The Barleycorn Fight (1971, Vietnam)

There are no rules in fighting, although all the guys bigger than I, whom I fought felt I violated some made up rule of theirs.

In Vietnam, I had a fight with a sergeant in our company quarters one evening, we all called him Crusher, after the infamous, wrestler, and madman, "The Crusher," he was per near six foot tall, blond short hair, and muscular, looked like a gorilla, as did the sergeant, they could have been twin brothers, except for the age difference; perhaps of Polish or Irish stock. We both had enough malt produced barleycorn in us, this one evening, both half drunk, thereabouts. He told his friend I used a trick when we fought one another in tearing off my opponents face with my long fingernails, his face.

I had blocked his big burley muscular fists, and forearms, and at each thrust, I had moved quick enough to out maneuver him: I tried blow after blow to his face, and torso, but they bounced off him, like rubber, as if he was a danseur, nor did my elbows into his ribs move him one bit, and a good solid kick to the groin did little to nothing, he had a cast iron, whatever. And so I came to the conclusion, I couldn't beat him any other way, and thus, I was limited to my selection of attacks, I had used them all up, so I warped my body likened to wringing a wet rag dry, to gain momentum, jumped up about five inches into the air, and on my way down like a cat with his talon sticking out of his paws, my thorn like fingernails multitudinously swept across his face, like hard nails scratching through sandpaper, and he yelled bloody murder, and fell back a foot! His face was damaged. And the fight was over, and the fight was a draw.

It was no trick, not really, that was the purpose for the long nails and the jump, and two years of karate practice; and if it was a trick, it was a learned one for just that occasion, because I never had to reuse this so called 'trick'; a strategy I prefer to call it. And I consider that trick as legal as any kick in the groin, or punch to the face or ribs, although sober I might not have used that so called 'trick' I might not have thought of it. And here he was sixty-pounds heavier than me, and three inches to four inches taller than me, which was to his advantage-what did he expect-that was his trick, he thought he could bully?

By Dennis Siluk Dr.h.c. 

Tips On How To Take Good Care Of Your Acrylic Painting

Acrylic is a transparent material that is used for many purposes. One of the major functions of the material is to display paintings. If you have an acrylic artwork you need to put a number of measures in place to ensure that it retains its elegant look for a long time. Some of the measures that you need to put in place include:

Avoid placing the paintings under direct sunlight. To ensure that the artworks don't fade you should place them under indirect sunlight, halogen lights or under recessed lighting. These lights don't affect the paintings thus the artworks retain their original look for a long time.

You should also avoid displaying the artworks in places of high or too low temperatures. For example, you should not display them in areas that are above 60 °C or below 40 °C.

For ideal results you should ensure that you place paintings in places with relative humidity. You should also ensure that the artworks are in places where the temperature is constant.

You should not allow rigid objects to press against the front or the back surface of the stretched canvas because this results to permanent indentation damage. If you are transporting or storing the painting you should ensure that you place it in a package that is moisture and water resistant.

The package should also be cushioned to absorb shock the may result from bumps. Experts recommend that the package should be wrapped and sealed to ensure that its dent, puncture, and humidity resistant.

If you want to clean the surface of the painting, you should avoid using solvents or other cleaning products. This is because the cleaning products usually embed the dirt into the artwork and cause permanent liquid lines over the surface which gives the painting a very displeasing look.

Instead of using cleaning liquids you should use compressed air in a can to blow away the surface dust. If you don't have access to compressed air you should use a dry, soft brush to lightly brush the surface. You should be careful when brushing and ensure that you don't bump or scratch the painting.

If you clean your artwork for a long time and you notice that the dirt is not coming off you should seek out for professional services. For ideal results you should hire the services of an experienced art conservator who will know the best way of cleaning the painting without causing any damage.

