Saturday Cycling

I just spotted this via the Kinfolk facebook page, and it got me dreaming. Now that I am back in the south, this could be me and Dan on a Saturday morning. I need a bike first though! This lady's wheels are cute!

It's almost been a month since I last blogged. There was exhibition, then moving home, a fab long weekend in Strasbourg and two fantastic weeks in Cyprus. More of these later. I've also been umming and aahing as to whether to continue with this blog. I've been writing and musing here for four years now. Is it time for a new project? Or just a bit of a rejig? Let's see...!

My Brand

Starting the last few months of my MArch gets me thinking about what I'm going to do after. Get a job is the simple answer! However in the last few months we have had somewhat demoralising lectures about the state of the architectural profession which has confirmed to me that I'm not going to go for a traditional post-degree route. Yet speakers who've come in have highlighted that we have a great skill set and so I'm not worried, more excited as to what the future will hold.

A key thing is to have a brand, I think, and to define myself as a designer. Above these pictures have given me some great ideas - a stamped cv! Not only is this how I will present my work at exhibition but also developing my online presence. This blog allows me to capture all my personal interests but I want to have a more professional portfolio as well as continuing maud... and then actually making stuff when not attached to my laptop! It's going to be a busy time, but an exciting one.

Images by Emmadime

New Year

2012 will always be a year never to forget for many reasons both incredible and sad. 2013 has arrived quietly, not as bolshy as it's predecessor and now that it's here, I have good feelings about it. It's going to be my last year in uni, tough in itself, but I feel rumblings of inspiration to have a go at something different once I'm done. If not now, when eh?! I can't put it off forever. As someone said "she seems to have a great ability at art and I am sure she will put it to good use and will bring her much pleasure".

I'm really inspired by makers, such as these guys, people who are practical with their hands and create and that's the designer I want to be. I aim to travel more; to make more; to blog more; to photograph more... so role on 2013!

Something New

Last week was my last at work. It was my first "proper" job so I guess it'll stay pretty special in my mind. I feel as though I have grown in confidence in many ways, having gradually gained more responsibility and knowledge. I have met some incredible people from all over the world, hopefully friends for life.

Last week we went for Japanese, enjoyed jazz, played softball, went to the Eagle, but the epitome was our leaving party on a London roof terrace. Evening sun, take-away pizza, Pimms and wine, friends and the most incredible panoramic view of the city over the chimney pots. Will remain with me long time!

Fish Fight

Every year half of the fish catch is thrown back into the North Sea dead. It's perfectly edible but EU law says it must be this way which is incredibly wasteful, unsustainable and just plain wrong. You can sign the petition at Hugh's Fish Fight!

New York New York

In April of 2007, I went to NYC with my family and absolutely loved the place. It was exactly what I expected and more, and ever since I have harboured a secret desire to live there once in my life. Today my friend Carmelia and I hatched a plan to just do it... pop it into our 5 year plan! There are some really interesting architecture firms in the city which I would love to work for one day such as Work AC which create some really cool conceptual stuff. This snap by Brother Dowle shows one of my favourite sights in the city - ecclectic colours and the fire escapes unashamedly hanging down the facade.

One week to go til all my degree work is done!

DSC_0127, originally uploaded by alexdowle.