Dunn Roaming

Where I've been and where I'm going to...

2012-02-04T03:40:00.000-08:00

It's been a while, I know, but I've needed to work in private. I've realised that a lot of what I have do, (up until recently anyway) is for other people. This blog was partly started as a result of that. The work I've been doing on my MA has been, (and will continue to be) for myself. My process has become unhindered by external validation and I have had such alot of 'serious' fun. I'll continue to post, but only at certain points in my own personal creative timeline.

Paper

98 x Various mm

Pastry

98x98x5mm

Glacier

(working title)

Plaster Malachite and 22ct Gold Leaf

98x98x24mm

EXPERIMENTS IN SHEET PLASTIC AND GLASS

2011-11-29T08:49:00.000-08:00

Untitled...

2011-10-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

100 x 100mm Copper Multiple (15 in total)

Detail

New Direction?

2011-09-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

Kumamoto Stairway - Screen Print Silver 380 X 300 mm

Vinegar...

2011-09-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

Copper form - Vinegar Patination
(Clean copper is exposed to vinegar fumes in a sealed cabinet for a week)

Copper form - Underside

Coppper forms

Copper Ring

2011-09-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

Ring of Fire ii - Copper 290mm Diameter

Ring of Fire ii - Detail

22 Carrots...

2011-09-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Copper Sheet 100mm x 90mm. 22ct Gold Leaf.

Detail

Memories of Wilpena...

2011-09-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

Wilpena. Copper 100mm x 90mm

Wilpena. Detail

Pacific Rim...

2011-09-20T04:09:00.000-07:00

Apparently, ten percent of the world's active volcanoes are found in Japan

Ring of Fire. Punched Copper - 100mm x 90mm

Ring of Fire. Detail

Ring of Fire. Worms Eye View.

Verdigris

2011-09-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

Soldered Copper, Copper Nitrate Patination - 90mm x 100mm

Detail

Copper Cone

2011-09-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

Copper Cone - 90mm x 100mm x 40mm

Copper Cone - Detail

More Experiments in Copper...

2011-09-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

Plan View. 90mm X 100mm

Detail

It's Been a While....

2011-09-16T05:55:00.000-07:00

...but I'm back. Back from the ring of fire, that is Japan. My heart is heavy with how much I miss it. It really got under our skin this time, more than any of our previous visits. I think it's due, in part, to the now personal connection we have made with some of the people there. I have now started my MA in Fine Art at The Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, watch this space for more visuals. g.

Untitled. Copper 100mm x 90mm

Detail

Worcester Flea

2011-07-13T03:57:00.000-07:00

It's all happening in Worcester in the coming weeks. This time, it's the WAVE group's turn. Starting Sunday 7th August, they will be holding the first 'Worcester Flea'. See the poster below for details:

'Robot' Exhibition Worcester

2011-07-11T08:14:00.001-07:00

The people at Worcester Art Gallery, have kindly requested that I sell some of my work at the forth-coming Robot exhibition; it starts, this Saturday, 16th July and goes on until the 3rd of September. I'm stoked, especially as some of the other exhbits sound really exciting. Best of all it's free to get in!! g.

16th July - 3rd September

Worcester Museum, Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT

...

2011-06-23T06:44:00.001-07:00

Sandblasted Charity Shop Vase (28cm High)

Leave it!

2011-05-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving the blog for a while, nothing of any worth to say or show you at the moment. I am, however, watching plenty of films and reading again, so my process continues elsewhere. Hopefully there will be something worth sharing in the coming weeks...bye for now and thanks for your interest.

gx.

Efterklang Screening in Worcester this Weekend..

2011-03-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

Our mate Jim has organised, (by contacting the band!) a screening of the excellent Efterklang film, An Island, this Sunday at the Worcester Arts Workshop. Be great if you could make it, only a £2 donation to the workshop is asked. Just remember to move your clock's forward on Saturday night, or you'll be late!

Space Cadet

2011-03-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

Been working on this space helmet design for a while now. Not sure it's completely successful. I did however, drag it away from the computer and sandblasting an antique mirror, (dated 1937), with the design.

Robot 2.0

2011-03-02T08:32:00.001-08:00

More rounded, more refined and hopefully more tactile:-)
g.

