Woodford Folk Festival

End of the year. Typically this time of the year leaves the world talking about two things. Either how much their head and stomach are hurting because of celebrating as hard as a countries independence or two, those who watch the sunrise and think that the 1st of January is the only opportunity to start a new beginning or resolution. You can do either at any time of the day on any date of the year.

The Pixel Trade was to photograph Woodford Folk Festival, a unique vibe amongst the world of festivals. You will find both headaches and hippies, drunks and yoga, nappies and walking sticks, drums and flutes. For me I didn’t feel the hammer of Thor hitting my head on the 1st nor did I watch the sun hide the stars like a bad magic trick. Instead I did something else.

                       Interview with Lisa

Describe your most memorable adventure as a child.

My most memorable adventure was snuggling in bed with my grandmother, reading books and watching boats sail past.  I'm a big fan of the adventure of the little things.

What is the best part about Woodford Folk Festival for you?

Woodfordia is a place where all ages, professions, political persuasions come together to celebrate music, art and the beauty that can be created when arbitrary identifiers fall by the wayside and you just be.  

What is one of the most beautiful things you’ve seen at the festival?

The Borroloola Song Women bringing in the New Year with their Yanyuwa language songs - shared so generously and with such happiness.  

If there was one thing you could change about the festival, what would it be?

I'd make it a bit longer.

What was one of the hardest things you’ve achieved in life?

Losing sight of the bigger picture.  It's good to have a plan, but not be tied to it above all else.

If you could teach a group of people one thing, what would it be?

Don't underestimate the little things.  Life is lived entirely in the little things.

What is something you haven’t told someone in a long time?

I don't really feel like coffee.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I've been lucky enough to live in a few different places, but it is light of Australia that bounces me back like a spring every time.

Describe your most memorable adventure as an adult.

There have been a few, but one would have to be being rescued by a former Lithuanian freedom fighter, whom I met on a train from Vienna to Ljubljana, when the hostel I thought I'd stay at was full.  Arriving just before midnight, he and his wife decided to drive to the hostel just to check I'd got in okay, found me stranded, and drove me to their apartment on the other side of the country (about 70 ks away).  They gave me their bed for the night and put me on a bus back to the capital the next day. We kept in touch and later traveled to Croatia together.  

If you had to recommend a favourite music album, what would it be?

Best of Leonard Cohen, closely followed by Beck's Sea Change