Helping Hands

"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm ... As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others."

Laws Of Magic

Circle Of Being

Starglyphs: Universal understanding and consciousness

Starglyphs that reach beyond the ordinary, into a highly complex series of hidden symbols, are messages that truly stretch us to higher orders of understanding. They carry the pure nature of the Universe as sacred geometry.

Moon Cycle

Every twenty-nine days, the moon moves from New through the Full Moon stage and back to New. The New Moon is a dark moon. It is associated with the very inception of a new twenty-nine-day cycle of activity. The two or three days of a dark moon is a good time for dreaming, for planting seeds in your subconscious, for daydreaming about new activities in a general way. It is not an effective time to implement something. Anything started now is likely to be premature or ill-conceived.

A week after the New Moon comes the first quarter period. This is a natural time to begin projects. This period is a “crisis of action”, meaning that one is overwhelmed with the desire to act at the first quarter moon. It also means that the time for action is appropriate.

The full moon the next week is the period when one’s actions over the previous two weeks can be seen at full flower. The plans have been decided, the action of the first quarter has enabled you to develop the project, and you can finally see what it can look like. If all goes well at this point you are ready for the next step.

Just before the third quarter is a phase called the “disseminating phase.” Several days after the full moon is the time to tell the world about your actions. In practical terms, this is the best time to do a mailing that will be noticed, to place an advertisement, to mail the party invitations.

The third quarter is the time when you sit back and think about what you’ve done, the meaning and purpose of what you’ve done, or what could be improved if you were to do it again. This is the “crisis of integration.” This is the “what does it mean” phase of the lunar cycle.

In the week before the next new moon there is usually a sense of let-down. You’ve tackled the job and it’s either finished or not, but you need to sit and absorb what’s been done so far, or go around and put out a lot of fires if the project hasn’t gone well.

Of course, most projects aren’t twenty-nine-day activities. In longer cycles you will notice the phases spiraling, with new impulses of action, new times of overview, new urges to communicate and re-evaluate as the next twenty-nine day cycle unfolds.

Ceremonialist

ways of art, ways of life, life as art

New T-Shirt Design

Coming soon.
Email info@thisiscoy.com for details.

Turn Off, Tune In, Drop Out

Creator

'Fall, leaves, fall'

Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks bliss to me
Fluttering from the autumn tree.

Emily Jane Brontë

A New Leaf. Coming Soon...

C=3 Numero Magicae

C is the 3rd letter of the Alphabet.
COY is a 3 letter word.

Why number 3?

In this number we have quite a new set of phenomena. We come to the first geometrical figure. Two straight lines cannot possibly enclose any space, or form a plane figure; neither can two plan surfaces form a solid. Three lines are necessary to form a plan figure; and three dimensions of length, breadth, and height, are necessary to form a solid. Hence three is the symbol of the cube--the simplest form of solid figure. As two is the symbol of the square, or plane contents (x2), so three is the symbol of the cube, or solid contents (x3).

Three, therefore, stands for that which is solid, real, substantial, complete, and entire.

All things that are specially complete are stamped with this number three.

The three attributes: omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence.

There are three great divisions completing time. Past, Present, and Future.

Three persons, in grammar, express and include all the relationships of mankind.

Thought, word, and deed, complete the sum of human capability.

Three degrees of comparison complete our knowledge of qualities.

The simplest proposition requires three things to complete it; the subject, the predicate, and the copula.

Three propositions are necessary to complete the simplest form of argument; the major premiss, the minor, and the conclusion.

Three kingdoms embrace our ideas of matter; mineral, vegetable, and animal.

When we turn to the Scriptures, this completion becomes Divine, and marks Divine completeness or perfection.

Three is the first of four perfect numbers.

* Three denotes divine perfection;
* Seven denotes spiritual perfection;
* Ten denotes ordinal perfection; and
* Twelve denotes governmental perfection.

Roots

Look beneath. You might then see your future.

Bamboo Fabric Production.

The next phase of COY t-shirts will be in production soon.
COY will be using a bamboo / organic cotton mix t-shirt which will be available as standard unisex and women's specific cut.

The verdict on bamboo is still open.
It was originally used as an altenative to cotton and taken from naturally sustained crops.
Because the final product was one of such amazing quality, being super soft and very fine, it has since become labelled as 'the new silk'.
This in itself has caused a major problem.
Major companies have moved in with the result being new bamboo crops being grown with chemicals and put through hazardous processes of bleachings and further treatments.
Another case of one step forward, two steps back.
The fashion industry continue to exploit positive progression.
The glamorization of bamboo use on the catwalk has lead to such issues.
Be careful what you are buying. All is not what it may seem...

