Alternative Ibiza?

[Stanley Edwards]

Back in Ibiza town trying to avoid the football. Ran out of cash. Hopeless trying to sell sketches in the seaside resorts as nice as they are. Almost dried out completely (alcohol wise). I'm back to night cap drinking only (big glasses of red wine), but struggling to get through the days without. I have reached the point where the mental stuff is more difficult than the physical now - through the worst, and it was fucking horrible. That was no holiday. I think running out of cash and bumping into a bunch of street alcoholics was a great help!

On the positive side I bumped into a couple who want a mural. They will get in touch before I leave. I also bumped into an interesting couple from Birmingham who may want to interview me for http://www.pencilkings.com/ They guy manages all their social media and a small mention on their FB very quickly boosted my own blog stats. This sort of connection could lead anywhere.

I was rattling so badly I didn't want to bother friends, so made cash for buses back here. Ibiza town is still exceptionally good for money making. Back on track financially in no time at all. Met a great foster family from Ireland this afternoon. Again, I really wanted to spend more time with the children - they all loved my sketch and were very complimentary, but my own mind is still depressed/paranoid and all over the place. Two more days is all it should take. It is tough, very tough. No idea why I put myself through this. You sort of fall in too easily and digging your way out gets more difficult everytime. Far from through it, but moving forwards.

Mañana!

 

[Stanley Edwards]

What thread? There are some borderline gits on here, but overall it's still good. Need to sort out contact details if we're gonna meet for a wee vodka in July!

Spanish mobile is always close to the top of my blog. Or, do a conversation here. Or, just find me in Placa des Parc. If I'm not there, ask around! I have work to do elsewhere, but, hey - it is a very small island.

 

[blossie33]

Take care Stan!

 

[Stanley Edwards]

More sad news. Whilst I was away street person number 13 died. 13 people dead in about 6 months amongst a very small community. Think I have already stated why I think the death rate amongst the vulnerable is so high here. There is a very easy trap to fall into. I am about to go my first full day alcohol free since arriving. I was getting dragged down there myself. Really wouldn't advise sleeping rough here. It is far too complicated.

French Manu used to recycle stuff from bins and sit outside a local supermarket trying to sell it, or just accepting donations. He used to meet me each morning whilst waiting for the chemist to open to collect his methadone. Heavy drinker, on a day to day methadone programme and still pinching street stuff. He died taking a fall. This is usually how heavy drinking alcoholics die before their body gives in. I am very aware and wary myself.

My mate who is ill is looking very much like he will be next if he doesn't get help soon. I don't enjoy working on the streets here, but it is still necessary between jobs and commissions.

Lost my free bed. Change of security at the giant floating Barbie palace. Who can possibly have that much money and no brains? New guys are total jobsworths. €20/night is the best value I can find for a single room here. Not bad really. Ibiza doesn't have to be as expensive as the image tells. A good meal can be had for €6. so, without booze, I can keep my daily outgoings down to about €40. Selling on the street is very unpredictable. At a guess I would say a daily average here in June is about €80. 11PM - 1PM is about peak time. They are long days.

Mission today is to complete Two large scale sketches for waiting clients. Keep my mind occupied - art is very good therapy!

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Just 3 cans of lager today! I have had no more than 6 hours sleep since Saturday morning. 13 long, solid hours come my way tonight

I have to photograph my graffiti tomorrow before it fades more. Even the police laugh. Children love it and it has given me a nice idea for a very easy, affordable community project here. I am going to buy loads and loads of 3 Meter x 1 Meter rolls of craft paper and get kids to lay on them, sketch their own body outline, then colour each others' in to create a sort of portrait of each other. Hang them in Placa des Parc for a few hours and ask for parents to donate to a local group. This will be fun, and it will raise a nice lump sum for a good cause.

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In case anyone missed it from the other thread: My graffiti 'experiment' was getting people to lay on the ground, I would sketch their body out in a police crime scene death style, then sketch in faces with huge grins, T-shirts, tattoos, hairy armpits etc. They all carry the banner of 'ISLE OF PACHA' (with a heart) to make them look happy wasted instead of dead. People love them. Someone told me today I had brought double chuckles to the whole island

I'll probably get fined tomorrow.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Dia Tres sin alcohol! Not missing it a single bit

Work just keeps on comming. I have been doing a lot of graphic design and illustration jobs - all totally freehand. No computer involved anywhere in the process. Proper old school. It seems to be very much in demand and fashionable here presently. Hand painted advertisements for alcoholic beverages (oh, the irony). A 'Let's fall in love in Ibiza' poster. Old fashioned signwriting in a very contemporary style... the artesan look adds a certain quality amongst a very commercial environment of convenience.

Three large murals to do. A commissioned painting. Lots of sketches. The biggest problem I am having is getting in touch with clients to make time to actually do the work. Most of the people I am working for have second businesses on the mainland, or in other countries. When they are on the island they have incredibly busy schedules. Most days I am sketching in the streets whilst juggling jobs around other peoples fixtures. Haven't taken a full day off for a while. My day starts waiting to see if I get any phone calls. If somebody calls and says "now" I have to be ready with tools to go immediately. If I haven't heard anything by 10am, I make other plans. May go hiking to new parts of the island on Monday and take a camera to post pics here. Other than that this thread is going to go very quiet unless something exceptional happens. I am on a health mission for a few weeks. Life is probably going to be very uneventful.

I am really enjoying Ibiza now. Looking forwards to getting an 'art in the community' event together. Drunk on life - no desire to drink whatsoever so far. Fingers crossed.

 

[Chilli.s]

Hope you don't go too quiet on here. I look forward to your interesting/amusing updates and you really paint a great picture with words. Looking out for your books in the future. Cheers!

 

[Sweet Meiga]

I'm also looking forward to reading your book, Stan! And I could do with a few more sketches.

 

[goldenecitrone]

Hope you don't go too quiet on here. I look forward to your interesting/amusing updates and you really paint a great picture with words. Looking out for your books in the future. Cheers!

 

[Riklet]

Good luck off the sauce stan!! Keep us posted.

 

[goldenecitrone]

Friday night in Ibiza and it's all gone a bit quiet.

 

[purves grundy]

Doesn't get going til midnight

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Friday night in Ibiza and it's all gone a bit quiet.

I struggled last night. Hadn't a clue how to keep myself entertained without socialising in drinking company. I don't really have a social life here that doesn't involve serious drinkers. One person who is a bit of a pot head is not a drinker, but her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend are visiting ATM. Don't want to intrude.

I had Two small cans of lager. Happy with that. By about 3.30am I was half tempted to enter a bar of a client, but managed to go to bed instead. Not really looking to forget alcohol totally. Want to do at least Four weeks drinking only water. Then stick to sensible and occassional drinking. You know; just Four, or Five times a day

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I met a very interesting guy from Manchester the other day. Keep meaning to scan stuff and post it here, but keep leaving the pictures in my bag. I will remember this evening if I'm not too busy. Briefly the guy makes little (almost business card size) drawings of semi-abstract Ibiza club scenes with a fine pen, or Biro. They are mental, very dark, and strangely compelling. I suspect each takes a full day to complete. He was trying to sell them in San Antonio. When I last saw him he was just handing them out as flyers. Giving them away, or sticking them to lamposts. He had around 700! No idea how many he gave away, but it must represent a good Three years work. Really hope he didn't go to crazy with them. He seemed happy enough, but I suspect he was confined somewhere for a fair number of years to manage all of that without going mad (if he wasn't already!).

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Come back to this, because I think it is worth it. These are fantastic little things. When I first saw them I wanted to buy a couple, but couldn't afford the cash they deserve. Didn't ask any questions about the guys art - he was far too busy telling me what I should doing.





The guy's name is Michael Fitzgerald. Sticker on reverse says he has more at Saatchi Online. I can't find them.

He didn't sell any at the price they deserved. I don't think he sold any actually. Small works can be much easier to sell, but people expect small to be cheap. As prints he would probably do OK selling them at a Fiver each. As originals he would need to sell for at least €70 to make it work financially. As much as I wanted to offer advice and help, I couldn't get a word in edge ways. He knew best and seemed happy enough giving them away anyway!

I refuse to sell prints myself simply because the selling isn't what I enjoy. I'm doing this because I love to do it. Love to see new places. Love to meet so many new people. I consider myself to be very fortunate to be able to live this way. It took along time to get there mind. If it wasn't for the writings on my blog I would have completely forgotten about all the hardship I went through to learn how to get here. It has been fantastic, but I am now ready to cash-in and settle down. I am so very, very close to getting all I want from this Seven year (plus) adventure. Well, almost everything. There are somethings in life a man may really, really want, but knows he cannot have. Such is life!

*Off to Placa des Parc for some art therapy*

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Waking with a clear mind and strong body I am beginning to wonder how the fuck I pulled this off drinking as much as I have been drinking. I feel fighting fit and up for anything now. Rather than wait for a new laptop I have decided to work from a USB stick and use internet cafes to finalise Part 1 of my book. My mind needs to be occupied and is unrattled enough to deal with all the complicated stuff I should have dealt with months ago (before my laptop got stolen). Backing up to remote servers from internet cafes is a good plan. My friend Mustafa has a very nice cafe with excellent work space. Ibiza is enabling me to find the time I need. I am almost there. From my blog...

How to Fund Your Own Travel Adventure.

The book (part 1) is comming soon in electronic format. Very soon hopefully.
How to Fund Your Own Travel Adventure by The Lost Photographer is an entertaining travelogue and comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to pay their way around Europe. Part 1 covers just Spain and will only be available in electronic formats. Anyone buying Part 1 will be issued with a password to access an accompanying website with ongoing, continuously updated information. The full version of the book will cover the majority of Europe and will also be available as a printed version (at a later date). The accompanying website for the full version of the book will also be supported by a members only website with discussion forums.

How to Fund Your Own Travel Adventure will hopefully stand up well enough simply as a travelogue. The book isn't just a guide for those wishing to give it a go themselves - it is a fun read regardless.

Whether you are, or would like to be a traveling artist, musician, street performer, massues, street pedlar, or offering any sort of service as an itinerant, or just looking for seasonal jobs enroute, you will find the book full of extremely useful information. The website with updated information will also be very valuable. The guide includes the following sections (many locally specific to each city):

Selling.
What sells.
Pricing.
How to sell and building your sales confidence.
Where to sell - the best pitches in each city, and how to spot a good pitch.

The Law.
Your rights.
Applicable European and local laws.
Where and how to get professional legal help if needed
Obtaining permission (if needed and available).

Traveling.
Tips for budget travelers.
Bus and train routes.
How to travel for free.
Hiking route information.

Living.
Where to stay - cheap and free options.
Where to eat - cheap and free options.
Socialising with fellow traveling workers.

Emergency
Help! - I have fallen ill.
Help! - I have lost my passport, or been robbed.
Help! - I have had an accident.
Help! - I have run out of money.

Plus much more!

Ibiza was the last corner of Spain I had to research. How to Fund Your Own Travel adventure has been born out of more than Six years real experience - there is no theoretical rubbish. Hopefully, income from Part 1 will enable me to complete research for the remaining places in Europe I want to research to complete the full version. I have barely touched Italy, and never stepped foot in Portugal, or Greece. All Three countries are obviously going to be popular destinations, so it is essential I test these waters before publishing the complete version. Strange how Portugal is probably the easiest destination outside of Spain for me to reach from Granada, yet I have left it until last. I am really looking forwards to visiting and working in Porto and Lisbon - I have heard nothing but good stories about both cities.

Date of publish for Part 1 will be announced here within the comming weeks.

This blog has been a fantastic adventure that is almost over (unless it has only just begun). The World is a very big place even if it seems too small at times!

Please continue to read and follow.

Thanks.

---------

This is going to sell like hot cakes. I have absolutely no doubt

 

[Badgers]

I thought of you the other day Stan. Saw a very attractive woman wearing very little on a fast looking motorbike. I was not sure if I was imaging it or not.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Ahoy Stan, coming round tvoya casa next Month, via Valladolid, glug gurgle ping.

I'm in Ibiza until mid September at least. Possibly longer.

Hope all is good.

 

[Sweet Meiga]

I'm in Ibiza until mid September at least. Possibly longer.

Hope all is good.

And then you'll go back to Granada?

 

[Stanley Edwards]

And then you'll go back to Granada?

My plan is to make homes here and in Granada. Spring and Autumn in Granada, Summer and Winter in Ibiza (with a bit of traveling around also). If an opportunity comes about to go to Italy, Greece, or Portugal I won't hesitate. My plans, as ever, are very vague. Of course, there is always a woman here who could well keep me here.

