Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy Art Photography - Nature (Swans/Cygnet)

As the new year approaches I thought I would post some of my photography/artwork from this year.  

However, beauty is timeless.

Summer 2018

River Kent, Kendal, UK

'As You Are'

(Panasonic DMC-S1 - All photos unedited and all shots of subject included.  See above.)

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy Photography 2018

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Christmas Eve Impromtu Open Mic.

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy appearing as Sophie blue ninja elfin (this is my social media, facebook nickname, though apt enough) #JustForFun

So, whilst elfin about on Christmas Eve doing elvish errands, like giving out some vouchers that I had picked up, to the homeless, (where they can get a freebie and/or discounted food) from a newly opened bakery for example, you could say I got 'roped' into performing at the Open Mic. Night.  However, you'd be incorrect, coz I offered to.  

Thank you to host Professor Craig for lending me his guitar complete with a purrfect guitar strap. 

Anyway, here are some photies of me performing some of my original songs on the theme of, as what Christmas is widely renowned for as, love. 

(Aside) to Professor Craig: Beg to differ there were only five photos, not six, as you stated, although, every one (with some of my tweaks, of course) brilliantly useful.  

#Volunteer

Thank you to Professor Craig at the Roper Hall (Preston, Lancashire, UK) for assisting with photography.

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2018

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Christmas and new year 2018

Wishing you a very 

Happy Christmas and New Year!

from

Santa's little helper

Sophie

aka a Dancer

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉❉

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2018

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Blogtastic

Feeling Blogtastic!

Some social media constantly ask what's on your mind and you can post things like I am feeling (whatever you are feeling) etc., however, not everybody 'Likes' to feel as though they are being forced to say how they feel, I think

Anyhow, Happy Winter Solstice!  I am feeling blogtastic.  This is because today is the winter solstice and it just so corresponds that this week I have also been doing my work placement as a Groom/Stable Hand today.  It has been a long day, as it is a very early start to the day, the work is hard work (although I do enjoy the work) and as well as this public transport home was running just over half an hour late, therefore, 

although, there are a range of 'feelings' that I could say that I am feeling today,

as my two most recent blogs seem to have fused together in today's activities so to speak 

I can quite obviously say that I am feeling blogtastic!

Related articles:

https://handeldoesit.blogspot.com/2018/12/sophie-cox-oshaughnessy-just-horsin.html

https://handeldoesit.blogspot.com/2018/12/sophie-cox-oshaughnessy-artwork-update.html (read Comments, also)

On another note, thank you to family and friends for having a listening ear and being full of good cheer today.

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2018

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Just Horsin' Around

Actually, I am not just horsing around as alongside being an artist/musician/singing and dance teacher, as mentioned in prior blogs, I am pursuing becoming a Stable Hand/Groom.

I have recently been awarded funding from the Duchy of Lancaster Bursary.  Coupled with the Myerscough College Bursary I am able to attend a City and Guilds Level 2. course in Equine Care. 

Securing funding has been stressful with my job seekers allowance benefit (as I have been doing less than 16 hrs work per week) being stopped until I didn't know when and my first experience of a foodbank, for example.  

However, as I am studying part-time I can continue to be available for work and this I have proven and won my job seekers allowance back again.  I am fortunate to also receive funding from the College for my travel.

I am very grateful for this funding, have completed term 1. and am looking forward to enjoying the rest of the course.

It is very hard work, but I am determined to do my best.

Here are what I think are the best of some snapshots, the best that I could manage with a basic digital camera and some limited lighting:

Midgeland Riding School (Myerscough Riding Club)

Riding Club

Riding Club

Riding Club

Myerscough College sculpture

Student trip to Hoys - Horse of the Year Show - Lots on and lots to see - Got to see events in the arena including vaulting:-

My work placement is at Penny Farm - the World Horse Welfare:-

On my work placement and fundraising at the Christmas fair at Penny Farm (World Horse Welfare) - Cannot get away from my artistic roots and I wouldn't want to:-

I would like to express a special thanks to Myerscough College, the Queen (the Duchy of Lancaster), no less, World Horse Welfare, Penny Farm and Midgeland Riding School.

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2018

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy ~ Artwork - Update

Harris Open Exhibition

Okay, I recently revealed that one of my pieces that I submitted at the Harris Open Exhibition this year is connected with a upcoming festivity.

For all interested in celebrating it, one of my artwork pieces is titled 'Winter Solstice'.  This can be viewed in one of the cabinets in the left hand room.

