Cannes/London 2013: Bon Voyage, See You in June!

Related Posts: I’m Going To Cannes!!! and Cannes/London 2013: Pre-Travel Planning.

***

Dear friends/fans/followers:

I just wanted to tell everyone that I’m leaving for my Cannes/London trip!

I will be away from later today Saturday, May 11th through Friday, May 31st (plus most likely a few days of recovery, etc.).

During my trip, I plan on taking copious notes/photographs in order to share my adventure here with you when I get back.

Unfortunately, I’ll have only sporadic Internet connection while abroad. But please feel free to leave me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Best,

G. E.

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on facebook, tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

★ Don’t forget to check out my graphic novel, The Poet and the Flea!

A new page every Wednesday!

***

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

Tuesday, April 2nd

1. The Liebster Award: 4th Nomination!
2. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.
3. Worked on Elias & the City of Cats.
4. Worked on notes for The Man Who Never Smiled.

Wednesday, April 3rd

1. The Liebster Award: 5th Nomination!
2. Zest Books Internship, Day #18: Worked on image research and editing.

Thursday, April 4th

1. Comics I Admire: “A Space Boy Dream”
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Worked on notes for The Man Who Never Smiled.

Friday, April 5th

• Zest Books Internship, Day #19: A little bit of editing, a little bit of Facebook-ing, a little bit of photoshopping, and a little bit of mailing.

Saturday, April 6th

• Hanging out with family today. Went to see Oz: The Great and Powerful, which was pretty bad except for the opening credits and the Danny Elfman soundtrack.

Sunday, April 7th

• Did a bunch of scanning today.

Monday, April 8th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Worked on first zine.
3. Worked on notes for The Man Who Never Smiled.

Tuesday, April 9th

1. Keeping an Eye on Expos.
2. Updated the “Links” page — check out Lewis Manalo’s webcomic MetaMorphosis!
   
3. Submissions, submissions, submissions…!
4. Finished working on notes for The Man Who Never Smiled.

Wednesday, April 10th

• Zest Books Internship, Day #20: Worked mostly on mailing today… I think I put together over 60 packages. Wrote a blog post for the Zest Books official blog about upcoming titles Little Fish and Super Pop! with an accompanying illustration — can’t wait to see this go up online!

Thursday, April 11th

1. Ran some errands and worked on some preparation for the Cannes/London trip.
2. Worked on first zine.
3. Made an account with Storenvy and am beginning to set up my own online store.
4. Went with Wes to an event at San Francisco Film Society. Talked with some of Wes’s former employers and met a filmmaker named Joey who will also be at Cannes.

Friday, April 12th

1. Zest Books Internship, Day #21: Worked on some cover designs for an upcoming Zest Books title. Everyone really seems to like what I’ve done!
2. Invited to be an illustrator for an upcoming collaborative project with a small publisher. More details to come!
3. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.
4. Worked on setting up the online store.

Saturday, April 13th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Went to North Beach to eat really tasty Italian food. ( ´◔‿ゝ◔`)

Sunday, April 14th

• Date with Wes! Went to see The Place Beyond the Pines, which was interesting. Ate Vietnamese food afterwards. (・∀・)

Movie Theater on Van Ness!

Bun Mee on Fillmore!

Monday, April 15th

1. Feeling under the weather today.
   
2. Working on Blake Society talk!
3. Worked on Elias & the City of Cats.

Tuesday, April 16th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Ran some errands and worked on some preparation for my Cannes/London trip.
3. Thinking of investing in a professionally printed preview zine of The Poet and the Flea to sell online and at expos. Looking into various local printers!
4. Still trying to figure out London.
5. Received through e-mail a sneak peak of what The American Pavilion at Cannes will look like (see below).

Disclaimer: I do not own this image!!

Wednesday, April 17th

• Zest Books Internship, Day #22: Worked on marketing/promotion for 47 Things You Can Do For the Environment.

Exiled to the boss’s office!

