tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:/blogs/substack?p=2
SUBSTACK
2023-12-31T18:00:59+00:00
Kat Healy
false
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7326522
2023-12-31T18:00:59+00:00
2023-12-31T20:45:05+00:00
Robin Redbreast
<p></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc7e17b0-6696-43a6-8f56-1e2423e3569f_1050x700.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc7e17b0-6696-43a6-8f56-1e2423e3569f_1050x700.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc7e17b0-6696-43a6-8f56-1e2423e3569f_1050x700.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc7e17b0-6696-43a6-8f56-1e2423e3569f_1050x700.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc7e17b0-6696-43a6-8f56-1e2423e3569f_1050x700.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc7e17b0-6696-43a6-8f56-1e2423e3569f_1050x700.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="700" width="1050" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 "><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Robin in the Rain’, (watercolour study), ©Kat Healy, 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p>It’s fair to say I’ve painted quite a few robins this season. We had not one but two robin watercolour workshops in the village this November; such is their popularity. </p><p>Robins are year-round songbirds and are often one of the earliest participants of the dawn chorus, using their song to mark their territory.</p><p>I enjoy watching them fill up on fat balls in the garden and dart through mulch below the feeders. There’s something comforting about a spark of colour against barren winter branches, <em>Quinacridone Burnt Scarlet, maybe a touch of Aussie Red Gold?</em></p><p>Being somewhat less timid than other garden birds, robins seem happy in the presence of humans. They have long been considered a symbol of hope, comfort, and peace—a consoling, feathered message from beyond.</p><div class="pullquote"><p>“When robins appear, loved ones are near.” </p></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcdd059cb-f14d-4106-8051-ab6ac150936c_773x831.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcdd059cb-f14d-4106-8051-ab6ac150936c_773x831.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcdd059cb-f14d-4106-8051-ab6ac150936c_773x831.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcdd059cb-f14d-4106-8051-ab6ac150936c_773x831.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcdd059cb-f14d-4106-8051-ab6ac150936c_773x831.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcdd059cb-f14d-4106-8051-ab6ac150936c_773x831.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="642.869340232859" width="598" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 "><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Robin in the Rowan Berries’, (watercolour study), ©Kat Healy, 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/robin-redbreast?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share","text":"Share","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/robin-redbreast?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><p>I came across a wonderfully dramatic piece of Celtic folklore recently: </p><blockquote><p>In Wales, the robin is known as 'brou-rhuddyn' or 'scorched breast'. It was believed that the robin scorched its breast in the fires of purgatory, delivering water to the tormented souls.</p></blockquote><p><em>Such tiny creatures—carrying such hefty meaning!</em></p><p>And with that, I want to wish you all a very happy and <em>peaceful</em> new year.</p><p>Kat x</p><div><hr></div><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false">Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published</label><pre class="text"><strong>Promise</strong>
JACKIE KAY
Remember, the time of year
when the future appears
like a blank sheet of paper
a clean calendar, a new chance.
On thick white snow
You vow fresh footprints
then watch them go
with the wind’s hearty gust.
Fill your glass. Here’s tae us. Promises
made to be broken, made to last.
<em>~ From the anthology 'A Poem for Every Winter Day', edited by Allie Esiri, Macmillan, 2020</em></pre>
</div>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7326210
2023-12-30T18:11:16+00:00
2023-12-30T20:00:03+00:00
The White Reindeer
<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd8433516-068e-495a-9dbc-530a3d6178bc_1200x800.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd8433516-068e-495a-9dbc-530a3d6178bc_1200x800.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd8433516-068e-495a-9dbc-530a3d6178bc_1200x800.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd8433516-068e-495a-9dbc-530a3d6178bc_1200x800.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd8433516-068e-495a-9dbc-530a3d6178bc_1200x800.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd8433516-068e-495a-9dbc-530a3d6178bc_1200x800.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="800" width="1200" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 "><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Reindeer in the Snow’, (watercolour study), ©2023, Kat Healy</figcaption></figure></div><p>According to Sámi folklore, the white reindeer is often seen as a good omen or a spiritual sign, with their appearance in traditional art, poetry, and music symbolising purity, hope, and resilience.</p><p>Due to their rarity in herds, capturing a white reindeer was believed to bring luck, riches, and eternal happiness.</p><p>Though I’m in no position to offer you a magical white reindeer for the new year, I <em>can</em> share the above watercolour study I created at my home studio in November.</p><p>A textured piece on heavy Saunders Waterford paper using some of my favourite ‘tricks’, like salt, clingfilm and splattering. </p><p>Reindeers, I discovered, are a rather comforting subject to paint. I felt a genuine calmness while attempting to capture their soft yet hardy souls. </p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>Stories of the Blue Night</h3><p>While scouring the net for reindeer inspiration, I stumbled upon this glorious poem by Nils-Aslak Valkeapää, a Finnish Sámi writer, musician and artist.</p><p>With its stunning free-form setting and flow, it’s as much of a visual delight as it is to read aloud.</p><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false">Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published</label><pre class="text"><strong>"I have no beginning, no end"</strong>
NILS-ASLAK VALKEAPÄÄ
and life dressed, showed off
with colors
visions
life
exquisite
the North chose us
as did the reindeer
the fishes
birds,
they all decided
and we
were given the spring day’s marvel
the stories of the blue night
the North
nurtured us
strained
<em>~ <a href="https://journals.psu.edu/ik/article/view/59699/60011">excerpt from</a> 'Trekways of the Wind', University of Arizona Press, 1994</em></pre>
</div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/the-white-reindeer?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share","text":"Share","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/the-white-reindeer?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><p>So, tell me, who’s ready to ring in the bells tomorrow? </p><p>Kat x</p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7322940
2023-12-22T16:50:41+00:00
2023-12-22T18:45:04+00:00
Winter Solstice
<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F29f06796-73b7-4b58-a67a-484c6e8ea127_900x600.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F29f06796-73b7-4b58-a67a-484c6e8ea127_900x600.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F29f06796-73b7-4b58-a67a-484c6e8ea127_900x600.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F29f06796-73b7-4b58-a67a-484c6e8ea127_900x600.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F29f06796-73b7-4b58-a67a-484c6e8ea127_900x600.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F29f06796-73b7-4b58-a67a-484c6e8ea127_900x600.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="600" width="900" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 "><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘The Holly King’, watercolour by Kat Healy ©2023</figcaption></figure></div><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false">Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published</label><pre class="text"><strong>The Year's Midnight</strong>
GILLIAN CLARKE
The flown, the fallen,
the golden ones,
the deciduous dead, all gone
to ground, to dust, to sand,
borne on the shoulders of the wind.
Listen! They are whispering
now while the world talks,
and the idea melts,
and the seas rise.
Look at the the trees!
Every leaf-scar is a bud
expecting a future.
The earth speaks in parables.
The burning bush. The rainbow.
Promises. Promises.
<em>~ From the anthology 'A Poem for Every Winter Day', edited by Allie Esiri, Macmillan, 2020</em></pre>
</div><p>As Esiri comments, “Clarke’s poem is a voice from the depths of darkness, but it is one that knows that daylight will come again.”</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>The Holly King</h3><p>According to folklore, the winter solstice symbolises the transfer of power from the Holly King to the resting Oak King.</p><p>The two kings personify winter and summer and engage in an eternal tussle that mirrors the seasonal cycles of the year, reflecting the interplay between solar light and dark as well as the renewal of crops.</p><p>This transition of power signifies the shift from the darkest days of winter to the gradual return and promise of light.</p><div class="pullquote">
<p><strong>“</strong>What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” </p>
<p>- John Steinbeck</p>
</div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F20e15910-8609-4a80-b8b1-85bff2ac3abe_900x600.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F20e15910-8609-4a80-b8b1-85bff2ac3abe_900x600.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F20e15910-8609-4a80-b8b1-85bff2ac3abe_900x600.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F20e15910-8609-4a80-b8b1-85bff2ac3abe_900x600.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F20e15910-8609-4a80-b8b1-85bff2ac3abe_900x600.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F20e15910-8609-4a80-b8b1-85bff2ac3abe_900x600.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="600" width="900" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 "><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Candle & Wreath’, watercolour by Kat Healy ©2023</figcaption></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/winter-solstice?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share","text":"Share","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/winter-solstice?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><p><em>That’s all for now! </em>Look out for one of my favourite poems coming to your inbox on Christmas Eve… </p><p>Kat x</p><p></p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277044
2023-09-19T20:33:51+01:00
2023-10-16T16:09:18+01:00
Ripening 🍓
<h6>‘Dream Angus’, performed by Kat Healy and Thilo Pfander / © Kat Healy 2023</h6><div id="youtube2-1BqJP9Uyc-k" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs='{"videoId":"1BqJP9Uyc-k","startTime":null,"endTime":null}' data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/1BqJP9Uyc-k?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div class="pullquote">
<p>List' to the curlew cryin', Faintly the echos dyin', Even the birdies and the beasties are sleepin', But my bonny bairn is weepin' weepin' </p>
<p>~ Dream Angus</p>
</div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc2fdfa61-3fae-423b-b8b6-f34cfb2da7f8_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc2fdfa61-3fae-423b-b8b6-f34cfb2da7f8_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc2fdfa61-3fae-423b-b8b6-f34cfb2da7f8_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc2fdfa61-3fae-423b-b8b6-f34cfb2da7f8_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc2fdfa61-3fae-423b-b8b6-f34cfb2da7f8_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc2fdfa61-3fae-423b-b8b6-f34cfb2da7f8_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">© Kat Healy 2023 / Kat at the Baltic Sea, Germany, ‘80s</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false"></label><pre class="text">In the end
It will not matter
That I was a woman. I am sure of it.
The body is a source. Nothing more.
There is a time for it. There is a certainty
About the way it seeks its own dissolution.
Consider rivers.
They are always en route to
Their own nothingness. From the first moment
They are going home.
<em>~ (from 'Anna Liffey', by Eavan Boland, 1991)</em>
<em><a href="https://apoetsdublin.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/anna-liffey.pdf">Source: A Poets Dublin</a></em>
</pre>
</div><div><hr></div><h3>Ripening 🍓</h3><p>This month, I’m releasing a series of short extracts and reflections from my first poetry pamphlet, <em>‘Ripening’</em>, due in 2024. The pamphlet will be accompanied by original artwork and songs.</p><p>As an indie artist, I’m self-publishing my pamphlet. If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing to support my work.</p><p><em>Thank you! Kat x</em></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277045
2023-09-18T20:53:26+01:00
2023-09-22T09:15:49+01:00
Ripening 🍓
<div class="pullquote">
<p>“This is a case in which I need more than words to find the meaning. This is a case in which I need whatever it is I think or believe to be penetrable, if only for myself.” </p>
<p>—(Joan Didion, <em>The Year of Magical Thinking, 2005</em>)</p>
</div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F906e3ff9-4e7f-4d21-8f51-dbd3db658946_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F906e3ff9-4e7f-4d21-8f51-dbd3db658946_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F906e3ff9-4e7f-4d21-8f51-dbd3db658946_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F906e3ff9-4e7f-4d21-8f51-dbd3db658946_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F906e3ff9-4e7f-4d21-8f51-dbd3db658946_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F906e3ff9-4e7f-4d21-8f51-dbd3db658946_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">© Kat Healy 2023 / Mary Clare Healy (Mum)</figcaption></figure></div><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false"></label><pre class="text"><strong>A 'Visitation' from Mum
KAT HEALY</strong>
She arrives at the oddest of times
like when I chop neeps
for tea with sweet potatoes
she hovers at the window
a reflection on the cooker
the pinch of her grin
all teeth and cheekbones
scares the hell out of me at first
I wrestle veg into a tin
<em>cook for an hour</em>
she taught me that I think?
I’d love to ask her but
she won’t stay long
in the kitchen
I clatter plates together
I think it’s the fan scares her away
it rumbles with steam
she shivers
a wisp of fragrance
<em>could be the roasties</em>
either way, it evaporates
the steam then Mum.
