New song from Mashemon!

Hello people of Nerve,

There's a new song from  our dear friends Mashemon called Curtains. Listen below!



Personally, I like it.

The Nerve Centre. 

News: Mashemon Reviewed in Local Music Magazine!

After a dry spot recently whilst we're working on the future of the Nerve Centre, here's some Nerve friend related news! Most of you were probably there at the Nerve benefit gig held last month, and a review of it has been published in Issue 6 of the local music magazine BidoLito! Read on and remember the evening...

 

Those of you who have committed the requisite good deed to hold Mashemon’s album Disposal Music in your paws will know it’s a good listen, and those who paid the requisite sum to enter this benefit gig for Catalyst Media’s Nerve Magazine saw a performance more than worthy of the good deed first committed to possess their music.  The normally sedate surrounds of Next To Nowhere, the subterranean social centre underneath Bold Street’s News From Nowhere, was packed with people young and old, regular and less familiar, sober or not so sober who gave the space an atmosphere all of its own, and a magic as infectious as the most catching disease you can stomach to think of as you read this!

Lights were dimmed, music was played and after hours of anticipation and rumour, Mashemon appeared on stage in some pretty dapper looking suits guitars in hand and ready to assault the crowds with their intelligent music and sharp yet beautiful lyrics. The majority of the set was drawn from their aforementioned good-deeds obtained album and the crowd were surrounding the band at every moment during the set, revelling in the activist fuelled melodies of band components Rocky and Ronny. The dynamic sound of their set filled the area with their polished anarchist energy and one of the best things about the set was their use of multi-media. The animated films playing on the screen just behind them were fascinating to watch and really added a cinematic dimension to the performance that was appreciated especially by this reviewer. 

One of Mashemon’s best qualities is the fact that they are brilliant performers, innovative and making the whole thing as natural as eating cereal for breakfast. The duo are as convincing on the stage as off the stage, and have a gift for translating the urgent, intellectual energy of their recorded output easily in the live format.  There was definitely a hint of magic in their performance and songs such as religion questioning Brick, with its killer opening statement of “God is watching… worked for seven days, ain’t done much since” is up there with the best opening couplets and like the rest of their songs has a very definite message to be discovered in its hyper intelligent language. Similarly, Facts, concerns itself with war, “The patriot walks a path of war/There might be Christ on every corner/ But he ain’t got nothing ain’t been done before”, yet  in a tonal juxtaposition has an almost joyous feel with its use of keyboards and the riffs that come out like screams of electricity. Magic!

There is much that one could say about Mashemon, but in doing that we’d be missing the point that there is a lot to recommend in this excellent local band that have made the perfect middle ground between grassroots artists and accessible music with vital messages that will be understood by many. In short, a good night! More of this and I’ll definitely to going Mashemon’s way!  

Review by Sebastian Gahan.

The Nerve Centre Future: Some Thoughts.

There have been many suggestions as to why there is need for The Nerve Centre in Liverpool and they can get lost in the melee of activity surrounding the aftermath and big "To be continued" left after our last day in what now houses The Bienniel's permanently empty-feeling exhibitions. If we want to get the atmosphere, community and welcoming vibes back into Liverpool, we need to start planning where we will go from now. To whit, we must bear in mind the following:

Although time and events can dull your passion for something, remember that people liked and still want The Nerve Centre. The sheer reaction we gained during our four weeks in the Old Rapid Paint Shop is enough to say that we must continue our work. 

Even now, as I visit the various creative spaces of Liverpool, people recognise me and inquire as to how The Nerve Centre is going. Unfortunately, I can't tell them a place to go as there isn't one at the moment. If people ask you abut the Nerve or The Nerve Centre, remind them of what was there, and what will be happening in the future. Create a buzz that will carry us forward!

I miss The Nerve Centre. For four weeks I had a creative home, where my imagination could run wild, creative people were to met, learning of topics not normally promoted could be achieved and quite simply, I enjoyed visiting there in whatever capacity I was in. I know I'm not the only one who felt this way, so anybody who connected with The Nerve Centre should know that they are not alone.