Thursday, April 18th

1. Interview today on Treasure Island. 
2. Registered for SF Zine Fest!

Treasure Island is a strange place…

Yep, very strange…

Friday, April 19th

1. Zest Books Internship, Day #23: Sat in on staff meeting. Created a blog post for Earth Day. Worked on WordPress, editing some content.
2. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.

Saturday, April 20th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Helped mom prepare for the art show next weekend.
3. Did some research on local printers.

Sunday, April 21st

• Elias’s 1st birthday party! Bit of a strange day… Wes and I went to Gabe’s house to celebrate his son’s first birthday. Unfortunately, we didn’t actually get to see Gabe since he had to take his father to the hospital for a broken leg. Later, Wes and I went to The Ice Cream Bar since it was so hot outside and we needed to cool off. Then, we ended up eating at Sunflower Vietnamese for dinner and later had dessert with my folks and Nikki the shiba inu.

View from Gabe’s backyard.

The Ice Cream Bar… again!

Monday, April 22nd

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Ran some errands for Cannes/London trip.
3. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.

Tuesday, April 23rd

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Cannes/London 2013: Pre-Travel Planning.
3. Cannes/London Trip Hiatus!
4. Working on Blake Society talk!
5. Jotted some ideas down for a future screenplay.

Wednesday, April 24th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Zest Books Internship, Day #24: Put together some interview questions for Dan. Worked on some button designs in Photoshop.
3. HOLY MOLY MACARONI! I just received the most amazing e-mail. (A secret for now…)

♪(┌・。・)┌

Thursday, April 25th

1. Working on Blake Society talk!

Friday, April 26th

1. Wow, received another awesome piece of news. Can’t really say anything yet, but everything is really coming together it seems!!
2. Zest Books Internship, Day #25: LAST DAY! Finished button designs and ordered them online. The office ladies took us out for lunch, which was very sweet.

Saturday, April 27th

1. (´∩｀。) Watched the first 2 hours of Sundance’s original series Rectify — words cannot describe how incredibly emotional this show is.
2. “On Paper” at Gallerie Citi!

Sunday, April 28th

1. Spring Cleaning: Wanted to clean up my room and get rid of a lot of junk before leaving for Cannes/London trip! Now that most of the junk is gone, it should be easier to pack.

Monday, April 29th

• Feeling under the weather today.

Tuesday, April 30th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Helped mom with some photos I took of her work for various purposes.

Wednesday, May 1st

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Even put together some important snail mail today!
3. Ran some errands for Cannes/London trip.

Thursday, May 2nd

1. Reblogged portrait of me by Matthew Curry. 
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Finally got my hair cut! Now I feel like I’m almost ready for my trip. (◕‿◕✿)
4. Correspondence with a recruiter for a potential job.

Friday, May 3rd

1. Ran around EVERYWHERE today to finish up errands for the Cannes/London trip. Utterly exhausted!
2. Jotted some more ideas down for a future screenplay.
   

Saturday, May 4th

1. Today’s motto: 七転び八起き= Nanakorobi yaoki. Fall seven times and stand up eight.
   
2. Family Bonding Day! This is the last weekend before I leave for Cannes/London, so spent time with the folks. Ate lunch at a great Puerto Rican restaurant. Finally got to see Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt’s Century at the de Young.

Sunday, May 5th

• Date with Wes! Went to see Iron Man 3, which really wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. Ate tasty Japanese dinner at Sanraku. Hopefully will see Wes one more time before I leave!

Monday, May 6th

1. New suitcase arrived in the mail.
2. Finalizing Cannes/London trip plans.
3. Continued correspondence with a recruiter for a potential job.
4. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.
   

Tuesday, May 7th

1. Ran some errands for the Cannes/London trip.
2. Finalizing Cannes/London trip plans.
3. Working on Blake Society talk!

Wednesday, May 8th

1. Ran some errands for the Cannes/London trip.
2. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
3. Finalizing Cannes/London trip plans.
4. Working on Blake Society talk!
5. Jotted down some more ideas for a future screenplay.
6. Dinner with Wes!

Thursday, May 9th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Finishing up odds and ends of Cannes/London travel arrangements.
3. Packing for trip!!
4. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.