By Duncan Lancer

Current Korea Fashion Trend

Korea is a giant when it comes to fashion. Just like anywhere else in the world, fashion in Korea keeps on changing depending on people's tastes and preferences. At this time of the year one great piece of clothing that is making a re-appearance is the pastel.

Experts believe the reason why this clothing is making a reappearance is because it's palette soothing and easy on the eyes. The piece of clothing is also very flattering regardless of the type of outfit that you are wearing it with.

In addition to Pastels, pullovers, long-sleeve shirts and dresses in pink, salmon, peach, orange and aqua are very common both in the office and on the streets.

Statement stripes are being donned by thousands of people who never get tired of this external trend. There are many types of stripes that are being worn by different people. The different stripes are: candy stripes, nautical lines, geometric prints, tribal streaks, and hairline stripes. The good side is that the clothes are being worn by both men and women.

These pieces of clothing are made from different fabrics such as organic cotton, jersey, and lace. Presence of different fabrics gives a wide range of options to choose from thus you are able to have an easy time when you want to look and feel cool.

As Korea is preparing for summer there has been great changes in the manner of dressing. One great style that is rearing this summer is the sailor look.

People are been seen wearing a number of sailor outfits inspired by the sea, marine life and sailors themselves. The outfits have white and blue color schemes, anchors, double breasted tops, sailor collars, and stripes. Each of these creates a different look which makes the wearer look unique.

Sailor print dress is one of the most common dresses at this time. This dress has a different front and back. The front is simple with a sailor collar print while the back has a flashier look with gold buttons. Since it's a loose fit, the dress gives the wearer a formal look.

There is also the sailor print blouse which is a sailor collar print with lettering embroidery. The shirt has an unbalanced length which gives an elegant look. When it's paired with a skirt, the shirt creates a girlish look; however, when it's paired with pants it creates a boyish look.

This is the current fashion trend in Korea. If you live in Korea and you would like to be part of the trend you need to ensure that you buy your products from reputable stores that stock high quality products.

By Eileen Tan

Tips For Plein Air Painting In The Snow

Have you ever thought about plein air painting in the snow? It might sound challenging, but it's actually very rewarding and enjoyable. When snow falls, you just have to go out and capture the wonderful effects it has on the land. Winter landscapes are often characterised by long, dark shadow and a variety of brilliant colours. A blanket of snow can work wonders in completely transforming a scene into something completely new. So here are some tips to help you capture some winter magic.

Combat the cold

It's very important to keep warm while you work in the cold. This is because you're going to be much more motivated, focused and productive when you're warm. To combat the cold, wear several layers of clothing and have a hot drink in a thermos flask with you. Don't expose your painting hand to the elements - wear a woollen sock on your painting hand. Thread the tail through the sock and hold the brush in your covered bare hand. Keep your feet warm by standing on a bare bit of ground or bring a mat with you and stand on that instead.

Avoid windy days

As mentioned previously, you can work your way round the cold. The most problematic part of winter weather is definitely the wind. Even in summer, the wind can be a hindrance to plein air painting. When it's winter, it's going to hinder your painting and it's going to make it seem a lot colder than what it actually is. It's best to avoid wind altogether if you can. If you do find yourself fighting the wind, use an umbrella to try to block it from your painting.

Take your time

Unfortunately, snow melts. Many places are lucky to get any snow at all and when they do, it seems to melt away as quickly as it came. However, this doesn't mean you should rush to capture a winter landscape even if you're racing against time. Take some time to appreciate the details and beauty of the winter landscape before you. Take your time when capturing these in your painting. An incomplete painting that you can finish at home is better than a rushed and messy one.

Take breaks

If you find that you can't handle the weather, simply take a break whenever you need to. Paint for 10-15 minutes or so then head back to your car, turn the engine on and warm yourself up for a bit. Have a hot drink and enjoy the break. Then head back and work on your painting for another 10-15 minutes and keep the cycle going. It might take you longer than if you were doing your painting in a single sitting, but it's better than getting overcome by the cold.

