art – Page 4 – EXCUSES AND HALF TRUTHS

The Cut Season 2 Episode 42

There are times when we look at the gathered input for an episode of The Cut with a mixture of confusion and bewilderment. What does it say about us that these are the links we choose to share with you, Readership? What does it say about our browsing habits? More worryingly, why is there stuff in here we don’t even remember seeing? Is the whole thing assembled in a kind of fugue state, a half-dreaming mode? Is there an argument for The Cut being, to some extent, a self-generating object? Is there really anyone in the office at all?

For example—this week, we look at Yugoslav pop, chicken nuggets and ask the question ‘is the Earth a giant crystal?’ What the heck is all that about?

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 2 Episode 41

We are slowly coming out of our bubble. The first in-person meet with members of our affiliate organisation Reading Writers took place this week, a hybrid affair with Zoom folk and room folk—a technical challenge which we just about fumbled through. It was nice to be out and seeing people, but the thought of Covid cases still going up gives us pause. Is this the right thing to do? Is it still too soon to be making this step? We may yet find the bubble closing back around us.

Oh, look, let’s not get too gloomy, though. It’s the weekend. Read all about tacos and medieval tennis and yes go on then Jake Gyllenhaal.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 2 Episode 40

We are autumnising. Cut Central is slowly transforming, becoming more of a snug nest in which we can hunker down and shelter against the change in the weather. The soft furnishings are coming to the fore. There are many cushions. Comfort is the key, a protective layer between us and the sharp edges of the world. We might even build a fort.

This week—1001 albums, the Tiktokification of mental health and the most inappropriate place to put a soup advert.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 2 Episode 39

And we’re back. The first break in transmission for 16 months. Life finally, delightfully, got in the way of our business. Hope you didn’t all find the abrupt swerve towards slightly soulful introspection too much of a neck-breaker. Anyway, we’re back to it, even if we are still finding sand in our socks and shells in our pockets.

This week: haptic cartooning, some Monster Fun and yes, ok, something about James Bond.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 2 Episode 38

Packing for a cottage getaway is an exercise in logistics above and beyond your average holiday prep. It’s an opportunity to clear the fridge and take the food which would otherwise collapse to mush—the likelihood of that happening in somebody else’s kitchen is one we don’t talk about. You need to pack clothes for every eventuality rain to shine, you often need to take your own bedding and towels, and maybe bring board games or a stack of books in case the weather closes in. In short, the Cut Carrier is so full of stuff we’re starting to worry whether we’ll fit the staff in. Going on holiday is haaard.

And yet we’ve still pulled together an episode of our usual foolishness while tucked in a corner by the suitcases. This week—all of the marvels! Pre-MTV music videos! And the honky-tonk nun of Ethiopia!

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 2 Episode 37

This time next week we shall be on a scheduled team get-away, somewhere in the wilds of Norfolk. Don’t be surprised if episode 38 comprises of a postcard of Blakeney beach and a recipe for a decent crab sandwich. We badly need the break. Our brains are mush, our souls are weary. We need time by the sea and the solace of old friends.

But today we can still offer up some treats. Racing samurai, the biggest potato hotel in the world and the musical stylings of Brushy One-string await.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 2 Episode 36

We lost Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. Texas turned into Gilead. The New York subway system turned into a sewer. Look at the world a certain way and you can feel it slipping out from under you. But then witness the triumphs of the Paralympics or the return of Abba and know there’s good news out there. You just have to see with the right eyes.

This week: how caffeine lit the spark to the fuse that blew up the future, the logical endpoint of the square meal and the Rainbow Connection between Miss Piggy and Yoda.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 2 Episode 35

A tough month for rock ‘n’roll, with the passing of both Dusty Hill and Charlie Watts. Both guys knew how to get the funk and grind into their music, and both understood the essential ridiculousness of the life. Charlie in particular offered up a ‘don’t give a fuck’ attitude that was no affectation. For the most part, he knew there were better things to be doing. We could all use a little more of that perspective on the life/work balance.

Anyhoo. Join us this week as we thumb through cookbooks, consider the most influential band ever and yes alright talk a bit more about Ted Lasso.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 2 Episode 34

The year continues to flap around in unexpected and bewildering ways like an uninvited squid in the bathtub. The Great Game in Afghanistan moves into a new, ugly phase. A beloved comedian dies, leaving us in fits of giggles at his legacy while calling for the revival of his long-forgotten sitcom. The nation realises just how dire the supply chain problem is as the unthinkable happens and Nando’s runs out of chicken. Boy howdy, it’s been a week.

We’re here to offer some respite, with more base level comics instruction, an admiration of The Madonna With The Long Neck and a chat to the guy who brings the good vibes to the ball game.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.

The Cut Season 2 Episode 33

This week was, to be frank, a struggle. The demands of the day gig were more intense than ever, pushing up against the other parts of our lives with increasing insistence. We had trouble getting links for the issue in the face of an stream of negativity and all-round ugliness.

And yet. On Wednesday a joint meetup between the staff of The Cut and our pals at Reading Writers, the first face-to-face gathering in eighteen months, was a balm and a boozy joy. At the last minute, we found our quota of linkertainment… with a little help from our friends. And here we are, early on a Saturday morning, glue and scissors in hand, patching together the issue you’re reading now. Life may get in the way, but it will also find a way.

A comics-heavy episode this week. Suck it up, it’s good for you.

Now is the time. Here is the place. This is The Cut.