meeting and hence should know before thursday.
So here I am, waiting. Only two more days to go, though. Am still struggling with sinful hopelessness. Hang in there, Alex! And thanks for your support, dear friends!
Al
Anyhow this is how the whole things went:
I was chaufered to the church offices at Baalsdorf by a friend and houseshare cohabitee, Paula. I was a bit early and after a confusion about doors was welcomed into ROOM I, to face my 'task' just as soon as the lady who was before me finished her turn. That time came none to slow and I was handed a hypothetical letter from a member of the church which I was to write a reply for. Time span: half an hour.
The gist of the letter went as follows (and here yee St. Anners, how things can be):
The author could not believe how the congregation dares to charge a certain amount for the use of a double grave, esp. in current times of crises and as Christians. He listed simple points of action he would take: a, pay half the amount charged per annum as only one half of the grave is currently being used by his family b, deduct all voluntary work hours donated by the occupant in former years at a certain rate of Euros per hour c, deduct a overall summ in lieu of the shadowy situation of the grave. He then concluded with the sincere promise to consider leaving the church if his suggestions would not be accepted.
Well, I gave him friendly but short thrift and did not comment on the blackmail. I was finished in quite good time. And quite sure of my letter (as I mentioned: not so now). Finally I was escorted into ROOM II by the friendly pastor to meet the panel of on other pastor and 5 or 6 church council members (the administration here comprises of four or five seperate congregations all of which sent somebody).
So an introduction followed ending with my turn to introduce myself. A quick remark on my lessend powers of memory as concerns names due to my state of slight nervousness was greeted with quiet chuckles...an I was away! Answered questions as to what I thought my job would comprise of, could I work independently, could I deal with difficult behaviour, why should the hire ME (classic), strengths and weaknesses. Was I sure I could work independently? ...
Well it seemed that i went well, leading me to say that if they weren't keen on a completely other type of person (like female and a bit older) I had a good chance. They closed in saying that everyone would be informed of the outcome after thursday, when the church council meets in full to decide. But the applicant put forward by the selection committee would be at the church council meeting and hence should know before thursday.
So here I am, waiting. Only two more days to go, though. Am still struggling with sinful hopelessness. Hang in there, Alex! And thanks for your support, dear friends!
Al
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