Friday, May 10th

1. E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!
2. Finishing up odds and ends of Cannes/London travel arrangements.
3. PACKING!!!

Saturday, May 11th

1. Finishing up odds and ends of Cannes/London travel arrangements.
2. Flight leaves San Francisco at 7:05 p.m. Will arrive in Nice, France at 6:10 p.m.

Etcetera

• The Poet and the Flea: 63 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-30 completed, and 31-36 in progress) of illustrated work.
• The First Reich: about 1-10 pages of illustrated work in progress.
• First Zine: 8 pages of illustrated work completed. Zine production pending.

To Do:

• Continue to work on The First Reich.
• Finish setting up online store.
• Continue adding blog content to The First Reich.
• Complete script for The Poet and the Flea.

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on facebook, tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Planning for Blake’s London: Final(ish) Plan!

Related Posts: Planning for London!, Planning for Blake’s London!, and Trying to Figure Out London!

***

Monday

1. Arrive Heathrow at 5:05 p.m.
2. Take the Heathrow Express, and then taxi to hotel.
3. I think I may get to my hotel around 8 p.m. Hotel is near Russell Square. Check into hotel and get situated.
4. Ask the concierge for a dinner recommendation near the hotel. Or…
5. Simon of shipscooksstuff.wordpress.com has kindly offered to “show [me] some of Soho’s pubs and give [me] some background on [his] home city.” So sweet! Hopefully, we’ll meet up either Monday or Thursday.

Tuesday: Special Event Day!

1. Before 10 a.m., explore Russell Square and surrounding neighborhood.
2. 10 a.m.: David Bowie is at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Afterwards, explore the V&A. Ask information desk about the “…four of Blake’s ‘fresco’ paintings on display permanently” as well as Arts & Crafts/William Morris and other must-sees.
3. Lunch: The Queen’s Arms and/or the V&A Cafe.
4. After V&A, Tate Britain: The new Blake room will open on May 6th. Ask information desk about the Pre-Raphaelites. Perhaps take a 45-minutes free collection highlights tour at 11, 12, or 3. 
5. Leave some time to relax and possibly nap in the late afternoon.
6. 7:30 p.m.: G. E. Gallas Invited to Speak to The Blake Society! at 17 South Molton Street.

Wednesday: Touring Around!

1. If exhausted from Tuesday, sleep in a little bit.
2. 10 a.m.: National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, or return to a museum from the previous day.
3. Lunch: Eat somewhere near/in museums.
4.  1 p.m.: Harrods Vintage Bus Tour of London with Champagne Tea at Harrods – Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament, The Royal Albert Hall, a cruise on the River Thames, and tea/scones at Harrods (until 6 p.m.).
   
5. 7/7:30 p.m.: Jack the Ripper Tour (option #1, option #2, or option #3).

Thursday: Blake’s London!

1. My friend Elena may come up from Barcelona for the day to see me! 
2. 10 a.m.: British Museum –  Department of Prints and Drawings, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, etc.
3. Lunch: Tea and Tattle (41 Great Russell Street) or London Review Cake Shop (14 Bury Place).
4. Blake historical sites: (a) St. James’s Church, (b) Royal Academy New Somerset House, (c) St. Mary’s Battersea, and (d) Bunhill Fields.
5. Either National Portrait Gallery (open to 9 p.m.) or  pubs with Simon.

Friday

• Depart: Back to San Francisco!

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on facebook, tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Cannes/London 2013: Pre-Travel Planning

Related Posts: I’m Going To Cannes!!! and Trying to Figure Out London!

***

So far, my pre-travel planning has consisted of trying to buy/prepare/organize everything on an endless checklist of miscellaneous thingamajigs as well as figure out how I’m going to utilize my short stay in London. I have next to zero idea of what I’ll be doing when I actually get to Cannes, but I just have to relax and hope that the American Pavilion has all of that covered.

Admittedly, I am not the most fashionable person in the universe. But I really do try — especially when I know my destination is the Cannes Film Festival, where the chicest of the chic congregate every May.

Here, I thought I’d share some of the fashion items I’ll be taking with me. Also, I’d like a chance to promote some of the awesome Etsy vendors I’ve encountered along the way.