<em>— (from 'Ripening', 2023)
</em></pre>
</div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/ripening-leith?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share","text":"Share","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/ripening-leith?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>Visitations</h3><p>I’d wake to guttural sounds—restless echoes (coming from me). I’d scratch at static noise—<em>“Fade to black, please, fade to black”.</em></p><p>I was certain, “She was here, I saw her, we were in the kitchen—<em>she was just here</em>”, convincing no one because no one was there. </p><p>Just me in a liminal space. </p><p>Now, I handle them better, the visitations. </p><p>She doesn’t age. She’s reflected light—a shadow to trace in my mind's eye.</p><div><hr></div><h3>Dream Angus</h3><div class="native-video-embed" data-component-name="VideoPlaceholder" data-attrs='{"mediaUploadId":"217c00d7-c3f2-4a8e-a0f2-9325cf4e9533","duration":null}'></div><h6><em>‘Dream Angus’, a traditional Scottish folk song performed by <span class="mention-wrap" data-attrs='{"name":"Kat Healy","id":25040748,"type":"user","url":null,"photo_url":"https://bucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6063ba13-a1ab-4dea-b086-6e2bb6d4ce66_300x300.jpeg","uuid":"7d2eed87-c13c-434c-adde-2f4a3a43951a"}' data-component-name="MentionToDOM"></span>/ Thilo Pfander ©2023</em></h6><p></p><p>The full song will be available on Substack tomorrow, 19th September 2023.</p><div><hr></div><h3>Ripening 🍓</h3><p>This month, I’m releasing a series of short extracts and reflections from my first poetry pamphlet, <em>‘Ripening’</em>, due in 2024. The pamphlet will be accompanied by original artwork and songs.</p><p>As an indie artist, I’m self-publishing my pamphlet. If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing to support my work.</p><p><em>Thank you! Kat x</em></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe","language":"en"}' data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe">
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Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277046
2023-09-12T20:41:26+01:00
2023-09-22T09:15:49+01:00
Ripening 🍓
<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc48e97a6-5579-46d9-a817-b61c99f96b90_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc48e97a6-5579-46d9-a817-b61c99f96b90_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc48e97a6-5579-46d9-a817-b61c99f96b90_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc48e97a6-5579-46d9-a817-b61c99f96b90_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc48e97a6-5579-46d9-a817-b61c99f96b90_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc48e97a6-5579-46d9-a817-b61c99f96b90_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">©Kat Healy 2023 / Gran Clark, Mum, Moy & Kate, Celle, circa autumn 1983</figcaption></figure></div><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false"></label><pre class="text"><strong>Weihnachtsmarkt with Mum</strong>
KAT HEALY
<em>Celle, Weihnachtsmarkt circa December, 1984.</em>
Gingerbread swings from wooden stalls.
Sticky hands scoop sugared almonds.
Plumed hats cast winter shadows.
Steam rises from mugs of Glühwein.
Bratwursts roll over the griddle.
The brass band thumps a steady rhythm.
You’re <em>cold to the bone.</em>
I want to be carried so I can see better.
You heave me up against your ski jacket.
I’m wearing yellow earmuffs and woollen mittens.
My cheeks ache. My toes wriggle—
stuffed into boots.
We wander over cobbled stones.
The Schloss looms, <em>geradeaus.</em>
You point at feathered icebergs.
We watch them glide over the moat.</pre>
</div><p><em>—(From ‘Ripening’ 2023, by Kat Healy)</em></p><div><hr></div><h3>Heide Park </h3><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3f889077-602b-442e-b1af-e815dcdcc087_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3f889077-602b-442e-b1af-e815dcdcc087_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3f889077-602b-442e-b1af-e815dcdcc087_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3f889077-602b-442e-b1af-e815dcdcc087_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3f889077-602b-442e-b1af-e815dcdcc087_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3f889077-602b-442e-b1af-e815dcdcc087_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">©Kat Healy 2023 / Kate, Gran Healy, Moy & Gramps, Heide Park circa 1982</figcaption></figure></div><p>My favourite summer adventure was Heide Park. The log flumes, cups n’ saucers, the dodgems—I was too small (too scared) for the real rides.</p><p>I remember wooden floats on the lake with Gran and Gramps. Gran couldn’t swim, so I knew I was safe, climbing and waving at strangers.</p><p>Eventually, I was old enough (tall enough) to go on the pirate ship with its creaking hinges threatening to tip us overboard. I learned to love it, <em>‘Again, again!’</em>—joy mixed with adrenaline.</p><p>We had ketchup-covered hands from currywurst and pommes. Wasps diving at scoops of ice cream. I was always annoyed at ‘<em>home time’</em>, dragging my feet to the car.</p><p>I’d watch Mum go quiet at the wheel, lost in concentration (left-hand drive). </p><p>The engine hummed on the autobahn.</p><p>We fell asleep in the back seat.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F935baa04-7af9-441d-82f2-1ee3d41764d6_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F935baa04-7af9-441d-82f2-1ee3d41764d6_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F935baa04-7af9-441d-82f2-1ee3d41764d6_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F935baa04-7af9-441d-82f2-1ee3d41764d6_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F935baa04-7af9-441d-82f2-1ee3d41764d6_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F935baa04-7af9-441d-82f2-1ee3d41764d6_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">©Kat Healy 2023 / Aunties, Mum, Kate & Moy, Heide Park circa 1983</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3>Ripening</h3><p>This month, I’m releasing a series of short extracts and reflections from my first poetry pamphlet, <em>‘Ripening’</em>, due in 2024. The pamphlet will be accompanied by original artwork and songs.</p><p>As an indie artist, I’m self-publishing my pamphlet. If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing to support my work.</p><p><em>Thank you! Kat x</em></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4638914-ecb0-42fe-af01-fb7d07622348_1024x666.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4638914-ecb0-42fe-af01-fb7d07622348_1024x666.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4638914-ecb0-42fe-af01-fb7d07622348_1024x666.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4638914-ecb0-42fe-af01-fb7d07622348_1024x666.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4638914-ecb0-42fe-af01-fb7d07622348_1024x666.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4638914-ecb0-42fe-af01-fb7d07622348_1024x666.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="292.67578125" width="450" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">©Wiki Commons / Schloss Celle, Germany</figcaption></figure></div>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277047
2023-09-08T20:35:49+01:00
2023-09-22T09:15:49+01:00
Fault Lines
<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddd17cec-1ea5-4a0b-a464-9830b151f11c_500x500.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddd17cec-1ea5-4a0b-a464-9830b151f11c_500x500.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddd17cec-1ea5-4a0b-a464-9830b151f11c_500x500.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddd17cec-1ea5-4a0b-a464-9830b151f11c_500x500.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddd17cec-1ea5-4a0b-a464-9830b151f11c_500x500.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddd17cec-1ea5-4a0b-a464-9830b151f11c_500x500.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="500" width="500" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Kat Healy’ / Photo by Jannica Honey</figcaption></figure></div><p>There are fault planes buried within us. Active, waiting to shift. </p><p>Sometimes, a rupture is so seismic it razes us. All we can do is fight to rebuild and steady ourselves through the aftershocks.</p><p><em>It’s twenty years since you’ve been gone. </em></p><p><em>Half my life.</em></p><p><em>Every fault line scratched on my skin is a reminder. </em></p><div><hr></div><p></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddb98676-c85e-4760-9bba-7ac17a2af1d3_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddb98676-c85e-4760-9bba-7ac17a2af1d3_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddb98676-c85e-4760-9bba-7ac17a2af1d3_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddb98676-c85e-4760-9bba-7ac17a2af1d3_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddb98676-c85e-4760-9bba-7ac17a2af1d3_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fddb98676-c85e-4760-9bba-7ac17a2af1d3_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">1. Mum on her Honeymoon, 1977, 2. Ailsa Road, 1977, 3. Austria, 1983</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><p>This month, I’m releasing a series of short extracts, reflections and poems from my first poetry pamphlet, <em>‘Ripening’</em>, due in 2024. The pamphlet will be accompanied by original artwork and songs.</p><p>As an indie artist, I’ll be self-publishing. If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing to my Substack to support my work.</p><p>Thanks, Kat x</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277048
2023-09-06T18:30:13+01:00
2023-09-22T09:15:49+01:00
Curlews & Creating with Confidence
<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2ffc4775-0da5-4346-ad23-0f39bd28341f_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2ffc4775-0da5-4346-ad23-0f39bd28341f_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2ffc4775-0da5-4346-ad23-0f39bd28341f_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2ffc4775-0da5-4346-ad23-0f39bd28341f_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2ffc4775-0da5-4346-ad23-0f39bd28341f_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2ffc4775-0da5-4346-ad23-0f39bd28341f_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Curlew Study (watercolour and gouache), by Kat Healy, 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p>Autumn is upon us, and I’m making headway with my <a href="https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210604/arts_and_entertainment/12102/arts_and_entertainment_services/9">VACMA</a> project, ‘Cry of the Curlew’. I’ve spent the summer studying and sketching Curlews, getting to know them as subjects and their ‘character’. </p><p>Reflecting on their behaviour, habitat and history as a breed has allowed me to form an attachment to them emotionally and creatively. </p><p>So far, it’s an enjoyable experience, taking the time to observe, reflect, and try new things. The goal, always, with each piece, is to find a way to express myself in a unique, interesting way. Interesting for me, as much as the viewer. </p><p>I can feel the drive to overcome self-doubt in the same way I approach writing songs and poems.</p><p>So much of the work as an artist is trusting your creative voice.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>UAL, Contemporary Painting and Drawing</h3><p>Thanks to the VACMA funding, I completed a <a href="https://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/fine-art/short-courses/painting/contemporary-drawing-and-painting-online-short-course-csm">contemporary painting and drawing</a> CPD course at University of the Arts London in April/May, led by artist and tutor Guy Noble.</p><p>The experience was definitely rejuvenating! The bibliography, lectures and lesson worksheets were extremely valuable. We all received detailed feedback and support throughout the course, with a final critique of some of our work and how we might take things further, including some suggested artists to research for inspiration.</p><p>If you’re looking for an art book to add to your collection, I recommend Guy’s <em><a href="https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210604/arts_and_entertainment/12102/arts_and_entertainment_services/9">‘Drawing Masterclass, 100 Creative Techniques of Great Artists’</a></em><a href="https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210604/arts_and_entertainment/12102/arts_and_entertainment_services/9"> </a>(Thames & Hudson, 2017). It’s excellent and packed with plenty of insight and examples you can dig into.</p><p>I’ve been using what I learned during the course to push myself beyond my preferred use of charcoal, graphite and watercolour. I’ve enjoyed letting loose with mixed media, including oil pastels, acrylic - even Crayola wax crayons!</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2949fc0d-7709-47b9-8526-62345ffbb2f7_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2949fc0d-7709-47b9-8526-62345ffbb2f7_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2949fc0d-7709-47b9-8526-62345ffbb2f7_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2949fc0d-7709-47b9-8526-62345ffbb2f7_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2949fc0d-7709-47b9-8526-62345ffbb2f7_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2949fc0d-7709-47b9-8526-62345ffbb2f7_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Curlew Study (mixed media) ‘Next to the Petrol Station in North Berwick’, by Kat Healy, 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p>Regarding CPD, the course was highly beneficial and perfectly timed before facilitating two summer ‘Make Your Mark’ sessions at the Recreation Hall in Gullane. I supported two enthusiastic groups over four days to explore mixed media, gel plate printing and some intuitive abstract painting. Seeing the incredible work produced and the confidence gained was a delight, and I can’t wait for the spring sessions.</p><div><hr></div><h3><strong>Incorporating the Landscape</strong></h3><p>For me, reflecting on the East Lothian landscape in this project and the connection between Curlews and their habitat is vital. We are incredibly fortunate to have Curlews here, returning each year to breed. Yet, this breeding cycle remains precarious when considering the threats to their survival, which includes the evolving landscape. </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F02723e79-7c78-4d15-acc6-d1a25028d01f_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F02723e79-7c78-4d15-acc6-d1a25028d01f_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F02723e79-7c78-4d15-acc6-d1a25028d01f_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F02723e79-7c78-4d15-acc6-d1a25028d01f_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F02723e79-7c78-4d15-acc6-d1a25028d01f_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F02723e79-7c78-4d15-acc6-d1a25028d01f_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Curlews Feeding’ (watercolour) by Kat Healy, 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p>One of the first and most memorable times I spotted Curlews was in the open field in front of the Esso Petrol Station in North Berwick. It was a jarring juxtaposition of infrastructure and nature. The Curlews were quietly, methodically grazing, with their emu-esque strut and unmistakable curved beaks. </p><p>For years, I’ve enjoyed singing about these mythical birds in folk songs like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6cSRJvntIY">‘Highland Lullaby’</a> and listened online to their infamous haunting cry, only imagining its piercing resonance.</p><p>Suddenly, I was gaping at them <em>for real</em>. It was beautiful and sad at the same time. “What if they build houses on this field, too?” I had thought to myself. </p><p>Maybe they will. I hope they don’t. I hope I can keep returning to the same field, observing and reflecting on a creature long carved into Scottish folklore and beyond.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/curlews-and-creating-with-confidence?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share","text":"Share","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/curlews-and-creating-with-confidence?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false"></label><pre class="text"><strong>He Reproves The Curlew</strong>
WILLIAM BUTLER YEATES (1865-1939)
O CURLEW, cry no more in the air,
Or only to the water in the West;
Because your crying brings to my mind
passion-dimmed eyes and long heavy hair
That was shaken out over my breast:
There is enough evil in the crying of wind.</pre>
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</div></div><div><hr></div><h3><strong>Upcoming</strong></h3><p><strong>Thursday, 7th Sept</strong> — a short piece on my YouthLink Scotland project, for which I’ve recently been awarded funding.</p><p><strong>Friday, 8th Sept</strong> — the first piece from my new series, <em>‘Ripening’</em>. This month, I’ll be sharing extracts and reflections from my first poetry pamphlet, <em>‘Ripening,’</em> due out in early 2024.</p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277049
2023-04-07T20:30:32+01:00
2023-09-22T09:15:49+01:00
Cry of the Curlew
<p>Good news! I'm delighted to share that I've been awarded the Visual Artists & Craft Makers Award (VACMA) by East Lothian Council. The award is a devolved funding scheme in partnership with Creative Scotland to support artists' creative practice.</p><p>The funding will allow me to join a short intensive contemporary drawing and painting course (online) at the University of the Arts London (UAL)—a fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into my practice.</p><p>Following the course, I'll immerse myself in learning how to hand-mull my own pigments (watercolour and oil), which I can use as part of my workshops and overall VACMA project, <em>Cry of the Curlew</em>.</p><blockquote>