These are just a few basic tips to get you started on plein air painting in the snow. If you have any more tips you'd like to share, please do feel free to share them.

The Father of a King (2006-2012; Updated 2014)

When his first child of his second marriage-a boy, was old enough to attend college, he found him a private college to attend, and sent him to medical school, he was very proud he could do that with the money in which he sold his wife's condo for, to pay for the college tuition, although they had another home, the condo was an investment, which they rented out.

He, the father, felt as if he came from a line of kings. And his son played the game, of course he was. So for nearly two years he just paid the bills, the tuition- giving it to the boy, to pay for the schooling, and watched his investment money dwindle to zero.

Fine, his uncle brought up: how can my brother-in-law's boy, watch so much television in the afternoons, and then just fall to sleep watching it, wake up whenever, rest the rest of the afternoon, and just mosey about the house and cafe, and not have to study to pass those heavy-duty school tests, he must be a genus! I mean this was obvious to the uncle, who ate at their restaurant every day, but evidently not to the Father of a king, or the boy's family per se.

And it was at the end of that second year, the father got a notice that his son was not doing not so well in college, that he should make arrangements to find future schooling elsewhere, and perhaps a different career, in some other area than medical.

Well, this was a blow not only to the father, but the mother as well. But why was he doing so bad, was never made clear. Thus, he went to teller school, to become a bank teller, yes, a bank teller of all things-from a medical career to a bank teller, to a department store teller, to being unemployed, all in the following additional two years. But the kicker is this: he was doing badly because he was giving his tuition money to his girlfriend, he wasn't for the most part, attending college those last several months. Yes, I said girlfriend, who was also working on a professional career, can you beat that. Then when she graduated, she flew the coop, and went to another city, and the father of the king, and his wife, were stultified over the matter, but what can you do. Just go cook some more goulash, or chicken or whatever-get it off your mind it will madden you. Or it would me!

Now I got to backtrack a bit, before all this took place, this other situation took place.

The father of the king, inherited $40,000-dollars. And his daughter of his second family, was coming of age to attend college. But he had two other daughters from a previous marriage, both in their mid-twenties, both having finished college, one married, the other one had a good and steady job, - both like the father, thinking highbrow thoughts.

One wanted their father to put money down on a condo for her, the other wanted to pay up some bills- and they wanted the $40,000-dollars to do it with; the apple doesn't fall far from the cart, as they say, or tree: these two daughters were evidently princess' of a grandfather king.

"I'll look into it right away," he told both of them, and he did by bring the issue up to his present wife, he told her, "They're my children from before you; I'll attend to it myself."

(Now before I go any further, let me point out this: the house they now live in is hers, inherited from her family, the car he drives is hers from her work money, the land he will eventually sell, is the land she has inherited. So you see, what is his, is his, and what is hers is his... if not so it would seem so... )

And the two daughters, played the game, as if he came from a line of kings, and they too.

Then in a week he had signed the papers for the daughter's apartment-she per near hogtied him inside the lawyers office to make sure he signed on the dotted line; and he sent his other daughter the other $20,000-dollars- the very one that was rude to him when he had come visiting for a long spell, and was told often: "Are you still here?"

Nobody could tell him what to do, I mean nobody on either side of the globe, could tell the father of the king what to do.

He had the money, he bought their love.

"All right" said his other youngest daughter, the one from the present marriage, the daughter now ready to attend college: "which college are you expecting me to attend?" she asked the father. I mean all the money was gone.

He had sold some of his wife's land that she had inherited from her family, invested it into a café. He made a little profit from it. It was tight, but he figured he could afford to have her attend the area's National University, -it wasn't all that prestigious- but it would have to do.

It was good thinking, businesslike thinking for once, but she couldn't pass the tests either, so he put her into a private college-I hate to say it but I will, like brother like sister, although she had a little more stamina, and better grades, and fortitude.