There are plenty of places for The Nerve Centre to continue, so it's only a matter of time before we find a home. It'll take a big coming together of our various skills to do this, so if anybody wants to help, get in contact with us via the Contact page and we can start the ball rolling!

The Nerve Centre.

Review: Biltone@The Nerve Centre.

BILTONE

The Nerve Centre, 13^th August 2010.

The launch party of Catalyst Media's multi media event The Nerve Centre showcasing grassroots artists, performers, poets, musicians and the like was a hive of creative energy, with people of all ages flowing in and out, drinking open night wine merrily, talking amiably on a diverse amount of topics from the radical to the spontaneous and generally filling the once empty and, sadly, soon to be demolished Rapid Paint shop on Renshaw Street with a well deserved relevance in an area of relative nothingness. 

 

 Around half way through the launch party, Liverpool atmospheric balladeers BILTONE slipped quietly into the atmosphere and started setting up for their quietly electric show which made an obviously energetic crowd of what the band called "Lefties", in a reference to the political aims of the exhibition, on several occasions have to gag their excitement in a serious way in order to fully comprehend the bands atmospheric musings. Many bands have a sound to capture an audience straight away, and Biltone have that power as well. Their set began quietly and gracefully and took several songs for the band to get the ears of the crowd in full listening mode, (although with the launch party buzz going round that was easily forgiven!), but once the crowd were listening, they were enraptured by the delicate framing of their water colour like sounds. 

 Performing in front of a good crowd with evocative art at their backs and next to the once commercial shop entrance with security gates that no longer secure anything, the band started off with the subtle and stayed in that mood all through the set, often punctuated with some well placed asides, such as this reviewers favorite aside about "that guy taking photos of me" – that is, me!  The humour was a great counterpoint to the delicate sound of the violin inflected songs such as the intriguingly titled The Pyramids Of Llangollen, or the familiar titled Hope Street, which may be a reference to our own Hope Street, which sailed around the gallery like a sweet musical spell bringing the assembled crowd to a hushed applause at the end of the song. 

Highlights included the aforementioned cross-audience banter with the band, a magical moment where the violinist cradled his violin down and started plucking it like a particularly sweet sounding guitar whilst making what could have been whale noises into the microphone and my second mention of the night, “I thought the press were here but it’s just one person!”. One could easily say that Biltone were a good addition to the ambience of The Nerve Centre with their quirky sound and localised sense of humour and when singer and guitarist Joe bumped into me later and recognised me as the camera toting mobster he mentioned during the set, I assured him his soul was safe with me and congratulated him on an inner-eye opening set that was more than worthy of another listen when they next appear live. 

Go see Biltone, and bring your biggest camera! 

Review and Photo by Sebastian Gahan.

This review appears in Issue 5 of Bido Lito. 

The Nerve Centre Live Review: Jazamin Sinclair

JAZAMIN SINCLAIR@The Nerve Centre. September 2^rd 2010.

On an unassuming sunny afternoon, JAZAMIN SINCLAIR arrived fashionably late at Renshaw Street’s The Nerve Centre for her acoustic set. After an impressively quick set up and introduction possible only with an acoustic set, she opened up her performance with the self-penned Old Time, a short and sweet song that was met with much approval from the sympathetic audience. Following the applause she moved onto a cover of Beth Orton’s Stolen Car, which captured the feel of the original but was still recognizably different enough to work well in its eyes shut sing-along-ability.  Next came a shift change with a cover of the ubiquitous anthem to either granny grabbing or punching, Take Your Mama Out, which had no such implication with Sinclair’s acoustic take on the song which raised more than a few smiles in the crowd. 

Such a number of covers in a set could be seen as a concession to originality to some eyes, but a later chat to Sinclair and a check of her artist page is proof enough that she has many songs in her proverbial artillery. Following some sound issues amiably dealt with by Sinclair and a quick audience hearing check, it was back to business as usual with a cover of a song that some may know called Spaceman. Sinclair’s clear voice and excellent guitar was more than a match for the original, and the feeling in her performance was as evident as in 4 None Blondes’ original. As mentioned before, the set was primarily covers of other artists songs, but Sinclair never sold herself short, and the set’s brevity was disappointing as I could quite easily have sat through many more songs, be they covers or not, which is not something one can say often at a live show. 