The t-shirts COY will be using are from natural sustained crops and will be mixed with 30% organic cotton. The result being something very special.
We look forward to showing you the results.

COMING S/S 2009.

Benefits of using Bamboo:

Better for the environment

* Bamboo is 100% naturally grown, without assistance from man. (Originally)

* Bamboo thrives naturally without using any pesticides or fertilizers (Originally)

* Bamboo fibre is 100% biodegradable

* As the fastest growing plant in the world, bamboo grows to its maximum height in about 3 months and reaches maturity in 3-4 years. It spreads rapidly across large areas. Because of this, bamboo is known to improve soil quality in degraded and eroded areas of land.

* As a grass, bamboo is cut, not uprooted, also helping soil stability. Bamboo also can grow on hill slopes where nothing else is viable.

* The yield you get from an acre of bamboo is 10 times greater than the yield you get from cotton. In an age where land use is under enormous pressure this is huge.

* The water requirement for bamboo is minute, mainly just from what falls. As opposed to cotton, whose water requirement per shirt's-worth is huge.

* If organic clothing made from bamboo becomes popular, it means more bamboo plantations, which means more photosynthesis and less greenhouse gas. “The greatest challenge facing mankind” would get just a little easier.

Better for you

Fabric made from bamboo is incredibly soft

* Bamboo absorbs and evaporates sweat in a split second. It doesn’t stick to the skin. It’s extraordinary natural breathability keeps you comfortable and dry for longer.

* Bamboo fabric is highly breathable in hot weather and also keeps you significantly warmer in the cold. Keeping you more comfortable in all temperatures.

* Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, forever. By killing almost all bacteria, bamboo stays fresher and odour free for longer.

* Bamboo clothing is also anti static, so it sits very well next to your skin, not clinging to it. It's also UV protective (it cuts out 98% of harmful UV rays) and anti fungal, so it's just better, whether it's on you in the Alps or stuffed at the bottom of your bag for days on end

* Bamboo is perfect for sensitive or allergy prone skin.

Look Elsewhere

Life has no meaning the moment you lose the illusion of being eternal. Jean-Paul Sartre 1905-1980

Cinquefoil

Signifying hope and joy.
The five leaflets of the cinquefoil are each a symbol for the five senses of the human body. The cinquefoil in heraldry served as a motif for a man who had achieved mastery over the self. The cinquefoil was also linked to many other powers in superstitious medieval times. The herb was used to scare off witches. Medieval lovers often used the cinquefoil in preparing love potions, and fishermen would fix the herb to their nets to increase their catch of fish.

Embroidery Commencing...

New embroidery revealed shortly.

COY Magicae

The seven artes magicae.

1. nigromancy ("black magic", demonology, by popular etymology, from necromancy)
2. geomancy
3. hydromancy
4. aeromancy
5. pyromancy
6. chiromancy
7. scapulimancy

The Wishbone.

The Wishbone continues to act as a key COY symbol.

Future Inspiration-Hand of Fatima

The eye-in-the-hand is a spiritual icon found among Asian, Middle-eastern and Native American cultures. Also called the "Hamsa", the symbol is usually worn for protection, happiness, health and wealth. The Hamsa also protects the wearer from the evil eye. The Hand of Fatima was also a common symbol of Mexico and the Southeastern United States.



The embroidered cloth here provides a great inspiration for COY future embroidery.



Vibrant colours are difficult to replicate when producing eco-friendly items and are not cost effective.
They are, however, very pleasing to the eye.
COY may produce it's own version of these symbols.

It's been a whole year...

...since the last post!

How time fly's by.
So it's back on with the show. COY is re surfacing for a summer of delights.
The cogs have been oiled and are now turning gracefully!

So what's been happening?

Jobs have shifted, moods have altered, creativity has spread itself across a number of projects, and yet it always comes back to COY.
Nothing has touched upon what COY set out to do, even with a year away...

So let's pick it back up.

New ideas and techniques have come to light and COY is about to start a new venture.

All will be revealed...

Welcome back!

COY is still here.

COY has been quiet. Yet the next phase draws closer. We are preparing to hand print each item ourselves thus cutting costs.
This in itself is ethical and cuts COY's carbon footprint. Let's say from now on it will be more of a bicycle tyre print! The embroidery continues. The ideas are flowing and things will soon be back in full swing. COY has been occupied with a small side project which will be left undisclosed. Life continues for COY. There are many messages to communicate. We will keep you updated.

