It strikes me that the creative arts are becoming dominated by alumni of the Oxbridge and private school cliques. 

Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of artists and actors who have received their education at Oxford or Cambridge University, commonly known as Oxbridge. This trend has sparked debates about the role of elite education in the arts and the potential implications for diversity and representation in the creative industries.

Oxford and Cambridge are two of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with a reputation for academic excellence and producing graduates who go on to hold influential positions in various industries. Historically, Oxbridge has been associated with privilege, with a disproportionate number of students coming from wealthy backgrounds and private schools.

However, in recent years, the universities have made efforts to diversify their student bodies and increase access for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Despite these efforts, the number of students from private schools and wealthy backgrounds at Oxbridge still remains higher than at other universities in the UK.

Despite the efforts to increase diversity at Oxbridge, there has been a noticeable trend in the arts industry towards an increasing number of artists and actors who have received their education at these universities. According to a report by The Sutton Trust, a UK-based social mobility charity, in 2020, almost one-third of actors, 34% of screenwriters, and 28% of directors working in film and television in the UK had attended Oxbridge.

Similarly, in the visual arts, a study by The Guardian found that between 2012 and 2017, almost 40% of Turner Prize nominees had attended either Oxford or Cambridge. The trend is not limited to the UK, with a significant number of Hollywood actors, including Emma Watson, Tom Hiddleston, and Eddie Redmayne, having received their education at Oxbridge.

Possible Reasons for the Trend

The reasons for the increasing number of Oxbridge educated artists and actors are complex and multifaceted. One possible explanation is that Oxbridge offers a unique combination of academic rigor and artistic opportunities that prepare students for success in the competitive and demanding world of the arts.

Oxford and Cambridge have a long tradition of excellence in the arts, with many notable alumni in the creative industries, including Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, and Tilda Swinton. The universities offer a wide range of arts-related courses and extracurricular activities, such as drama societies, musical ensembles, and art exhibitions.

Moreover, Oxbridge provides students with access to influential networks and industry connections that can be essential for success in the arts. The universities have strong alumni networks and links with prestigious arts institutions, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Academy of Arts.

However, some critics argue that the trend towards Oxbridge-educated artists and actors is reflective of wider issues of inequality and privilege in the creative industries. Despite the efforts to increase diversity at Oxbridge, the universities still predominantly cater to students from privileged backgrounds, with private school students overrepresented.

This can lead to a lack of diversity in the perspectives and experiences represented in the arts, with the same narrow range of voices being heard and valued. The increasing number of Oxbridge-educated artists and actors can reinforce this lack of diversity and limit the opportunities available to artists from underrepresented backgrounds.

Moreover, the trend towards Oxbridge-educated artists and actors can perpetuate the notion that success in the arts is reserved for the elite, further discouraging those from less privileged backgrounds from pursuing careers in the creative industries.

Implications for the Future

The increasing number of Oxbridge-educated artists and actors has sparked debates about the role of elite education in the arts and the need for greater diversity and representation in the creative industries. There is a growing recognition that diversity is essential for creating a vibrant and dynamic arts sector that accurately reflects the experiences and perspectives of all members of society.

 Chapter 27 of Moby Dick

There have been several suspicious deaths of individuals connected to Russian politics in recent years, which have raised concerns about possible assassinations and the role of the Russian government in these incidents.

One of the most prominent cases was the assassination of Boris Nemtsov, a prominent opposition leader and critic of President Vladimir Putin, in February 2015. Nemtsov was shot dead in central Moscow, and his murder has been widely viewed as a politically motivated assassination. Several suspects were arrested, but questions remain about who ordered the killing.

Another case is that of Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer who was investigating corruption and tax fraud in Russia. Magnitsky was arrested in 2008 and died in custody in 2009 under suspicious circumstances. His death has been the subject of numerous investigations and international sanctions, with many accusing the Russian government of involvement.