***

Nicole Lebreux: Original Apparel/Handmade Womenswear

I bought this amazing maxi dress by Nicole Lebreux a few months ago. I was struggling to find a maxi dress that fit not only my shape but personality, which turned out to be an impossible feat on sites like Macy’s, etc. So I turned to Etsy, and discovered this incredible store. Nicole was extremely helpful, answered all my questions, and even customized the dress to fit my needs. I just can’t wait to wear this at Cannes!!!

***

Monday Morning Studios: Purses/Handbags/Totes, made in the USA

For Cannes, I decided I needed a pretty big purse, both stylish and more importantly sturdy in case I need to stuff some screenplays and/or an extra set of clothes into it. Also, I didn’t want to spend too much money, definitely no more than $100. So I decided to try Etsy again, and stumbled across another amazing store. Monday Morning Studios makes an assorment of purses/handbags/totes in all different shapes, colors, patterns, etc. And all for less than $100! I bought a really neat hobo purse in an awesome jewel-tone plaid. Now I just have to figure out how much weight I can carry…

***

An assortment of dresses I will hopefully be wearing to parties.

Some accessories to help me along the way.

And some cute warm-weather shoes.

Now I just have to figure out how it’s all going to fit in my suitcase! 

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on facebook, tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Trying to Figure Out London!

Related Posts: Planning for London! and Planning for Blake’s London!

***

Firstly, I just wanted to thank all the awesome bloggers who have given me very helpful advice for this trip!

• illostrophy.com
• revessurpapier.wordpress.com
• shipscooksstuff.wordpress.com
• hawkgreenfelts.wordpress.com
• betweentheshadowsandthesoul.wordpress.com
• akaconceptart.wordpress.com
• starrybird.wordpress.com, starrybirdsartdiary.wordpress.com
• daltonsart.wordpress.com
• Mike B
• Asha

***

Note: This post is really just for me to try to jot down and organize all the information/recommendations/advice I’ve received about London so far. AND MORE ADVICE IS MORE THAN WELCOMED!

***

Here, I’ve narrowed down the Blake historical sites to only the ones I want to see most:

1. St. James’s Church: (10) Where Blake was baptized. The font still survives.
2. Westminster Abbey: (10) Where Blake practiced drawing. Monument to Blake in the Abbey’s Poet’s Corner.Will probably end up here on a bus tour!
3. Royal Academy, New Somerset House: (9) Where Blake studied and occasionally exhibited his work. Original building.
4. 13 Hercules Buildings: (7) Where Blake produced the Songs of Experience. House demolished in 1918.
5. 17 South Moulton Street: (10) Will be here on Tuesday!
6. St. Mary’s, Battersea: (10) Where Blake married Kate. Original building.
7. Bunhill Fields: (9) Where Blake is buried.

***

Important: Buy an Oyster card!

***

Harrods Vintage Bus Tour of London with Champagne Tea at Harrods

Okay, this might be really silly/crazy/touristy, but a tour in a vintage bus plus tea time? That just sounds so ridiculous (in a good way, I think)!

Won’t have time for this on Monday or Tuesday, so will have to do either Wednesday or Thursday.

Location: Starts at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge.

Time: Starts at 1 p.m, for 5 hours.

Price: £49

Includes: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament, The Royal Albert Hall, a cruise on the River Thames, and tea/scones at Harrods. 

***

Jack the Ripper Tour

Might have time for this on Monday, or otherwise on Wednesday.

Option #1: Every night at 7 p.m. Outside exit 4 of Aldgate East Station. £9. 2 hours.

Option #2: Every night at 7 p.m. Outside exit 4 of Aldgate East Station. £9. 2 hours.

Option #3: Every night at 7:30 p.m. Outside exit 3 of Aldgate East Station. £9. 1 hour, 45 minutes.

***

Tate Britain

At the very top of my list!!!

Tentatively, I think I might go to the Tate and V&A on Tuesday, the bus tour and possibly Jack the Ripper on Wednesday, and then the British Museum and Blake historic sites on Thursday.