Cushion the Blow...

2011-02-25T02:39:00.000-08:00

Another cushion, (made for me by Ellie Merrick). Love the stripes and the fact you can see the pattern through the eye slot.

Look Out World!!

2011-02-23T03:09:00.000-08:00

I've been fairly busy at work recently. It's half term which gives me a chance to post some of my new work. As well as finishing off the refurbishment of this seventies mirror, I've worked with Ellie from Textiles, here at Hereford, to produce these cushions. I'm bloody stoked with the results. They encapsulate everything I want to communicate with my work; they're tactile, soft, bold. They might just pursuade people to have me in their homes.
gx

Raise a Glass!

2011-02-02T06:42:00.000-08:00

Trying a new design. This one's, obviously based, on a love of mine...beer. I'm also a big fan of the artist, Eric Ravilious; the three-dimensional, and somewhat grainy, aspect of the design is attributed to him, I obtained this effect by sand-blasting the design free-hand. Soon to be seen in a drinking hole near you?

I've also been continuing to produce monster mirrors. I was given this weird old wooden mirror. I decided to give it a burnt finish. Might just look good in the right house.

Wake Up Worcester!

2011-01-25T06:02:00.000-08:00

Something's stirring in the Worcester art scene...We'll go along and check it out, see if you can go too. I have a mirror on display and Chris has a mini exhibition of his latest lino cuts...should be a hoot!

T.F.I. Friday

2011-01-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to sinking a few of these.

Art Deck Identified!

2011-01-06T06:49:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Chris Bourke!! The bloody skating train-spotter guessed immediately that the deck, I sand-blasted, was none other than a new old stock Chris Miller G&S model...You deserve a free plug. Please check Chris's site out, he's got some nice new merchandise up for sale, (love the tote bags Chris!)

Happy New Year.

2011-01-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

Here's to a New Year. Here's to pushing myself into places where I can achieve my potential. I have lots of silent resolutions, that will only become evident with output. I've got a good feeling things are going to be okay. This skate deck was Christmas present from a good friend; he gave it to me with the intention of me turning it into an artwork. It works really well and shows, once again, just how the pattern can be applied to almost any surface, giving the object new life and meaning. I won't put the model name of the skate deck on the blog just yet, I'll wait for someone with keen eyes to identify it!
g

Sandblasted skate deck

(detail)

Happy Christmas.

2010-12-25T00:46:00.000-08:00

It's been a good year for me so far and I know next year will be even better. I've had so much support from certain friends and family and none from others, (go figure!). I'm looking forward to seeing some people I love this week. I hope you all get to make the best of a few days off too.
gx

Every Cloud....

2010-12-17T04:11:00.000-08:00

Another 70's mirror; sandblasted with an army of robots. The clouds look nice, reflected in their outline. The flurry of snow helps too, i think.

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR...

2010-12-17T01:49:00.000-08:00

...in Worcester, this weekend. The atmosphere will be really festive and you'll be able to purchase some original gifts for those, hard to please, distant relatives.

Sale of My Work...

2010-12-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

This Sunday at the Arts Cafe in Worcester, (next to Huntingdon Hall). Look out for me, I'll be wearing this, (maybe I'll iron it first!-).

Blown Away?

2010-12-03T06:47:00.000-08:00

A good friend had a nice, hand-blown, glass vase. They asked me to 'jazz it up a bit'. I did my best. It really looks good in a darkened room, lit by a tea light.
g.

Thanks

2010-12-03T03:07:00.001-08:00

Some of you may have noticed, there's a new counter at the base of this page. I've been getting really excited because I've been getting LOTS of visitors, (For me, 50-100 people a day looking at this site is amazing) I'm sure I don't know 50-100 people at the moment! it's just great to know, that people are taking the time to look, it's also typical of me to feel a little anxious at the prospect of people, I don't know, looking at my output...puts the pressure on a little... guess that's the nature of the web though really. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for the continuing support of friends and family and those people, watching me, that I have yet to meet.
gx

Lidded glass container, (ex lab glass again).

Size L10.5cm X W8.5cm X H7.5cm

Walk the plank?

