something for the fridge door

Being Bi-Bloggal

2012-01-09T10:39:00.003+01:00

I'm moving much of this blog to a different host, for some reason there seems to be a lot more interaction over there and that is exciting. Unfortunately, that interaction is dependent upon the blog being "G" rated, so my life drawings would take me off the search radar, which pretty much defeats the purpose. If I manage to record any bits and bobs this year, I'll stick them up somewhere else - here, probably!

So, see you on the other side : NEW BLOG IS INSIDE HERE!

2012-01-06T22:24:00.003+01:00

I've been working like a maniac this week, and happily have a lot to show for it. Loads of new works on the homepage and a new graphics / illustrations specific page now online as well! I always get more done when I'm busy and 6 days into the new year, I've been keeping up with my ideals. Things become habit after 6 weeks apparently, so if I can repeat this 7 more times I'll be a rich, skinny, king of the world!

www.bruce-long.com

www.planetbam.com

old, new, borrowed, blue.

2012-01-03T21:20:00.003+01:00

I just came across this rather poorly scanned drawing from a few years back, it reminded me of the change I'd made in my life drawing from unnatural colours and exaggerated perspectives towards wanting to express as much as possible with the minimum number of lines and the most simple shapes. I feel quite excited about that concept again now. Anyone out there can stand still for 15 minutes???

The year without chocolate!

2012-01-01T14:51:00.004+01:00

Welcome to 2012, the YAZZ year if you will, 'things can only get better'!

Anyway, what better way to kick off the year than with the two posters that are about to appear all over town. I'm really proud of these artworks and it will be exciting to see them out in public. For all its horrors, 2011 was reasonably productive creativity wise, so I'm hoping that will better health and slightly better luck, 2012 will bring an output that is really remarkable.

Guten Rutsch, Gute Landung

2011-12-31T13:51:00.002+01:00

Tick tock tick tock, according to my passport its just about to turn into 2012! Unfortunately, we still have another 10 hours to wait. Nevertheless, I can't wait to see the end of this rotten year and kick my scrawny butt into a fresh, energetic start. I can't believe all the bad that's happened. Still, to use the cliche, what hasn't killed me has made me stronger and I guess I'm more ready than ever to get on with things and make the most of life. All the baddies are dead through one means or another, so one can only expect brilliant things for 2012!

December 31st is the very worst time of the year.

You've got to think of people that you like enough

to share your beer.

Just when you're having fun, it's January 1,

and you wait for explanations to appear.

Phoebe Snow

(1950 - 2011)

Guten Rutsch III

2011-12-30T15:47:00.003+01:00

A final major work completed for 2011 (acrylic on canvas, 160 x 110 cm). This is the first panel in a (possible) self portrait triptych, its called "Australia". It started out as an experimentation with several ideas for painting style and texture, but was so difficult to bring to fruition that I suspect a lot of my progress got very much watered down along the way. I still don't know what the stumbling blocks and resistances were... or maybe I do! Anyway, finished now just in time to clean out the studio for 2012.

A mighty fine offer!

2011-12-29T18:57:00.003+01:00

Here is a future classic, taken today. I call it "RHINE, TOO" and it is available in a limited edition at marginally less than US$4.3 million per print. You're too late for Christmas, but don't forget Valentine's Day is just around the corner and Mothers' Day is rushing towards us at frightening speed!

WHAT a bargain!

Guten Rutsch II

2011-12-28T19:40:00.001+01:00

The year in review - favourite spontaneous photo, 2011.

Guten Rutsch I

2011-12-27T15:58:00.003+01:00

The year in review - 3 favourite portraits, 2011.

Lift your game, Santa!

2011-12-26T16:59:00.004+01:00

You've fallen over in a big way this year, Santa. Hoping for better things in 2012...

was dreaming of (a) white christmas, but had a green christmas instead!

(as in hospital gown green...hmmm)

Still, got presents despite the no present rule, and my new Diamond Chair is a beauty.

And there I am as the ghost of Christmas Past, on Aline Smithson's wonderful blog.

Thanks Aline!

Have a look at LENSCRATCH's latest exhibition!

Christmas Party

2011-12-20T11:09:00.002+01:00

Mexican style, of course.

Christmas Market

2011-12-19T11:58:00.002+01:00

painting painting painting

2011-12-14T17:40:00.002+01:00

Indulging in a day of painting, not exactly going smoothly but the process of doing it is very exciting. Had convinced myself to head to the gym because the rain stopped, but then, massive black clouds and thunder. I did try.

