Putting Pen To Paper

The summer is in full swing, the tourists mingle among us, and as we plan for autumn and finalize the next issue of the SQ, I am writing like a fiend! Of course, it needs to be said that I do the majority of my writing easily on my laptop, but I also do a fair amount of note taking by hand—on notepads and little bits of paper I find lying around. My notes are then transferred into digital form on my computer and further developed and transformed into articles, essays or poems, yes—poems!

Back in 2012 as I prepared to take some photos for the premiere issue of the SQ, I thought, wouldn’t it be great to have an old fountain pen in some of the shots for my editorial page? Well, what I didn’t know was the difficulty I’d have in trying to purchase one. I remembered how easy it was, back in the 70s, to have a selection of relatively inexpensive options; and now, I had to visit three stores just to see if they sold more than one.

We start writing, beginning with printing the alphabet and then move on to cursive writing or script. Amusingly, I remember in the U.S. being allowed to use pencil or pen for my schoolwork; however using an ink pen was mandatory when I attended school in Antigua, where we usually used fountain pens! And penmanship was a subject of study.

In Sitges, penmanship or “cuadrícula” usually ends around the age of 4yrs, and cursivo begins in the 5^th year. Unfortunately, around the western world, it seems this skill starts to really wane by the 11^th year when using the computer is required to complete schoolwork. This in itself is a big change, but also, the expectation is ambitious due to the assumption that every child has access to a computer, and can type, without having typewriting lessons! 

Handwriting is unique, expressive and believed to be a trademark of personality. Interestingly, the first book to describe how to analyze handwriting dates back all the way to 1611. And handwriting, believe it or not, stimulates functions of language, by actually using an alphabet or visual symbols (characters) of the sounds used in communication. And unfortunately, it appears the decline in physical writing by hand has a correlation to ones ability to decipher handwriting.

Commercial typewriting in the 1800s started to change things and made it easy to leave calligraphy as an art of the past, and it can be said the universal usage of the telephone (created in the late 1870s) also had an enormous impact on letter writing. 

Today we consume volumes of the written word via numerous web pages, eBooks, and posts on social media platforms albeit reduced to texting or using sms (short message service), emails and of course, tweeting… 

There is however, some good in these new shorter forms of expression using new technologies—remember the quick postings on Twitter and other social networks which created momentum for social uprisings in Tunisia and Cairo? And the effective #Black Twitter, a cultural identity on the social network focused on issues of interest to the black community, particularly in the United States during this tumultuous time. These postings are consumed, and actually bring about social change. 

The writing of letters by hand, one of the most personal of human acts, sadly is dying. But I hope we never lose the art of penmanship, a sometimes very beautiful expression of our uniqueness. Remember how wonderful it was to receive personal correspondence through the post?

Receiving emails somehow just doesn’t come close to feeling the pages of a hand written letter from a loved one.

For more interesting information go to:

http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-history.html

On Media

Besides the major daily newspapers, El País, La Vanguardia and El Periódico, our own L'Eco de Sitges is a main source of news and information in Sitges.

New in this arena, online entities VisitSitges.com and SitgesActui.com are the most comprehensive sources of local information about Sitges today, not to mention, Sitges.cat and Sitgestur.com

Again, although one can find information about Sitges online and at the library, you'd be hard pressed to find important facts and detailed historic events of this fascinating town accessible in English.

Of course, there are many Sitges-centric facebook pages and all sorts of related websites, but almost all are underserved and underdeveloped, including the SQ website. (We hope to remedy this soon!) 

This blog is also an attempt to help address this inadequacy and to give readers leads to other sources in print and online.

In addition to this lack of information, something that's always troubled me in media the world over is its almost total coverage of the negative aspects of humanity and life.

The constant barrage of negative images and news–homicides, political corruption, international crises, war, global warming and other weather disasters—is enough to make you not get out of bed every morning.

I remember watching the morning news on television one day, sipping my coffee and watching footage of a woman being executed in the Middle East; all because she allegedly had an extramarital affair...good morning to me! It image is forever etched on my brain...

