Here is another extract from The Butter Mouse's book. It works well quoting the exercise in his own words, so I will continue in this format. Fingers crossed someone comes forth with a copyright claim, so we can push for an interview.
If you have sorted your cards out, this should be nice and straightforward.
‘Bore or Prynhawn to you! I hope you are keeping well since your postcode travels last week.
This month’s exercise focuses on our old creative friend, the photograph. Your cards take a back seat, although keep them to hand. And don’t worry it the thought of exposing light to nitrate sends you into a fit of panic. It does not matter if you are dabbling in watercolours or playing the oboe,you will still be able to complete the challenge.
My goodness this task would have been harder twenty years ago! Back then you would need to purchase or borrow a big clunky camera, load up expensive film, and mess around with all sorts of smelly chemicals. Now you can just pick up an instant camera from any pharmacist, and off you go!
Why do they sell disposable cameras in a pharmacy? Surely they are something for the newsagents?
Anyway, draw your four cards for the month. Each will have a number, with Jack-King ten-twelve, and ace thirteen. Choose any number from this quadruple selection, and take that many photos. Get your photos developed. From here, use these as inspiration for your creative work.
Simple as that!
Remember, your photos are not the project. This is not about achieving perfect framing, or finding an interesting subject. Instead you will use your snaps to inspire your piece. That does mean if photography is your discipline, you will shoot a photograph inspired by some photographs.
So go wild! Take a picture of a mouse at midnight. A flash of light in the forest. Anything that is legal, and doesn’t upset anyone else.
The only rule is the photos must match the suited theme on your chosen card from the list below. How you interpret these themes is your choice. .You are trying to access a different part of your brain, one that can see something new in the world. You are not creating a literal copy, but an original take of your images. What do they mean to you?
Clubs: Nature
Hearts: Humanity
Diamonds: Shadows
Spades: Water
Pob Lwc!’
