CURRENT MISSION

To be true to myself and a good person.

ABOUT ME

I'm a film-maker and visual artist, 65 years old. I worked in mainstream film and TV in the past but now, older and with health problems, making experimental films alone in the landscape or in collaboration with musicians. I am obsessed with all kinds of music and with the countryside and wild landscapes. I have been trekiing in Peru, Nepal, Morocco, etc. I also taught film-making in Nepal to music students at Kathmandu University.
After many years in London, I have just moved back to my hometown of Harrogate in Yorkshire and would like to meet people on my wavelength. Happy to host if you do your own thing and be independent. Maximum 2 days as I enjoy my solitude - unless you want to come on a B & B basis (see below).
I've been a keen traveller and loved trekking in mountains and sitting in tiny sleazy bars! Now not so active, sadly.

PHILOSOPHY

To grow older and wiser with dignity and a sense of humour, open to new ideas and experiences at all times. To be kind, honest and truthful with both other people and with myself. To always be creative and true to myself. To not be scared of new experiences and to trust that if I jump I will be caught.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCH SURFING

PLEASE READ THIS. I DO NOT ACCEPT GUESTS WHO DO NOT HAVE REFERENCES.
I am not interested in being a free hotel service. I get a lot of requests from people wanting to come to Harrogate for conferences. So if you are on business and getting paid expenses - then please come as a B & B guest and pay me - as I am completely penniless and can't afford to feed you. Its £30 a night, one person, £50 for two. But I have hosted many students, artists, travellers for free and happy to continue. But I have to be interested in getting to know you. Either way, I will ask for your home address and proof. Please don't be offended I need to know I am safe.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I stayed with a friend in Malta (Nicky Reiss) who introduced me to CS. I also stayed in Norway with 2 hosts, in the countryside and in Oslo. Those people are now good friends.

Interests

Music, art, travelling, mountains, wild open spaces, yoga, dancing, cycling, silence, listening, cinema, contemporary dance, art galleries, walking...

• arts
• yoga
• walking
• movies
• traveling
• music
• cycling
• philosophy
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

John Cage, Morton Feldman, Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, Patti Smith, Derek Bailey, Lol Coxhill, the Cohen Brothers, Howard Hawks, Eva Hesse, Mark Rothko, Richard Serra, Robert Smithson, Bill Viola, Led Zeppelin, early David Bowie, Tim Buckley, Crosby Stills and Nash, Neil Young, too many to list...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I did the Annapurna Circuit trek alone with a porter in Nepal at 54 years old. Also taught film-making to graduate music students at Kathmandu University Music Department in Bakhtapur. Walked the Inca Trail in Peru after a long illness. Making a film for my partner of the tide coming in until it destroyed the camera - on the anniversary of his death.
Best day of my life was when I visited artist Louise Bourgeois at home in New York one afternoon then went to see Patti Smith play a small intimate gig in the East Village that evening. I was 45 and worried about getting old but they both gave me such energy and courage and they were both much, much older.

Teach, Learn, Share

Well ... final cut pro video editing if I am in the right mood - but I teach for my job sometimes and I don't really want to do it at home.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Peace and quiet and great countryside. Fantastic rock climbing and walking country nearby. The river Nidd 20 minutes walk away with wild deer, otters, kingfishers. A really nice garden. Easy bus ride to the Harrogate International Centre if you are coming for a conference.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Italy, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Spain, Sweden, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, United Kingdom

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