And she played the game just like her two older half-sisters played, as if he came from a line of kings, of course he did.

And as the business flourished-the café business, he became boorish, ill-mannered, and he lost customers, he told his family and friends "Keep out of my business," no one on either side of the globe could tell him otherwise.

"All right, if that's the way you feel about it," they all said, complied, then inferred: to your own business. And they stopped eating at his café-wouldn't you?

Well, the kids never helped much-that same old thing: sister like brother, and there were two brothers, one younger one older, the younger one not yet ready for college, and perhaps will never have the chance to get ready, and if given the chance, what then? But that's yet to be seen, they have good godparents, with deep pockets, at least the younger boy does.

By Dennis Siluk Dr.h.c.

What you To Know About Psychic Reading

How great would it be to know what the other person is thinking? It would be great if you could be able to know the questions that you will be asked in an interview, which girl will say yes to your proposal, and who is planning bad things about you. Having the ability to sense a storm or an earthquake before it hits you is great, isn't it?

What is Psychic Reading?

Psychic reading is the ability of a person to sense things that are beyond the perception of many people. As cool as it sounds, this would mean that a person with psychic reading abilities is capable of perceiving more than an average human being. This is usually said to be magic to a layman.

How do they do that?

Is it possible that all people who claim to have psychic abilities are psychic readers? That's debatable to an extent. But yes, there is a possibility that some people can tell more things with their senses and cognitive ability which has evolved differently in comparison to other people.

People who do that do it with more evolved perception or through highly developed normal sensing capabilities. This may include highly improved sensitivity to touch, sight, or sound.

Different types of Psychic Reading

As mentioned before, a psychic reader has higher abilities and knowledge than an average person. Although, a psychic reader has higher abilities than a normal person, there are different types of psychic readers. The psychic readers usually differ on the sense of perception.

Some of the great abilities in different psychic readers include: aura reading, Playing card reading (also known as Cartomancy), Astrology, Numerology, Palm reading, Rune reading, Distant reading, Tarot reading (also a form of Cartomancy) and Psychometry.

If you want a psychic reader you should look for one with the abilities that you are interested in. In addition to using his abilities, a psychic reader also uses his divination tools in his work.

Many people usually don't differentiate between a psychic ability and divination tool. The truth is that the two are very different.

A psychic ability is something that is untouchable while a divination tool is a tangible thing that is usually used to delve into what is going on beyond the surface of the situation. The tool is also used to gain insight especially if a person is interested in exploring what is likely to unfold.

By P K Martin

8 Korean Fashion Designer Brands of 2014

If you are a lover of Korean fashion you most definitely need to know about the following Korean fashion designer brands.

8 seconds

This is a brand of Chiel industries which is a subsidiary of Samsung Group. The brand provides a number of products that come in different tastes of active denim, trendy style, accessories, basic style, shoes, and handbags.

Control clother

This is a designer agency that aids in launching brands for both domestic and foreign distribution. Since it's hard for new designers to launch new brands and compete against the existing labels, control clother helps the new designers by training and giving them an opportunity to launch their products overseas.

WhoAU

It means "who are you," a term used to encourage individual expression. WhoAU brings about the casual and bright California styles of "west coast." the most amazing thing about WhoAU's collections is that they have the same basic designs which create excellent beach accents.

Crayon

This creates jewelry that you can mix and match with your clothes, attitude and nail art. The brand has many brands such as triangle bracelets, necklaces, cracker rings and earrings.

Judy and Joshua

This is a business that focuses on aesthetics to reinterpret a minimalist look. The brand is usually very sensitive to trends; therefore, all the products released by the business are always the most latest and get the fancy of many people. As a result of this the products released by the brand are easily bought.

RE; CODE

"Re" is meant to change the foundation of design while "code" means to create a culture of valuing the environment and sharing beyond fashion. This means that the intention of the brand is to create a consumer cycle that is caring for the environment.