Fact file: St Thomas' Day was originally celebrated on the day of the winter solstice.

For more info. go to: http://www.harrismuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/1202-harris-open-exhibition-2017

Related articles:

https://handeldoesit.blogspot.com/2018/12/harris-open-exhibition-2018.html

https://handeldoesit.blogspot.com/2018/12/sophie-cox-oshaughnessy-artwork_12.html

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Artwork

artwork update

I recently submitted some artwork into the Open Harris Exhibition in Preston.

See: https://handeldoesit.blogspot.com/2018/12/harris-open-exhibition-2018.html

It is as from today that I can breathe a little sigh of relief as one of my pieces that had been displayed incorrectly is now as it ought to be.  Namely, vertical.

It only took five days to be corrected.  Although, to be fair they did change it to on a diagonal, however that is now upright as I, as the artist, intended it to be.  

Another reason as to why I was particularly concerned is because this particular piece resonates with a festivity.

Without telling you anymore, I urge you to go and see for yourself.

I think as an artist I have the right to be a sort of perfectionist as to how my work is presented.  

I have moved on from paying to display work, though having my work displayed incorrectly is not something I consider worth paying for.

If anyone chooses to consider to purchase it, they could display it however they want.  Until then, it is intended to be upright.

(It doesn't seem to really make a difference as it is, however, it is actually meant to be upright the other way up.)  

As to the reprinted booklet of listings with my name presented correctly, if that comes about, when that happens, then that would be nice.

Artists, hey.  Ever striving for perfection.

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy ~ Birthday Suit

Birthdays come but once a year. 

Here I am celebrating my birthday this year in 'my birthday suit', a dress I think is so gorgeous it makes me feel like the girl in the golden dress with quality friends.

Thankyou for class conversation John (near) and Damien (far) and  top food, Totto's Restaurant (Preston)

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2018

Harris Open Exhibition 2018

Attending the Harris Open Exhibition 2018.  

My artwork can be viewed in one of the cabinets in the left hand room. 

I am informed that from Monday (10/12/2018), one of my pieces will be displayed correctly and in the reprinted booklet of listings my name will also be presented correctly.

attending the Harris Open Exhibition preview 

Thanks to Museum staff for assisting with my photography.

For more info. go to: http://www.harrismuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/1202-harris-open-exhibition-2017

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2018

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy Photography ~ Lest We Forget

Remembrance Sunday Parade 2018 

Band In The Sunlight

Preston, Lancashire

I feel privileged that following this I got to play with this band of very talented musicians, who incidentally offer their services at events such as these for free - all monies go back in to the running of the band, rehearsals, band practice hall hire etc. I guess.  

I, however, do not have the luxury of working as a musician for free, at the moment, really, so as I am glad of the experience of playing with these guys and gals - as the trumpet is not my first instrument, although I think I gave it a good toot, I wish them lots of good luck and look forward to hearing them play again.

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy Photography 2018

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Artwork

Harris Open Exhibition 2018

So, I have submitted some artwork at this:

http://www.harrismuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/1202-harris-open-exhibition-2018

true to my word and regardless of the charge

The preview is Friday 7 December, 6pm - 8pm

Love art and local to Preston, Lancashire or just fancy coming along anyway Get it in your diary

Exhibition continues until 20 January 2019

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Volunteering

Keeping in touch with one of my favourite charities, Age Concern, assisting with selling Christmas cards 

# Volunteer 🎅🎉🎄🎁✌

c. S Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2018

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy ~ The arts - It's good for the soul!

As Relevant As It Was Then Now!

Wow! Four years ago!

Some really good speakers here.  No less, oneself.

Though, ironically, I was filmed in the Harris Museum and Art Gallery where I have exhibited visual art at the Harris Open Exhibition (2016).
[Go to/Copy and paste: https://handeldoesit.blogspot.com/2016/12/news.html for more about this.]

However, the following year a fee was set to submit any work, and although minimal really, because the event is aimed for local artists taking part (who more often than not, although very talented, are not hugely well off) I chose not to participate to make a stand so to speak.

Now, I have taken a stand I would consider participating again, even if there isn't the funding being utilised for the arts.

Why! This year, the submission date has moved to later on, and I may even appear in my birthday suit.

I am, of course, speaking metaphorically and/or tongue in cheek, my birthday being in at this time of year.

