Why York art is the best response to sarcasm aimed at travellers
YorkMix art editor Jayne Shipley finds an antidote at the Eye of York to a recent news story
We were honeymooning in the Scottish Borders in the week leading up the voting, and in Edinburgh on the eve of the voting. It all seems a long time ago now: the honeymoon and the Scottish Referendum.
Had I been Scottish, I think I would have voted ‘no’ with the simplistic argument that there is already too much division in the world; I bought in to the ‘better together’ philosophy.
But who can really say? I wasn’t born in Scotland. I am an occasional tourist with a weak knowledge of Scottish history. Every thought I had about how I would have voted was hypothetical.
We had a fantastic time, however, watching the drama unfold. It really felt like a carnival atmosphere and it would have been impossible to not reflect on my own cultural identity.
Saddened by planning antics
In York, for the next few weeks, questions of cultural identity, belonging, migration and inclusion and exclusion are suggested, with an installation by Les Bas Family, at the Eye of York.
Delaine, Damian and Damian James Le Bas draw on their Roma Gypsy traveller heritage to engage audiences.
They use immersive installations, performance, poetry, visual and digital art, and good old fashioned discussion.
I was about to submit an earlier draft of this blog, detailing many of the wonderful paintings and artworks I have seen this month, when YorkMix reported on the plans for an alternative traveller site at West Offices, proposed by independent councillor for Osbaldwick, Mark Warters.
In this week, when we could have celebrated the cultural and thought provoking events, Cllr Warters chooses to use divisive language and sarcasm when talking through his proposed plans. You may want to read the article for yourself to get the full gist.
Of course, Cllr Warters will not be alone in his views. I am sure that there will be people that will applaud him and be amused by his antics. We’ve all heard sheep bleating. (I have included this livestock reference just for you, sir.)
I however, am not amused. The whole thing just makes me feel very sad, when earlier that week, I was full of the joys of autumn.
Then I was standing at the Eye of York, on a rather blustery day, talking to Robert Teed, of Schoolhouse Gallery (who co-commissioned the events), sharing our personal experiences of meeting the Les Bas family.
Insight into traveller life
I have met Damian James several times. He is a phenomenal communicator and an engaging public speaker.
If you decide to visit the Eye of York, you will find the artwork easily. It is called Grace In Thy Sight. You are invited to look inside, to read the literature and observe the way the traveller and Roma Gypsy communities have been represented over the decades.
Grace In Thy Sight: Delaine, Damian and Damian James Le Bas
The Eye of York
Until October 18, 2014
You may also learn something about how the language of the Roma and traveller communities has evolved and changed.
You may get a sense of the realities of living in a confined space, of living exposed to the elements, of the restrictions imposed by the environment and maybe also a sense of some of the freedoms, too.
This piece stems from an earlier project, Safe European Home?, “which has travelled and developed in many places, taking on a different form wherever it may be; always made from existing materials at the locations with the exterior and interior then worked across as one collage canvas”.
We all strive to create, find, keep our personal and cultural identity… but how much of our identity is forced upon us by other people’s perceptions?
Photographs and drawings pinned up inside the erected “shack” lead us to more questions. Who created these images? For what purpose? Are they true portrayals or romantic notions?
Everything about this artwork invites dialogue. I hope that our councillor has time to visit.
The art to see now
If you’re feeling charitable this month, here are a couple of ways you can improve lives and indulge in a little retail art therapy.
Lineage – the current exhibition at Priestley’s at No 36 on Bootham features the earthenware pots of Elisabeth Bailey, the landscape prints of Ian Mitchell and the monochrome photographs of Lucy Saggers. On until November 1
Wilberforce Charity Art Auction, featuring works from professional artists with a local connection and professional artists with sight loss and/or other disabilities. Quad South Hall, York St John University on October 11.
BBC Radio York’s Jonathan Cowap will be MC for the event. There will be an exhibition for viewing from noon on the day of the auction, this being followed by a drinks reception at 7pm.
The auction will begin at 8pm. Tickets for the auction are £10. This includes entry to the afternoon viewing, evening drinks reception and copy of the auction catalogue (a large print version of the catalogue is available on request).
Visit the website to view the artworks, for more info and to find out how to place a bid.
Art for Youth North 2014: contemporary, affordable art from new and established artists.
Art for Youth North has taken place every two years in Yorkshire and has already raised around £150,000 to help young people across the UK. Show prices range from £45 – £3,000 with artists donating a third of sales to UK Youth. Mystery postcard pictures priced at £45 each are also on sale.
Tickets for the private view – from 6.30 – 9.30pm on Wednesday, October 22 – are £12 in advance and £15 at the door (includes wine and canapés). The exhibition will be open to the general public from 10am – 3.00pm on October 23 to 25.
Jayne Shipley is the new name of freshly married Jayne Dwyer, whose previous columns can be read here
buzz sorry space ranger are you a racist like the pedalling pratt?
buzz sorry I meant space ranger just tell everybody who you are then we might take what you say serious, hiding behind a silly name and attacking people who tell you their real name who’s the coward?