<h4>The project will be a series of original artwork to inspire a fine art print, a poem and a new song titled, 'Cry of the Curlew'.</h4>
<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6ad24d3b-558b-40cf-a221-c4cb34954604_1800x1200.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6ad24d3b-558b-40cf-a221-c4cb34954604_1800x1200.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6ad24d3b-558b-40cf-a221-c4cb34954604_1800x1200.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6ad24d3b-558b-40cf-a221-c4cb34954604_1800x1200.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6ad24d3b-558b-40cf-a221-c4cb34954604_1800x1200.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6ad24d3b-558b-40cf-a221-c4cb34954604_1800x1200.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="404.1387362637363" width="606" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption"><em>Curlew</em> watercolour study, Kat Healy 2023</figcaption></figure></div>
</blockquote><p></p><p>I can’t wait to get started! </p><blockquote><h4>“Society is becoming ever more detached from the natural world, we are less connected to nature than at any other time in history. This has to change.” (www.curlewaction.org)</h4></blockquote><p>I’ll share regular updates with notes from my sketchbooks, including colour mixing and palette curating and drafts of the poem and song.</p><p>I’ll also invite summer and autumn workshop attendees to try my hand-mulled watercolours and reveal the names of each colour as well as the inspiration behind them.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p>The VACMA project will allow me to share my work in a multi-disciplined way, which was always the intent when I stepped back from performing acoustic shows and moved to the beautiful coast of East Lothian.</p><p>When I finished my MA in creative writing, I returned to the easel, hoping that one day, I would blend my creativity together and find new ways to share it with a fresh perspective.</p><blockquote><h4>I'm pleased I made the necessary changes to enrich my work, breathe new life into my practice, and embark on a new artistic adventure.</h4></blockquote><p>I'm grateful to everyone who's supported me over the past few years. If you've attended a workshop, read and guided my poetry, listened to my music, bought a watercolour painting or print...THANK YOU.</p><p>You encouraged me to keep going when I needed it most.</p><p>I will never stop believing in creative practice as a path to well-being. I will keep showing up, and I hope you will feel inspired to do the same. </p><p><em>Wishing you a happy and relaxing Easter weekend! Kat xo</em></p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277050
2023-03-08T20:44:17+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:49+01:00
"Hearts Starve as Well as Bodies"
<h3>Bread & Roses</h3><p><em>From the archives!</em> Kat Healy and Karina Smillie, a live session around one (beautiful) mic at Slate Room Studios in Pencaitland, 2020.</p><div id="youtube2-IokVibw3gws" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs='{"videoId":"IokVibw3gws","startTime":null,"endTime":null}' data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/IokVibw3gws?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p>It’s always a pleasure to share a song with women, and singing with the very talented Karina Smillie was an absolute joy. </p><p>I remember releasing the song in April 2020, not long after we entered the first (terrifying) lockdown. It was a strange time, and I recall leaning into creative work as a way of anchoring myself through the turbulence.</p><blockquote><p><em>When in doubt, I try to harness creative practice as a path to well-being.</em></p></blockquote><p>The sentiment of <em><strong>‘Bread and Roses’</strong></em> remains as true today as it was when we recorded it; nurture inner strength, show compassion and fight for equality.</p><h3>“Our lives shall not be sweated<br>From birth until life closes<br>Hearts starve as well as bodies<br>Bread and roses, bread and roses”</h3><div><hr></div><h3>#IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity</h3><p>This year, <a href="https://www.internationalwomensday.com/">International Women’s Day</a> is asking us to consider not only <em><strong>equality</strong></em> but <em><strong>equity</strong></em>. To challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination and bias, and seek out inclusion. </p><p>In order to drive change, we need to take action and create collective momentum. </p><p><em>Together, we can make a difference. </em></p><p>In driving <em><strong>equity</strong></em>, we’re acknowledging that everyone has different circumstances.</p><p>We need to ensure the appropriate resources and opportunities are in place to reach an <em><strong>equal</strong></em> outcome.</p><blockquote>
<p>“<em><strong>Equity</strong> </em>is linked to the idea that success is based on personal efforts and not social status. Inequity affects many people, but most commonly historically it has marginalized communities such as women, people of color, disabled people, the economically disadvantaged, and those from the LGBTQ+ community.</p>
<p>The goal of <em><strong>equ</strong></em><strong>ity</strong> is to change systemic and structural barriers that get in the way of people's ability to thrive.” <em>(www.internationalwomensday.com)</em></p>
</blockquote><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/hearts-starve-as-well-as-bodies?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share","text":"Share","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/hearts-starve-as-well-as-bodies?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dbeb442-d261-4091-80f5-2f8931bdf0af_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dbeb442-d261-4091-80f5-2f8931bdf0af_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dbeb442-d261-4091-80f5-2f8931bdf0af_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dbeb442-d261-4091-80f5-2f8931bdf0af_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dbeb442-d261-4091-80f5-2f8931bdf0af_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7dbeb442-d261-4091-80f5-2f8931bdf0af_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">© Kat Healy 2023 </figcaption></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>Women in Conversation #IWD2023</h3><p>A<a href="https://embed.acast.com/%24/4bdbc7a8-1a5c-499a-87e1-01986d250ba0/martha-wainwright-on-music-motherhood-and-finding-love-in-yo"> fantastic conversation</a> between two inspiring women. Journalist and author Sam Baker (The Shift with Sam Baker Podcast) and critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright discuss music, motherhood and finding love in your 40s.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47c5934e-e090-45fd-8ce8-4ecbff10fafa_959x586.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47c5934e-e090-45fd-8ce8-4ecbff10fafa_959x586.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47c5934e-e090-45fd-8ce8-4ecbff10fafa_959x586.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47c5934e-e090-45fd-8ce8-4ecbff10fafa_959x586.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47c5934e-e090-45fd-8ce8-4ecbff10fafa_959x586.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47c5934e-e090-45fd-8ce8-4ecbff10fafa_959x586.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="366.63190823774767" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">© The Shift with Sam Baker Podcast 2023</figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3>A Painting #IWD2023</h3><p><em>‘The broken Column’ (Frida Khalo, 1944)</em></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F73da047d-c9cb-4c6b-bf77-7c3fccc65f57_270x358.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F73da047d-c9cb-4c6b-bf77-7c3fccc65f57_270x358.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F73da047d-c9cb-4c6b-bf77-7c3fccc65f57_270x358.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F73da047d-c9cb-4c6b-bf77-7c3fccc65f57_270x358.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F73da047d-c9cb-4c6b-bf77-7c3fccc65f57_270x358.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F73da047d-c9cb-4c6b-bf77-7c3fccc65f57_270x358.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="358" width="270" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">The Broken Column. (2021, May 22). In <em>Wikipedia</em>. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Broken_Column</figcaption></figure></div><p>Kahlo’s work often portrays the trauma she experienced in her lifetime, and this brutal masterpiece reflects the extent of her injuries following her tragic accident in 1925.</p><p>Kahlo’s body is torn open and vulnerable. Bound by a steel corset, it shelters a fractured column in place of her spine. Nails puncture her body and face, holding ‘pieces’ of her together—eerily suggestive of Jesus nailed to the cross.</p><p>Though tears fall from her eyes, she stares head-on, daring the viewer to offer sympathy.</p><p>Khalo, defiant in her suffering, appears strong and strangely free, transcending any sense of pain. </p><div><hr></div><h3>A Poem #IWD2023</h3><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false"></label><pre class="text"><strong>The Artist</strong>
BY JENNY GEORGE
A snake lies in the open, dormant
in its sleeve of heat. A gilded orphan
on the sun-warmed dirt, eye-slits ajar,
waiting for the infinite to arrive.
You want to strike it with a stick.
You want an answer to the prayer
that says, Make use of me.
One day the old life simply sheds
its dress and flows through the stones.
Then the future wavers up in you
and stands in your throat like a flame.
(<a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/159602/the-artist-63d98c7c811b0">©Poetry</a>, March 2023)</pre>
</div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>“Thinking of all our sisters” #IWD2023</h3><div class="instagram" data-attrs='{"instagram_id":"CphkqCfOLg8","title":"A post shared by This is Patti Smith (@thisispattismith)","author_name":"thisispattismith","thumbnail_url":"https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/__ss-rehost__IG-CphkqCfOLg8.jpg","timestamp":null,"belowTheFold":true}' data-component-name="InstagramToDOM">
<div class="instagram-top-bar"><a class="instagram-author-name" href="https://instagram.com/thisispattismith" target="_blank">thisispattismith</a></div>
<a class="instagram-image" href="https://instagram.com/p/CphkqCfOLg8" target="_blank"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_640,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F__ss-rehost__IG-CphkqCfOLg8.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></a><div class="instagram-bottom-bar"><div class="instagram-title">A post shared by This is Patti Smith (<a href="https://instagram.com/thisispattismith" target="_blank">@thisispattismith</a>)</div></div>
</div><blockquote><h4>This is<br>thinking of all our sisters<br>in Syria, Sudan, Iran, Pakistan,<br>Palestine, Afghanistan, ALL!<br>ALL the women of the world,<br>risking their lives to reclaim<br>their freedom, their basic<br>human rights their voice,<br>which is also our own.</h4></blockquote>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277051
2023-03-07T21:11:21+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:49+01:00
Tibbie Shiel's Inn
<p>Hello from the road. Well, not quite. I was meant to be up north, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to abandon plans and find myself taking time out closer to home.</p><h3>St Mary’s Loch, Selkirk</h3><p>I’ve never ventured to St Mary’s Loch before, and what a treat it was! </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F12b9f839-3bee-462e-a6a4-d7313a82513f_450x300.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F12b9f839-3bee-462e-a6a4-d7313a82513f_450x300.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F12b9f839-3bee-462e-a6a4-d7313a82513f_450x300.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F12b9f839-3bee-462e-a6a4-d7313a82513f_450x300.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F12b9f839-3bee-462e-a6a4-d7313a82513f_450x300.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F12b9f839-3bee-462e-a6a4-d7313a82513f_450x300.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="450" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">© Kat Healy 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p>A stunning setting that was eerily quiet (pre-season, I assume). We pretty much had the loch to ourselves, bar a few rambunctious bark-chewing sheep.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03f2b9dd-ee38-4e28-b405-4a859e665471_450x300.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03f2b9dd-ee38-4e28-b405-4a859e665471_450x300.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03f2b9dd-ee38-4e28-b405-4a859e665471_450x300.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03f2b9dd-ee38-4e28-b405-4a859e665471_450x300.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03f2b9dd-ee38-4e28-b405-4a859e665471_450x300.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F03f2b9dd-ee38-4e28-b405-4a859e665471_450x300.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="450" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">© Kat Healy 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><h3>Tibbie Shiels & the Inn </h3><p><strong>Tibbie (Isabella) Shiel</strong> (1783–1878) was the wife of a molecatcher, Robert Richardson. They lived in St Mary’s Cottage overlooking St Mary’s Loch, rented from the local laird, Lord Napier. After Robert died in 1824, Tibbie supported her family (she had six children) by taking lodgers—up to 35 at a time. </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe5dabcda-cd18-4a55-b723-0c7f7a88913d_479x719.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe5dabcda-cd18-4a55-b723-0c7f7a88913d_479x719.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe5dabcda-cd18-4a55-b723-0c7f7a88913d_479x719.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe5dabcda-cd18-4a55-b723-0c7f7a88913d_479x719.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe5dabcda-cd18-4a55-b723-0c7f7a88913d_479x719.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe5dabcda-cd18-4a55-b723-0c7f7a88913d_479x719.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="493.84342379958247" width="329" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Tibbie ‘Isabella’ Sheil, 1875, public domain (wiki)</figcaption></figure></div><p>With its picturesque surroundings and lively atmosphere, <strong>Tibbie Shiel’s Inn</strong> became a much-loved locale frequented by renowned artists, poets and writers such as James Hogg, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson—even William Wordsworth even stopped by.</p><p>Being devoutly religious, Tibbie insisted guests attend the family service on Sunday morning after a hard night’s partying on Saturday <em>(sair heeds, I imagine).</em></p><p>In 1878 at the age of 95, Tibbie passed away. Legend has it; her ghost still puts in an appearance at the inn.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2665760c-5a44-447f-a212-987cdd50de63_450x300.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2665760c-5a44-447f-a212-987cdd50de63_450x300.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2665760c-5a44-447f-a212-987cdd50de63_450x300.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2665760c-5a44-447f-a212-987cdd50de63_450x300.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2665760c-5a44-447f-a212-987cdd50de63_450x300.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2665760c-5a44-447f-a212-987cdd50de63_450x300.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="450" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">© Kat Healy 2023</figcaption></figure></div><h3>Folklore</h3><p>When two of Tibbie’s sons emigrated to Canada, she gifted each of them a Bible with a ribbon from her wedding bonnet as a bookmark. </p><p>It’s said when her sons married, their brides wore the ribbons at their own weddings, and one of the ribbons has made it back to Scotland and is still worn at family weddings today.</p><h3>Poetry</h3><p><strong>‘Tibbie Shiels in Yarrow’</strong> from ‘Blackwood's Magazine', signed by John Stuart Blackie, 1892.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2cd2394-47ac-4897-acfa-72ca76421191_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2cd2394-47ac-4897-acfa-72ca76421191_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2cd2394-47ac-4897-acfa-72ca76421191_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2cd2394-47ac-4897-acfa-72ca76421191_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2cd2394-47ac-4897-acfa-72ca76421191_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2cd2394-47ac-4897-acfa-72ca76421191_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption"><a href="https://dvpp.uvic.ca/poems/blackwoods/1889/pom_8528_tibbie_shiels_in_yarrow.html">Tibbie Sheils in Yarrow,</a> John Stuart Blackie, ©<strong><a href="https://dvpp.uvic.ca/index.html">DIGITAL VICTORIAN PERIODICAL POETRY</a></strong></figcaption></figure></div><p>I found this charming poem by John Stuart Blackie online. It appears to be part of a Digital Victorian Periodical Poetry Project by the Univeristy of Victoria, British Columbia. </p><p>It conveys a distinctive ambience, the Inn brimming with locals and travellers. We read of dancing and twirling guests, beautifully rendered as a ‘graceful maze’, with their faces ‘bright as is the light’.</p><p>A reference to ‘roguish glances’, ‘advances’, and time to ‘sing and shout’ with a ‘joy that’s kin to madness’ reminds me of the many wee small hours we enjoyed in the pubs of Leith.</p><p>With a hum of voices amidst a clank of tankards, there is an insistence to lay aside the worry of ‘dull to-morrows’. A hint, perhaps, of the benefit of choosing to be in the moment.</p><p>We meet ‘glorious John’, ‘minstrel Hogg’, and ‘Stoddart’ who’s ‘tramped’ the land with his finishing rod. Through these characters, we are transported to a different yet familiar time—a joyful ‘busy hive’.</p><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false"></label><pre class="text"><em>And here they come, both old and young,