Location: Millbank.

Time: Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Price: Free (except for special exhibitions).

Taking photos not allowed.

• Need to find out more about the renovated Blake rooms!
• Need to figure out what else I’d like to see at the Tate!

***

Victoria and Albert Museum

Location: Cromwell Road.

Time: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Price: Free (except for special exhibitions).

May take photos, unless otherwise noted.

• Ask information desk about the “…four of Blake’s ‘fresco’ paintings on display permanently.”
• David Bowie is: £14.00 (+£1.40 booking fee per ticket). Already bought my ticket!!

***

British Museum

Location: Great Russell Street.

Time: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price: Free.

Photography permitted in most galleries.

•  Department of Prints and Drawings, Room 90, upper floor. 10 to 1 p.m. and 2:15 to 4 p.m.
• Briefly run through Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece.

***

National Gallery

Not sure if I’ll have time for this.

Location: Trafalgar Square.

Time: Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Price: Free.

Taking photos not allowed.

• 30 Highlight Paintings, such as the Arnolfini Portrait, Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
  
• Vermeer and Music: The Art of Love and Leisure.

***

National Portrait Gallery

Not sure if I’ll have time for this. May go if nothing else to do on Thursday evening.

Location: St.Martin’s Place.

Time: Open Sat.-Wed. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thurs.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Price: Free (except for special exhibitions).

Taking photos not allowed.

• Hidden: Unseen Paintings Beneath Tudor Portraits. 
• Victorian Masquerade.
  

***

The Princess Louise

A restored Victorian pub. Recommended pint: Timothy Landlord’s.

Location: 208 High Holborn, Holborn. Between Covent Garden and the British Museum.

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

***

Tea and Tattle

“Fresh leaf tea in a pot and bone china, scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches and tasty cakes… could anything be more British than afternoon tea in London.”

Location: 41 Great Russell Street (opposite the British Museum).

Time: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

***

The London Review Cake Shop

“…the traditional with a twist.”

Location: 14 Bury Place  Bloomsbury (near the British Museum).

Time: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

***

Coach and Horses, Soho

Very shabby, but landmark.

Location: 29 Greek Street, Soho

Time: 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

***

French House

Location: 49 Dean Street

Time: 12 to 11 p.m. (Food served until 4 p.m.)

***

Seven Stars

Something quieter.

Location: 53-54 Carey Street (behind the Royal Courts of Justice, near some of the Blake sites around the Strand/Fleet Street).

Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

***

The Angel

Something quieter.

Location: 61-62 St Giles High Street (a bit of a no-man’s-land between Covent Garden and Bloomsbury that’s central yet tourist-free).

Time: 12 to 11 p.m.

***

The Queen’s Arms

Location: 30 Queen’s Gate Mews (near the V&A).

Time: 12 to 11 p.m.

***

The Sherlock Holmes

Has a very authentic English feel. Fish & chips.

Location: 10-11 Northumberland Street

Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

***

The Old Shades

Great fish & chips.

Location: 37 Whitehall (Trafalgar Square).

Time: 10/11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

***

Lighthouse Fish Bar

Fish & chips of mammoth proportions.

Location: 8 Tooting Bec Road (1/2 block from Tooting Bec Tube Station).

Time: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

***

Curry/Indian: Any suggestions?

***

The Gay Hussar

Fabulous Hungarian food and a very interesting past illustrated by the political cartoons on its walls.

Location: 2 Greek Street, Soho.

Time: 12:15 to 2:30 p.m., 5:30 to 10:45 p.m.

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on facebook, tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

The Liebster Award: 4th and 5th Nominations!

Thank you so much to David Blake (davidblakeimagemaker.wordpress.com and thebearggrr.wordpress.com) for nominating me a fourth time for the Liebster Award! Don’t forget to check out David’s fascinating work.

And thank you so much to Annamita Virosa (annamitavirosa.wordpress.com) for nominating me a fifth time for this award! Check our Annamita’s awesome doodles and dream memories.

To view the post from my first and second nominations, click here, here, and here.