Other suspicious deaths in Russian politics include Alexander Litvinenko, a former KGB agent who died in London in 2006 after being poisoned with a radioactive substance, and Anna Politkovskaya, a journalist who was assassinated in Moscow in 2006 after reporting on human rights abuses and corruption in Russia.

It is important to note that investigations into these incidents are ongoing, and the cause of death has not always been conclusively determined. Nonetheless, the deaths of these individuals have raised concerns about the safety of those who speak out against the Russian government and the level of impunity enjoyed by those who commit acts of violence against critics and opposition figures.

 

I've been messing around creating vikings in mid journey AI art, thought I'd use this as an excuse to pimp up some books I've narrated:

Summary of Raghnalls Reign: 

The dust has settled for a time. After emerging victorious from numerous battles, the group feels like they can finally catch their breath and deal with the traumas of past events. However, everything does not stay quiet for long; the Usurper has a plan to uproot the Raghnall family tree, once and for all, and burn it to ash. They have faced every battle head-on, and every foe has fallen at their feet, but Johan proves to be an entirely different enemy - one that they are not at all prepared to face.

The Vikings were in Great Britain during the late 8th to the early 11th century AD. They came from Scandinavia, and their arrival marked a significant period in British history known as the Viking Age.

During this period, the Vikings carried out raids and attacks on coastal towns and monasteries, causing widespread fear and devastation. They also established settlements in various parts of Great Britain, such as York and Dublin, and their influence can still be seen today in the language and culture of these regions.

The Vikings were skilled seafarers and traders, and they established a thriving trade network throughout the North Atlantic region. They also played an important role in the development of England as a unified kingdom, as the various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were eventually united under the rule of the Danish King Canute.

The Viking Age came to an end in the 11th century with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, which marked the beginning of a new era in British history. However, the legacy of the Vikings can still be seen today in the culture and traditions of Great Britain, particularly in regions such as Scotland, Ireland, and the north of England.

 

AI art impression of a Romani gypsy caravan

The Romani people, commonly known as Gypsies, have a diverse lifestyle that varies depending on the community and location. However, there are some general characteristics that are common among many Romani groups.

Traditionally, the Romani people were a nomadic group, traveling in caravans and living in wagons or tents. They made their living through various means, including fortune-telling, music, metalworking, and trading. Today, many Romani people have settled into permanent homes and have adopted more mainstream occupations, although some still maintain a nomadic lifestyle.

Family is an important part of Romani culture, and extended families often live together in close-knit communities. Gender roles are typically traditional, with men taking on more public roles and women focusing on the household and family.

The Romani language, known as Romani or Romany, is an Indo-European language that is spoken by many Romani people. It has many dialects and variations depending on the community and location.

Unfortunately, the Romani people have faced discrimination and persecution throughout history, and many still face social and economic marginalization today. However, there are also thriving Romani communities that celebrate their culture and traditions. 

 

Indian Whispers audiobook - it's finished!

Soon to be available on Audible. It's an enjoyable light story about two English brothers who visit India to explore their asian heritage. From the author Surinder Jolly:  I had a dream of becoming an author but when I started my junior hospital job in UK, my only dream was to get enough sleep after working very long hours. After retirement, I joined a creative writing course and a writing group. My inspiration for this book came from my personal experiences, my love for India and its rich cultures and customs and people I know who experienced some of the hard to believe events mentioned in Indian Whispers. 

Delhi, officially known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi, is the capital city of India. It is a metropolitan area with a population of over 30 million people, making it one of the largest cities in the world.

Delhi is a diverse and cosmopolitan city with people from different religions, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds. The majority of the population is Hindu, but there are also significant Muslim, Sikh, Jain, and Christian communities. In addition to the local population, Delhi is home to many migrants from other parts of India who come to the city in search of work and opportunities.

As the capital of India, Delhi is also home to the central government and many national institutions, including the Parliament, the Supreme Court, and various government ministries. It is an important center for business, commerce, education, and culture, and attracts visitors from all over the world.

