#edwardian ball

[mechadress]

Edwardian Ball

[geekynerfherder]

'Edwardian Ball 2020' by Chuck Sperry. 16½" x 35" 3 colour screen print on cream paper, in a signed and numbered edition of 150. Available at the event in San Francisco and on Chuck's website at a random time on Sunday January 26. Follow Chuck on Twitter @yosquirt, Facebook and on Instagram @yosquirt for the on sale announcement.

[reelingintheyears]

[invisible-snares-blog]

[forthegothicheroine]

The wanton, though she knows its dangers

 Must needs smear kohl about her eyes 

And wake the interest of strangers 

With long-drawn, hoarse, erotic sighs

[simply-sithel]

Only two weeks in, but it's been a busy month so far. First to note-- Edwardian Ball! Despite losing my phone for nearly the entirety of Friday night (safely recovered at the last minute on my way out!), I had a wonderful time again this year!

Sadly not as many sketches as I'd like for the first night (lost-phone stress), but am pleased that I could lay down some ink on the second night, especially since it was the "Founders Farewell" 😢 Twas Rosin Coven's last time headlining/performing at the Ball apparently and I definitely got a touch teary eyed at the end of their set on Saturday night. As mentioned last year, I've been attending and sketching since 2008. Captured a number of the band members this year (5 of 8?), warming up as I went.

Will definitely miss them and a number of the classic tunes they play every year, but also understand that not everything is forever. Fingers crossed I see some of them in the years to come as they pursue future projects. Speaking of which-- was delighted to see/hear Robin Coomer on Friday, who I immediately recognized from her Loop!Station days.

And to remember that new and good things are still around-- I caught the John Brothers Piano Company early on Saturday night and LOVED the performance! Amazing energy! Got to fan girl briefly at clarinet/piano fellow at the end of the night and look forward to catching their next show March 17th (Saint Patrick's Day) at the Ivy Room in Albany, CA!

[simply-sithel]

Waaaaay back on April 1st, there was the Edwardian Ball!! A fantastic event to throw myself back into Life after covid lockdowns. A quick email check shows I’ve been attending the Ball every year (minus 2021) since 2008- back when they were at the Great American Music Hall! 

It’s been good, it’s been great, it’s been iffy, it’s been meh, it’s been a long time. This year was one of the better and I cherish in particular the memory of dancing like mad while staring up at the pulsing lights and firmly holding onto the feeling of ‘this is what a good time feels like’ - tending to a particular itch that hadn’t been scratched since 2020... 

I’ve been sketching at the Ball for years  [2018 / 2015 / 2015 / 2013 / 2013 / 2008 / 2008 / 2008 ] in notebooks purchased or made (before bookbinding I used my sewing machine to make a booklet 😅) and this year was no exception. The “book” was a little speed-run of assembly that afternoon focusing on: toned pages, a secure clip to hang from belt, coptic stitch to open easy/wide, and a yellow tone to match my outfit. Success? 

One of the highlights for me was seeing both new acts & attendees but also the old & familiar ones. In particular I’ve been sketching Justin Katz (first picture) from Rosin Coven (contrabass) this whole time. Distinctive, friendly, easy to capture from stage’s edge or balcony. Seeing him (and nailing a not-bad imo sketch) of him brought great joy-- is this what playing Pokemon feels like? Also beloved is Shovelman (third picture)! Big fan of his music (bought a CD years ago) and of his look- been enjoying (and sketching) his act for years, even caught him at Make Faire once! 

More pictures & mutterings under the cut

Really appreciated the removal of the VIP level this year-- I used to purchase it and the spirit of elitism does seem in-line with the theme of the Ball but it’s just better gone. Curious to see how it goes next year-- sad that it’s moving back to early February -- seemed fitting to be on April Fool’s day and I didn’t get fucking rained on waiting to get in....   

Being able to stand basically in-line with the stage, perched at the far end of the balcony, is a boon for sketching. I mean, yes, I do enjoy a good dance & doodle but that’s hard to maintain the whole night. 

Downstairs, in the vendor hall, sports a charming little stage that I enjoy visiting. This year had a trio working it for large stretches- some sort of... swing? Makes me think of a French cafe? My naming of genres is weak... Was able to (poorly) captured the artists from a couple different angles however. Of seven sketches, only two came out- one of which is my favorite of the night (image above, between pictures of spines) which suggests something to me about trying and not giving up and failure is a side effect of process and eventual success or something. 

Used somewhere around 2/3rds or 3/4ths of the pages, probably good for one more concert/event. For I swear-- attending a show w/ sketchbook in hand (provided there’s enough ambient lighting to see your page) is one of the best ways to consume live music. Can always tuck it away if the jams are particularly divine but to sway and sketch.... some quality active listening there and you get artifacts better than a photo to recall the event by!

[simply-sithel]

Saturday’s Edwardian Ball outfit made me very happy even if the event itself didn’t really. Far too crowded and a different crowd... I’m much more of a Friday kinda’ girl. I fucking love my trousers/blouse/vest combo, let me say. The tasseled pouches blend well with it, you can barely see them in the 2nd photo but I can haul a full assortment of art supplies with it. Was also quite proud of my Mighty Nine cravat pin choice.