I wish I was asleep....

2011-12-12T16:25:00.003+01:00

Without the never heard sounds of daily lives within,

five rows of houses and a houndstooth strip of forest

do nothing to temper the brain slicing roar of traffic

on the autobahn

at 4.27am.

Where are these people going?

Why are they driving?

How can they still be still awake at this time?

How can I still be still awake at this time?

This is not a poem, its a cry for help!

Ding dong merrily on high...

2011-12-09T17:09:00.002+01:00

I suspect the Grinch has stolen my Christmas, I'm really not feeling festive at all as of yet. Early days, true enough, but at least the tree is up and Oma's very old glass baubles that were discovered in the cellar are on display again after a 30 odd year break. They are extremely beautiful.

I've just sorted through my photos from 2011 to choose my favourite one, to submit to Aline Smithson's end of year exhibition - fascinating process, trying to decide which factors were the most important to me and finally deciding on an image that is, I believe, captivating and also most closely reflects the idea I'd had before taking the photo. I've taken a lot of really interesting photos that were spontaneous and 'in the moment' which I value very much, but the balance has tipped towards the achievement of bringing vision to fruition. More later.

jetzt wird es ernst (now it's getting serious)

2011-12-01T21:58:00.003+01:00

Have reached the point of having enough security, stability and peace of mind to develop some kind of effective and active social conscious. Words are cheap really and I think the mind and spirit need to be nurtured sufficiently to reach the point of being able to look outwards effectively. It seems though that there is a grid within the parameters of self-indulgence vs. contribution, crossed by the parameters of being vs. doing. I suspect I am wishing to establish where I am in the grid and move towards the spot I wish I was at. Might not be such a big step, and am probably already on the way. The writing is on the wall... but what does it say??

55 at 44

2011-11-30T20:58:00.003+01:00

Decade Portrait 55 - rushing incredibly fast towards the half way mark. I notice the portraits are becoming more meaningful in terms of recording what's going on in each month. Hopefully still interesting as portraits and as segments of a larger piece as well. This one for example is a souvenir of my hopefully last visit to the eye clinic, this pink card must be held up to remind the nurse to come and give you drops every 20 minutes to dilate the pupils sufficiently for whatever horrors are about to eventuate. Also, wearing my London t-shirt, which I've now had for exactly half my life. Its only now starting to fray around the collar which I guess represents a good quality purchase, and perhaps will motivate me to make the leap back to London sooner rather than later.

a madwoman's breakfast

2011-11-27T17:38:00.003+01:00

Life has been frantic, deeply engrossed in physiotherapy and painting. Will update soon on the canvas based progress. So many ideas floating around in my mind and not particularly falling into any type of helpful order, although that can be exciting and energizing for a while. Its the first sunday of Advent, so there is a big temptation to coast along for a few weeks and make a clean break with the New Year in January, but I'm certain that would be detrimental to the battle against procrastination! Collecting new works to update the homepage, and planning a few new photo works as well.

Have also discovered Bill Bryson - how did it take so long??

Paint

2011-11-12T17:45:00.005+01:00

On the advice of another blogger I've been investigating WordPress, but am going to stick with Blogger - woo hoo.... ahem. I couldn't post this photo there (or more importantly, even the most simple charcoal life drawing) and I disagree that its pornographic so discussion over. I really love this photo, its not a classic portrait but has a lot of emotion. It might be the perspective of an Australian sinking into the European winter, but this photo has the glare and heat of summer right through it, that light is so particularly mid Australian summer.

Otherwise, I've started painting again and like many of these things - fresh bed linen for example - you wonder why you don't do it every day, its so refreshing. Also been building up the meditation discipline but find disappearing into painting so much more immediate and intense. I've gone back to the first of a series of 3 self portraits, this one was started almost a year ago and has needed to wait in the background for a while. Lots of ideas buzzing at the moment.

Is 'e an Aussie, is 'e, is 'e?

2011-11-08T19:27:00.001+01:00

"De'jeuner sur l'herbe, 2011"

I am feeling that it should be heading towards summer, instead of getting colder. Perhaps I'm still and Aussie after all, instead of an Ossie! Actually, I am very much an Ossie as well - German slang for someone from the former East Germany, and not overly affectionate it must be said. Still, the areas in Berlin that used to be in the East have really captured my heart and it really feels like being at home when I'm there. All in good time.