The Difficulties of Being Ethical

COY is ethical. Being ethical and eco-friendly has it's obvious benefits. It's very important to maintain this in order to develop. Standards have been laid out and guidelines must be followed. It's great to show people that there are other options and possibilities. However...all is not as easy as it may seem. Being ethical comes with responsibilities and unfortunately, many difficulties.
It is a modern approach in the way that we now 'have' to have a conscience about the damage to our planet.
It is a new way of thinking which most choose to ignore or may not be aware.
Being unaware or choosing to ignore means lack of understanding.
For COY, being ethical comes with a price. Organic T-shirts are expensive. Organic printing is expensive. And where exactly do you find many of these organic/eco-friendly products? Cotton thread, labels, electricity!
It takes a lot of research and care. When a product is unavailable COY will find other means. Recycling threads and re-using old ribbon for the neck labels. There is always a way.
And when each item is made, are people bothered about the work and thought which went in?
COY makes small profit. Profit is important for expansion. Expansion is important to spread awareness.
This isn't about greed. This is about choice. About new methods. About caring for yourself and the world around you.
COY has a conscience. Do you?
Sometimes COY will be quiet, but COY is still here.
And for now we stick to our plans.
The fashion industry is difficult to compete with on many levels.
Distributers and stockists will only pay the same for COY's shirts, as they would for any other 'average' t-shirt! (Poor Quality)
COY t-shirts cost up to 5 times more to produce. And then there's the personal touches.
Time taken to individually embroider each shirt and sew in each label. (Which has no branding!)
What chance does this give people to make a living in this way?
A way which is necessary to protect our future.
It sure is difficult being ethical!

Freedom Hood: Special Selection

The first of its kind. Embroidered feathers, each a different colour, circle the head and represent your path to freedom.
These will be made only to order. Info available upon request. Email info@thisiscoy.com

Special Selection: Here Comes The Carnival.

The Special Selection has gone into production. These shirts will be made in a limited run.
The shirt represents your freedom and will inspire your positivity.



They're all organic and embroidered by hand with each being different. Colors, positions, arrangement, and sizes of the feathers will change each time. Each feather is sewn seperately. It is a timely process, especially with the care and effort being put into each shirt. They will be available to purchase very soon. If you would like one contact me: info@thisiscoy.com

Lucky Charms

The Big Bang!

An earlier idea for a neck label. The pistol was to be printed with the 'bang' sign being a real label sewn on top.
Using a pistol couldn't be justified in the end for this COY project, and stood against COY's beliefs.
This lead COY into thinking about implications and justifying the use of violent imagery.
Here it was more about creation (Big Bang) but may be seen in the wrong way.
Perhaps it makes a comment on the creation of a violent and destructive society.
COY may return to these ideas in the future.

Luck is a chance happening of fortune

Some encourage the belief in luck as a false idea, but which may spawn positive thinking, and alter ones responses for the better. Others like Jean Paul Sartre and Sigmund Freud, feel a belief in luck has more to do with a locus of control for events in one's life, and the subsequent escape from personal responsibility. According to this theory, one who ascribes their travails to "bad luck" will be found upon close examination to be living risky lifestyles. On the other hand, people who consider themselves "lucky" in having good health may be actually reaping the benefits of a cheerful outlook and satisfying social relationships, both of which are well known statistically to be protective against many stress-related diseases. If "good" and "bad" events occur at random to everyone, believers in good luck will experience a net gain in their fortunes, and vice versa for believers in bad luck. This is clearly likely to be self-reinforcing. Thus, although untrue, a belief in good luck may actually be an adaptive meme.

The Next Phase.

Available soon in Black, and White, with contrast back print.
Email for information.

COY available at 'Best'.

Lurking in the dark slopey streets of Clerkenwell lies a wonderful little shop dedicated to (and supportive of) all new creative talent within art and design.
If you are ever in London you must visit.
Follow 'Link' at top right of page.

Feather Embroidery.

Feathers: Symbols of prayers, sources of ideas or marks of honor. Representing the Creative Force. Placed in a circular arrangement, they are related to the sun, and thereforth, the Creator.

Something not to be produced on a bigger scale.
It is important to COY to remain true to its origins.
The 'special selection' continues.

Archive 2: The Alchemists' collection sacks.

A small collection of bags were created on a rainy day.
In keeping with COY's plans, items created will not be restricted to t-shirts alone.
As COY progresses ideas will be presented through several mediums.
COY will re-visit these ideas.

Archive.

A previous t-shirt design. COY will re-visit these ideas in the future.

Special Selection.

This is where COY began. Shirts made especially for close friends. COY wanted to create something new and different to everything else available. Time, Patience, and Concept where shown through each item. This was something which wasn't easy to reproduce as it wasn't cost, nor time effective. This was the reason for their creation.

The shirts took hours to complete. Each Wishbone appeared seperately in a random position. Threads were changed after each embroidery to a new colour.

Silver text was added to the back and was put there to give the wearer the best of luck. During construction the metal feather first came to light and found it's rightful place.

