Nº 30: James Owens
The painter talks UFO spotting Facebook groups, Franek Kluski, and the original Aladdin.
We’re back with painter James Owens. Read on to find out what he’s into, and if you’re new here, hit subscribe for secret recommendations once a week.
James is a London-based painter by day, experimental music maker by night and UFO fanatic by dreams.
☞ ABANDONED REFRESHMENTS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Amongst other things, I seem to have been compiling a collection of phone camera pictures of lost or abandoned food and drink left on our beloved TFL buses and trains. A lonely Rustler’s burger greets me on my journey to the studio on the 12; left behind as their twin has possibly been eaten cold and dry. I am always entertained when a half empty bottle of pop is left on the bus and rolls side to side and up and down as we wind down the streets. It’s only when it then gets stuck near the automatic doors, the thrill then kicks in if and when it’s about to hop off the bus.
☞ THE THIEF AND THE COBBLER: The unfinished masterpiece that you’ve probably never heard of, an animation directed by Richard Williams. Production originally took place in the 60s but was further worked on for 29 years on hand drawn and coloured frames. Based on Persian Folklore The Thief and the Cobbler had a very interesting journey in the making, legal battles and even Disney making a rip off of the film with Aladdin. This film is a true masterpiece and I urge anyone to watch the original uncut version.
☞ CORNED BEEF HASH: When making Corned Beef Hash, near the end when everything is getting fried up and you’re working on getting that golden crispy underside, stir in about 3 tablespoons of Branston’s pickle. You’ll thank me later. Serve up with a bit of salad and of course be generous with the ketchup.
☞ UFO SIGHTINGS AND FOOTAGE FACEBOOK GROUPS: I have developed a small obsession with reading stories and opinions on UFO Spotting Facebook groups. I neither believe or don’t believe. But the mystery is so thrilling. The stories are so compelling and people are so passionate about what they have experienced. I originally came across the pages whilst producing a recent body of paintings, questioning where I could find contemporary beliefs around mythology. As mythology was read in books and performed in theatre throughout history it’s now evolved into something new online. People truly believe something is coming.
☞ ROOSTERS HUT ON RYE LANE: Fulfilling your late night fried chicken needs, this is the best spot. I promise. Tower burger, chips and 4 spicy wings is the best choice. Although it is slightly more premium than a Morleys, it’s worth the extra couple of quid. Also the lads there are cheeky chaps!
☞ FRANEK KLUSKI (1873-1943): Was a physical medium who conducted many séances with the aim to contact spirits. His real name was Teofil Modrzejewski and after claiming to have psychic powers as a child he underwent a phycological change and became Franek Kluski. Trained magicians and skeptics deemed him a fraud and that he used fraudulent methods as seen in the photographs taken during the séances. The images are really striking portraits, I sometimes reference them when I paint figures in my work.
☞ DREADFUL SPARE ROOM ADS: Sometimes at the height of procrastination I like to hunt for the most bleak Spare Room adverts. You’ll be surprised by what you can find if you really dig. I’m currently looking for a new place and seeing prices for rent go up massively this year makes it even more depressing when I find a hilariously awful overpriced room lol. 'Happy Place' was a personal favourite.
♪ LISTENING TO:
Vergangenheitsbewältigung by Slauson Malone
Gal Go Grey by Gal Go & Tom Grey
Shabrang by Sevdaliza
☠︎ HATES: ‘We are vain and we are blind, I hate people when they’re not polite’.
TY James! Follow James here. Check out more of James’ work and upcoming exhibitions here.
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