WE MAY AS WELL DANCE
Sept 2021 Valda Bailey and Kozu Books
My first book, 'Fragile' recently sold out its second edition. Thank you to everyone who supported it.
In collaboration with the good people at Kozu Books I have a new book being published in September 2021, entitled 'We May As Well Dance'.
Made during the long weeks and months of lockdown, the images reflect on a time none of us were prepared for. A time where the world suddenly shifted on its axis and the lives we fondly believed that we held in our control were suddenly fractured. Displaced by 'a new normal'.
The title is taken from a Japanese proverb:
We're fools if we dance or not so we may as well dance.
FRAGILE - SOLD OUT
We are delighted to have secured the last remaining copies of Valda’s best-selling book, ‘Fragile’. The first edition sold out; these copies are from the second edition.
If you have not seen the book then you are missing out on a real opportunity to get an insight into Valda’s earlier work. You will see all the foundations for where she is today. The book contains several images which have become iconic – images she is well known for and of which only one or two editions remain in the galleries who represent her.
To quote from her foreword…..
‘I am fascinated by all manner of contrasts and contradictions and the work in this book is an attempt to reconcile some of the conflicting aspects that are of interest to me in the landscape. In much the same way as a colour will appear most luminous when placed next to a non-colour, ie grey, or its opposing colour in the colour wheel, so it is in nature. ‘
The images here are an investigation into how the most fragile elements seem to have their very existence challenged and their vulnerability magnified when set against the strength and solidity of their surroundings. Fragility can be conveyed in many ways. It can be expressed with light or shape or colour or movement and I hope this diversity is represented here. Paradoxically, fragile elements often appear to embody a tenacity and strength which refers back to the contradictions mentioned above.
It is the embodiment of all these characteristics that I have tried to portray in this book.
Standard Edition £15
This package includes a signed copy of Fragile.
Included will also be a 15% voucher off of your next print order with us, using our print service.
Post and Packing in the UK is £3.50
Europe and worldwide £5.00

THANK YOU FOR THE AMAZING SUPPORT. THE BOOK HAS NOW SOLD OUT.
ABSTRACT MINDEDNESS - SOLD OUT
I was privileged to have the first book of my work published by Kozu Books in the spring of 2019. Just a few copies remain.
I am donating 100% of my profits from the book to the work of the Young Minds charity, which does amazing work to help young people struggling with mental health issues and so the project has been one very close to my heart for this reason.
The book documents work made during the 12 months from the beginning of 2018 to early 2019, during which time I experienced mental health issues of my own. Making the book was both cathartic and therapeutic.
I hope you find that the images, rather than being a study in the darkness of depression and anxiety, actually show that creativity can bring light into a dark place and promote healing.
The book is printed to the very highest standards by the wonderful folk at Kozu Books, and is hard bound with a beautiful cloth cover, embossed with the title.
If you can support me by buying a copy of the book, then I will be eternally grateful. The cause behind it is good and I would like to thank you in advance on behalf of all the young people who will benefit from your generosity.
I apologise in advance for the cost of the postage and packing – especially outside of the UK. The book is heavy and shipping costs have risen dramatically – even to Europe. I don’t want to use the charities profits to subsidise the postage. I hope you understand.
I will, of course, personalise and sign your copy before I send it to you. I hope you enjoy it.
With appreciation
Doug x
January 2021
ABSTRACT MINDEDNESS £38.00
P&P UK £10.00
P&P WORLDWIDE £35.00
THANK YOU FOR THE AMAZING SUPPORT. THE BOOK HAS NOW SOLD OUT.