Go to/Copy/paste the following link for the article:

https://youtu.be/CD8sqe7rk7E?t=192

(Arts Lancashire - Have Your Say ~ a short film organised by the Lancashire County Council)

I continue to hold this view as it is prevalent and relevant as ever:

'As many opportunities as possible can only help society become a more healthy society because, the arts - it's good for the soul.'

#same as it ever was

#I said it then and I'll say it again

#archives

#"I think art is very good because you get to use your imagination and make up your own thing." Minnie

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy Blog on Brexit. Brexit – for ‘Dummies’!

Brexit – for ‘Dummies’! 

Brexit for Breakfast!

So, we're all aware that something called Brexit has been hanging over all our heads for a while now. 

Referring to the following article (see link, copy/paste):

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-44749993

I have provided what I can only see fit to describe as Brexit – for ‘Dummies’!

‘The cabinet has reached an agreement on the UK's future relationship with the EU after Brexit. Here are the key points from the three page deal published by the government.’ – Terry Pratchett would have approved.  Brexit has a talking cabinet.  Also, if it's good for J.K. Rowling/Harry Potter then it's good for us: Go to the key room and you have three goes.  As well they have reached an agreement, and how often do they do that!  

Let’s have a ganders:

Common Rulebook – Pray

Pray down at the farm, aswell

Treaty to be signed Pro-Peace (Nothing like King John and Arthur etc.). - all participants have to wear rubber

‘Parliament will oversee …’ bend it like Parliament

The EU and the UK are going to have a competition at the Co-Op.  This will be on a Good for me, good for you basis.

“Different arrangements” …’ - bend it like Parliament, again

Joint Jurisdiction: Both the UK and EU will legalise Cannabis

UK smoke joints in UK Courts and EU smoke joints in EU Courts

‘But, decisions by UK Courts …’ You’ve got to know your Common Book of Prayer

‘Cases will be referred …’ Sounds Irish that!

Arranged Brexit Bit like arranged marriage Who would really opt for that!

Combined border duty free  - That sells!

taxes apply anyway

Free movement of people – sounds like bowel control or something that rhymes with mastication:

Your name’s not ‘Dan’ you’re not coming in

Mobility framework – more like more (unneccesary) paperwork you mean

your overalls are required for what’s to come, so as to be precise and responsible

bulletpoint 3. legalising cannabis

Homework (for Brexiteers) Sounds like Brigadeers- Yes let’s make it sound it bravado: is to read in excess of 100 pages of ‘more like this’

  

Next week the white room gets involved/promise we’re (the Government) not racist

Don’t forget: 

We haven’t decided all this yet! 

though it's preferred - bit like James' favourite drink: shaken, not stirred.

The opinions in this Blog by no means reflect that of the Author.

Also this article represents a Just For Fun and Raising Awareness initiative.

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy Blogs 2018

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Rider Profile

Rider Update
I thought it best to do it in pictures!

Action shot

In And Out Of The Blocks

Right Left Right Left

Rising Trot (standing in stirrups)

I consider myself a beginner/novice.  However, when I review the action shot pic. I start to think 'Grand National'.  This amuses me as I have never really been into racing as horses often have to be put down due to such infamous events, I am far too animal friendly, and, I have yet to do any jumps yet.

Photography c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2018 

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy - Groom Voluntary Work Experience (update)

So, I am coming to the end of my 8 week voluntary work experience adventure.

To support myself in this endeavour of the possibility of becoming a Groom/Stable Hand and adding such strings to my bow I've also invested in brushing up on my riding skills:

copyright S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2018 

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy Art Photography

Reflections

Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around! 

Photography c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2018 

Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy ~ Preston Pulse event (Update)

Preston Pulse 2018

Windswept But Rockin'!

Today I really thought that Preston Pulse would quite possibly be cancelled and what with all the recent reports of lightning etc. causing havoc, if we weren't 'stormed off', at the very least rained off.

However, fortunately, I only had to keep one foot on my music stand (to prevent it being blown over) and endure 'the windswept look'.

This particular festival being only in it's second year in the running and appearing again I opted to deliver some rock 'n' roll and original folk music.  

I was pleasantly surprised it was a nice and lively turnout after all.

I would like to mention a special Thanks to friends who attended for their support, Ben, Bernie (Organisers), James, Matt (Sound Crew), David (Photo credits and designated Photographer by Ben), friends at the Age Concern charity shop (where I have volunteered before now) for kindly providing me with 'my very own Green Room'.

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy Photography 2018