'ere, wot's that name aboot?

It's a weird thing, writing for something with no readers. Zero. Nill. 'No followers yet. Be the first.' Er, no thanks. It's a little bit terrifying, waiting for the inevitable public rejection, taking that ultimate risk of putting your thoughts, opinions and ideas out there, ready to be subject to derision, bewilderment and (worst?) embarrassment.

But actually, thinking about it, that's the point of this blog. Because people are out there, putting forward their opinions, voicing their ideas, in the full knowledge that what they say is far from what is considered the "mainstream". But I can't help but think that what I love as "art" (not in the sense of "high art", but in the sense of artistic development, and the incredible nature of creativity - the creation of new things) is the work of these people. People who take the bold step towards rejection - who, in short, overcome the fear of making a tit of themselves.

That's not to say that I don't love that incredible stuff which is almost universally accepted and left unchallenged - as a classical singer and a student it'd be just ignorance to ignore the overwhelming power of opera, the beauty of classical dance or some of the greatest feats of classical architecture. But it's important not to ignore what's considered as "niche". For me, nothing can beat the work of artists who can utilise their power to shock, to challenge, to reclaim. And this can be achieved through any medium, no matter how rooted in 'traditional' values they are.

This is a celebration of artists who aren't afraid to step into the public view and make a 'reet proper tool' out of themselves. And actually, that just comes down to being a blog about what I like; stuff that makes me excited, stimulated and inspired about a future of working in the creative industries. Along the way there'll be some funny, stupid stories from my life; my own little silly dances.

My aim: Saying a great big 'boo!' to self-preservation, rationality, dignity. And, of course, celebrating the eejits, numpties, people who just don't care, and the wonderful work they produce.

I hope you enjoy,

xx The Numpty xx