Meanwhile this week of medical appointments is plugging along and its starting to feel like there might be light at the end of the tunnel, in terms of not spending half my life in waiting rooms next year. Tomorrow its the first physio appointment, which I'm actually looking forward to, should be very interesting to get some good, professional advice about stretching and muscle strength.

On the change front, have made the tiniest and possibly insignificant change of buying yoghurt in a recyclable glass jar instead of the plastic tubs. OK, very much a 'first world problem', to grab hold of the expression that I'm suddenly hearing daily, but at least its something done. Tonight I'll be resuming my meditation routine as well, so clearing space for new inspirations.

What next...

2011-11-06T15:40:00.004+01:00

Slipping into a zone of extreme contemplation, and feeling that I need to be doing more... but what and how? Some exciting things coming up, but procrastination and excuse making are becoming uncomfortable so looking for a new place in the world. Thought I'd had the mid-life crisis when I was 25, but there you go. Maybe its a sign of a healthy mind and soul, being compelled to start looking outwards?

Meanwhile, I've got a photo included in Aline Smithson's latest photo project - its a lot of fun, check it out HERE !

confidence

2011-10-26T22:03:00.002+02:00

Getting braver, in my old age.

Occupy Frankfurt

2011-10-21T18:48:00.001+02:00

Berlin Top 5 : Faves

2011-10-20T16:01:00.001+02:00

An exercise in discipline and editing this week - choosing the best 40 photos from my days in Berlin, the best 5 under 8 different themes... not even one glimpse of the Brandenburg Gate or the TV Tower!

Berlin Top 5 : Alternative Berlin

2011-10-20T15:42:00.002+02:00

Berlin Top 5 : People

2011-10-20T15:18:00.001+02:00

Berlin Top 5 : Festival of Lights

2011-10-20T14:49:00.002+02:00

Berlin Top 5 : Trans

2011-10-20T14:26:00.002+02:00

Berlin Top 5 : Occupy Berlin

2011-10-20T14:15:00.001+02:00

Berlin Top 5 : Plastic

2011-10-20T11:04:00.004+02:00

I ♥ B*RLIN

2011-10-19T17:21:00.003+02:00

Just home from an amazing trip to Berlin, the light was extraordinary, the energy was inspiring, the first assorted five of many photos.

'I am a jam donut' (J.F.K.)

2011-10-13T11:53:00.004+02:00

I'm already missing Berlin and I don't even get there until tomorrow morning.

Surely the combination of dreadlocks and nudity is always fascinating,

but certainly hoping its not going to be 47 degrees again this time!

Hier bin ich Mensch...

2011-10-12T15:44:00.002+02:00

... hier darf ich's sein!

through the square window...

2011-10-10T16:04:00.000+02:00

and then?

2011-10-09T16:32:00.001+02:00

I seem to have been spending more time

looking backwards than looking forwards in the past week.

I think its really time now....

Decade Portrait 47?

2011-09-30T21:24:00.002+02:00

Give me endless summer, Lord I fear the cold.

Feel I'm getting old before my time..

life drawing

2011-09-28T15:59:00.001+02:00

I am becoming increasingly compelled to get my hands dirty with charcoal again.

Watch this space!

a portrait

2011-09-27T15:15:00.002+02:00

Sunday, Sunday. Can't trust that day.

2011-09-25T16:17:00.001+02:00

Just a snapshot, no tricks.

gravel, metal, shadow, flesh.

2011-09-24T17:20:00.003+02:00

a vision of the world in four elements...

keeping both of my feet of clay firmly on the ground...

2011-09-23T10:58:00.001+02:00

I think I love photographing Ferris Wheels and hate going on them in equal measure.

'cause for 24 years I've been living next door to Alice...

2011-09-22T14:33:00.003+02:00

"I guess they've got their reasons

but I just don't want to know!"

ministry of the yarts...

2011-09-21T11:57:00.004+02:00

I think this is a really good photo and I'm proud of it. It has an interesting composition, a sense of movement, a sense of story and dialogue to ponder.

I think this is a very beautiful image of a good looking guy, but I'm not sure if its a good 'photograph'. Is there any quality to the image as an artwork or communication between me the photographer and the viewer, that is more than the simple fact that DK is a good looking guy who is very photogenic. I'd love there to be, but I'm not sure about it!

waiting to pick up on the swings...