I’d like to apologize in advanced for my answers to David and Annamita’s questions — I found a number of these queries a bit confusing. But I tried to answer to the best of my ability!

As I mentioned previously, I continue to accept these awards because I love being able to share/promote other talented WordPress bloggers by nominating them. So please take a look at the list of nominations below!!

***

Rules

1. Post eleven facts about yourself.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you and create eleven questions for people you’ve nominated.
3. Choose eleven people to give this award to and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.

***

Instead of eleven facts about myself…

Some of My Favorite Japanese Words

1.  めちゃくちゃ, mechakucha: absurd, nonsensical, incoherent.
2. 奪う, ubau: to snatch away, to steal.
3. 見失う, miushinau: to lose sight of, to miss.
4. 罰, batsu: punishment, penalty.
5. はしゃぐ, hashagu: to make merry, to frolic.
6. 飛び立つ, tobitatsu: to fly away, to take off, to leap to one’s feet.
7. 吐き出す, hakidasu: to spit out.
8. 叫ぶ, sakebu: to shout, to cry out, to yell.
9. 降り注ぐ, furisosogu: to rain incessantly, to downpour.
10. 山椒魚, sanshouuo: salamandar
11. 鹿煎餅, shikasenbei: rice crackers for feeding deer (in Nara).
12. 理事長, rijichou: board chairman.
13. 伯爵, hakushaku: count, earl.
14. 恐ろしい, osoroshii: terrible, dreadful, frightening.
15. 戸惑い, tomadoi: losing one’s bearings, confusion, wonderment.

***

David’s Questions

1. What encouraged you to start blogging (honestly)?

I wanted to share my work with the world.

2. Heart broken or never touched. Would you rather risk it all for love or not at all?

Neither. I’m not a romantic. But I have a wonderful boyfriend!

3. What is your favourite medium to write, paint, draw or generally create with?

Difficult question. If I could only have one implement, I would choose a black felt-tip pen.

4. I love to day dream (but I’m also very proactive ). Are you a dreamer?

A dreamer, yes. But also a “radiant pessimist” — I hope for the best, but expect the worst.

5. Skipping this question.

6. If you were an artist, living or deceased, who would you be?

Myself. Not that I’m “the best” artist — I just have no desire to be anyone else.

7. In answering 6, do you think you have the qualities to do that person justice?

I hope I do myself justice.

8. What is your favourite hot drink?

Chai.

9. What quality do you admire most in people?

Determination and ambition without being self-absorbed.

10. Did you believe I was a bear (ggrr bear)?

Frankly, no.

11. I love imperfection, to me it is true beauty. What do you love?

Creativity and culture.

***

Annamita’s Questions

1. Hello, do you know me? ( Biffy Clyro – Living is a problem because everything dies) I’m not sure — do I?

2. How did you get that way? (Lana Del Rey - Millions Dollars Man) What way? What?

3. Do you believe ? (The cardigans – Do you believe?) Not so much.

4. Are we safer or in danger? ( Otep – Confrontation) I’m guessing “in danger.”

5. Can anybody help me make it better? (BFMV – Tears don’t fall) Err…

6. Do you have an opinion? (Garbage – Special) Yes.

7. What was said about this man? ( Chevelle – sma, the man can be anyone you want) What man? Who?

8. Someone who’ll protect you? (Muse – Deadstar) Myself.

9. Remember me when you clinch your movie deal ? (Placebo – Special Needs) If I must.

10. How do we made it? (Black Infinity – Rise of the blackstars) I think I misread something.

11. Do you have any questions? (Annamita Virosa) No, I don’t want to know.

***

Nominations

In no particular order… but each one filled with talent and creativity!

