having you on

Level 3 at the Baltic contains an installation by Michael Dean called, 'Having you on'.  The first sight of the installation is through a square entrance sealed off with striped-tape bearing the repeated word, 'sorry'. The tape carries on round the corner to link different elements of the structure which includes, among other things, perspex, concrete castings, a hoop of bronze loose change and sundry moldings of hands in a variety of colours.

Viewed as an entirety it creates a bewildering dreamlike stage which bears repeated viewing at different angles and vantage points.

idea of the north

We start our tour of the Baltic on the top floor, which houses, 'Idea of the North'. The gallery features a number of exhibitions bringing together architecture, photography, music and design, all focused on northern identity.

the great exhibition

A short break in Newcastle, our home town, just in time to catch the last of the Great Exhibition of the North.  A great chance to catch up with Robynne and Rob, two members or our extended family.

Our first port of call is the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, a four storey converted flour-mill in Gateshead on the banks of the Tyne. 

departed - no. 4

 who flew the nest?

departed - no. 3

 This snail arrived from Spain via a Norfolk branch of Tesco. It departed ... fed.

departed - no. 2

The dragonfly nymph can take up to four years to become fully grown.

Once the weather is right it will then climb up the stem of a plant and complete the process of metamorphosis by shedding its skin.

The young dragonfly has departed and all that remains is its discarded skin, the exuvia.

little acts of kindness

Little acts of kindness are wonderful things. Like arranging the flowers for church service on Sunday. 

Each week a member of the team of dedicated ladies takes it in turn to prepare two vases of fresh-cut flowers, one for each side of the altar.

The beauty of nature in its rightful place.