Who says negative events are what people remember more or are moved emotionally more than by positive happenings? Look at Facebook, Instagram and the rest of what people post and share on social media. It doesn’t seem to be all doom and gloom to me; there seems to be lot’s of captured good times, food, pets, kids and smiles all ‘round.

This is a reality we consciously tackle at the SQ. And we choose to not contribute to this daily negativity. 

On our pages, not having the luxury of unlimited space, the subjects chosen to include in each issue are based on our readers’ ability to relate to the given topic, to its relevance to Sitges, and its contextual reach in terms of the world at large (the trilingual format also ensures our reach is maximized!).

And while we cover personal stories and events giving an overall view of Sitges, when we cover a negative event, we try to present a positive perspective or suggest solutions to our readers. 

In our opinion, what’s the purpose of only writing an article of what’s going wrong in our town, when we have the opportunity to potentially be part of a solution? 

The GSL-Vision 2 Editorial

Identity

The Second GSL-Visión Magazine Cover

It seems 2014, for me, had more than the continued quest for equal rights. It had a strong theme of identity pervading most aspects of life. 

This year, I observed more

men (gay and straight) leisurely pushing their children in strollers, and people quite strongly asserting what it means for them to be Catalan.

What does it mean to be Catalan? What does it mean to be Spanish? What does it mean to be gay? And what exactly does it mean to be straight, male or female? Especially as it isn’t a choice that anyone makes to be any of these things.

The answer to all of these questions is elusive, and very personal. 

Transgender too, was all the rage… its curious how the U.S.A., a country which struggles for a federal stance on LGBT equality, ironically is the place where these issues are provided a platform of visibility in the two television series, Orange is the New Black and Transparent, making visible a part of the LGBT community today hardly seen.


The discussion has finally come to light!

We also shed light closer to home in Italy where it is still seemingly impossible for people to legally share their lives with a same-sex partner.

These questions overtly imply that we all seem to go through life day to day, with a need to express our individuality and sometimes define it. Well for those who continue to try to figure out the needs, desires and attractions that we have for one another—good luck!

We at the GSL embrace all, all of us in this microcosm we call Sitges...

The Sitges DC (Distrito Cultural) Blog Interview

“And beyond Sitges...

The projection of 

The Sitges Quarterly Magazine  makes it possible”

Going through my files I came across this interview from March 2012 and felt it to be as true today as it was three years ago when I created the SQ. I have posted it here because originally it was only available in Spanish and now, through this blog it can be shared to an even wider audience… and, I’m also happy to say the enthusiasm conveyed in the interview for the magazine, its readers and for Sitges still lives in me!

Q & A with Cheyenne Crump

Cheyenne Crump is the editor of The Sitges Quarterly magazine; much more than a magazine about Sitges. It’s a place in which to reflect on the cultural dynamics of business here and of the people, their traditions and their daily lives, the summer effect on the town and the quiet of its corners...The Sitges Quarterly is a firm and clear commitment to promote our profile beyond its borders, bringing Sitges to other environs from a fan, with a cool, refreshing perspective...

It is that Cheyenne has a Sitgetano soul, and this soul has been able to put it in print, a move that certainly deserves our support.

The internationalization of Sitges, our projection abroad may be one aspect that requires more attention to our future—considering our strengths, our knowledge, development, our ability to generate wealth, and connectivity...The Sitges Quarterly magazine can be understood today as a model of action of which we must not lose sight. From Sitges DC, we applaud the importance of this initiative and we congratulate Cheyenne Crump whom I have the pleasure of interviewing at this time.

Sitges DC Blog: What is The Sitges Quarterly and how was it born? How has this idea thrived?

CC: The idea for The Sitges Quarterly magazine was born one day as I walked along the Paseo Maritimo admiring (yet again) the beauty of Sitges and I thought - what could possibly make it a better place? It occurred to me that I knew quite a bit about the town’s history, but lacked in knowledge of day-to-day, current events. Yes, this information is readily available to many people however, nothing was easily accessible for visitors and residents new to Sitges.