The fact she chose to perform songs from the singer-songwriter genre is definitely in her favor as these songs are usually well written, timeless and above all very good. Her version of Big Yellow Taxi was particularly good and had many, including this reviewer, ready for more. Its theme was also appropriate, perhaps unintentionally, as there were calls for a cleaner greener Earth posted just behind her, appropriately right next to her paintings which makes a very good backdrop to her music. For those who have not come across Sinclair before, you should go down and see her when you get a chance. This was her first solo show in a while, and despite her apologies after the show for the sound problems, there really was no need as the songs she chose, including an interesting cover of Skunk Anansie’s Pickin’ On Me, all spoke for themselves. The only complaint would be that more originals would have made a good show even better than it was. Simplicity is rare thing these days, and Sinclair’s acoustic performance was most definitely an example of the beauty of simplicity in music and performance.  

Review and Photo: Sebastian Gahan.

The Nerve Centre Interview...Tony Chestnut - The People's Poet.

On the very last day of The Nerve Centre's present run, Tony Chestnut turned up and gave a thirty minute show of his excellent poetry. As you may know if you were there, Tony is The People's Poet and in that he is very much a part of The Nerve Centre! I caught up with his fittingly be-suited self and asked some probing questions of him. His responses, fittingly poetic are below with some excellent photos of the man himself in action. Read on and be informed!

How was your performance at The Nerve Centre?

My performance was that of an Anarchist at heart.So I felt quite at home really.

You performed on the last day of The Nerve Centre. What was the mood on the day?

The mood seemed a little subdued yet positive.

Your poetry is to the point and highly entertaining. What influences your work?

The facts of reality that effect our lives political, social and esoteric. Nothing too flowery. Blood n guts poetry.

You aim to be the people's poet. What does being a people's poet involve?

The Peoples Poet is nothing without the people and to pass on love, positivity, humour. Express that which others may not be able to is my goal.

What is the message of the Nerve Centre?

Nerve Centre gather get gain and sustain don't let the bastards grind us down.

Did any pieces of art catch your eye?

Loved John O'Neill's paintings.

 

Is there a piece of poetry, either your own or someone else's, that you think captures the creative spirit of Liverpool well?

All Liverpool poets at some point convey an aspect of our city.

There have been diverse opinions of STOK's graffiti piece on the window. What did you think of it?

Graffiti should be more than tag name logo express more.

How did you learn of Nerve magazine and what is your favorite aspect of it?

Always been aware of Nerve since its coming from where I'm at.

Art and Liverpool. Why should these words match each other?

Liverpool is a diverse culture which has its voice in all the arts.

 

What should the future be for The Nerve Centre?

The future is to continue with using vacant properties when ever viable. Keep it fresh.

Finally, any parting thoughts for the people of Nerve?

Keep the faith in one another include more evolve beyond politics.

Thank you to Tony for entertaining us and remember that you can more of his work at his website.

The Nerve Centre.

Thoughts: The Nerve Centre is No More...For Now.

Well The Nerve Centre is no more - at least for now. All the paintings have been taken down from the walls, the artists left with their work, The spartan centurion, that stood guard and watched over everything, quickly left, crashing through the doors and shutters in the dead of night and running down Renshaw Street, towards lime street, frightening the last of the drunken yawning revelers, on his way back to his home by Sandhills station. The music, the film, the chatter has stopped. And now the Centre will be replaced by another group of artists. Who very quickly began to pull the place apart. As well as the upbeat vibe, the warmth, the creativity and the challenging discussions – some things stick in my mind. On the first night, someone said to me ; you know I have never seen any of these people at the art openings I go to’ During the the following weeks new people said to me‘ You gotta to keep this place going, the city needs it’ ‘You know during that discussion, I decided I was going to leave my job, and focus full time on The Nerve Centre’.‘let me tell you, I would have been dead, if I hadn’t have found The Nerve Centre that night, I really mean that, it saved my life’ ‘I laughed, I cried, I was moved, I felt so comfortable here, I have learnt so much, thank you’ And these are just a few comments. We need to start putting our ideas down on paper. The Nerve Centre is wanted and its needed. And this is only the beginning.

Darren Guy. 

Please feel free to mail your thoughts and hopes and ideas on The Nerve Centre's past, present and future to the blog. Use the comments box, mail via Catalyst or check the contact info on the front page. As Darren says, The Nerve Centre is wanted and needed, and no one is in disagreement there. Let's make it happen! 

The Nerve Centre.

The Nerve Centre Has Finished... For Now!

Yes, people, The Nerve Centre went out with a bang yesterday. A well attended day, packed with fun and discussion, music and forward looking, and much much more.

Despite the inevitable last-day feeling that was in the air, everyone looked forward to the future of the seed we planted that has grown bigger than any of us ever expected! Rather, then, a very large "to be continued" spray painted onto the now proverbial doors of our show. It doesn't matter who it is who makes the moves to make the continued continue, but on the evidence of our last night, there is a great want for a continuation of The Nerve Centre. Certainly, we're aiming for another location, but the feeling of community, creativity and openness present at The Nerve Centre is the most important thing. Personally speaking, and I know others feel this way too, I will miss the space we had. The next few weeks will be learning experiences in themselves, as we readjust and head back to the routines we temporarily abandoned when The Nerve Centre opened it's doors. 


Long live The Nerve Centre! We'll be back but we don't know when! Until then, keep checking the blog for reviews, articles and much more as we take a look back and a look forward as we make our first footsteps turn into great, catalystic strides!


The Nerve Centre.

Friday 10th September at The Nerve Centre.

It's Friday 10th September, and if you should be going anywhere, its The Nerve Centre! If you're still in any doubt, let me tell you what's going on...

From 12pm to 2pm, we have another movie showing, and today it's No Impact Man. Trailer below...



From 2pm until 3pm we present poetry and discussion from Eleanor Rees and Dave Ward. Eleanor Rees’s Andraste’s Hair presents Liverpool as a fantastical city while Dave Ward’s Where The World Begins focuses on the dockers’ Strike. 

Then, from 3pm, Carol Laidlaw leads a discussion on who makes laws, how they work, and how people can use them to to challenge injustice. 
(Update: Unbeknown to me, Carol was unwell so couldn't make it. So, no discussion occurred! Sorry for the inconvenience if you turned up and were disappointed.)

If this doesn't tempt you inside, then check out the events lined up for our - cue the violins - last day on Saturday 11th. It'll be a grand send off so make sure you're there!

The Nerve Centre.

Nerve Centre Interview: Steve Eye

Steve Eye, Film Guy. Yes, a bad bit of rhyming there from this writer, but that matters not when I have a nice little interview with our, you guessed it, Film Guy! Many of you out there will know Steve Eye from his previous movie nights at The Social Centre on Bold Street, and many of you will have enjoyed his choice of films at The Nerve Centre too. So sit back, make yourself comfortable and read my highly entertaining chat with the brilliantly named Steve Eye.

The Nerve Centre:There's been quite a lot going on at The Nerve Centre. Any highlights so far?
Steve Eye: I always welcome a rare opportunity to hear Paul Tarpey reciting his poetry. He’s totally unique and he doesn’t do it often enough! Inviting Peter Leeson to come to Liverpool and talk about the making of his film here in 1970 was pretty great too. And just enjoying showing some of my favorite documentaries and seeing people responding to them as strongly as I did has been very rewarding. Most of all I’ve enjoyed meeting some very cool new people and renewing acquaintances with some old friends.
 
TNC:What's your relationship to Nerve Magazine?
SE: I know most of the people involved and occasionally get asked to contribute an article or some humorous cuttings (see current issue!)
 
TNC: You seem to have a lot of movies in your collection. Do you have a particular specialty or are you open to all types of film?
SE: My collection is pretty vast! I’m showing only documentaries at the Nerve Centre but I love feature films too. I’ve got a pretty wide taste, ranging from dark bleak European drama to terrifying Asian ghost films to trashy B Movies to political cinema from around the world, and lots more besides! I am sometimes accused of always showing grim films but that's only because there aren't enough political films with happy endings! 
 
TNC: How did you go about choosing the films for The Nerve Centre?
SE: I figured political documentaries were the most appropriate films to show while the Nerve Centre was open. Most of them were chosen from amongst the collection of films I’ve shown previously at the Documentary Night at Next To Nowhere (Liverpool Social Centre) in the basement of 96 Bold Street . I picked my own favourites of those and tried to choose a wide range to cover as many different topics as possible and find some short films which I thought would go well together.
 
TNC: Do you have a favourite film amongst those showing at The Nerve Centre?
SE: Hmmm, tricky! As an old punk I find the film about CRASS very inspiring. And ‘Arna’s Children’ is incredibly powerful and has the potential to really alter people’s perceptions, so it would be hard to top that one. But I love them all really!
 
TNC: Has any thing in the exhibition caught your eye particularly?
SE: What, apart from the huge naked man bearing down on me when I enter the building?! I like Dusty Paul’s artwork very much. And the window displays have been very eyecatching
  
TNC: What do you think is the message of The Nerve Centre?
SE: Express yourself in whatever way you find suitable. Get involved. You can help change the world if you try. Speak out if you have something to say. Come and join in!
 
TNC: Once the Closing Party wraps on September 11th, what should be the future for The Nerve Centre?

SE: It should remain a place with a series of homes, since it can’t remain in the building it’s currently in. Let’s find other places for it to exist and keep it moving so it reaches as many people as possible. Some of the social centres around the country have had several homes and are not tied to a particular set of bricks, but are more about the group of people involved
 
TNC: Are there any movies you were considering showing at The Nerve Centre but didn't? If so, what were the movies?
SE: Lots, but there’s only been time for so many. I tried to cover as many bases as possible theme wise but would have really liked to shown 'Beyond Hatred’ and Spike Lee’s '4 Little Girls’, two more extremely moving films
 
TNC: Can you sum up the power of film in a sentence?
SE: Not really! But film can provoke a thought or teach you something in only 90 minutes that may have a profound impact on the rest of your life – how many other mediums can do that?
 
TNC: Any parting words for us until we see you again at The Nerve Centre?
SE: I hope if you’ve watched any of the films I’ve chosen that they’ve made an impact and given you something to think about when you left. Until the Nerve Centre returns you can find me showing films at Next To Nowhere on a regular basis – I usually show documentaries on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month, and I show feature films with a political or social message on alternate Sundays. Check the calendar here for more information - http://www.liverpoolsocialcentre.org/calendar/month.php

Thanks Steve for a great interview! Catch Steve when he's next at The Nerve Centre for a showing of Peaceable Kingdom on Wednesday 8th September.

The Nerve Centre.

The Nerve Centre Interview: John Daly.

On the 28th of August John Daly invited you all to bring a favorite scene from a movie along and explain your love for it. You did, and you made him very happy. So much so he's considering another session! Watch this space! I caught with John a few days after and threw some questions at him. The result can be found below:

The Nerve Centre: Any highlights so far at The Nerve Centre?

John Daly: The lad, living on the streets, who wanders in (and) plonks himself on a couch listening to Jay Lewis playing his own acoustic set. After a couple of songs he says, "Any chance of a bit of Led Zep?" A bit later, "What about 'All Along The Watchtower', lar".  Later still, "You must know Hendrix! Go 'ead, lad, play some". At the end, specially for him Jay plays 'All Along The Watchtower' and the second it ends the lad says, "What about 'All Along The Watchtower', mate." Another memorable highlight - Kick Boxing For Snakes poems, very short, ridicuously funny, with a half-arsed delivery and low strident guitar adding to their charm. 

TNC: What type of films came out for the event?

JD: First time out the response was good, which means film buffs brought a 'Movie Moment' from scenes in Mulholland Drive, Cinema Paradiso, Goodbye Lenin, Glengarry Glen Ross, Our Day Out, Crash. The audience, who seemed to materialize from nowhere five minutes before the start, took to the format with lively offerings.

TNC: Do you have a preferred genre of film yourself or are you open to everything?