A sight to sweeten sorrow,
In rustic bravery gaily clad
At Tibbie Shiel's in Yarrow.</em></pre>
</div><p>Above all, I enjoy this poem for its affectionate observation of nature and the inescapable lure of the Scottish landscape and wildlife. Linnets, skylarks, eagles, and heather bring to life the colourful, characterful setting.</p><p>Having crossed the bridge to the Inn and revelled in the scenery, I can confirm there is indeed an unforgettable presence of ‘green huge-shouldered hills’ and ‘silver-shimmering waters’ at <em><strong>Tibbie Shiel’s in Yarrow</strong></em>.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66189e3d-b19a-4efd-b8cd-fb28fc587ca6_1920x1080.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66189e3d-b19a-4efd-b8cd-fb28fc587ca6_1920x1080.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66189e3d-b19a-4efd-b8cd-fb28fc587ca6_1920x1080.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66189e3d-b19a-4efd-b8cd-fb28fc587ca6_1920x1080.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66189e3d-b19a-4efd-b8cd-fb28fc587ca6_1920x1080.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66189e3d-b19a-4efd-b8cd-fb28fc587ca6_1920x1080.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="819" width="1456" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Tibbie Shiel’s Inn’, sketch © Kat Healy, 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277052
2023-03-03T19:42:03+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:49+01:00
Madonna
<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2a4eae70-10e7-4e9e-94e9-5ae8beaaf152_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2a4eae70-10e7-4e9e-94e9-5ae8beaaf152_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2a4eae70-10e7-4e9e-94e9-5ae8beaaf152_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2a4eae70-10e7-4e9e-94e9-5ae8beaaf152_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2a4eae70-10e7-4e9e-94e9-5ae8beaaf152_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2a4eae70-10e7-4e9e-94e9-5ae8beaaf152_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Witch, Oil Painting, <a href="https://wellcomecollection.org/works/b4nuvky6">Wellcome Collection</a> (Public Domain)</figcaption></figure></div><h4><em>“I can confirm, women with long grey hair can make people anxious.” (Mary Beard, 2021)</em></h4><p>Madonna Ciccone does not have long grey hair (currently), but she does make people anxious.</p><p>I’m not here to sway your opinion on whether Madonna’s music is good, bad or evil, even. I don’t care if you think she’s gone ‘too far’ with facial aesthetics and plastic surgery (each to their own, I say).</p><p>However, her recent appearance at the Grammy’s stirred the hornet’s nest (again), and I find I’m rolling my eyes (again) at the fresh pile of misogynistic vitriol being spewed online.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6f8b5b84-59df-48ec-9a3a-305486625a9c_600x250.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6f8b5b84-59df-48ec-9a3a-305486625a9c_600x250.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6f8b5b84-59df-48ec-9a3a-305486625a9c_600x250.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6f8b5b84-59df-48ec-9a3a-305486625a9c_600x250.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6f8b5b84-59df-48ec-9a3a-305486625a9c_600x250.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6f8b5b84-59df-48ec-9a3a-305486625a9c_600x250.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="250" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Maddona on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/madonna/">Instagram</a> ©Madonna 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p>There appears to be genuine anxiety (still!) about what to do with an older woman who relishes living her life unafraid to explore creative expression with a subversive narrative.</p><p>I’m beginning to realise Madonna’s fiercest critics would prefer her to have no narrative at all. She should just <em>quit, sit </em>and<em> be quiet.</em></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p>The fear of female agency is nothing new, of course.</p><blockquote><p><em>“In the ancient Greek and the ancient Roman world they worried that old women were sexual predators. We’ve inherited many of their anxieties and these still fuel the insults...” (Mary Beard)</em></p></blockquote><p>Older men provoke and peacock onstage well into their seventies and eighties.</p><p>Often, those who criticise Madonna the most do it for clicks. Desperate for virality and relevance, they use her name, image and discourse she generates to their benefit. Her success and ability to break the internet (as a sixty-four-year-old woman) clearly enrage them. A quick Google news search will bring up the worst offenders (I refuse to give them any more oxygen); a favourite headline was something along the lines of loyal fans being “<em>so</em> confused” by her recent appearance.</p><p><em><strong>I’m sorry, are we talking about the same person?</strong></em></p><p>For decades, Madonna’s physical appearance has been interwoven with her art. New music, new <em>lewks</em>—a deliberate, curious extension of herself, the artist.</p><p>Madonna becomes her art; she <em>is</em> the art.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F01e088e2-dabc-4335-9d7f-0c4d3e41733c_600x100.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F01e088e2-dabc-4335-9d7f-0c4d3e41733c_600x100.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F01e088e2-dabc-4335-9d7f-0c4d3e41733c_600x100.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F01e088e2-dabc-4335-9d7f-0c4d3e41733c_600x100.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F01e088e2-dabc-4335-9d7f-0c4d3e41733c_600x100.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F01e088e2-dabc-4335-9d7f-0c4d3e41733c_600x100.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="600" /></source></picture><div></div>
</div></a></figure></div><p>The perverse desire to disempower and punish a woman (over the age of forty-five) who refuses to conform to societal expectations is exhausting.</p><p>I believe Madonna knows exactly what she is doing, what and why she is creating, and whose reactivity she is manipulating.</p><p>Responding to the furore following the Grammy’s, she shared her thoughts on Instagram:</p><blockquote><p><em>“I have never apologized for any of the creative choices I have made nor the way that I look or dress and I’m not going to start. I have been degraded by the media since the beginning of my career but I understand that this is all a test and I am happy to do the trailblazing so that all the women behind me can have an easier time in the years to come.”</em></p></blockquote><p>Calling out ageism and misogyny, in her comment, she rails against a world that refuses to celebrate strong-willed, hard-working and adventurous women (over forty-five). A world that is:</p><blockquote><p>“threatened by my power and my stamina. My intelligence and my will to survive.”</p></blockquote><p>And to that, I say, <em>yas, queen!</em></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/madonna?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share","text":"Share","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/madonna?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9de9b1b0-9d7d-45bf-965a-57454a16fc6a_600x100.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
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</div></a></figure></div><h3>Elizabeth I</h3><p>Speaking of queens, before the Grammy’s ‘uproar’, I’d scrolled upon a still of Madonna from her recent film feature, “<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtnRbQ4Amoo">Madonna X Vanity Fair – The Enlightenment</a>”</strong>, created by Madonna and Luigi & Iango for the February 2023 issue of Vanity Fair.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb205ec28-4f15-43ea-a524-8085bd8c5da5_833x482.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb205ec28-4f15-43ea-a524-8085bd8c5da5_833x482.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb205ec28-4f15-43ea-a524-8085bd8c5da5_833x482.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb205ec28-4f15-43ea-a524-8085bd8c5da5_833x482.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb205ec28-4f15-43ea-a524-8085bd8c5da5_833x482.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb205ec28-4f15-43ea-a524-8085bd8c5da5_833x482.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="275.42857142857144" width="476" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Maddona X Vanity Fair, ©Madonna/Luigi & Iango, Vanity Fair</figcaption></figure></div><p>The image reminded me of portraits of Elizabeth I (red hair, crown, beads etc.).</p><p>From her accession to her death and beyond, Elizabeth’s portraits were essential to her, dare I say, <em>brand?</em> </p><p>To assert her strength and legitimacy and to be seen as an equal to her male peers, Elizabeth used portraiture as a form of propaganda. In doing so, she was seen as a powerful leader more than capable of defending her realm from threats of invasion.</p><p>Having refused to marry and with no lineal heir, her youthfulness was a propagandistic reminder to keep faith in her Court and country as she weathered the tide, unlike many Kings and Queens that ruled before her.</p><p>Elizabeth I, the ‘Virgin Queen’, became an inspiration and icon.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F850da029-94bb-4758-b1a2-fc84330d8dbf_680x600.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F850da029-94bb-4758-b1a2-fc84330d8dbf_680x600.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F850da029-94bb-4758-b1a2-fc84330d8dbf_680x600.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F850da029-94bb-4758-b1a2-fc84330d8dbf_680x600.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F850da029-94bb-4758-b1a2-fc84330d8dbf_680x600.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F850da029-94bb-4758-b1a2-fc84330d8dbf_680x600.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="600" width="680" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I (anonymous), www.rmg.co.uk ©Wiki Commons</figcaption></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p>Interestingly, Elizabeth chose not to commission her portraits (I believe only four were painted from life). Instead, they were created and re-created using a ‘face-template’ that portrait artists were commanded to adhere to.</p><p>Think of it as pre-Instagram face filters for the Elizabethan era.</p><blockquote><p>“Portraits became a key method of maintaining the myth of the queen’s youthful beauty.” (<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/what-did-elizabeth-i-actually-look-artist-has-suggestion-180970553/">Lucy Davies</a>)</p></blockquote><p>In fact, in 1596, there was an order to the Privy Council by her secretary of state, Sir Robert Cecil demanding that public officers seek out ‘unseemly’ portraits of the Queen.</p><p>Kind of like us, editing our social feeds.</p><blockquote>
<p>“You could compare her use of portraits with that of the modern-day social influencer, using photos (portraits) to convey a version of themselves they want people to see and believe.” (<a href="https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/stories/queen-elizabeth-i-original-social-influencer-and-power-of-portraits">Charlotte Bolland</a>)</p>
<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F67239ee6-7cf0-41de-9225-c645444b4720_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F67239ee6-7cf0-41de-9225-c645444b4720_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F67239ee6-7cf0-41de-9225-c645444b4720_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F67239ee6-7cf0-41de-9225-c645444b4720_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F67239ee6-7cf0-41de-9225-c645444b4720_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F67239ee6-7cf0-41de-9225-c645444b4720_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Madonna performing in Stockholm (©Chris Weger, Wiki Commons), Elizabeth I, the Darnley Portrait, circa 1575</figcaption></figure></div>
</blockquote><p></p><p>It seems managing one’s personal image to stay <em>on brand</em> is hardly a provocative, unexplored concept (one can only imagine the number of trolls Elizabeth unearthed during her time).</p><p>The sense of timelessness was essential to the mythologising of Elizabeth. Throughout her reign, she became an icon of national integrity and unity, and thanks to the careful management of her image, her presence is still felt today.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe65f5d2b-e8fb-4d1d-91bc-37aa6ed41b2f_600x100.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe65f5d2b-e8fb-4d1d-91bc-37aa6ed41b2f_600x100.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe65f5d2b-e8fb-4d1d-91bc-37aa6ed41b2f_600x100.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe65f5d2b-e8fb-4d1d-91bc-37aa6ed41b2f_600x100.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe65f5d2b-e8fb-4d1d-91bc-37aa6ed41b2f_600x100.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe65f5d2b-e8fb-4d1d-91bc-37aa6ed41b2f_600x100.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="600" /></source></picture><div></div>
</div></a></figure></div><h3>End of an Era</h3><p>Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, has resigned.</p><p>Upon announcing her departure, the army of online orcs arrived to mark the occasion. Most had nothing to say about her (successful) tenure or dedication to the post and front-line politics at large (for twenty years plus). Instead, they preferred to focus on her appearance.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb6f9bcc-0bf8-4a46-9fd9-83f090480cb0_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb6f9bcc-0bf8-4a46-9fd9-83f090480cb0_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb6f9bcc-0bf8-4a46-9fd9-83f090480cb0_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb6f9bcc-0bf8-4a46-9fd9-83f090480cb0_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb6f9bcc-0bf8-4a46-9fd9-83f090480cb0_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb6f9bcc-0bf8-4a46-9fd9-83f090480cb0_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Nicola Sturgeon, illustration © Kat Healy 2023 </figcaption></figure></div><p>Nicola Sturgeon deserves to put her feet up, read plenty of books (one of her passions), spend time with her family and enjoy coffee with friends without the constant rage of tribalist misogynistic trolls braying for her—literal—<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-64816226">blood</a>.</p><p>As for Madonna? Well, as far as I’m concerned, she can fill or filter her face as she pleases and continue to wield a mirror that reflects societal hypocrisy.</p><p>The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gammon_(insult)">Gammons</a> won’t like it, but she’ll have the last laugh; she always does.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa758ba9e-44fd-432a-b95f-2e827d1507f9_600x100.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa758ba9e-44fd-432a-b95f-2e827d1507f9_600x100.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa758ba9e-44fd-432a-b95f-2e827d1507f9_600x100.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa758ba9e-44fd-432a-b95f-2e827d1507f9_600x100.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa758ba9e-44fd-432a-b95f-2e827d1507f9_600x100.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa758ba9e-44fd-432a-b95f-2e827d1507f9_600x100.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="600" /></source></picture><div></div>
</div></a></figure></div><h3>Ready for the weekend?</h3><p>I’ll be recording something acoustic on Sunday, which I’ll share soon, along with the pre-order information for my new (soon-to-be-revealed) cover song with singer-songwriter <a href="https://www.djanagabrielle.com/">Djana Gabrielle</a>.</p><p>Look out for an update in your inbox…</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/madonna/comments","text":"Leave a comment","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/madonna/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277053
2023-02-05T19:56:09+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:49+01:00
Snowdrops