The brand also aids in reducing waste and at the same time increases the quality of the products being manufactured.

Slog

This brand represents innovation in comfort and style. Clothes produced under this brand can be worn at home or when one is going on a brief outing.

Thavma

Thavma creates excellent bags using the finest cowhide leather from Italy. The brand's concept is divided into three categories:

• Various basic: it's aimed at creating products that are trendy. Here simple designs and diverse materials are used.

• Trendy utility chic: this one aims at producing products that are both practical and stylish

• Neo classic: this is developed as the brand's foundation

By Eileen Tan

What's the Difference Between Cinematography and Videography?

When it comes to creating recorded content (films and videos), there are some confusing terms that must be understood in order to ensure you choose the right partner. Whether you're looking to create an informative video or a promotional piece, you need to know the difference between cinematography and videography. While similar, those two terms are not interchangeable. What's different between a cinematographer and a videographer?

Cinematography

In the traditional sense, cinematography refers to shooting actual film or digital cinema with a large crew. It also implies other aspects of the traditional film making world - massive sets, cranes, dollies and track for the camera and operator to ride while filming, along with massive lighting fixtures and more.

Videography

Videography refers to capturing images via digital format, not traditional film stock. There may or may not be sets, lighting and other elements involved. Videography is usually not associated with film making, but it is seeing increasing adoption here. A videographer is usually a camera operator on a small crew or working solo.

Other Key Differences

In addition to the information above, there are other key differences between a cinematographer and videographer. Cinematography usually involves a large crew with a Director of Photography orchestrating the camera and lighting departments. There are more decision makers on set from the Producer, Director, Assistant Director to the Director of Photography. Camera operators work the cameras, while the cinematographer ensures that every decision benefits the vision of the film, the director and the objectives of the project. Cinematographers are often referred to as a Director of Photography and bring the vision of the Director to life through lighting and composition.

With videography, the situation is different. A videographer is usually the camera operator as well. Videography usually implies that the person is either working alone, or as part of a small crew. Where cinematography is associated with moviemaking and film production, videography is associated with things like live TV broadcasting, TV commercial creation, corporate videos, wedding videos and the like. Videographers can also handle other aspects of the process that can include editing and sound, while cinematographers usually don't.

The Changes Induced by Technology

A good bit of the confusion surrounding cinematography and videography stems not just from the vague similarities between the two fields, but the change of technology. As mentioned, a cinematographer usually works with actual film stock, but that's changing. Digital technology (DSLR cameras) as well as 35m digital cinema cameras are replacing film stock at an incredible pace. You'll also find that the same technology is being utilized by videographers and the surrounding area. This puts the same technology in the hands of both sets of professionals, giving them something of the same capabilities, if not the same career focuses. Having said that, both professions require experience and a specific skill set, not only technically but creatively.

Of course, the qualities that make a great videographer go beyond technology. You can't choose a professional for your needs based on whether they call themselves a videographer or a cinematographer. In fact, videographers are becoming the preferred option for most clients, whether you're in need of capturing the story of your wedding or the story of your company. Videographers are dedicated to creativity, style, and creating a mesmerizing story that doubles as art.

By Paul Nandrajog

5 Tips on Building an Effective Website for Artists

What follows are five effective tips for building the type of website that will garner a maximum response. Your website should focus visitors on the works you have created and minimize any distractions.

Buy your Own Website

You don't want to use any "free" web hosting services because they are never free. They are paid for by distracting advertisements and have domain names so long and confusing that no one will ever work their way back to the website. The myriad of ads will make your art look bad and worse, gives the website the appearance of being cheap and tawdry. This is why having your own website will work wonders for your art. Plus, purchasing a good website today is very cheap and well worth the effort.

Be Sure its Mobile Compatible

Today, more people use mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to surf the web. This means that your website needs to be compatible with these devices in some manner so that your work can stand out. While your artwork may not look stunning squeezed down to a 4" screen, if your website is compatible then at least it will be functional and useful to those who want to view what you've accomplished.