Consequently, I thought a local magazine could be a good idea if written in the 3 most widely spoken languages in Sitges, broadening its reach; and when discussing the concept with friends, they all agreed and wished a magazine like that existed. 

Sitges DC Blog: What are the basic objectives of The Sitges Quarterly?

CC: The mission of The Sitges Quarterly is to be an interesting source of information pertaining to contemporary Sitges in Catalan, English and Spanish. We endeavour to inform the diverse population of Sitges and visitors of the town’s history, its present and how it is positioning itself for the future.

We are also committed to using environmentally responsible materials to produce a magazine with beautiful, tasteful graphic design and visually arresting images; featuring a quarterly calendar of events, regular columns, wide-ranging essays, interviews and profiles.

Sitges DC Blog: What is the function of the magazine?

CC: This question, I think refers to the vision we have for the magazine.

Its purpose:

to promote awareness of Sitges life and how we live.

to present a deeper profile of Sitges that can also be used as a guide.

to celebrate the diversity in Sitges and the Catalan culture that we share.

to promote the values of community, cooperation and respect.

to open doors for innovation aimed at environmentally sustainable, healthy living.

Sitges DC Blog: How much of the culture and traditions of Sitges do you think is known beyond our territorial borders?

CC: That’s difficult to answer, Sitges is a relatively known resort town. I believe this aspect of Sitges relates to not only those of us who have come from abroad and made a home here, but also predominately to those Sitgetanos who have moved away, whether to somewhere else in Catalunya, Spain or elsewhere in the world. If Sitges is in your blood (however it got there!), there would be a natural interest in what happens here. And I think the magazine appeals to that interest… I think it can also appeal to tourists who come to Sitges on holiday or for business, in general, and to those who visit year after year.

Sitges DC Blog: Do you think we need a policy that encourages greater visibility of our people outside the Spanish state?

CC: That depends on the aim of the policy. For example, it could be designed to attract opportunities to diversify the local economy. Sitges has, in the past, manufactured shoes, automobile parts and even, spinning reels for fishing rods (carretes) and it would be better economically for us not to be solely dependant on tourism.

Sitges DC Blog: In this sense, there is something in you beyond your role as editor ... a point of activism that seeks to intervene at will to transform, maybe boost the Sitges brand...

CC: I take that as a compliment! Thank you.

Living in a community is about assistance. Today, we use the term networking. Helping one another… as you can tell, I have a love for Sitges. I have always felt embraced here, I am proud to live here. I think it is a very unique place for several reasons, and yes, I seek every opportunity to share it with others—who knows, maybe people who visit will return home and emulate a little of what we have here. That, I think, could help shape the places in which they live, little by little making the world better.

Sitges DC Blog: What future dreams do you have for this publication?

CC: To be used. To be used as an introduction to Sitges. To be used as a guide to Sitges and to be used as a conduit or forum for open communication and for exchanging ideas.

I hope it encourages collaboration—that’s where the interest lies for me. I have the hope of learning from one another, and taking what is best in each of us, and incorporating that into our way of life. 

Sitges DC Blog: Congratulations again, Cheyenne... and the best of luck for The Sitges Quarterly magazine.

____________________

The blog, Sitges DC (Cultural District) created by Lola Cañete, is a space dedicated to culture, but from the private sector... “where I try to highlight the strong cultural dynamism that is in the people from the hand of a strong dose of creativity, innovation and talent... It is primarily a space for debate and reflection on some of the most important issues of culture and have also reflected in a town like ours”. 

www.sitgesdc.blogspot.com

lola.canete@thalasa.net

“The Americanos” are Coming!