<div class="pullquote"><p>“Though winter still is here, it hasn’t long to stay.” (Christina T. Owen)</p></div><p>There is something magical about the snowdrop (<em>Galanthus)</em>. A dreamy mix of fragility and durability.</p><p>Each year, when they first appear, I’m inspired by their determination and strength, piercing through hard winter frost.</p><p>Painting them, I notice their protective leaf at the top of the stem. This part of their anatomy allows them to push through the layers of earth, giving them the name “snow-piercer”.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F971a92e7-a8fc-4fd1-9bc4-6d62de7d75d0_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F971a92e7-a8fc-4fd1-9bc4-6d62de7d75d0_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F971a92e7-a8fc-4fd1-9bc4-6d62de7d75d0_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F971a92e7-a8fc-4fd1-9bc4-6d62de7d75d0_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F971a92e7-a8fc-4fd1-9bc4-6d62de7d75d0_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F971a92e7-a8fc-4fd1-9bc4-6d62de7d75d0_1080x1350.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="442.5" width="354" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘February Fair-maid’, watercolour & ink, Kat Healy 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p>Their arrival signals the coming of a new season. In doing so, they mark the ending of another.</p><p>I remember them appearing in the woodland not long after my father passed away. A delicate sign of hope, a reminder to find strength amidst the turmoil.</p><p>The snowdrop is not simply a plant that blooms in the spring; it promises that life will return, even after the darkest of winters.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F82704f3b-eb99-4813-9aeb-8eb556dc93e3_314x500.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F82704f3b-eb99-4813-9aeb-8eb556dc93e3_314x500.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F82704f3b-eb99-4813-9aeb-8eb556dc93e3_314x500.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F82704f3b-eb99-4813-9aeb-8eb556dc93e3_314x500.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F82704f3b-eb99-4813-9aeb-8eb556dc93e3_314x500.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F82704f3b-eb99-4813-9aeb-8eb556dc93e3_314x500.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="500" width="314" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">©The Flower Fairies - The Estate of Cicely Mary Barker, 2022</figcaption></figure></div><blockquote>
<p>Deep sleeps the Winter,<br>Cold, wet, and grey;<br>Surely all the world is dead;<br>Spring is far away.<br>Wait! the world shall waken;<br>It is not dead, for lo,<br>The Fair Maids of February<br>Stand in the snow!</p>
<p>~ Cicely Mary Barker</p>
</blockquote><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><h3>Imbolc</h3><p>In the old Gaelic year, the first of February marks the season known as Imbolc. A pre-Christian festival that celebrates the beginning of spring and the agricultural year, it coincided with the lambing season and the first ploughing of the fields.</p><p>The welcome appearance of snowdrops around Imbolc epitomises this celebration of ‘newness’ and the turn of the season.</p><h3>Folklore and fairytales</h3><p>There is a German folk tale in which God asked all of Earth’s flowers to lend colour to the snow. The flowers were wary of the snow, having experienced its chilly temper all too often. So, they refused.</p><p><em>Except for the snowdrop.</em></p><p>It happily shared its white colour with the snow.</p><p>And so grateful was the snow that, in return, it blessed the snowdrop and offered it protection in the winter frost, allowing it to bloom first before the others.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd65ab717-be80-4e50-92af-2130d023ce91_1080x1350.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd65ab717-be80-4e50-92af-2130d023ce91_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd65ab717-be80-4e50-92af-2130d023ce91_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd65ab717-be80-4e50-92af-2130d023ce91_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd65ab717-be80-4e50-92af-2130d023ce91_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd65ab717-be80-4e50-92af-2130d023ce91_1080x1350.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="432.5" width="346" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Solitary Firstling’, watercolour & ink, Kat Healy 2020</figcaption></figure></div><p><a href="https://andersen.sdu.dk/vaerk/hersholt/TheSnowdrop_e.html">‘The Snowdrop’ by Hans Christen Anderson</a> is a classic folktale of bravery and overcoming adversity.</p><p>The fragile flower stretches and extends into the light:</p><blockquote><p>“I must stretch myself; I must extend myself. I must open up”</p></blockquote><p>Eventually, the flower is picked and placed in a book of poetry, feeling honoured and delighted to have found meaning in its existence.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc5a8c5c-d9ed-4e85-879a-f629a2ec0f57_600x250.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc5a8c5c-d9ed-4e85-879a-f629a2ec0f57_600x250.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc5a8c5c-d9ed-4e85-879a-f629a2ec0f57_600x250.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc5a8c5c-d9ed-4e85-879a-f629a2ec0f57_600x250.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc5a8c5c-d9ed-4e85-879a-f629a2ec0f57_600x250.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc5a8c5c-d9ed-4e85-879a-f629a2ec0f57_600x250.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="250" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Snowdrops’, SimonTHGolfer, Canva Pro</figcaption></figure></div><p>You might have heard snowdrops referred to as Candlemass Bells. Before the Reformation, snowdrops were used to decorate churches on <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Candlemas">Candlemass</a> as a sign of purity. At the time, it was considered unlucky to pick them before Candlemass.</p><p>Eventually, it was deemed unlucky to pick snowdrops at all.</p><p>The Victorians felt it was a bad omen to bring them indoors, and they were rumoured to bring death and mourning.</p><p>Instead, they were planted in graveyards to signify comfort and peace.</p><p>Today, you can still find snowdrop drifts flowering amongst graves.</p><div><hr></div><h3>“I did not expect to survive,<br>earth suppressing me. I didn’t expect<br>to waken again, to feel<br>in damp earth my body<br>able to respond again, remembering<br>after so long how to open again<br>in the cold light<br>of earliest spring—”</h3><p>(Excerpt from ‘<a href="https://hellopoetry.com/poem/20568/snowdrops/">Snowdrops’, by Louise Glück</a>)</p><div><hr></div><p>Can you share any folklore about snowdrops? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear from you<em>.</em></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/snowdrops/comments","text":"Leave a comment","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/snowdrops/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/snowdrops?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share","text":"Share","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/snowdrops?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>February Watercolour Print Giveaway</h3><p>Welcome to all new subscribers; it’s great to have you here!</p><p>I host a giveaway of two original prints each month for my current Substack newsletter subscribers. As a subscriber, you are automatically added to the draw.</p><p> This month’s prints are ‘<em>February Fair-maids</em>’ and ‘<em>Solitary Firstling</em>’ (images above).</p><p><strong>And the winners are… Fiona (G) and Claire (M)</strong>. I’ll be in touch this week to get your postal address.</p><div><hr></div><h3>What I’m up to this week</h3><p><strong>CREATING: </strong>I’m revisiting some of my old folk songs from my first album <strong>‘Be Still Gentle Kind’</strong> (2012); remember it? No, me neither, apparently. It’s an enjoyable ramble through lyrics and melodies. I’m reflecting on how best to approach the songs as a grown-up. More on this to come later in the year.</p><p><strong>READING: <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/chromatopia-an-illustrated-history-of-colour-david-coles/1201705?ean=9781760761219">Chromatopia: An Illustrated History of Colour</a> (</strong>David Coles<strong>).</strong></p><p><strong>WATCHING: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06zqjpj">‘Happy Valley’ (BBC)</a> the final! Who isn’t? </strong>Happy Valley is a triumph of writing, directing, casting and acting. Writer and director Sally Wainwright deserves every inch of praise she’s received for the series, as do Sarah Lancashire and Siobhan Finneran in their roles. Women, being brilliant — what’s not to love?</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277054
2023-01-25T20:34:26+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:49+01:00
Winter-inspired Trees
<h4>If the monthly art sessions are not your jam—don’t worry!</h4><h4>You can update your subscription preferences in your settings. Untick the Online Art Club section, and you won’t receive them.</h4><div><hr></div><h3>Winter Trees in Watercolour</h3><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb543472-5bec-4f7c-a94b-bff2a538e86b_600x300.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb543472-5bec-4f7c-a94b-bff2a538e86b_600x300.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb543472-5bec-4f7c-a94b-bff2a538e86b_600x300.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb543472-5bec-4f7c-a94b-bff2a538e86b_600x300.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb543472-5bec-4f7c-a94b-bff2a538e86b_600x300.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbb543472-5bec-4f7c-a94b-bff2a538e86b_600x300.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Winter Trees, a watercolour study by Kat Healy 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p>Enjoy this easy-to-follow watercolour study. All you need is two watercolours (one if you prefer to go full monochrome) and some white gouache.</p><p>I have chosen a simple seasonal subject. You can work with basic shapes and quick brushwork, adding layers of detail in stages.</p><blockquote><p>It’s an ideal subject for warming up before getting into a bigger, more considered piece of work.</p></blockquote><p>It shouldn’t take longer than one hour with drying breaks.</p><p>You can follow along with the video uploaded to my art channel. Please note the video is sped up X 2 — so take your time.</p><div id="youtube2-BB2bwFQJQF0" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs='{"videoId":"BB2bwFQJQF0","startTime":null,"endTime":null}' data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/BB2bwFQJQF0?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>Materials</h3><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3d3e397c-932e-4838-888e-3249c4f2bca5_600x300.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3d3e397c-932e-4838-888e-3249c4f2bca5_600x300.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3d3e397c-932e-4838-888e-3249c4f2bca5_600x300.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3d3e397c-932e-4838-888e-3249c4f2bca5_600x300.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3d3e397c-932e-4838-888e-3249c4f2bca5_600x300.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3d3e397c-932e-4838-888e-3249c4f2bca5_600x300.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Materials (Kat Healy)</figcaption></figure></div><ul>
<li><p>Paynes Grey or Paynes Grey Blue watercolour</p></li>
<li><p>Ultramarine Blue (or Prussian/Cobalt Blue) watercolour</p></li>
<li><p>White gouache (highlights)</p></li>
<li><p>Watercolour brushes: small/detail (2/4), medium (10/12), large wash brush (can be round or flat) </p></li>
<li><p>Watercolour paper 140lbs 300gsm (‘Not’ or ‘Cold Pressed’ surface for texture)</p></li>
<li><p>Kraft tape to keep the paper stretched (no need if you use paper blocks)</p></li>
<li><p>Pencil</p></li>
<li><p>Small water spray bottle (optional)</p></li>
<li><p>A board or portable easel to work on (optional).</p></li>
</ul><div><hr></div><h3>Approach this study in three stages</h3><p>The techniques you’re practising are:</p><ul>
<li><p>Creating depth by pushing a layer of trees into the background.</p></li>
<li><p>Wet into wet and wet into damp for the first wash.</p></li>
<li><p>Adding details and interest to your subject using a variety of pigment consistencies and white gouache. </p></li>
</ul><h3>Top Tips</h3><ul>
<li><p>Practice building different washes with a variety of consistencies first. Think very light/diluted wash (watery/skimmed milk), medium wash (semi-skimmed milk), and creamy wash (more dry pigment added to the medium wash).</p></li>
<li><p>Practice your trees and branches using your medium and smallest brush. Apply more pressure as you begin at the bottom of the trunks, and paint upwards to the tip of the tree. It should be a slow, flicking action. If you work too tightly, you’ll overthink it and get stressed.</p></li>
</ul><div><hr></div><h3>Download the steps</h3><div class="file-embed-wrapper" data-component-name="FileToDOM"><div class="file-embed-container-reader">
<div class="file-embed-container-top">
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<div class="file-embed-details-h1">Winter Trees Watercolour Study by Kat Healy</div>
<div class="file-embed-details-h2">45.3KB ∙ PDF file</div>
</div>
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<div class="file-embed-description">PDF instructions for winter trees watercolour study.</div>
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</div></div><p></p><p>I hope you enjoy your painting session. Let me know if you have any questions — I’ll get back to you asap.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/winter-inspired-trees/comments","text":"Leave a comment","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/winter-inspired-trees/comments"><span>Leave a comment</span></a></p><p>Remember to tag me if you share your work online so I can see it!</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd0098de-4b0b-4a1e-9b8d-7997c59bf85f_600x250.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd0098de-4b0b-4a1e-9b8d-7997c59bf85f_600x250.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd0098de-4b0b-4a1e-9b8d-7997c59bf85f_600x250.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd0098de-4b0b-4a1e-9b8d-7997c59bf85f_600x250.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd0098de-4b0b-4a1e-9b8d-7997c59bf85f_600x250.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcd0098de-4b0b-4a1e-9b8d-7997c59bf85f_600x250.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="250" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Winter Woods’, Dody Kétyi, Getty <a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAFYO0hDidw/pU36JZ3gJm8W_LgxmC70KQ/edit#">Canva Pro</a></figcaption></figure></div><p></p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277055
2023-01-20T19:20:00+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:50+01:00
Snowflakes (Clara Belle Baker, 1921)
<p>This week we had ‘Blue Monday’ (the most depressing day of the year, apparently).</p><blockquote><p>In the spirit of punching through procrastination, I’ve started to work my way back into singing (gently).</p></blockquote><p>As luck would have it, I stumbled on a site that hosts a library of sheet music offering a wide range of folk songs.</p><p>Folk songs are a true tonic when you need to practice. Ideal for melody, harmony and breathing exercises. Perfect for me as I work with post-covid challenges.</p><p>This week, I gave it my best attempt in front of the mic and arranged and recorded an acapella folk song called ‘Snowflakes’. </p><p>The song was written in 1921 by <a href="https://evanstonwomen.org/woman/clara-belle-baker/">Clara Belle Baker</a> (arr. by B. Thompson), an American educator who was an early advocate of having children learn by doing. </p><p>It has a sweet, simple melody that dances like the snowy flakes we’ve been fortunate to enjoy recently.</p><p>This was my first time recording myself (at home) without Thilo Pfander<strong>! </strong>I used Garage Band and<strong> </strong>paired it with footage of pretty snowberries, which I stopped to admire on my wintery walk with Ted.</p><p>I hope you enjoy it.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>Spellbound</h3><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F464a06d9-d948-4704-91ae-e284e2ee2eb4_704x928.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F464a06d9-d948-4704-91ae-e284e2ee2eb4_704x928.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F464a06d9-d948-4704-91ae-e284e2ee2eb4_704x928.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F464a06d9-d948-4704-91ae-e284e2ee2eb4_704x928.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F464a06d9-d948-4704-91ae-e284e2ee2eb4_704x928.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F464a06d9-d948-4704-91ae-e284e2ee2eb4_704x928.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="334.8181818181818" width="254" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Cropped detail of <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Bront%C3%AB_Sisters_by_Patrick_Branwell_Bront%C3%AB_restored.jpg">The Brontë Sisters by Patrick Branwell Brontë restored.</a> Emily Brontë, by Patrick Branwell Brontë, from a portrait with her sisters. Public domain (USA).</figcaption></figure></div><p>I never tire of this glorious winter-inspired poem by Emily Brontë. Her haunting, vivid imagery and use of language convey not only a spellbinding winter scene — but an ominous sense of impending doom.</p><p>We can all relate, no?</p><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false"></label><pre class="text"><strong>Spellbound</strong>
<em>Emily Brontë (1837)</em>
The night is darkening round me,
The wild winds coldly blow;
But a tyrant spell has bound me
And I cannot, cannot go.