1. tabascocatart.com
2. arisbethcruz.wordpress.com
3. juannavarro.wordpress.com
4. shashinkaichiban1.wordpress.com
5. emilyfellah.wordpress.com
6. mysilvermemories.wordpress.com
7. lewisleanne.wordpress.com
8. sharonmanndesigns.com
9. loudhailer.net
10. judywatson.wordpress.com
11. oldkingcurry.wordpress.com
12. kathrinspycher.com
13. thedrawingshop.wordpress.com
14. craftedincarhartt.wordpress.com
15. madmanchegan.com
16. hamsterandthebee.com
17. myhomemakes.com
18. synkris.wordpress.com
19. gribouilleuselondon.wordpress.com
20. joannadunn.co.uk
21. violetgallery.wordpress.com
22. wildersoul.wordpress.com

***

My Questions

1. What is the strangest dream you’ve ever had?
2. What is/was your favorite subject in school?
3. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
4. Who is your role model?
5. What is your favorite holiday?
6. What is your least favorite vegetable?
7. What is your guilty pleasure?
8. Are you an optimist or pessimist?
9. What are your short-term goals/New Year’s resolutions?
10. What did you last eat?
11. Do you have any special and/or bizarre talents?

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on facebook, tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Check Out “The Poet and the Flea”!!!

Yesterday, I posted the 20th page of The Poet and the Flea… What!? Wow!!

The Flea premiered online November 28th, 2012 and has already received more than 10,000 views.

I have been honored to received a number of wonderful reviews thus far, such as those by Sarah Goode and Hannah Meiklejohn, as well as an incredible invitation to speak to The Blake Society in London this coming May.

Self-publishing The Flea online has been an incredible experience so far and I thank everyone for their enthusiasm and support!

Best wishes,

G. E.

***

FYI, to receive information about The Flea on your Facebook news feed, please “like” me at facebook.com/gegallas!

For those of you who have yet to check out The Flea (and for those who wish to read the first 20 pages over again), I’ve included links below. Enjoy!

***

Start from the beginning!

Cover

Title Page

Note

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Page 8

Page 9

Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

Page 13

Page 14

Page 15

Page 16

Page 17

Page 18

Page 19

Page 20

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on facebook, tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Package from The Blake Society

Related Posts: Correspondence with The Blake Society and G. E. Gallas Invited to Speak to The Blake Society!

***

At the beginning of March, the chair of the Blake Society Tim Heath confirmed my invitation to speak to the society as well as asked that I put together a title, description, and bio for this year’s programme of events.

To give me a better idea of what to write, Tim offered to send me a copy of last year’s brochure. And, late last week, this beautiful printed booklet arrived (see photos below)!

I can’t wait to see how this year’s programme will turn out!

P.S. I only just realized that Philip Pullman is the president of the Blake Society. What!? I mean, it makes complete and total sense, but I’m still trying to wrap my brain around that fact.

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on facebook, tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Planning for Blake’s London!

Related Posts: Planning for London!

***

Disclaimer: I do not own this image!!

As you may know, for the past couple months, I’ve been busy planning for my trip to Cannes and London. I’ll only have 3 full days in London, so I’m trying to figure out the best schedule that will allow me to fit everything in. For my British followers/readers, any advice would be incredibly appreciated.

Monday

1. Arrive: Hello London!!!
2. Take public transportation from Heathrow to hotel; check into hotel and get situated.
3. Since I’ll be exhausted from the film festival (and if I don’t get in too late), I think I might take a bus tour of London. That way, I  can relax and cover all the basics in a short amount of time and hopefully won’t feel like I’ve missed out on anything. If I don’t have time to do a bus tour Monday, then I’ll do one Tuesday morning/afternoon and maybe do a Jack the Ripper tour instead.

Tuesday: Special Event Day!

1. I’m not exactly sure how I’ll spend a good chunk of this day yet. Like I said, I might take a bus tour of London. Or perhaps check out the London Eye, Covent Garden, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Royal Botanic Gardens, etc. on my own. I have to look into the different types of bus tours and schedules!
2. Leave some time to relax and possibly nap in the late afternoon.
3. Special Event: G. E. Gallas Invited to Speak to The Blake Society!

Wednesday: Museums Galore!