To create the next issue of the SQ, our stories have taken us to Illinois (Chicago), New York, Miami, and inside—the Palau Maricel here in Sitges. Here’s a quick glance of some of the places where we researched in order to bring our features to life…

Miami:

Vizcaya is an Italian-inspired villa and gardens, begun in 1910 and completed in 1916. Built by James Deering in a Mediterranean Revival style; today operates as a museum. Upon his death, James Deering left Vizcaya to his half-brother Charles also left his collection to him and his daughters, who donated several of these works to the Art Institute of Chicago. By this time, Charles had left Sitges and his Palau Maricel to create his Florida estate, the Deering Estate at Cutler.

Vizcaya, Miami, Florida

The Stone House
The Deering Estate at Cutler

New York City:

The New York City Freedom Tower stands 541.3248 metres tall (1,776 feet) on the site of the former World Trade Centre. It serves as a beacon of freedom, and demonstrates the resolve of the United States, and the people of New York City.

We researched at the New York Public Library… in particular, the Catalan newspaper published in New York from 1874 until May 1881, La Llumanera de Nova York.

Chicago:

The 24½-acre Millennium Park, which encompasses the Frank Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion, ranks among the city's top three tourist attractions.

In the Millennium Park, Chicago

“Cloud Gate” sculptor Anish Kapoor has created a work of art that reflects the splendour that is the Chicago skyline, playing with the light and the sky. It is elegant—balanced on its ends and without any colour of its own. It is interactive art, letting the viewer become part of it with simple acts of walking and turning, changing the visual reflection presented by the sculpture.

The Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor
Millennium Park, Chicago

Barcelona born artist, Jaume Plensa has created four monumental heads for the 10th anniversary of Chicago's Millennium Park, through December 2015. Also in the park is his white head sculpture, Look into My Dreams, Awilda.

Barcelona Artist, Jaume Plensa

Look into My Dreams, Awilda. 

Note: 

Mr. Plensa's original contribution to the park, "Crown Fountain," two 50-foot-tall glass-lined towers at opposite ends of a shallow pool that project video images of 1,000 Chicago residents. "I'm trying always to create a place where people could meet and share dreams," he said. "And I probably could not find a better landscape for that to happen than the human body”. WSJ.com

Be a Good Boy and Put This On...

In the fourth issue of the SQ, with the theme Sitges Artistic, we included an article about Alpe Conceptes Plastificats (formally known as Alpe)—Pere Viñeta and Tony Luciano.

Tony Luciano and Pere Viñeta (SitgesActiu)

Over the years, the Generalitat of Catalunya has helped them to carry out their projects and also to contact museums in Spain and elsewhere, all the way to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan.

In the early years and out of love for art, Pere never wanted to be linked to any of his artistic work and kept his identity a secret. This was a way to express his message that everyone can do his or her bit to improve the world. He has always given his ideas, creations and time for free—he doesn’t sell them, and therefore never needs to pay taxes on his works.

On December 18th of last year they both presented an idea and registered with the Ayuntamiento de Sitges (Town hall) for the authorization to use a public space to carry out a new installation in the area near la Frigata. The graphics you see in this post were created for the project.

“Proyecto Goma al Greco Sitges 17/5/2015” (The Rubber Project)

Alpe Conceptes Plastificats, has made a call to artists, or anyone—daring all of us to bring out the artist within, and bring a smile in the form of visual poetry to the effort, so that we can all become more accustomed to the use of condoms as prevention, and reduce the risk of contracting or spreading HIV and STIs (STDs).

This travelling exhibition of individual pieces, backed by the Ayuntamiento de Sitges and local businesses, will be displayed on May 17^th. Each person in the group will laminate their artistic piece joining it to the other offerings, then they will be put into a large plastic cylinder or purpose-made condom, wrapping the El Greco statue. And they have asked l’Agrupació de Balls Populars de Sitges “to help put it on”.

After months of planning and discussion, and all the participation in the foreplay… we can’t wait for the unravelling of the condom this May! Who knew putting on a condom could be this fun and take so much planning?

Pere Viñeta i Tony Luciano

Alpe, conceptes plastificats

alpe_critsescrits@yahoo.es

p.ev.iba@hotmail.com