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There are so many societal and political issues that have been brought in to sharp focus during the Covid crisis all around the world and its becoming, for me at least, somewhat overwhelming. Today was possibly the last time I’ll be out making field recordings for this project and it was the first time in several months that I have been able to relax, if only just for an hour. This was achieved by a few defining factors before I arrived, such as a decent nights sleep, my general mood upon waking and the state of the journey here. Just everyday things, but really key to the state of my mental health on a daily basis. Needless to say my inner weather was rather sunny before I arrived and the walk out to the river from Fish Lane in Goldhanger, and the 2 mile long trek along the sea wall helped further. The sight of some scruffy old sheep grazing on the path and the flat open expanse of Joyces Marsh were the cherry on the top of the exploratory cake, and by the time I reached the point that Baker had marked on his map I was ready to take my explorations inward.
The previous week was the exact opposite and I was in a foul mood by the time I reached Stone Point. My head was like a tumbledrier full of negative and dark abrasive garments at 1600rpm and all I could do was think about my own problems and those of the world in general. Writing of any kind was a chore and what I did manage to was just an extension of my depression rather than any useful reflection or analysis for this project. It’s a continuous battle between controlling forces and freedom. Or possibly perceived freedom. Like the sheep on the sea wall, free to roam and eat what they like, but hemmed in by the salt marsh on one side, borrow dyke on the other and fences at either end. Almost like an island which is mostly not full with sheep of different colours. There is a way out, if you are physically able to use a style. I wonder too if Baker used his time in the Essex countryside as an escape from the political and social turmoil of his time, especially in light of his mental health issues, instead preferring to lose himself in the pursuit of something more meaningful and wholesome to him, and turning negativity in to a creative positivity. The problems of his time bear a striking resemblance to what has been happening in the past few weeks: oppression of people in black communities, racism, police brutality, riots and unrest, corrupt politicians and bias media. It's probably alway been the same. Together with the constant stream of information about Brexit, and then the Covid-19 pandemic, and a myriad of other injustices, disasters and global problems, it’s becoming a bit too heavy to bear. I am aware that I’m in a privileged position as I’m able to afford a car, can drive to another location and walk about with a fair amount of kit on my back, unhindered, in relative safety and mostly without suspicion (occasionally I do get stopped or questioned about my motive by members of the public, or the authorities!). It was not the case for Christian Cooper recently in Central Park, New York, whose encounter went viral recently. But now, especially as momentum is growing, is when we need to stay strong, dig a bit deeper if we can, and fight. So I sat on the sea wall amongst the long grass and plants, and listened, watched, waited. Slowing down, if only for an hour. Positive identification on the following birds: Cuckoo Egret Blue tit Mallard Pheasant Coots Black Headed Gull Swift Wood Pigeon Meadow Pipit Skylark Reed Bunting Pied Wagtail *New article on Christian Cooper in the New York Times. |
AuthorInspired by J A Baker's The Peregrine, recording the sonic landscape around the River Blackwater, Essex. Funded by Arts Council England's Develop Your Creative Practice grant 2019 - 2020. Archives
December 2023
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