14th October 2015
What a great way to start this years Isle of Wight Literary festival. An enchanting evening of acoustic songs performed in the ball room at Northwood House. Paul Armfield has created the 'Found' project from imaginary stories that have been inspired by the characters in 'once loved' photographs. Salvaged by his friend Elinor from the flea markets of Berlin, this collection was too good to be placed back in the box. Paul could not resist the opportunity to get creative... a lovely partnership and process had begun! Tonights peformance was tender and thought provoking, light moments of humor balanced the darker scenarios that Paul had cunjured. Who were these people?, who loved them and how did their images come to be 'Found'?
Below, Paul explains his process:
"When I first looked through them I was overwhelmed, each image just exploded with narrative, but in writing songs about the photographs I have, for the most part, tried not to impose my own interpretations but rather create a soundscape of words and music that will enhance the experience. Three minute frames in which to pore over and marvel at each still image, breathing new breath into each anonymous life."
JC Grimshaw, Jon Thorne and Paul Armfield perform. Pic by Bob White
Born in Birmingham, and raised on a diet of Rock’nRoll, Elton John, Black Sabbath and Sinatra, Paul moved to the Isle of Wight aged ten where he soon took up bass and joined a punk band. Spending his teens playing every style of music imaginable proved a solid grounding that would later prove invaluable.
The Found album - Limited edition box set and prints
The boy in the picture
The images that inspired Paul are on show at Dimbola Lodge in Freshwater until 3rd January 2016.
10 out of 10!