I’ve attacked no-one.
I’ve repeated back to people the spite they used to attack me.
What’s it matter to you?
There was an old Troll called Buzz Light Year,
Who dressed himself up in toy space gear,
He thought his pronouncements were cosmic,
But his comments were sadly just tragic,
The words not worth to be spoken,
By a coward too scared to be open.
There’s a nasty old architect man,
Whose limericks never quite scan,
With too many lines,
And silly half rhymes,
He should leave it to people who can.
Thank you Glenda , we aim to please.
Can always rely on the comments section for a bit of entertaining Trollment. Go on Trolls, FIGHT!
This informative article by Jayne Shipley is primarily about art. Her other articles also concern art and the arts.
The article itself runs to 835 words.
Of those words 106 refer to Mark Warters and what he said about his planning stunt.
Of those words 0 refer to Matthew Laverack.
Yet Matthew Laverack has seen fit to misread it and add 569 words of his own, littered with false accusation and insults.
Article – 835 words. Laverack comments – 569 words.
Well, that speaks for itself doesn’t it?
What speaks for itself is that you are not using your Interstella wand properly. Or did you go for the cheap option with the attachment that takes out wax from a Vulcans ear. Remember you pay your money and you get what you pay for.
Now if you wish to take issue with Darth Laverack properly you should use the navigation app on your wand . This will take you directly past the Bell Farm Haemorrhoid cluster. Go North using the Pole star guidance system app and you will find the Strensall 6 Bells Rings. Now if you make a boomerang manoeuvre from there you will be directly over the Bile Bean building on Lord mayors walk. Now this is only advise which Im sure you were quite capable of anyway so stop polishing your helmet, pull up your g force undergarments , fasten your gravity belt and go above and beyond for the cause. Pretty much the whole of York is now following your progress and we have faith in you . Don’t let us down.
I’d like to know who Buzz ‘Space Ranger’ Lightyear is too?
He’s always ‘outing’ me on the Press website, which I could have his account cancelled for, but, I’d rather let him have the opportunity of telling the people of York who he is?
Matthew and myself aren’t afraid of people knowing who we are, why is Buzz?
What is he afraid of?
What is he hiding?
Until he ‘comes out’, everyone will just think he’s a cowardly, anonymous troll!!!
Cowardly anonymous troll ! Well I think that might be a bit OTT.
You have to consider that an individual who identifies with a toy space man and in doing so absorbs into that very persona. Then attempts to do super human feats, righting wrongs and saving the earth by attacking his nemesis Darth Laverack.
We don’t know if he hears voices or gets instructions from Mars but we have to be more understanding. Being half prepared for the battle of wits with Darth and his henchman Cordock it is only a matter of time before a solar burn out destroys his cosmic comic world.
We must be prepared for this. Raise the heat shield.
Paul S Cordock “outed” himself on the Press site.
Not something he can have anyone’s account “cancelled for”
Was his account cancelled when he “outed” someone called Even Andy’D? The way he did that was well out of order.
If he’s not afraid of people knowing who he is then what’s all this Badger nonsense? Surely Paul S Cordock should show he means what he says.
Cos apparently cowards hide behind anonymity.
Maybe Badger’s moment has come – time to put up or shut up.
Not my advice, I’m quoting you know who 😉
How did I ‘out’ Even Andy D?
I’ll tell you – I called him by his name, just like Buzz called me by mine.
I didn’t out myself, I just agreed that Buzz was right.
I’m still waiting for him to out himself – lets see if he’s man enough?
I’m amazed that Paul Cordock can declare he is proud of his open online identity and that he has nothing to hide and then write those two blatant lies.
“How did I ‘out’ Even Andy D?
I’ll tell you – I called him by his name,”
Full name, mentioned his Twitter ID and it was done with a lot of spite.
“just like Buzz called me by mine.
I didn’t out myself, I just agreed that Buzz was right.”
Nope. I respectfully maintained the anonymous convention despite being subjected to regular abuse.
Paul’s words were “I’m Paul Cordock. Everybody knows that”
To which I replied “No they didn’t. But they do now”
I remember it well.
The Press website is searchable. We can take screenshots.
Why does Paul Cordock need to lie about this?
Makes you wonder…. If he so readily lies here, where else has he been lying? And how much will he be unashamedly lying in the future?
But Space Ranger?
How can anyone be accused of calling you names when we don’t know who you are?
You hide your identity. You hit out at other people behind the cover of anonymity.
Space Ranger is a coward for sure.
But who is Space Ranger?
Now is the time Mr Buzz Light Year.
Your moment has come-
Put up or shut up!
My name is Malcolm !
Thank you malcom sedgwick.
I am well used to the slings and arrows from the Coward of this Parish who hides behind his user names – Buzz Light Year and Space Ranger.