1.  ★Tate: I recently contacted the Tate about their William Blake collection and was absolutely delighted to hear that the renovated Blake rooms are scheduled to open May 14th and will very likely include The Ghost of a Flea — talk about perfect timing!
2. British Museum: I would like to visit the British Museum’s Print Room (Department of Prints and Drawings), where one can access Blake works without an appointment. According to the Chair of the Blake Society, Tim Heath: “…you are able to hold in your own hands some of Blake’s original (and now priceless) illuminated books. It is one of the secrets of the city.”
3. Victoria & Albert Museum: According to Naomi, the V&A has “…four of Blake’s ‘fresco’ paintings on display permanently, as well as a good collection of watercolours which you can see in their Print Room (no appointment needed).” Would also love to see upcoming exhibit called  David Bowie is (March – July)!!

Thursday: Blake’s London!

Thursday, I plan on adventuring through London to visit all the Blake historical sites. Naomi recommended this tremendously helpful resource on the Tate’s website: http://www2.tate.org.uk/williamblake/lambeth/london_intro.html.

I need to figure out the easiest way to walk and which sites I would most like to see (on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 meaning “I absolutely must see this!”).

1. 28 Broad Street: (7) Where Blake was born. Original building no longer survives. Tate: “Old houses that survive… give a good idea of what Blake’s house looked like.” 
2. St. James’s Church: (10) Recommended by Tim. Where Blake was baptized. The font still survives.
3. Mr. Pars’ Drawing School in the Strand: (5) Where Blake was sent to study at age 10. Demolished in Regency times.
4. 31 Queen Street, Lincoln’s Inn: (8) Where Blake at age 14 became apprentice to an engraver. Original building demolished in late 19th century. Tate: “…but the next-door houses (of brick rather than stone) give an idea of its original appearance).
5. Westminster Abbey: (10) Where Blake as an apprentice practiced drawing ancient tombs (such as King Edward I) and monuments. Monument to William Blake in the Abbey’s Poet’s Corner.
6. Royal Society of Arts: (5) Where Blake admired James Barry’s murals The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture. Original building.
7. Royal Academy, New Somerset House: (9) Where Blake studied and exhibited his work on several occasions. Also important location for the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, if I’m not mistaken. Original building.
8. Green Street, Leicester Square: (5) Where Blake moved after his marriage. Original building no longer exists.
9. 28 Poland Street: (6) Where Blake moved after dissolving his partnership with James Parker. House rebuilt in the late 19th century.
10. 13 Hercules Buildings: (7) Where Blake lived during his most productive years and produced the Songs of Experience. House demolished in 1918.
11. 17 South Moulton Street: (10) Where Blake “…suffer[ed] his bitterest disappointments. Fame and financial success continued to elude him, and he sank into poverty and paranoia.” Will be here on Tuesday!
12. Fountain Court, Strand: (7) Where Blake lived until his death and produced his illustration to Dante’s Divine Comedy. Original building no longer exists.
13. St. Mary’s, Battersea: (10) Recommended by Tim. Where Blake married Kate. Original building.
14. Bunhill Fields: (9) Recommended by Tim. Where Blake is buried (in an unmarked grave). Tate: “A small monument now stands at the approximate site where Blake was buried.”
15. Paolozzi Newton: (6) Where a statue based on Blake’s Newton stands.

Friday

• Depart: Back to San Francisco!

Now that I’ve laid everything out, the next step is to narrow everything down into a manageable plan!

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

The Flea’s First Fan Art!

Yesterday, I was incredibly excited to discover that the awesome Ms. Blake Woodruff of imoutoart.wordpress.com (I’ll call her Ms. Woodruff as to not get confused with Mr. Blake!) posted a fan art of my graphic novel The Poet and the Flea. As far as I know, this is the first ever fan art of The Flea and feels like a huge milestone in The Flea‘s progress!!

I asked Ms. Woodruff for permission to repost her illustration here on my blog (see below) and hope that all my readers/followers will take a look at the impressive work on her blog and website!

I especially admire the deep colors/tones she used for this piece and get a total kick out of The Flea lurking in the background!

Next, I plan on creating a fan art page on thepoetandtheflea.wordpress.com and will post Ms. Woodruff’s piece there as well.

I wholeheartedly welcome all The Poet and the Flea fan art and would be more than delighted to showcase your work on my blog!

***

For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

***

Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas