The rumours were true!

My blog wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention my all time pop idol Kylie. She is a creative genius years ahead of the Beyonce's and Gaga's of this world. Her dedication to glamour and showmanship have inspired both me and my art work. I just love a showgirl!

The divine Minogue brought a huge smile to my face this weekend; On Friday she appeared on Jonathan Ross' talk show and really brought the party when she performed her new single All The Lovers. Ever the entertainer, Kylie seemed to come to life when she got up to sing and obviously made Ross' night by sitting on his knee and serenading him.

Then she confirmed the Glastonbury rumours by making a suprise appearance with the Sissor Sisters when they performed their new single Any Which Way at the legendary festival yesterday. This was Kylie's first Glasto gig after she had to pull out of the 2005 gig due to breast cancer and she didn't stint on doing things with style.

As she strutted on to stage the crowd roared excitment and approval, and she dazzled for the three or so minutes she sang. Complete with kitzch dance moves and a killer outfit (not to mention killer boots!), Kylie put all the welly wearers and mud slingers to shame as only a true professional can!

Belongings

I've taken some time off writing my blog of late as I recently lost my Nan, a lady who featured on a post about dressing tables some weeks back.

As you may know I have been researching and studying narrative through belongings for an upcoming project I am collaborating on with the Stoke Pottery Museum and Art Gallery. My main interest has been looking at stories through female apparel, especially dressing tables and dressing up.

Recently I featured an article from Vanity fair called The Things She Left Behind, about the cache of personal items which had belonged Marilyn Monroe and I found this piece very provocative. In the last few weeks I have come to realise just how poignant belongings can be.

Walking into my Nan's flat to begin the big job of clearing it out soon after she died was like walking into a time capsule saturated with memories. Her jacket was still hanging directly in front of the door with her hats, and walking into the living room I saw her box of chocolates still open and ready for eating by her chair, which incidentally was covered in chocolate crumbs.

Seeing the everyday objects I associated with her felt very odd. Suddenly they took on huge significance. And the effect of having just left them as if she was coming back was upsetting. However being surrounded by things which held her essence was also comforting. It's a strange mixture.

My Nan was a lovely person with a lively interest in the what was going on in the world around her, so I don't think she would mind my mentioning her here. She was always keen to know how my art work was going and was a steady support in my develpoment from student to artist. I will miss her so much.

I now own some of her belongings. I am infusing them with another layer of meaning and history. As they have passed onto me, they will begin a new story ...

New website coming this Thursday!

This Thursday will see the launch of my new look website! This will be a new more accessable more up to date site featuring a portfolio of all my art work to date, with sections devoted to events and press, plus a new style homepage with updates of upcoming projects, art work and events!

My new site has been put together by the brilliant Manchester based design team A to M

www.gemmaparker.co.uk