JD: The only thing that is out for me is horror. Can't stand it!  I am drawn to stylish, mysterious films with cool-edge dialog I don't understand. Other than that anything from 'Treasure in the Sierra Madre' (Bogey) to the hoot I got from the Ron Burgundy character I saw the other night in 'Anchorman'.

TNC: There are various films showing over the weeks at The Nerve Centre. Are there any you're looking forward to or found particularly good?

JD: Liked how Critical Mass, the cyclists who reclaim the roads, got their name. The film showed ordinary people on bikes among the crazy traffic in China - when enough of them had gathered in the middle of the road they all made a right turn because they had the critical mass to do it.

TNC: On September 11th The Nerve Centre has it's closing party. Where and what should The Nerve Centre do next in your opinion?

JD: That's the big one. This stuff works, for me, because there's no one interest (something like Nerve covers a lot of interests, a very lot), it's informal, and it's open. People seem to respond to that. 

TNC: Many have commented on Dave Webster's sculpture, the Centurion dominating the center of the gallery. What are your thoughts on the piece?

JD: He's big, he doesn't say much, and he's in exactly the right place, near but not too near the door. I haven't thought this through but he's had a massive influence on the space and the way it's changed for various events. We'll miss him.

TNC: What is the message of the Nerve Centre? 

JD: How all kinds of brilliant stuff can happen without any obvious leaders.

TNC: We have an ever changing collection of art on show at The Nerve Centre. Is there a piece that has particularly caught your eye?

JD: The happy madness in John O'Neil's paintings. Carl Fletcher's sardine tin. The square, central, yellow blob in the one of Ossie Jones Liverpool pictures.

TNC: Finally, any filmic and sage advice for the many people of The Nerve Centre ?

JD: Not advice just something I'd heard about films and finding out what a character is really like - 'Put him under pressure..... then see what he does'.

Thanks to John for some great answers! 

The Nerve Centre.

Questions and interrogation by Sebastian Gahan.

NERVE ENDS: An Ongoing Retrospective of The Nerve Centre.

This is a call out to all the lovely people of Nerve and anybody else who is interested to take part in a group work to celebrate and remember The Nerve Centre in the form of a collage piece. There is no particular criteria or process to contribute, just remember the following basics:

1. If it's related to The Nerve Centre or it's themes, it's welcome.

2. Be creative! Your contribution could be a poem, a single word, a picture, a postcard, a piece of your own work, a 3-D sculpture or anything that strikes you as fitting in with the piece.

3. Do remember to a add a thought to the box situated beneath the piece, which can be a poem, a suggestion, a wish for another Nerve Centre event, an inspired doodle...the suggestions are endless! I don't even mind the odd bit of swearing as long as it's not pointless! Go for it! These will eventually be gone through and featured in a later article or piece of work.

4. What are you waiting for? Be spontaneous and see what happens!

For inspiration, here's some images from Nerve End's generation so far:

Bring on the creative and let's make this piece a true representation of The Nerve Centre!

The Nerve Centre.

The Nerve Centre presents We Didn't Vote to Die at Work.

We Didn’t Vote to Die at Work

Sat 4^th September, 12-2

Speakers

Hilda Palmer, Manchester Hazards Campaign

Dawn Adams and Linzi Herbertson

Families Against Corporate Killers

Chair: Steve Tombs

Plus:

Screening of FACE THE FACKS, a film about the real burdens of corporate killing.

The Nerve Centre Interview: Liam Brayd.

The Nerve Centre has been and most definitely will be host to many talented and outstanding artists doing their creative work, and on the the very first night, when much open night wine was consumed, familiar faces met and a catalystic event launched to the masses, Liam Brayd was one of the many artists who performed his work for the many people present. Be warned, this interview is very *to the point* in the best possible way. Show your love for Liam Brayd, and read his responses to my impassioned queries below:

The Nerve Centre: What does The Nerve Centre mean to you?

 

Liam Brayd: A demonstration of freedom of creative expression in an accessible, public place.

TNC: Any highlights of the exhibition so far?

LB: The live entertainment on the opening night.

 

TNC: What are your influences when crafting poetry?

LB: I write about my life’s experiences living in the city.