Remember Image Sizing

One of the biggest problems that many websites for artists have is that their images are simply too large or take up too much space. This can be problematic for downloading your website and the slower it goes and the more likely people will go somewhere else rather than wait. This means that you have to be extra careful about the size and type of image that you display. For example, a.jpeg displays nearly as well as a.bitmap, but takes up only a fraction of the space. It's okay to use one big image on the home page, but limit your pictures to something reasonable for the rest of the pages so that they load faster.

Be User Friendly

This means make your website as friendly and open to visit as possible. You don't want to force any registration, passwords or the like. Plus, you'll want your website to be as easy to navigate as possible so that visitors can find everything that you have to offer. Think of your website as a free gallery for everyone to see and visit.

Be Clear about Purchases

When offering your works of art, the prices you charge should be reasonable for the effort that you put in. Be sure that you make purchasing the art easy and simple, plus you will need to offer a return and refund policy. If you don't, then expect few sales at best since many buyers will want to see the art with their own eyes first.

By following these tips, you can create a more effective website for artists that work for you.

By Matt McWilliam 

Getting Started As a Magician

It is very difficult to be a magician, as it is probably one of the most difficult arts to practice and master. However, once you reach the point where you believe you've mastered some amazing stunts, you might want to gain notoriety as a magician. Let us have a brief guideline on how to get started as an up and coming magician.

We have presumed that the person in question already has some skills outside of coin and card tricks in order to get started.

Every magician has his/her own special abilities and qualities. It is a humble request to every magician not to try to copy other famous magicians because in this process you may lose your originality. It is important to learn from some of these famous magicians but one should not try to copy them, as each one of them is different in his/her own ways.

Take for example Harry Houdini and Dynamo. Both these magicians are extremely skilful and yet both have diametrically opposite styles. Houdini was more of an over the top magician who loved being flashy and extravagant. Dynamo on the other hand is like a silent killer, who lets his actions speak more than words. It is important for a budding magician to retain his/her persona and act accordingly.

The budding magician must take up small shows at birthdays and other functions in order to garner some kind of confidence. The budding magician should never shy away from these shows, as some magicians confront their egos while doing such shows. It is important to remember that a sequential manner would benefit in the longer term. Hence, these small shows should be used as a confidence building measure. In addition, if one feels that he/she has performed a mistake, try to laugh it out and show that it was meant to be one.

Last but not the least; the magician should upload his/her magic videos on various media sites like YouTube. The magician should then do a proper marketing of this video and follow it up with other videos too. These videos, when will performed and unique, will make you popular among. If you are popular on internet then it will not take a long time for you to be popular as a magician too.

Social media and practice in front of an audience has helped many a magician get started in there careers. If you're really hard up for gigs, you can even promise to do a free one to start, and then film that show for YouTube to show how you are in front of an audience.

By James J Anthony

The Status of Art in Dubai

With its modern buildings and cosmopolitan air, Dubai is known as a contemporary, high tech emirate and few people associate this image with art. However, Dubai is home to several widely acclaimed artists and those who live there often have the possibility of going to galleries and shows. In fact, an artistic air can be felt in the entire area: from the awe-inspiring skyscrapers designed by some of the most renowned architects in the world, to the interesting film and music festivals, Dubai itself has been called a work of art many times. For this article, we will focus on the growing influence and popularity of visual arts such as painting, photography and prints.

Many galleries are in operation with frequent openings. For example, the emirate is home to Carbon 12 Dubai, an internationally recognized gallery. It was established in 2008, as the first gallery in the region to initiate a comprehensive, firmly global, program of institution-grade artists. Some of the artists that are featured during this event are Rui Chafes, Andre Butzer, Katherine Bernhardt, Birgit Graschopf, Philip Mueller and Ralf Ziervogel.

The exhibitions on Alserkal Avenue District are very popular and they have been featured in various regional and international art magazines. Alserkal is doubling in size by the end of 2014 adding more space and strength to its relevance. Another key Art Fair is Art Dubai, located in Madinat Jumeirah, which hosts galleries from more than 30 countries. It is recognized as the most important Art Fair in the Middle East. Also, the SIKKA Art Fair in traditional Dubai, Al Bastakiya area was established in 2011 and aims to promote young, and establishing contemporary artists. Another place of interest for art and culture enthusiasts is Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde representing some of the most important regional artists.

Due to the fact that Dubai is a very popular tourist attraction and transit hub, the audience for the above mentioned galleries comprises thousands of foreigners who are interested in following the evolution of the local art scene. However, the emirate seems to place bigger emphasis on its global artistic status, so there is considerable online promotion of these events too. Also, with the Expo 2020 coming, Dubai has engaged itself into establishing its self as a world leader in creativity, innovation and online connectivity. Those who cannot get to Dubai to see the galleries can see an art gallery online and appreciate the most notable works. Even more, enthusiasts and art lovers no longer have to go to the seller in person if they want to purchase a painting or a photograph, because they can order everything online.

It goes without saying that the transition towards online accessibility is regulated by quality standards. Those who purchase art online also get a certificate of authenticity and can choose from multiple framing options. Although paintings are still extremely popular, clients are beginning to show a growing interest in the artistic value of contemporary photography. Some of them are art collectors, but there are also individual clients who need modern photographs for their home decoration or as corporate centerpieces. Even if Dubai is less known for its art up to now, the emirate is rapidly establishing into a creative hub and becoming a landmark for arts. In conclusion, those who love paintings, photography and art prints and would like to find out how vibrant Dubai has contributed to the regional and global art scene can visit the most important galleries in that area or they can see them online, where some of them can also be purchased.

By Groshan Fabiola

The Revisionist Collection

Just when we thought we had caught up with Bob Dylan, he has gone and surprised us again. Most famously known as an influential and controversial musician for the last five decades, Dylan certainly never gets stuck in a rut. We first saw his ability to keep his audience on their toes when he ditched the protest songs and swapped his famous acoustic guitar for an electric one. This move bewildered a lot of his fans, but Dylan did not bat an eyelid. He had his eyes firmly fixed on the road ahead and never showed any sign of looking back.

Dylan has had a long and successful career in the music industry, writing over five hundred songs in his time, including 'Like a Rolling Stone', 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' and 'Blowing in the Wind'. Instead of stepping quietly out of the spotlight, he carries on to shock us all.

Firstly, it was a surprise that Bob Dylan was an artist as well as a musician. He evidenced his talents and captivated the world with a collection called 'Drawn Blank Series'. This was a great success for the artist, therefore meaning that it was not the time to switch off his creative brain. Instead we are graced with a new collection; perhaps more controversial than his previous portfolios, but nevertheless exciting.

Revisionist Art

The new portfolio released this year, could not be any more far removed from the 'Drawn Blank Series'. In fact, one would think that it was a complete different artist altogether!
The new collection is a limited edition of hand signed silkscreens which are the covers of popular magazines taken from the last half a century. The concept behind this is intriguing. They are magazine covers which have escaped history's notice. They are from a world only slightly removed from our own, and are indicative of a place more honest about its corruption. According to the works of Bob Dylan, our history is not quite what we think it is.

Dylan's artwork shows his outstanding awareness of the everyday, illustrating the same drive for renewal which epitomised his legendary music career. In this portfolio of art he has transformed popular designs, reconsidering the syntax, graphics and chromatic content and then enlarging them onto silkscreened images.

No doubt that this collection will be as popular as his last, and there is no chance of his audience becoming bored. It is sensed that this will probably not be the last we hear from Bob Dylan, and perhaps there are more shocking things to come.

By Robert Harry Smith