The giant trees are bending
Their bare boughs weighed with snow.
And the storm is fast descending,
And yet I cannot go.
Clouds beyond clouds above me,
Wastes beyond wastes below;
But nothing drear can move me;
I will not, cannot go.</pre>
</div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1da50f73-8cfb-415e-a16a-adcdc7366731_600x250.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1da50f73-8cfb-415e-a16a-adcdc7366731_600x250.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1da50f73-8cfb-415e-a16a-adcdc7366731_600x250.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1da50f73-8cfb-415e-a16a-adcdc7366731_600x250.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1da50f73-8cfb-415e-a16a-adcdc7366731_600x250.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1da50f73-8cfb-415e-a16a-adcdc7366731_600x250.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="250" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Winter Tree Forest, Aleksandr Kichigin, <a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAFYO0hDidw/pU36JZ3gJm8W_LgxmC70KQ/edit#">Canva Pro</a></figcaption></figure></div><p>Using a dark, eerie tone, ‘a tyrant spell has bound me,’ Brontë describes an oh-so-familiar human trait. To feel stuck or immobilised by the fear of taking action. </p><blockquote><p>I wonder if Brontë wrote her poem on Blue Monday?</p></blockquote><p>There is a shadowy sense that the narrator is perhaps determinedly fending off a form of temptation with, ‘I will not, cannot go’.</p><p>Through simple, dramatic monologue, we feel the psychological weight of something looming, snowy boughs weighted down — a storm descending.</p><p>Brontë is best known for her imaginative novel <em>Wuthering Heights</em>, but she was undoubtedly an accomplished poet.</p><p>Whatever her inspiration, ‘Spellbound’ transcends time, beautifully depicting a wildness of emotion and landscape.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><p>As always, thanks for being here. I’m grateful for your support as I work with this new platform. I look forward to sharing more about my upcoming projects soon.</p><div class="pullquote">
<p>“If I could I would always work in silence and obscurity, and let my efforts be known by their results.”</p>
<p>―<strong>Emily Brontë</strong></p>
</div><h3>What I’m up to this week</h3><p><strong>CREATING: </strong>the print for my upcoming Substack giveaway (next week).</p><p><strong>WATCHING: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf8EYbVxtCY">‘All Quiet on the Western Front’</a>, </strong>directed by Edward Berger. It’s racking up award nominations and has received rave reviews (available on Netflix if interested).</p><p><strong>LISTENING: <a href="https://www.thetennispodcast.net/">The Tennis Podcast</a>, </strong>new eps released daily covering the Australian Open with the perfect balance of drama and humour. Once again, Sir Andy Murray has proven himself a class above the rest with his grit, determination and huge heart.</p><div><hr></div><p>For those keen to practice some art, on Sunday, I’ll share a new watercolour session that you can try at home — <em>inspired by winter trees, obvs!</em></p><p></p><p></p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277056
2023-01-13T20:53:30+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:50+01:00
Friday the 13th
<p>Friday the 13th. A day, somehow ingrained in my imagination. </p><p>Steeped in folklore and superstition, its origins can be traced back to ancient times.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe811b1c2-1d1a-45a0-8949-ffb19085943e_600x300.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe811b1c2-1d1a-45a0-8949-ffb19085943e_600x300.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe811b1c2-1d1a-45a0-8949-ffb19085943e_600x300.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe811b1c2-1d1a-45a0-8949-ffb19085943e_600x300.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe811b1c2-1d1a-45a0-8949-ffb19085943e_600x300.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe811b1c2-1d1a-45a0-8949-ffb19085943e_600x300.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Northern Lights’, watercolour study, Kat Healy 2023</figcaption></figure></div><h3>An unfortunate dinner guest</h3><p>In Norse mythology, it's believed that the god Odin invited twelve other gods to a banquet in Ásgarðr.</p><p>However, there was an uninvited <strong>thirteenth</strong> guest, Loki — the shapeshifting, wily trickster.</p><p>Loki gave a spear, sharpened from a mistletoe bush to Höðr, the blind son of Odin and Frigg. Höðr inadvertently shot Baldr, another son of Odin and one of the most beloved of all the gods.<a class="footnote-anchor" data-component-name="FootnoteAnchorToDOM" id="footnote-anchor-1" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/feed#footnote-1" target="_self">1</a></p><p>This tragedy sowed the seed of the belief that <strong>thirteen</strong> was an unlucky number.</p><h3>Another unfortunate dinner guest…</h3><p>As it happens, it wasn’t just the Norse Gods who had bad table manners.</p><p>According to Christianity, the Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples and was held the night before his crucifixion on ‘Maundy Thursday’.</p><p>The <strong>thirteenth</strong> guest to take his seat at the table was the infamous Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus, reinforcing the folklore around the number <strong>thirteen</strong>.</p><h3><strong>Knights Templar</strong></h3><p>It seems Friday, October 13th, 1307, sparked the ominous connection between <strong>Friday</strong> and <strong>thirteen</strong>.</p><p>On this fateful day, the Knights Templar were arrested for heresy at the command of France’s king, Philip IV. Many were tortured — forced into making false confessions.</p><p>When the knights were burned at the stake in Paris, the order’s leader, Jacque de Molay, cried out:</p><blockquote><p>“God knows who is wrong and has sinned. Soon, a calamity will occur to those who have condemned us to death.” </p></blockquote><p>It was this curse that put a ‘calamity’ on <strong>Friday the 13th</strong> through the ages.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe49cfee7-ccdd-44ee-8fbd-ae25ce50fa19_500x370.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe49cfee7-ccdd-44ee-8fbd-ae25ce50fa19_500x370.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe49cfee7-ccdd-44ee-8fbd-ae25ce50fa19_500x370.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe49cfee7-ccdd-44ee-8fbd-ae25ce50fa19_500x370.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe49cfee7-ccdd-44ee-8fbd-ae25ce50fa19_500x370.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe49cfee7-ccdd-44ee-8fbd-ae25ce50fa19_500x370.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="370" width="500" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Illustration, anonyme Chronik, „Von der Schöpfung der Welt bis 1384 / From the Creation of the World until 1384, Wikipedia image <a href="http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bild:Templars_on_Stake.jpg">public domain</a></figcaption></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>Modern fear</h3><p>Such is the fear of Friday the 13th; there is a name for it:</p><blockquote><p><strong>paraskevidekatriaphobia</strong></p></blockquote><p><em>Good luck pronouncing that one!</em></p><div><hr></div><h3>From irrational superstition to hope</h3><p>‘“Hope” is the thing with feathers’ is a poem by Emily Dickinson, first published in 1891, after her death.</p><p>With its beautiful imagery, it speaks to the idea that hope is a resilient, enduring force that asks for little in return.</p><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false"></label><pre class="text"><strong>“Hope” is the thing with feathers
BY EMILY DICKINSON
</strong>“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
<em><a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/42889/hope-is-the-thing-with-feathers-314">(Poetry Foundation.org)</a></em></pre>
</div><div class="pullquote"><p>Hope is always present, even in the darkest of times.</p></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F437f4e5e-4af2-41eb-9c03-54bb5cb619fc_600x300.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F437f4e5e-4af2-41eb-9c03-54bb5cb619fc_600x300.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F437f4e5e-4af2-41eb-9c03-54bb5cb619fc_600x300.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F437f4e5e-4af2-41eb-9c03-54bb5cb619fc_600x300.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F437f4e5e-4af2-41eb-9c03-54bb5cb619fc_600x300.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F437f4e5e-4af2-41eb-9c03-54bb5cb619fc_600x300.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Silver Birches/Northern Lights’, watercolour study, Kat Healy 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/friday-the-13th?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share","text":"Share","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/friday-the-13th?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>What I’m up to this week</h3><p><strong>CREATING: </strong>prep work for my upcoming art workshops (<a href="https://fidracollection.com/collections/art-creative-workshops-with-kat-healy">find out more about them here</a>). Filming a watercolour video for the monthly Substack online Art Club. </p><p><strong>READING: <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-almanac-a-seasonal-guide-to-2023/9781856754637">The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2023</a> (</strong>Lia Leendertz<strong>).</strong></p><p><strong>LISTENING: ‘Blackstar’, </strong>David Bowie’s final album (Jan 8th 2016 ). An album that’s hard to categorize. A powerful, intriguing fusion of art rock and jazz. </p><div class="pullquote"><p>"At once emotive and cryptic, structured and spontaneous and, above all, willful, refusing to cater to the expectations of radio stations or fans". (New York Times)</p></div><div id="youtube2-kszLwBaC4Sw" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs='{"videoId":"kszLwBaC4Sw","startTime":null,"endTime":null}' data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/kszLwBaC4Sw?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div class="footnote" data-component-name="FootnoteToDOM">
<a id="footnote-1" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/feed#footnote-anchor-1" class="footnote-number" contenteditable="false" target="_self">1</a><div class="footnote-content"><p>‘The Death of Baldur’ https://norse-mythology.org/tales/the-death-of-baldur/ </p></div>
</div>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277057
2023-01-06T21:03:20+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:50+01:00
Little Wren
<div class="pullquote">
<p>He who should hurt the wren</p>
<p>shall never be beloved by men. </p>
<p>(William Blake, Auguries of Innocence c. 1803)</p>
</div><p>I’m not sure what sparked my curiosity about the wren this week. I think a mention on Twitter via the #folklore threads for New Year.</p><p>Turns out, they are marvellous birds. Tiny but mighty, and as Stephen Moss writes in ‘The Wren: a Biography’, they are “a paradox” <em>(Vintage 2018).</em></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F92057395-0606-4a6c-b9e8-6a54371620cc_508x299.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F92057395-0606-4a6c-b9e8-6a54371620cc_508x299.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F92057395-0606-4a6c-b9e8-6a54371620cc_508x299.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F92057395-0606-4a6c-b9e8-6a54371620cc_508x299.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F92057395-0606-4a6c-b9e8-6a54371620cc_508x299.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F92057395-0606-4a6c-b9e8-6a54371620cc_508x299.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="299" width="508" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Little Wren’, charcoal study by Kat Healy 2023</figcaption></figure></div><p>The wren is Britain’s most common bird, weighing the equivalent of two A4 sheets of paper. Yet, you’ll find that most of us aren’t even sure if we’ve seen one.</p><p>They are everywhere — but nowhere. </p><p>It’s perhaps this, along with their size and soulful song (they have the loudest birdsong in proportion to size and can carry two notes simultaneously), that has made them ubiquitous in folklore.</p><p>I read the fable, ‘The Eagle and the Wren’, which seemed fitting after watching Andrew Tate — the toxic farce — meltdown on Twitter in December following a spectacular public tweet-burning by the unflappable Greta Thunberg.</p><blockquote><p>“yes, please do enlighten me. email me at smalldickenergy@getalife.com” (<a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1608056944501178368">Greta Thunberg, Twitter</a>)</p></blockquote><p>Her tweet has quickly gained traction to become one of the top tweets of all time, with over three million likes.</p><div class="pullquote"><p>“She (Greta) burned the macho guy to a crisp in nine words” (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/dec/31/greta-thunberg-andrew-tate-tweet">Rebecca Solnit</a>)</p></div><p>With that in mind, I wrote my own version of the folk tale, inspired by Greta, and created a charcoal study of a little wren (filmed in my studio).</p><h3>The Eagle and the Wren (inspired by Greta Thunberg)</h3><blockquote>
<p>Many years ago, birds from all across the world gathered together to decide who would be crowned King.</p>
<p>After much chatter, the wise owl suggested a competition to see who could fly the highest, “whoever wins is named King” he hooted.</p>