Though only three were originally made, positive comments and compliments were vast. COY hadn't experienced this before.
Not forgetting COY's roots, the 'Custom Made' selection has now begun. There will be a tiny amount available and each will be different. When they are gone, COY will only make for special requests. Unfortunately the costs will be high due to the time and effort put in to each one. Send COY your special request if you would like one. info@thisiscoy.com.

Ethically Printed T-Shirts. Suggested Reading.

COY shirts are printed alongside Katherine Hamnetts' using the same t-shirts and UK printers.
Her new online store features some very interesting articles concerning cotton farming and pollution caused by the clothing industry...

"The clothing, shoe and textile industry is one of the largest in the world. It is responsible for enormous pollution and environmental destruction. The industry uses more water than any other, apart from agriculture. It discharges massive quantities of toxic chemicals into the environment including huge amounts of dioxins (the world´s number one pathogen), from bleach, lycra, PVC and heavy metals in dyes and leather tanning. It uses huge amounts of energy in the form oil and electricity - used in manufacturing and the production of synthetics - and in shipping and air travel. It is responsible for enormous CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions and must be considered a significant contributor to climate change..."

Continue reading. Go to 'Katherine Hamnett' in 'LINKS' section.

Where can we go from here?

In a world where we struggle to develop cures for diseases which are a direct result of how we have lived our lives.
The signs show our Earth has had enough of us. Are we responsible for the end or can we start again?
Think. Act. Change. Where do we go from here?

C.O.Y

Thought processes develop ideas through time and effort. The desire to seek out perfection. All could arrive by chance via a lucky break. Make a wish.

U.S Love Token.

This is an image found recently of an 1850 US "Love Token". The coin is a "Seated Liberty" quarter and engraved onto one side is the masonic compass and "COY". It is coincidental to the ideas, design, and essence of COY's work.

Bravo!

Life Passage.

Shield of Arms.

EXISTENTIALISM.

Existentialism is a philosophical movement which emphasizes on individual existence, freedom, and choice.
There are several philosophical positions all related to existential philosophy but the main identifiable common proposition, is that existence precedes essence. By this, existentialism states that man exists and in that existence man defines himself and the world in his own subjectivity, and wanders between choice, freedom, and existential angst.

The first philosopher to use the term was Soren Kierkegaard (1813 - 1855), who reacted against systematic rational philosophy, specially Hegel, and grasped the notion of a truth inside of the evolving self.

Deriving from this stress on existence there are other main subjects and images that have been developed by the existentialists.

BECOMING A BEING (existential ontology):
We are what we can become. Ours is a process, and our becoming is our ontic possibility of becoming. Human existence is a project, in which past and present are subordinate to future, is the main residence of our existence, because it is the north of our projection of ourselves. “Human existence cannot have a relationship with being unless it remains in the midst of nothingness.” (M. Heidegger - was ist metaphysik?).
NOTHINGNESS
Nothingness appears in existentialism, as the placeholder of the possibility. The awareness of anything in the world that is not my own existence (which by the way,cannot be held in consciousness without being nihilized) is an awareness of nothingness, that is, what I, this existence am not and in some cases I could become.
ABSURD
We arrive from nothingness to absurd at the moment that we ask for a meaning after we have become aware of the other (through the prior explained negation). Absurd is a leit motiv in existentialism, specially in Sartre and Camus. It is sometimes possible to overcome absurd, with absurd itself, as Camus says in The Myth of Sisyphus: "The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy."
ETHICS / SUBJECTIVITY / GOOD FAITH
Our view of the world is enough to become Truth, because it is based on our facts. What we do with this truth, depends on our good or bad faith, that is, the ability to act as if in our act the entire mankind would be represented. That is enough to prove an act as an ethical one.
CHOICE
We always have a choice. Existentialism does not stand for any kind of determinism except the one that determines our individual facts (existence)
We choose, and in choosing (in good or bad faith) we define ourselves. Choice is a definition of an existence in the world, towards an object outside of itself.
Choice is all that we have, without confirmation of our act; we never know what was right to choose. The doubt of our acts, together with the contingence of existence, leads to
ANGST
The main characteristic of existence itself, when we face our contingence, and the absurdity of our acts and choices:
For Heidegger, it is that through which fear becomes possible. For Kierkegaard is a desire for what one fears. For Sartre, it is the immediate consequence of facing the possibility of nothingness.

Where are you going?

Find your path. Make the most of your life. Give yourself direction and a reason to follow it.

Disused Objects.

A sign of our presence.

Feather Compass.

T-Shirt Designs. Compass = Direction. Feathers = Freedom.
'Coy' script is being 'coy'.