2011-09-20T19:34:00.001+02:00

Its got to be-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee, per-er-er-er-er-er-fect!

the only way is up, baby.

2011-09-19T14:08:00.000+02:00

thought for the day...

2011-09-18T10:07:00.002+02:00

Even Superman is Clark Kent sometimes.

a photo for the day...

2011-09-16T22:34:00.002+02:00

sometimes a cliched postcard type image can be most satisfying!

a photo for the day...

2011-09-15T21:11:00.001+02:00

boys and their various toys...

2011-09-10T16:35:00.002+02:00

Frankfurt am Main

when I close my eyes, you're everywhere...

2011-09-09T16:29:00.000+02:00

more from the land of Mad King Ludwig...

2011-09-08T20:02:00.003+02:00

I think it was Photoshop that drove poor Ludwig mad!

there's a fine line between pleasure and pain...

2011-09-07T14:43:00.002+02:00

I love this photo, although sometimes I see something a little sinister in it.

I am happy that it evokes some kind of story though.

I'm an individual, you can't fool me.

2011-09-06T18:04:00.001+02:00

Balconia latest

2011-09-05T09:58:00.004+02:00

The portrait that took two years to take! As is often the case, took a whole stack of variations but the very first shot was the one I liked the most. Will update the homepage with my summer output quite soon.

Three messy windows... (Metz, 2011)

2011-09-04T17:35:00.001+02:00

The greenest greenroom.

2011-09-03T10:53:00.002+02:00

"The chaperone"

Please don't ask!

2011-09-02T14:16:00.003+02:00

Four images from the summer, interesting scenes that I have no explanation for.

been in the storm too long...

2011-09-01T12:59:00.001+02:00

Thar be hang gliders in thum thar clouds, dagnamit!

a photo for the day + 1.

2011-08-31T12:25:00.004+02:00

Different days, different countries.

How uncivilized!

2011-08-30T19:04:00.002+02:00

A world without poodles? No wonder someone tried to shoot the sign!

In form and moving how express and admirable...

2011-08-29T16:08:00.004+02:00

People are still more captivating than the most spectacular water and trees!

What if...

2011-08-28T21:18:00.004+02:00

What if the best photo you ever took was actually not in focus?

Is it about the focus or is it about the photo and the story - relationship, history, emotions, interactions, meaning? What is a 'good' photo anyway?

Supersize me!

2011-08-27T18:07:00.003+02:00

Servus, Wien.

2011-08-25T17:49:00.004+02:00

Two final images from Vienna.

Along with the photos, the Sachertorte and Schnitzel are with me still.

"Thanks for the calories, for things I can't forget"

's'not snot...

2011-08-24T15:34:00.002+02:00

Hey Hanau! Sick of the sight of me yet? :-)

Inspiration + Creativity = Art

DK Pur(e)

2011-08-24T00:27:00.001+02:00

Salzburg Favourite Three

2011-08-23T22:10:00.001+02:00

Zipadeedoodah!

2011-08-22T18:58:00.003+02:00

Was able to do an unexpected photoshoot this afternoon, and it went really well. Happily managed to finish a particular portrait that had been in the planning for 2 years but which time and weather had prevented coming to fruition. I have that and many other great images to process. In the meantime, here is something fun and spontaneous from today!

summer is running out

2011-08-19T18:06:00.003+02:00

The visitors have all gone, after 6 weeks... missing them all and enjoying the empty house in equal measure! Really need to get some photo work done before school starts again, so if there is anyone local who feels like being photographed, please get in touch!!

I have actually managed to do a few new images for Balconia and Heights and Depths, so feel quite pleased with that. Am about to start something about guys and their hair, hopefully ranging from the shaved to the dreadlocked. All I need now is to (as is often so eloquently said) 'grow a pair' and approach some models. In the meantime, here is a portrait from Wednesday.

Birthday portrait

2011-08-10T21:39:00.000+02:00

from the so called 'summer'

2011-08-08T20:18:00.001+02:00

as I wait...

2011-07-30T11:20:00.000+02:00

Vienna

2011-07-29T18:52:00.004+02:00

More Mozarts, cigarette shops and sushi bars than I've seen anywhere else in one place!

the feathers of my wings would fall...

