Lonely Destiny: First Look

The time has come for a post introducing the world to the eleventh Valley Press publication, due out on the 14th March.  Lonely Destiny is a book where unique, lovingly-reproduced paintings stand alongside handwritten poetry; part of a fascinating genre which seems to be enjoying a resurgence in England - the art/poetry book (I've seen at least four in as many days.)

The poetry has been written by Deirdre McGarry, a friend of mine but (as I keep telling puzzled onlookers) no relation, as far as we can identify.  There are a lot of McGarrys in this world - and on the Yorkshire coast, they just happen to be poetry kingpins.  Deirdre is a founding member of local cultural group 'Fish Pie & P.E.A.S.' (which allegedly stands for 'Poets, Entertainers, Artists and Songsters'), and has been published in many anthologies, local and otherwise.  She is perhaps best known for her 'Writers Open House' events, where writers of any background, genre or stature are invited to visit her Flamborough home for as long as they wish over a two-week period, in order to enjoy uninterrupted writing time, regular workshops, useful networking with other writers and publishers, and putting a hand-print on a large piece of paper (but wash it off quick, that paint ain't soluble!)

Nigel 'working' on a painting from Lonely Destiny

Nigel Folds is a neighbour of Deirdre's - it appears Flamborough is something of a retreat for creative and interesting folk (like this blog, in a way), but he is also a very talented painter who is regularly exhibited in the region.  I first saw his work on the 6th June 2010, when I headed to Gallery 49 in Bridlington's 'Old Town' for the grand opening of the 'Lonely Destiny' exhibition, which at that point included the full-size original paintings, the poems written on A3, and a CD of specially composed music - it was a truly impressive experience, and remains one of few occasions where I have drunk wine in the morning.

Nigel's latest exhibition (also featuring artist Mark Lozynskyj, who modelled for the Lonely Destiny paintings) opens at the Bridlington Spa on the 14th (hence the book release date), and will be open to the public throughout the week.  On Friday 18th we are having a launch event for the book, please consult the flyer below:

If you're in the area we'd love to see you; you can find a map to the station here.  Please also check out the book's page on the Valley Press site, and note you can pre-order it from Amazon, if you're feeling flash.  Stay tuned to the blog for more news on VP0011, as well as photos from the launch and of happy people reading the book - see you again shortly.

- J.M.