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I received an email from Michael Fitzgerald (the guy who does the minature dance scenes posted above). Thoroughly good sort he seems to be. Anyone wishing to see more of his work can find it here http://pictify.com/user/mfmalta15

I have 10 jobs on the go now. 10! I am almost established here already. Just bought a 6x2 Meter canvas. BIG BIG BIG. Careful time management is needed. The plan is to work mornings and evenings/nights, and finish my book in internet cafes during the afternoon when everyone is on the beaches. Work just keeps on piling in. This is very good

 

[Fingers]

Good to hear Stanley

 

[kevinpurcey]

How things bro...need a Holiday..cash in the pocket...not sure where to go Granada,don't Know,might come to Ibiza to see ya,are you easy to find ?
Will be in touch.x

 

[Stanley Edwards]

How things bro...need a Holiday..cash in the pocket...not sure where to go Granada,don't Know,might come to Ibiza to see ya,are you easy to find ?
Will be in touch.x

Easiest person in the World to find as ever! Things are very good for me here. Not sure who will still be in Granada for the heat. It's nice here, if a little humid.

 

[weltweit]

.... I have 10 jobs on the go now. 10! I am almost established here already. Just bought a 6x2 Meter canvas. BIG BIG BIG. Careful time management is needed. The plan is to work mornings and evenings/nights, and finish my book in internet cafes during the afternoon when everyone is on the beaches. Work just keeps on piling in. This is very good

Good on you, glad to hear things are going well!

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Live Projection Art!

I cannot believe my luck ATM. I first met Stella back in January. She spoke of a new gallery/restaurant business plan. Stella's Grandfather was a World famous Tenor. Possibly, the best known of his time. Mario del Monaco.

Stella with her partner is opening an opera themed, vegetarian restaurant in tribute to her Grandfather. The place will open late July under the name of Mario's (her personal joke that every pizza place is called Mario's, but her place will be named after Italy's most loved Mario). Today she showed me around the premises she has taken on. It is an incredible building. The first ever cinema in Ibiza. Cinema!!! "Hey, Stella, listen to me for just Two minutes - I have an idea".

She loves the idea. I will be doing live projection drawings from outdoors by day with the image projected onto the old cinema screen in a very swanky, but fun place with live opera singers for musical accompaniment. Huge sketches will be hanging on the walls offered for sale. By night I will sketch the scene inside the restaurant projecting onto the walls outside in the street. This is going to be very, very good for everybody.

I now have Three people representing me on the island with a 100% promise of ongoing work.

I am one lucky, lucky bastard fella

I don't even have to buy the equipment. And, I get my new laptop

 

[Supine]

Go to DC10 and get off your chops

 

[kevinpurcey]

Go to DC10 and get off your chops ...Liking it dude ..sounds coool to me bro...

 

[kevinpurcey]

fuck that projection business DC10..rave on !!!!

 

[Stanley Edwards]

Have a job in the countryside today, so I'm taking a day off tomorrow. Hoping to meet up with a beautiful mate, but she isn't communicating Oh well, day in el campo and a hearty meal anyway.

I am doing my best to avoid DC10, Pacha, Amnesia, Priviledge, Sanky's, Space, etc......................... Fucking €60 to get in then €20 a fucking drink. Fuck that! Apparently, I can get in free to DC10, but it is still too fucking expensive. Besides, I am far too old for all that sort of shit. This is alternative Ibiza - I'm heading into the hills for a couple of days of healthiness and beautiful company (hopefully). I'll do a countryside sketch and post it here at the weekend.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

I got bored of the countryside very quickly. I am in Santa Eularia - a compromise between city and dullness. Very nice here. I like it.

I have bought some magic beans to sew seeds of love in my beautiful mates heart. This cannot fail I conferred with my beautiful friend Inma. She agreed it was a beautiful idea.

I don't stand a cat in hells chance here, but the flirting and charming is all good fun and harmless. Back to the countryside tomorrow to give gifts of seeds for a herb garden

Sewing the seeds........................

 

[weltweit]

Make your mind up Stanley!!!

" I got bored of the countryside very quickly ...... back to the countryside tomorrow!! "