2011-07-28T22:35:00.004+02:00

"If ever I leave your embrace, the feathers of my wings would fall and leave me on the ground living half a life without you..." When I wrote that 15 or so years ago, I didn't anticipate being blind in one eye, deaf in one ear and numb down one half of my body! As the Germans say, "I've had a nose full!" Oh well, managed to clomp around Vienna for 4 solid days, including down these stairs 2 or 3 times a day. More "Weiner Art" to come!

I don't know why I got so attached...

2011-07-26T12:35:00.003+02:00

.... in this blue shade, my tears dry on their own...

Where's Wally?

2011-07-07T10:22:00.001+02:00

50th Decade Portraits Series

2011-07-03T12:46:00.002+02:00

Either I'm very old, or not expressing myself as competently as I might... On the plus side, I think this image also serves as a launching pad for my next summer series, concerning people and their dogs.

Something a bit extra...

2011-06-30T20:43:00.000+02:00

Back in the saddle...

2011-06-30T14:49:00.003+02:00

Did a photoshoot today for a fashion designer friend who is putting together a portfolio of her designs. These are two of my favourite images, even though the design doesn't feature so heavily in these ones.

Bye for now, Dad.

2011-05-15T11:38:00.000+02:00

John Emmet George Long

8th December 1927 - 15 May 2011

the bezt from Metz...

2011-05-12T10:08:00.002+02:00

happy birthday to me, I live in a tree...

2011-05-11T14:02:00.002+02:00

Spent my 44th birthday in Metz, France, and here are my five favourite photos from yesterday. My nephew was very excited about having a 'double birthday' and turning 11 last year. On the fourth time round, me - not so excited!

The Surfer's First Lesson

2011-05-06T22:51:00.003+02:00

Two re-worked works, for a competition on the theme of 'Beginnings'.

Self portraits

2011-05-03T10:18:00.004+02:00

Portrait 48 in my ten year project. Meditating on a miracle!

Speaking of self portraits, I was lucky enough to be included in Aline Smithson's latest online exhibition in her Lenscratch blog. I very exciting and affirming event!

Have a look: LENSCRATCH

more fleas

2011-05-01T14:04:00.002+02:00

Frankfurt Flea Market

2011-04-30T20:48:00.003+02:00

In this life, we often don't get what we wanted - especially when it comes to hair! I'll never have a mane of dreadlocks, but at least I've got company!

People watching in Frankfurt.

The Focus Project, 2011

2011-04-27T16:15:00.001+02:00

Its me!

The Focus Project.

feels like another one...

2011-03-21T11:04:00.003+01:00

Montage project.

2011-03-20T19:59:00.001+01:00

Rhine Bank Wake - the inadequacy of choosing a single moment from many...

2011-03-17T22:02:00.002+01:00

how do you catch a cloud and pin it down?

New Series: Mein Goldenes Umfeld (Good as Gold)

2011-03-14T22:30:00.004+01:00

Meine neue Foto-Serie in der es um die Menschen geht, die mir ein Gefühl von Ort und Gemeinschaft hier in Deutschland geben. Nicht notwendiger Weise enge Freunde, aber alle sind wichtige Bausteine in dem Fundament eines (meines) Lebens.

Wenn ich Dich frage, sei bitte nicht zu schüchtern um mitzumachen!

My new photo series, which is about the people who give me some sense of place and community here in Germany. Not necessarily close friends, but all are important stones in the foundations of a life. If I ask you, please don't be shy!

more less is more

2011-03-12T16:55:00.001+01:00

less is more, yet again.

2011-03-11T16:33:00.001+01:00

another photo shoot

2011-03-09T22:51:00.002+01:00

Very regal, extremely beautiful images. I'm still pondering whether they mean more than that and if they need to mean more than that. I think there is certainly a story in there, probably what I'm coming to terms with is the recognition that the story has very little to do with me.

(the day after) Rosen Montag

2011-03-08T14:59:00.004+01:00

I thought this might be a worthy photo for the Decade Portraits project, then even more inglorious events occurred today that needed recording as milestones along the way.... show you in 2017!

Hanau - helau!

2011-03-06T16:14:00.002+01:00

goodbye girls ('cause now you're home at last)

2011-03-03T09:36:00.002+01:00

The last offering from V and S, now its time to get back to 'work'!

new series: Little Black Dress

2011-03-02T11:34:00.003+01:00

ich KANN Kunst machen!

2011-03-01T13:54:00.002+01:00

new Heights and Depths

2011-02-28T11:53:00.004+01:00

Girls have heights and depths too!