 

TNC: I was in the audience for your performance on the opening night and every eye in the room was on you. What reaction do you seek when performing?

 

LB:  Exactly as you observed. I seek all eyes and ears.

TNC: You're performing again on Sunday 5th September with some friends. What can we expect from the set and who will be your friends?

 

LB: Poetry about life in the city, Liverpool and all cities around the world. The similarities are in the detail of the individuals lives. That is my inspiration. My friends will be both real and ethereal, some present in body, others in spirit.

TNC: Any last words for The Nerve Centre until we see you there?

 

LB: The Nerve Centre must be strong, truthful and triumphant.

 

Liam would like you all to know that he is teaming up with fellow poet/singer songwriter Tom George, (who also appeared at The Nerve Centre), on Wednesday 15^th September at 8pm, at The Dead Good Poets Society, in The 3^RD Room, Everyman Bistro, Hope St. Liverpool. This will be an amazing event, where the best of Liverpool’s poets will be present. A night not to be missed!!  You heard the man, get on down there for a night to remember!

Thank you Liam for your brilliantly concise answers, and see you soon at The Nerve Centre!

The Nerve Centre.

Photo of Liam and Questions posed by Sebastian Gahan.

Wednesday 1st September at The Nerve Centre.

Did you have a good time at The Nerve Centre today? Did you see the CRASS movie? Did you join in the discussion with Philosophy In Pubs? Whatever you did today, I hope it was fulfilling and above all worth it. But if it's inspiration you're looking for, and stimulating visual art and discussion, a visit to The Nerve Centre may well be the balm for your intellectual scars. Take a look at what the 'morrow - that is Wednesday 1st September - brings at The Nerve Centre:

We open at 12pm and will be showing some movies for your delight, shock, horror, enjoyment and whatever other adjective is on your lips as you view and the trailers for them are below: 

(There is short clip from Circus For Life here.)

Needless to say, some stimulating stuff here!

Following a quick break for tea, coffee or whatever it is you gain sustenance from, there will an important discussion on Higher Education, it's relationship with "reclaiming the city" and much more.  Hosted by Ross Dawson, it will undoubtedly be an interesting and well attended discussion. Head to The Nerve Centre, if you're not already there, for 3pm to have your say on this highly relevant issue!

See you soon,

The Nerve Centre.

Nerve Centre Interviews: Shinobu Gahan.

On the 21st of August, Shinobu Gahan did an origami demonstration in The Nerve Centre that went down well with all, with reports of many children making their parents little - and large! - paper shirts for days afterwards based on her origami shirts. I did a quick interrogation with Shinobu about the day and her work. Check out the photographs of her work as well!

The Nerve Centre:What did you do at The Nerve Centre today?

Shinobu: I came to do my origami workshop!

TNC:How did the workshop go?

S: It went well! I didn't expect it, but a lot of people, kids and adults, came and enjoyed learning origami.

TNC: Any highlights of the exhibition or show?

S: (Thinks) Obviously my workshop! Snappertronics were good. The discussions were interesting as well!

TNC: In your opinion, what does The Nerve Centre indicate about Liverpool's creative scene?

S: I think there are a lot of beautiful pieces at the exhibition and they make you feel beautiful and inspired yourself! Liverpool is a nice place with lots of events to get involved in.

TNC: Is there any particular inspiration behind your work?

S: When I was young I did origami at school in Japan. Origami is a well known part of Japanese culture and it's something I can do, so I decided to let people know about Japanese culture via origami. That's it really!

TNC: If you could change anything about Liverpool, what would you change?

S: There should be more community where everybody can get involved in making Liverpool a better place. Art, cultural exchange and more beyond that.

TNC: What do you think the message of The Nerve Centre is?

S: Everybody is welcome to join in and anyone can do art is they try! 

TNC: What's your favorite piece of origami to fold and why?

S: Butterflies are nice! I like folding butterflies. Nobody hates butterflies so everyone like them. It's not that easy to fold, but it makes a good display piece to put somewhere and look at! 

Thanks to Shinobu for some wonderful art , and the chance to see origami in action! 

The Nerve Centre.

Photography by Shinobu Gahan.