<p>The Eagle puffed his chest and guffawed, “stand back; I’ve got this. No bird is stronger or can fly higher than me”.</p>
<p>Amused, the plucky little wren whispered under her breath, “the owl thinks he’s wise, but I know better.”</p>
<p>With a sharp, powerful flap of his wings, the eagle launched high into the sky. The other birds gasped in wonderment, “look at his impressive wings”.</p>
<p>Distracted by the eagle’s showy turbo power, the other birds had failed to see the little wren also take off with hasty, efficient force.</p>
<p>When the eagle kicked up a gear, the wren climbed onto his back, keeping hidden by feathers and muscle.</p>
<p>“Be patient”, she told herself.</p>
<p>The eagle climbed higher and higher, swooping and soaring. He cawed triumphantly, “no one can catch me; I will be king!”.</p>
<p>The birds below, lined up like ants, ready to welcome him back with royal pomp.</p>
<p>Suddenly, as he was about to begin his conquering descent, the eagle felt a tiny flutter on his back. It was the wren.</p>
<p>Full of energy and confidence, she hurled herself toward the sun — far higher than the eagle.</p>
<p>Up and up, like a bullet, darting with delight at her canny plan, “I am King, I am King!” she sang.</p>
<p>Furious, the eagle tried to catch her, to climb higher, but he was too exhausted from his power display.</p>
<p>Down he went, crashing to the ground. “She’s done it; the wren has won!” the birds tweeted.</p>
<p>When the wren landed safely to join the others, the eagle spat, “you only won through trickery and cunning, and that’s not fair”.</p>
<p>“And you would have won through strength and brawn. Why is that better than cunning?” she quipped.</p>
<p>The eagle was incensed — <em>bested by brains</em>.</p>
<p>And with that, the plucky, cunning little wren was crowned King of birds. </p>
<p><em>(written and edited by Kat Healy, Jan 2023)</em></p>
<div id="youtube2-K3Jx0osWwiQ" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs='{"videoId":"K3Jx0osWwiQ","startTime":null,"endTime":null}' data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/K3Jx0osWwiQ?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div>
</blockquote><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/little-wren?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share","text":"Share","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/p/little-wren?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>Twelfth Night</h3><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd579fe33-63ea-4ed4-899b-ed9bf2bcef2f_443x300.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd579fe33-63ea-4ed4-899b-ed9bf2bcef2f_443x300.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd579fe33-63ea-4ed4-899b-ed9bf2bcef2f_443x300.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd579fe33-63ea-4ed4-899b-ed9bf2bcef2f_443x300.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd579fe33-63ea-4ed4-899b-ed9bf2bcef2f_443x300.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd579fe33-63ea-4ed4-899b-ed9bf2bcef2f_443x300.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="443" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Twelfth Night Lithograph — Public Domain — picryl.com </figcaption></figure></div><p>It was around 1601-2 when Shakespeare wrote his play ‘Twelfth Night’ to celebrate the end of the twelve days of Christmas celebrations. A funny but heartbreaking tale of unrequited love steeped in dramatic irony with classic themes of identity, love and deception.</p><p>In the spirit of Greta Thunberg and using our voice as an act of power against toxic behaviour on and offline, I’ll leave you with this quote from <em>Feste</em> the Jester, who “may be the most fully portrayed and most-agile minded of all Shakespearean clowns.”<a class="footnote-anchor" data-component-name="FootnoteAnchorToDOM" id="footnote-anchor-1" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/feed#footnote-1" target="_self">1</a></p><div class="pullquote"><p>Foolery, sir, does walk about the orb like the sun, it shines everywhere. <br>(Feste, Act 3 Scene 1 — Twelfth Night)</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>What I’m up to this week</h3><p><strong>CREATING: A new song</strong> for digital release (March 2023). Mid-pandemic, I recorded a duet with my talented friend and singer-songwriter, <a href="https://www.djanagabrielle.com/">Djana Gabrielle</a>. For obvious reasons, I wanted to wait to release it in a positive context. The best part? I sang <em>en français. </em>It was a fun collaboration with Djana, and I look forward to sharing it with you soon.</p><p><strong>READING: <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books?keywords=hagitude">Hagitude</a></strong> by <span class="mention-wrap" data-attrs='{"name":"Sharon Blackie","id":91718024,"type":"user","url":null,"photo_url":"https://bucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/01efa7c4-e21a-4db9-a0d4-05bee15f2032_3024x3024.jpeg","uuid":"71eee50a-c4a6-428e-9ea4-478527eb2c11"}' data-component-name="MentionToDOM"></span>, <strong><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-secret-history-from-the-pulitzer-prize-winning-author-of-the-goldfinch/9780140167771">The Secret History</a></strong> by Donna Tartt</p><p><strong>LISTENING: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0d3f8jl">Bible John</a></strong> podcast by Audrey Gillan on BBC, <strong><a href="https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/thetavistock/">The Tavistock</a></strong> by Polly Curtis for Tortoise</p><div class="footnote" data-component-name="FootnoteToDOM">
<a id="footnote-1" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/feed#footnote-anchor-1" class="footnote-number" contenteditable="false" target="_self">1</a><div class="footnote-content">
<p>Stefan Daniel Keller, <em>The Development of Shakespeare's Rhetoric: A Study of Nine Plays, Francke Verlag, 2009</em></p>
<p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p>
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Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277058
2022-12-31T17:31:24+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:50+01:00
For auld lang syne
<h3>Wishing you all a happy Hogmanay and good health for 2023</h3><p>I hope you get to enjoy some Scottish traditions with family and friends.</p><p>A few of my favourites are ‘<a href="https://www.highlandtitles.com/blog/scottish-new-year/">redding the house</a>’, ‘<a href="https://www.highlandtitles.com/blog/scottish-new-year/">first footing</a>’ and eating steak pie.</p><p>I discovered a new one this year — a ‘Black Bun’.</p><p>A bit like a fruit cake but with a glorious Scottish twist. Raisins, currants, almonds, citrus peel, allspice, ginger, cinnamon and black pepper — <em>then the whole thing is enveloped in a layer of pastry.</em></p><p>Of course, it is!</p><div><hr></div><h3>A peerie tune for the bells</h3><p>Sadly, my busted lungs have meant I couldn’t record a version of Auld Lang Syne as hoped. However, I did come across a live studio performance by Dougie MacLean.</p><div class="pullquote"><p>I’ve always loved Dougie’s recorded version of this song, and this performance doesn’t disappoint. </p></div><p>It’s an arrangement in the traditional Scots dialect, and he uses characterful phrasing to hang on to each line — just enough. The open tuning is soothing and gives the song lots of space.</p><div id="youtube2-sMFnqj6aFwY" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs='{"videoId":"sMFnqj6aFwY","startTime":null,"endTime":null}' data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/sMFnqj6aFwY?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p><em>Dec 31, 2017 ‘Auld Lang Syne’- Music and Lyrics by Trad. (Robert Burns). Arranged by Dougie MacLean. Published by Limetree Arts and Music (PRS & MCPS UK)</em></p><p>The phrase “auld lang syne” roughly translates as 'for old times' sake'. </p><p>To me, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, (poem and song), is full of nostalgia, evoking a sense of belonging, reflection and friendship — ideal for Hogmanay.</p><h3>Did Burns write it?</h3><p>In 1788 Robert Burns sent the poem 'Auld Lang Syne' to the Scots Musical Museum, explaining that it was an ancient song but that he'd been the first to record it on paper. </p><blockquote><p><em>“Auld lang syne—the following song, the old Song of the olden times, & which has never been in print, nor even in manuscript, untill I took it down from an old man’s singing;” (<a href="https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2013/12/auld-acquaintance-for-the-new-year-burnss-auld-lang-syne/">Robert Burns</a>)</em></p></blockquote><p>It’s true enough that some of the lyrics could be considered “collected” rather than composed by Burns. A similar ballad, ‘<a href="https://digital.nls.uk/broadsides/view/?id=14548">Old Long Syne</a>’, was printed in 1711 by James Watson.</p><p>At the time, Burns was looking to preserve the Scots language and culture after Scotland and England had formed the UK in 1707.</p><p>He travelled around the country to collect and publish old Scots poetry and songs so that this part of Scotland’s spoken history wouldn’t disappear.</p><div><hr></div><h3>New illustration art print</h3><p>An upside to resting in bed means I’m enjoying extra time on Procreate. I’ll look forward to doing another illustration print giveaway in January.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F65dec603-2c23-4599-ae99-4e3489861cfc_540x750.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F65dec603-2c23-4599-ae99-4e3489861cfc_540x750.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F65dec603-2c23-4599-ae99-4e3489861cfc_540x750.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F65dec603-2c23-4599-ae99-4e3489861cfc_540x750.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F65dec603-2c23-4599-ae99-4e3489861cfc_540x750.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F65dec603-2c23-4599-ae99-4e3489861cfc_540x750.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="750" width="540" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">‘Auld Lang Syne’ illustration by Kat Healy, Dec 2022</figcaption></figure></div><p>If you haven’t subscribed yet, please consider doing so to support my creative work in 2023.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p><div><hr></div><h3>Here’s to a new year</h3><p>My favourite Hogmanay Scottiscism has to be:</p><div class="pullquote"><p>Lang may yer lum reek!</p></div><p>It literally translates as “long may your chimney smoke!” — possibly connected to the first footing tradition of bringing some coal into the house.</p><p>It can be shared as a simple new year’s blessing, “<em>may you live a long and prosperous life”.</em></p><p>And with that, I’ll sign off for some Lemsip. I look forward to all that comes in 2023 — <em>thank you for being here!</em></p><p>Kat x</p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277059
2022-12-24T20:41:51+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:50+01:00
Christmas Eve, Eve
<h3>‘Dark Moon’ Art Print Giveaway</h3><p>Congratulations to Sophie (H) and Emily (A)! Your names were selected from the wheel-picker, and I would love to send you a signed ‘Dark Moon’ print <em>(I’ll be in touch to confirm your address).</em></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66b79c62-8dc9-4dc1-8b06-45b37485d149_3508x2480.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66b79c62-8dc9-4dc1-8b06-45b37485d149_3508x2480.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66b79c62-8dc9-4dc1-8b06-45b37485d149_3508x2480.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66b79c62-8dc9-4dc1-8b06-45b37485d149_3508x2480.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66b79c62-8dc9-4dc1-8b06-45b37485d149_3508x2480.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F66b79c62-8dc9-4dc1-8b06-45b37485d149_3508x2480.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1029" width="1456" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3>Merry Christmas</h3><p>Thank you for joining my new Substack. It’s a new way of working for me, and I look forward to sharing my creative projects with you in 2023.</p><div class="pullquote"><p>Christmas is a time that brings with it many sentiments and a sense of nostalgia.</p></div><p>I’m looking forward to the rest — jammies, classic movies and festivities with my friends and family. </p><p>I’ll be back with a New Year’s Eve song! Until then, please enjoy this poem by Clive James.</p><p>Merry Christmas,</p><p>Kat 🎄</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F203131fe-9f14-4149-a652-941878f99e0a_600x424.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F203131fe-9f14-4149-a652-941878f99e0a_600x424.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F203131fe-9f14-4149-a652-941878f99e0a_600x424.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F203131fe-9f14-4149-a652-941878f99e0a_600x424.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F203131fe-9f14-4149-a652-941878f99e0a_600x424.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F203131fe-9f14-4149-a652-941878f99e0a_600x424.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="424" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><h3>A winter poem</h3><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false"></label><pre class="text"><strong>The Crying Need for Snow</strong>
By Clive James
It’s cold without the softness of a fall
Of snow to give these scenes a common bond
And though, besotted on a viewless rime,
The ducks can do their standing-on-the-pond
Routine that leaves you howling, all in all
We need some snow to hush the whole thing up.
