Nicky Clarke

The Art of Glass

Nicky Clarke is a Reading based artist/designer working in the medium of fused glass to create functional and decorative ware. On graduating from Brunel University (Buckinghamshire) with a first class honours degree in three dimensional design, she worked in London as a glassblower, making and selling her own designs in Galleries, shops and exhibitions across the UK and beyond. 

Currently working with fused glass, she particularly loves how this process lends itself to the visual qualities of texture and form. Texture can be created both inside and outside, or on both back and front of the artwork. “I love the way the texture and colour of the glass form interacts with the light and space of its surroundings”. This creates reflections on the surfaces against which they are displayed, giving the pieces extra dimension, detail and interest.

She uses a technique where the pieces are created by layering, cutting, breaking and reassembling sheet glass and adding extra colour in multiple firings.

Influenced by various elements of nature, especially focusing on pattern and form, her exquisite glasswork is her personal response and interpretation of the beauty seen in the object of her study. “I take elements of, rather than try to create literal studies of the subject matter”. More recent projects, focuses on the close up detail of butterfly wings, pattern and structure of diatoms and the pattern and form of rocks and minerals. 

Each piece is unique, hand finished and signed personally by Nicky. Find out more about her stunning creations:

Web: 

www.nickyclarkeglass.co.uk

 Facebook:

 https://en-gb.facebook.com/NickyClarkeGlass/

 Instagram:

 https://www.instagram.com/nickyclarkeglass/

Celebrating Windrush Day at Golddust Radio!

We are honoured to be your hosts and welcome, everyone, to GDR as we commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush at the Port of Tilbury on 22nd June 1948.

Seventy two years later, we continue to give thanks for the lives, commitment, and courage of those original settlers, to celebrate the rich diversity of multicultural Britain in our own way, and to pray that all people in this land and elsewhere, may live together in harmony and mutual respect.

In association with Reading Museum, ACRE Reading, Barbados and Friends Association (BAFA) & Age UK, we have a programme packed with music through the ages, interviews, a Thanks & Praise Service, and exciting activities including a poetry competition to keep you well entertained throughout the day.

You can also watch videos of some of these contributions via the Reading Museum website: https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/resources/windrush-day-22-june

So turn up the volume and let’s commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Windrush Day together!

Luca Santamaria & J RHYS

Luca Santamaria is a Hip-Hop producer and sound engineer. 

Born in 2003 into a Latin American household, Luca grew up in North London listening to more experimental music such as Moby and Björk. His quirky sound also derives from Hip-Hop influences such as Madlib, J Dilla and Q-Tip, as well as Psychedelic-Indie artists such as Mac Demarco and Homeshake. Since setting up his bedroom studio in 2017, Studio 2001 (two double o one), Luca has worked with a range of underground artists from London including Laurel Smith, Natanya Popoola, J RHYS, Ca1isto and B.LôVe.

Born in 2003, raised in Hackney, Croyden and Haringey, J RHYS (Jake Summers) has been writing lyrics since he was 11. Never taking it seriously, Jake wrote as a form of therapy growing up in a troubled home. Influences such as Skepta, Jme and Professor Green led the way for Jake to speak his mind through music, creating a raw and uncensored approach. Jake's style varies as he experiments with different personalities and characters portraying his inner-conflicts and thoughts.

After releasing their first single North of the River last year, Jake and Luca began work on MEMORIES. Now released, J RHYS and Luca are just getting started. 

 Luca Santamaria teams up with underground rapper RHYS bringing you their debut album MEMORIES.

The year-long project experiments with traditional trap, drill and hip-hop creating a new interpretation of rap with a London twist.

J RHYS delivers powerful lyrics as he takes you through his childhood memories, exploring the relationship with his family and friends, his mental health and self-medication. Matching J RHYS’ gritty lyrics, Luca Santamaria’s tracks are simple yet eccentric at the same time.

 Check out Luca’s music and collaborations on Spotify:

 https://open.spotify.com/artist/32iQsMir6PTunfavutNHBx?si=pprZQvrLQ2e4w8sV8s7PIg

Mawke

Mawke is a young artist that is quietly forcing his way into the music industry, and making huge ripples in the Hip-Hop and RnB music scene. At the tender age of 17, he has released 3 singles and a joint Album with his producer Malice Beats, entitled ‘Deep End”.  

Coming from a very musical family, he enjoys listening to and performing Hip-Hop music, also crossing over into the more melodic alternative side to Soul and R&B. 

With Reading roots, London based Mawke has had the passion and drive to set up his own home studio, where he can record his vocals, and experiment in production, creating his own sounds without any pressure.

He has also created a home video for his second single titled “Everyday” during the UK national lockdown, relating the video to his current living situation.

Mawke has also released his first featured single, ‘Vibing’ with fellow Artist Johnnie Darko on March 18th. This track has gained attention both locally and overseas, and has had significant airplay on radio stations.

An exciting future lies ahead for this young talent, so check out his music and follow his progress via social media:

Link to his newest single “Vibing”:

https://open.spotify.com/track/0d7EpqtFR9C9TApBJ5qyL1?si=8I2jPwrtT3KYqlESOxefPw

Link to the “Everyday” Music video:

https://youtu.be/qUlLMXeNkdE

Link to new Album: 

https://open.spotify.com/album/47TAVEb7UzfNLHpNVWwAeT?si=nFPNJbAIQDKhPl-

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/kwameb103/?hl=en

AniJAH

AniJAH hailing from Reading Berkshire brings a sense of honesty, realism and uplifting music through his thought proving lyrics. He candidly talks about shaking off his own blues, delivering a frank assessment of his life and problems, the detriments negativity has to him and those around him.

 Yet despite this, he somehow delivers an optimism and sentiment of hope through his lyrics and music.

 The belief he will do better, that despite what he is feeling, it’s ok and will be ok and you can, and will still achieve.

AniJAH songs cover a range of reality induced circumstances which he showcases in his storytelling. Songs that testify to this and cover a good spectrum are:

“Exhale” & “Push Thru” songs about a woman seeking the love from her estranged Father and an Independent Woman overcome her own adversities to be in a positive place that she is in now.

His song “Never Lose” talks to his personal battle with mental health and further songs such as “Shadows and Illuminate, give further perspectives to this. 

His song “Nights like this” talks about 3 different scenarios that effect people during a difficult time in their lives causing themselves to feel alone. 

Songs like “First Time” & “Love Sick Melody” talk about challenges as well as romance in a relationship respectively.

While songs like “Notice” & “QueensBridge Freestyle” provide optimism.  He also has strong a message for the youth with his most recent song “One Life” talking from an orders perspective sharing insight to what they did and learnt on road and what guidance to pass on to the youth.

His latest song “Hard Life Living” touches on current affairs and he gives a story from a youth’s perspective centred on the Knife Crime epidemic that until recently had been all over the news.

This track is now available through Spotify & Apple Music

Link to latest song https://linktr.ee/AniJAH (Spotify & Apple Music)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redjackzmusic/?hl=en

Website:  https://www.anijah.co.uk

Holdin Court

Holdin’ Court are a collective of creative individuals who come together to put on Independent Hip-Hop, Funk and Soul events.

They can be found running events in London & the South East.

Holdin’ Court has been operating for over 10 years on a non-profit basis and very much for the love of it.

As testament to their hard work, in late 2011 they were awarded a slot on the FM radio station 103.7 Kane FM and occasionally feature at grassroots and community based festivals.

GDR are pleased to welcome Holdin Court to the family and as part of a series, they will be releasing exclusive mixes from some of their talented DJs, for those that love breaks beats and rhymes throughout the year.