His problem is that I have had the gall to stand up to him and fight back; and also had letters published in the Press to that effect. He just can’t stand it.
He is one of the trolls who can dish it out but can’t take it.
The fact is that only parts of our planning application have been published by the Press and Yorkmix. The full details have not been uploaded by the Council. Has Jayne Shipley seen the full application? If so, how and why? If not she is commenting without seeing the full picture.
In either case she is completely out of order. There is absolutely nothing in our application that could remotely constitute a breach of equalities legislation.
Our language is not divisive. Quite the opposite. It repeatedly calls for “social inclusion” and bringing this minority group in to the heart of the community.
And to my knowledge there is no Sarcasm Act. If anyone can point to such legislation I would be pleased to see it.
Some more facts for the readers:
Matthew Laverack says “I am well used to the slings and arrows from the Coward of this Parish” As well as the false accusation he’s calling me names. Coward. How nice.
Matthew Laverack says “His problem is that I have had the gall to stand up to him and fight back; and also had letters published in the Press to that effect. He just can’t stand it.” This is untrue. I have no problem. Mr L has no need to “fight back” as I haven’t offered any offence or attack. I comment where I see fit in this free country.
Matthew Laverack says “He is one of the trolls who can dish it out but can’t take it.” He’s calling me names again.
Matthew Laverack says “Has Jayne Shipley seen the full application? If so, how and why? If not she is commenting without seeing the full picture.” It shouldn’t have to be pointed out twice that the author of the article, Jayne Shipley is referring to Mark Warters’ comments as reported by The Press and York Mix. As in *when talking through* his application. It’s perfectly plain English.
Matthew Laverack says “In either case she is completely out of order.” Falsely accusing Jayne Shipley as well. Is there no end to the false accusations?
Conclusion: For simply correcting a simple mistake and for wondering if it was deliberate, two(?) people have attacked me and then accused me of attacking them when I did no such thing.
The irony of it!
Oh dear dear dear, it seems now you are manifesting a persecution complex as well as your compulsive attack mode tendancies. Help is available free, courtesy of The National Health Service.
The usual twisting of the truth from Mr Laverack.
I suggest he read this article properly.
I’ve read this article and it clearly says
“Cllr Warters chooses to use divisive language and sarcasm *when talking through* his proposed plans.”
And then it refers to the article which we can all read not just here on the York Mix but on The Press as well.
So why is Mr L getting his knickers in a twist about Jayne Shipley getting her hands on documents and this raising the usual “serious questions?”
Funny how the truth always gets bent, skewed and altered and then a big drama is made of it with the perennial victim squarely in the middle of it.
Drama queen ? Well you should know all about that waste of space.
Why do you at every occasion, go into attack mode with anything at all concerned with Matthew Laverack ?????? Come on there has to be a reason ! So what is it ? Your venom towards him now borders on the obsessive and compulsive. A dangerous place to find yourself if you cannot recognise it for yourself. You need help.
A few facts for the readers:
malcolm sedgwick says “Drama queen ?” Those are his words, I did not say that.
malcolm sedgwick says “Well you should know all about that waste of space.” He is calling *me* a drama queen and a waste of space.
malcolm sedgwick says “Your venom towards him now borders on the obsessive and compulsive.” This is untrue. I have displayed no venom. I was merely correcting Mr Laverack’s mistaken belief that the author of this piece is quoting from a the planning documents.
malcolm sedgwick says “A dangerous place to find yourself” That’s quite a threatening tone isn’t it? Quite unnecessary.
Conclusion: In attempting to correct someone’s mistake I have been falsely accused, attacked and threatened.
It is very strange for Jayne Shipley to claim divisive and sarcastic language when the council have failed to register the valid planning application and it is therefore not in the public domain.
Has Jayne Shipley been allowed to see it privately by the council? If so, when and why?
Jayne Shipley has not been provided a copy of the application by Mark or myself so how can she make these claims unless she has been allowed sight of the papers by the council. This raises serious questions.
For the record, the application makes no derogatory comments whatsoever against the traveller community. If Mrs Shipley thinks otherwise I challenge her to provide the exact quotations from the planning application documents where she claims this occurs. Also she needs to say how she came by these documents which have not been uploaded by the council.
Also for the record neither Mark Warters nor myself have any problems with travellers or any other minority group. ( I have had good dealings with travellers and acted for them as architect on occasions). There are good and bad in all sections of society. Cllr Waters, like myself and the vast majority of the general public do not have a problem with travellers. We have a problem with bad behaviour.
The planning application is not aimed at travellers. It is aimed at the hypocrisy of York Council. They expect local communities to accept designated traveller sites but will go to extraordinary lengths to avoid dealing with a legitimate planning application for a site for just three caravans on their doorstep.
If the council think the proposal is not appropriate for any reason then they should register the application and process it in the normal manner.
Looking for excuses to avoid having to consider the application is unlawful and reprehensible.
Divisive language and sarcasm ? I wish you would point out the actual words because I have yet to find them.