The ducks can do their flatfoot-waterfool
Mad act that leaves you helpless, but in fine
We need their footprints in a higher field
Made pure powder, need their wig-wag line
Of little kites pressed in around the pool:
An afternoon of snow should cover that.
Some crystalline precipitate should throw
Its multifarious weightlessness around
For half a day and paint the whole place out,
Bring back a soft regime to bitter ground:
An instant plebiscite would vote for snow
So overwhelmingly if we could call it now.
An afternoon of snow should cover that
Milk-bottle neck bolt upright in the slime
Fast frozen at the pond’s edge, brutal there:
We need to see junk muffled, whitewashed grime,
Lean brittle ice grown comfortably fat,
A world prepared to take our footprints in.
A world prepared to take our footprints in
Needs painting out, needs be a finer field:
So overwhelmingly, if we could call it now,
The fluffy stuff would prime it: it would yield
To lightest step, be webbed and toed and heeled,
Pushed flat, smoothed off, heaped high, pinched anyhow,
Yet be inviolable. Put like that,
Gently, the cold makes sense. Snow links things up.</pre>
</div><div><hr></div><h2>Folklore</h2><p><em>Did you know? A robin looking into a room in your house is a sign of good luck!</em></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64971e6b-b0ad-4994-ab55-cef5740edd96_436x640.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64971e6b-b0ad-4994-ab55-cef5740edd96_436x640.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64971e6b-b0ad-4994-ab55-cef5740edd96_436x640.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64971e6b-b0ad-4994-ab55-cef5740edd96_436x640.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64971e6b-b0ad-4994-ab55-cef5740edd96_436x640.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F64971e6b-b0ad-4994-ab55-cef5740edd96_436x640.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="640" width="436" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a></figure></div><p>From ‘Cock Robin’s picture book’, printed in colours by Kronheim & Co. (classmark 1874.7.207). Cambridge University Library Special Collections. (<a href="https://specialcollections-blog.lib.cam.ac.uk/?p=3746">REF</a>)</p><div><hr></div><div class="subscription-widget-wrap" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe","language":"en"}' data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe">
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Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277060
2022-12-23T21:02:39+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:50+01:00
'O Night', a found poem
<h3>Some poetry fun for Christmas eve, eve…</h3><p>Whenever I was frustrated writing my MA portfolio, I would revert to simple creative writing exercises to break-the-rage and rewire my brain. </p><p>Found poetry can be a simple, pleasing way to write something original using words, phrases or passages that already exist. Sort of like a word collage. It acts as a prompt, a puzzle that you piece together however you like. </p><p>There’s a sense of satisfaction in removing words and sentences and reframing phrases to create something new.</p><p>Less is often more — or is it? You get to decide.</p><blockquote><p>In the spirit of my new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAZCLOn_ov8">cover song, ‘O Holy Night’</a>, I’ve written a found poem inspired by the English lyric we know so well.</p></blockquote><div><hr></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41009884-3c5a-4cab-b133-5b5d97c1efb8_3508x2480.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41009884-3c5a-4cab-b133-5b5d97c1efb8_3508x2480.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41009884-3c5a-4cab-b133-5b5d97c1efb8_3508x2480.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41009884-3c5a-4cab-b133-5b5d97c1efb8_3508x2480.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41009884-3c5a-4cab-b133-5b5d97c1efb8_3508x2480.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F41009884-3c5a-4cab-b133-5b5d97c1efb8_3508x2480.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1029" width="1456" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a></figure></div><div class="preformatted-block" data-component-name="PreformattedTextBlockToDOM">
<label class="hide-text" contenteditable="false"></label><pre class="text"><strong>O night</strong>
stars birth the soul
a new night
light
led by light
the Wise friend
no stranger
joy-chorus
within us
a new night,
O night</pre>
</div><p><em><strong>Kat Healy, Dec 2022 (Inspired by ‘O Holy Night’, John Sullivan Dwight 1855)</strong></em>
</p><div><hr></div><h3>Dark Moon</h3><p><strong>Giveaway tomorrow — Christmas Eve.</strong></p><p>I’ve created a new fine art print to celebrate the release of ‘O Holy Night’. It’s called ‘Dark Moon’ after the Winter Solstice, 21st Dec 2022.</p><p>Two signed prints will be sent to two subscribers —<em> good luck!</em></p><p><em>If you haven’t already — please consider subscribing to this newsletter. You will be helping me enormously with my creative work in 2023.</em></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F57fd48c8-e6f5-4e1c-8431-374aafde2e23_3508x2480.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F57fd48c8-e6f5-4e1c-8431-374aafde2e23_3508x2480.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F57fd48c8-e6f5-4e1c-8431-374aafde2e23_3508x2480.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F57fd48c8-e6f5-4e1c-8431-374aafde2e23_3508x2480.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F57fd48c8-e6f5-4e1c-8431-374aafde2e23_3508x2480.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F57fd48c8-e6f5-4e1c-8431-374aafde2e23_3508x2480.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1029" width="1456" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a></figure></div><h3>For those who love to doodle and paint</h3><p>Have a go at this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2QFD3kv9LQ">festive wreath in watercolour</a>. Painted in a fast and loose style, it’s ideal for beginners. Remember, don’t get fixated on details — just have fun!</p><div id="youtube2-K2QFD3kv9LQ" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs='{"videoId":"K2QFD3kv9LQ","startTime":null,"endTime":null}' data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/K2QFD3kv9LQ?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fde4625f0-d9ba-4e10-9034-f81e2ba4d14a_2560x1440.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fde4625f0-d9ba-4e10-9034-f81e2ba4d14a_2560x1440.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fde4625f0-d9ba-4e10-9034-f81e2ba4d14a_2560x1440.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fde4625f0-d9ba-4e10-9034-f81e2ba4d14a_2560x1440.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fde4625f0-d9ba-4e10-9034-f81e2ba4d14a_2560x1440.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fde4625f0-d9ba-4e10-9034-f81e2ba4d14a_2560x1440.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="819" width="1456" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Watercolour Festive Wreath by Kat Healy, Dec 2022</figcaption></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p>
Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277061
2022-12-21T12:00:29+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:50+01:00
O Holy Night
<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F94ac0f79-ea8d-46f8-9a14-56f003347033_3000x3000.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F94ac0f79-ea8d-46f8-9a14-56f003347033_3000x3000.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F94ac0f79-ea8d-46f8-9a14-56f003347033_3000x3000.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F94ac0f79-ea8d-46f8-9a14-56f003347033_3000x3000.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F94ac0f79-ea8d-46f8-9a14-56f003347033_3000x3000.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F94ac0f79-ea8d-46f8-9a14-56f003347033_3000x3000.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1456" width="1456" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">O Holy Night - Artwork by Kat Healy, 2022</figcaption></figure></div><h3>It’s been a while…</h3><p>Please enjoy an acoustic performance from me this holiday season. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAZCLOn_ov8">‘O Holy Night’,</a> recorded at Slate Room Studios in December 2022. </p><p>Thank you to Thilo for the piano accompaniment and Garry Boyle for turning it around in time for Christmas.</p><p>It’s not what I set out to do. I’d hoped for more. Having taken a long break during the pandemic, I’d planned on sharing something original. However, Covid-19 appears to have had other plans. </p><p>After a recent bought of the virus, I’m on ‘rest’ and figuring out a way forward with the challenges presented. </p><p>Not ideal. But then, nothing ever is.</p><div class="pullquote">
<p>Strangely, this seems the perfect way to reconnect with you.</p>
<p>Not only with you — with my singing self, too.</p>
</div><p>After a period of silence, it feels right to emerge with something simple. </p><p>No bells, no whistles — a raw, intimate acoustic performance of a song I love to sing.</p><div id="youtube2-GAZCLOn_ov8" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs='{"videoId":"GAZCLOn_ov8","startTime":null,"endTime":null}' data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/GAZCLOn_ov8?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p><em>SPOTIFY & APPLE (links for playlists TBC due to a slight delay with digital distribution)</em></p><div><hr></div><h2>New beginnings </h2><p>This year, I’m excited to share new material and embark on this model of publishing using a direct-to-community patron site.</p><p>Subscriber-supported work will help keep me focused in 2023 and ensure the projects (whatever the outcome) are meaningful throughout the process.</p><p>Please consider joining me as a subscriber to support my work and stay better engaged (away from the social media scroll).</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h2>Next up…Christmas with Kat</h2><p><strong>🎄 23rd December:</strong> found poetry for Christmas eve, eve. An original piece inspired by the English lyric of ‘O Holy Night’.</p><p><em><strong>— Plus</strong></em><strong>, Dec Art Club!</strong> Festive watercolours to try at home over the holidays.</p><p><strong>🎄 24th December:</strong> a Christmas eve special. An audio post. A reading of one of my favourite Christmas poems to wish you a happy holiday season.</p><p><em><strong>— Plus</strong></em><strong>, a subscriber-only art print giveaway!</strong> Two ‘Dark Moon’ prints will be sent to two subscribers… (make sure you sign up before 6 pm on Sat).</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6130418-2569-497b-a7e9-d7d4868c1fcc_600x424.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6130418-2569-497b-a7e9-d7d4868c1fcc_600x424.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6130418-2569-497b-a7e9-d7d4868c1fcc_600x424.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6130418-2569-497b-a7e9-d7d4868c1fcc_600x424.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6130418-2569-497b-a7e9-d7d4868c1fcc_600x424.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6130418-2569-497b-a7e9-d7d4868c1fcc_600x424.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="424" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Artwork by Kat Healy, 2022</figcaption></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><p><em>Did you know?</em></p><h3><strong>Cantique de Noël</strong></h3><blockquote><p>‘O Holy Night’ was originally based on a French-language poem by poet Placide Cappeau, ‘Minuit, chrétiens’ (1843). The French composer Adolphe Adam set it to music in 1847, named ‘Cantique de Noël’. A decade after it was composed, in 1855, Minister John Sullivan Dwight translated the song into the English lyric we sing today.</p></blockquote><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3ce081a-abfa-4596-85a0-0087a5c2b9e4_600x300.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3ce081a-abfa-4596-85a0-0087a5c2b9e4_600x300.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3ce081a-abfa-4596-85a0-0087a5c2b9e4_600x300.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3ce081a-abfa-4596-85a0-0087a5c2b9e4_600x300.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3ce081a-abfa-4596-85a0-0087a5c2b9e4_600x300.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3ce081a-abfa-4596-85a0-0087a5c2b9e4_600x300.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
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Kat Healy
tag:kathealymusic.com,2005:Post/7277062
2022-12-20T15:15:30+00:00
2023-09-22T09:15:50+01:00
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1f430e94-14c7-4f13-83b4-17e3161fea6e_3508x2480.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1f430e94-14c7-4f13-83b4-17e3161fea6e_3508x2480.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1f430e94-14c7-4f13-83b4-17e3161fea6e_3508x2480.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1f430e94-14c7-4f13-83b4-17e3161fea6e_3508x2480.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1f430e94-14c7-4f13-83b4-17e3161fea6e_3508x2480.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1f430e94-14c7-4f13-83b4-17e3161fea6e_3508x2480.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1029" width="1456" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
</div></a></figure></div><h3>Time for a change…</h3><p>I’m launching my (brand new!) Newsletter <strong>‘Kat Healy Kreates’</strong> on Substack tomorrow: <strong>21st December 2022</strong>.</p><div class="pullquote"><p>Please consider becoming a subscriber to support my creative work in 2023. </p></div><p>I will share plenty of exclusive subscriber-only content, including new songs, behind-the-scenes videos, illustrated poetry and original fine art print giveaways from my studio.</p><p>I hope you might consider joining me in this new venture. </p><p>Kat x</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs='{"url":"https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?","text":"Subscribe now","action":null,"class":null}' data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://kathealykreates.substack.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><p><em>Things I’ll be sharing in the coming weeks…</em></p><h3>Christmas & New Year </h3><p>🎄 <strong>Wed 21st Dec</strong> — New song ‘O Holy Night’ and video released on Substack and digital platforms (just in time for the festive playlists)</p><p>🎄 <strong>Fri 23rd Dec</strong> — Some found poetry for Christmas eve, eve. An original piece inspired by the English lyric of ‘O Holy Night’. Plus, some festive watercolour videos you can try at home.</p><p>🎄 <strong>Sat 24th Dec</strong> — Christmas Eve, a recording of one of my favourite festive poems <em>(+ art print giveaway)</em></p><p>🎄 <strong>Fri 30th Dec</strong> — New Year’s Eve, a song and a wish 💫</p><p>🎄 <strong>Thurs 5th Jan</strong> — Twelfth Night Special <em>(+ art print giveaway)</em></p><div><hr></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link is-viewable-img image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F898dde09-6fff-4f6c-bbc5-3cba71ec8856_600x400.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset">
<picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F898dde09-6fff-4f6c-bbc5-3cba71ec8856_600x400.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F898dde09-6fff-4f6c-bbc5-3cba71ec8856_600x400.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F898dde09-6fff-4f6c-bbc5-3cba71ec8856_600x400.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F898dde09-6fff-4f6c-bbc5-3cba71ec8856_600x400.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F898dde09-6fff-4f6c-bbc5-3cba71ec8856_600x400.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="600" /></source></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></div>
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Kat Healy