How I was feeling today...

Tried to put it into visual terms...
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As yet 'Untitled' - Recycled pine and Perspex 20x20x20cm

Toby Forte Drawing

We recently purchased a drawing by illustrator, graphic designer/BMXer Adi Gilbert. The work is of BMX ace Toby Forte and, to me, sums up the feeling of a good BMX session; or at least the feeling you have after, pushing yourself to go higher/faster on a bike. Adi is an amazing artist. He trained and lived in Worcester and used to ride the trails owned by the Aliano family in Upton, (home to the annual Murray Jam that we adore so much).

I'm full of admiration for people who can draw well, especially those that bring their outside interests into their work. There are too few creative people on the BMX scene using their love of BMX as the source of inspiration for their output, (me included, I guess)....Adi does and he does it REALLY well!
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Work in Japan...

A while ago, I sent some of my work to our friends in Hakuba Japan. The wonderful Megumi and Toshi who run K's Guesthouse were the recipients of one of my small houses. The other person to receive a house was Midori who owns the beautiful shop located across the road. Midori is a lovely lady who admires English gardens very much. She has an amazing array of plants in her garden and fantastic items of craft and housewares for sale in her shop. Megumi sent me some photos of Midori and the artwork in it's new home...Wehey, this makes me so happy!!

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Midori...bless!

Autumn Hues

The Acer, in our back garden, comes into its own at this time of year. The photo doesn't do it justice because at certain times of the day it seems to glow; it glows so much it almost makes your eyes hurt!

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What a Beauty!!

Saw this in Worcester at the weekend...The little sign next to it says, 'Yes, this is real'. It'd make a nice Halloween lantern.
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Wood Carving

Trawling the web, I was excited to find these stunning works from wood carving artist Tomoaki Suzuki. The pieces are amazing, usually around 50cm tall and carved from lime wood. The detail, especially in the painted finish, is breath-taking...feels really contemporary; bringing wood carving bang-up to date. One day the Turner Prize will include wood carvers...mark my words.

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Jason, 2007Lime wood, acrylic paint52 x 15 x 11.5 cm

Nikole, 2008Lime wood, acrylic paint 51 x 15 x 10 cm

Staff Exhibition

There's a staff exhibition, currently on here, at Hereford College of Arts. I submitted a couple of pieces and the response from students has been great. I even caught a few students from the Tech College, next door, gathered around the cabinet saying they wish they could be taught to make things in Lego...bless.

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Lego and Etch-a-Sketch

Etch-a-sketch detail

Wooden house and sketch book

Sketchbook detail, (and my feet)

Beer O'Clock...

Saturday was spent at the Talbot at Knightwick, Green Hop Beer Festival. We have, honestly, been looking forward to this since the same festival last year. It didn't disappoint, the beer was gorgeous. We went onto our fave pub in Worcester, The Dragon and didn't leave till late, (at least I think it was late). Eight beer drinking hours...(not actually proud of this fact in the cold light of day). Needless to say we were good for nowt' on Sunday...Thanks for driving Bec:-).

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Synchronised beer carrying at the Talbot, Knightwick.

Free Man?

Happy Man

What a Weekend!

Whilst Jo was looking after the Retrotec stall at the Vintage and Craft Fair in Worcester, (for more pictures click here) I was in Presteigne on a wood carving course. Jo and Jo and company had a great day by all accounts(thanks to Jo and Claire, and Claires mom for looking after Jo). Our store raised alot of interest and we even sold some stuff! We sold our beloved Speak and Spell and the Merlin game...still it all goes in the bank for future travelling trips:-).

WAVE

Board games on our Retrotec Stall

The Sidney Nolan Trust played host to a wood-carving Master Class with Nick Lloyd. I had a fantastic time and felt SO at home with the other members of the class (and the staff at the Rodd Gallery). I felt as though I was part of a long standing tradition in the arts. It gave me so much confidence. I now KNOW I am pursuing the right path. I was able to read books about sculptors, (notably, Isamu Noguchi, one of my faves), be amongst other artists and most importantly, I was surrounded by the sculptures produced by artists from around the world. I felt so normal. It's hard to explain, but I need to spend more time in environments like this...not even an art college has the same ambience or energy?, (for want of a better word.) I am planning to do a stone carving weekend as soon as one becomes available. The whole experience has shown me there is another way of doing things, you just have to get out of the bubble you're in to find it.

DON'T MISS THIS!...like me :-(

On tomorrow. Organised by Jo Waterhouse and her friends at WAVE, the second Vinatage and Craft Fair. I can't be there, as I'm going to a wood carving masterclass, (ooh get me eh?). Jo Dunn, (my wife) is very kindly going to look after the retro electronics and memerobilia stall we've cobbled together. Should be a great day, some of the stall holders look really good....be there or be...wood carving.

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