The British rule in India began in 1757, when the British East India Company defeated the Nawab of Bengal at the Battle of Plassey. This marked the beginning of British colonialism in India, which would last for nearly 200 years.

Over time, the British East India Company expanded its power and control over various regions in India, including Bengal, Madras, and Bombay. They established trading posts and began exporting Indian goods such as cotton, tea, and spices to Europe.

In 1857, Indian soldiers in the British army revolted against their British commanders, which became known as the Indian Rebellion or the First War of Independence. The rebellion was brutally suppressed by the British, and it led to a period of direct British rule in India, known as the British Raj.

During the British Raj, India was governed by a Viceroy appointed by the British monarch, with the assistance of an Executive Council made up of British officials. The British introduced various reforms and modernizations in India, such as railways, telegraph, postal services, and a modern legal system.

However, the British also imposed various economic policies that had a detrimental effect on Indian society, such as land taxation, forced labor, and the destruction of indigenous industries. The British Raj also saw the rise of Indian nationalism and the Indian independence movement, with leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru advocating for Indian independence.

In 1947, the British finally granted independence to India, and the country was partitioned into two separate nations: India and Pakistan. The partition resulted in widespread violence and displacement, with millions of people being forced to flee their homes.

The legacy of British rule in India is complex, with both positive and negative impacts on Indian society. While the British introduced modernization and infrastructure, they also exploited and oppressed the Indian people, leading to a long struggle for independence and national identity. 

Mini Worlds

 

One of my favourite things is the miniature worlds under our feet, the macro worlds. I set about exploring what these could look like with some AI help.A steampunk themed mini house among the leaves of a forest floor...

Steampunk is a subculture that originated in the 1980s and 1990s, blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction. The term "steampunk" was coined in the late 1980s by science fiction author K.W. Jeter, who used it to describe a sub-genre of science fiction set in the Victorian era and featuring steam-powered technology.

However, the roots of steampunk can be traced back to the works of authors like H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, who wrote about fantastic machines and futuristic technologies in the 19th century. The aesthetic of steampunk draws heavily from the Victorian era, with a focus on brass, copper, and other metals, as well as gears, cogs, and other mechanical elements.

Steampunk also has a strong DIY and maker culture, with enthusiasts creating their own steampunk-inspired clothing, gadgets, and accessories. The subculture has expanded beyond literature to include fashion, art, music, and even film and television. Today, steampunk remains a popular and vibrant subculture with a dedicated following around the world.

 Caravan

Ever wondered what a Steampunk Gypsy caravan might look like? I have, so I started to explore it...

The Romani people, commonly referred to as Gypsies, are a traditionally itinerant ethnic group with origins in the Indian subcontinent. They are spread throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas and are believed to have migrated to these regions from India over a period of several centuries.

The Romani people have their own language, Romani, and a distinct culture that includes music, dance, and storytelling. Historically, they have been marginalized and discriminated against in many countries, and continue to face prejudice and persecution in some parts of the world.

The Romani people have a long and complex history, and their origins are the subject of ongoing research and debate among scholars. What is clear is that they have been a part of European society for centuries, and have contributed to its culture in many ways, including through their music, dance, and storytelling traditions.

 Ambient Walking

Yes, that's a thing. Apparently, if you walk about filming a location in real time and post that video, it's called an ambient walk. 

I filmed this one using my DJI X5 gimbal camera which I bought used from CEX. It's ok image-wise, and the stabilisation is really good. 

One of the things it took me ages to work out is the use of the DJI log-gamma offering, D-log. It's a bit rubbish, but I realised it's not so much a proper bonafide log curve like C-LOG for example, it's a ETTR plus gamma curve (expose to the right). So in order to get it looking good took some experimenting. Eventually, for the nerds out there, I set up my project in Davinci resolve with a timeline colour space of REC709 and gamma of Rec709-2.4. I then use a CST node (Color Space Transform) on each clip and set the input colour space to Rec709 and gamma to D-LOG, and output to 'timeline'.