Week 3: Art Moments

Savouring moments of time

As I look back on week 3 of January 2024, I feel a sense of momentum and purpose arising. This project feels like it's opening more opportunities to meet people, to make journeys to places and to experience new things. Just the other day, I spent an hour on Eventbrite and La Fomo apps looking for events, classes and clubs as if I've just woken up from a coma and I need to start living. Where has this sense of purpose been all these years. I haven't felt like this since I read YES MAN by Danny Wallace around 10 years ago. As soon as I completed that book, I was ALMOST saying yes to every opportunity that came my way. Often though, the only moment that crossed my path was those pesky charity ambassadors that stop you in the middle of the pavement, which then they spend 10 minutes making you feel guilty for not doing enough for those less fortunate. And believe me, I felt extremely guilty. I do my bit. We won't go into the details, this is not the time or the place for it.

Working for an art supplies company has given me more and more moments to look to creativity. It's my saviour. It's my flow state. It's the thing that makes me happiest. At the Business Design Centre in Angel, Islington, the London Art Fair 2024 was on show and with it being 3 minutes from my office, this was an ideal opportunity to see the delights of beautiful art that people have created. There was such an array of art on display, I could have spent all day there. I love to ask questions of the art on display and after 2 hours of roaming the floor, I had to leave. It was a very busy few hours with hundreds of art lovers and critics gathering around stands sipping champagne and calling their bank managers about their funds. Nevertheless I felt inspired.

This week also involved meeting some good friends for drinks and pizza. Friends who I met at university, somehow we find very tricky to plan to meet as everyone lives different sides of London. Alas we landed and settled in Brewdog in Waterloo. A venue which is loud, huge and busy, which frankly makes it difficult to find anyone unless you know the place well. With plenty of options on the drinks and food menu (especially for those who don't drink alcohol and are vegan - like yours truly), it feels like an appropriate choice to meet for a good old chinwag. They even have a slide and bowling alley. What? One of the conversations on the night was about trying to plan a photoshoot with my friend. The exciting prospect of creating some magical photos with an artist and a free spirit. Watch this space.

Just to add, the main photo this week above, I love. The two people chatting, sitting next to the window, the sun shining and with their heads resting on their hands, they look like they are really comfortable in each other's presence. Feels like a moment to savour. I'd love to know what they were talking about. The photos in the middle are from the London Art Fair. Take some time out and pay a visit. There is some beautiful work on display. I recommend you walk around with headphones in playing classical music on full volume.

Let me know what you think. Follow me on this journey.

If you'd like to work on a photo with me one week, feel free to drop me a message via Instagram @bimalt or via my contact form.