2010-12-02T08:14:00.000-08:00

Piece of fruit wood; burnt, sandblasted and waxed. Luvverly bit of timber, might look nice over your mantlepiece, bed stead or, dare I say it, in a gallery.

24cm X 80cm

Tea Anyone?

2010-12-02T01:46:00.000-08:00

Nice big brown tea pot...it's a bit ironic really, but I hate the taste of tea; more likely to find coffee brewing in my teapot.
g.

Christmas Fair in Worcester

2010-11-30T08:08:00.000-08:00

The WAVE(Worcester Arts & Vintage) group are having a 'Pop Up Fair' this week in Worcester. The opening times will be the same as, the ever popular, Victorian Fair that takes place every December in Friar Street. Starts this Thursday 2nd and goes onto Sunday 5th; Go along for a warm welcome, as well as some choice, and original Christams shopping. Organiser, Jo and the others will have deserved their cups of tea by the end of it, I can tell you!

And one for the cat...

2010-11-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

Bought these little beauties from the RSPCA. Masked off and sandblasted the one to reveal flowery monsters. Not all together successful, interesting, but I'm not finished with aggrandizing found objects just yet

Spotted on the streets of the West Midlands

2010-11-30T03:50:00.000-08:00

Stickers seen in Birmingham, Stourbridge and Dudley. There's a street presence developing, maybe it'll take over the world:-S

Finally, my friend Phils Rucksack, decorated with a reflective robot sticker. Be safe, be seen!

Baby, it's cold outside!!

2010-11-25T07:28:00.000-08:00

Maybe this cute vintage penguin will make you feel warmer on this chilly Thursday. It's another charity shop find, sandblasted with my logo and robot moniker. Bless.
g.

27 cm High

Deco Mirror

2010-11-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Here's another mirror. A recycled charity shop purchase. It has a beautiful cast detail on the top. I decided to go with the flying houses as it seemed to well with the polished finnial. The mirror was very fragile and is starting to come away at the edges, I managed not to lose anymore of the reflective side when sand-blasting, but it was touch and go as to whether it would survive the process or not:-S
g.

Mirror Detail

I've Got Wood

2010-11-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

3 feet high and rising. A piece of reclaimed architectural pine. Burnt sand-blasted and waxed. Given back to the guy who gave me the wood in the first place. If you have wood you'd like to give me, I can add my personal touch to it and return it...(for a small fee of course.)
g.

Reclaimed Pine Totem? 3ft approx high.

The 'C' Word

2010-11-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

As well as the mirrors and larger glass objects, I'm working on a range of more affordable vessels. Here's another piece of sand-blasted lab glass. I've combined the robot/house imagery to create a new design that suggests themes of claustrophobia and wanting to escape...very Christmassy!-)
g.

Sand-blasted Pyrex glass bottle, (500ml). 18cm High.

Lab Glass Vessel

2010-11-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

Another glass vessel. Believe it or not, this is old lab ware too. It's pretty thick glass and I've sand-blasted the logo, I intend to use, when the new web-site goes live (www.theproudnail.com).

Recycled lab glass bowl - Underside. (Diameter 21cm)

Chemistry Set

2010-11-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

Finally found a use for a bunch of old chemistry glassware given to me by a dear friend. The glass has been in storage for at least ten years and will provide some interesting forms on which to place my designs...watch this space again!

Sandblasted heatproof Pyrex vessel. Size 28cm High

'Deco' Mirror

2010-11-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

This mirror's a bit spesh. Got it from a local charity shop, (nearly lost it to an old dear who had had her eyes on it!). The deco details are nice and add an extra something to it, I think. I'll be sorry to let this one go...in fact, it might be a keeper. Incidentally, I've found out that this kind of work might been pigeon-holed by the term, Up-Cycled...bloody journalists.

'Deco' Detail

Mirror, Mirror Contd.

2010-11-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

REALLY PLEASED WITH THIS!! Antique mirror blasted with the robot logo...Corrr!!

Sandblasted Picture

2010-11-01T04:40:00.000-07:00

Another image of Charlotte the robot. This time I used a vinyl sticker to act as a resist in the sand-blaster. The resulting effect is a dreamy background, contrasting nicely with the foreground robot shape.

Plywood/Blue Dye/Sandblasted

13cm X 13cm

Screen Printing

2010-11-01T03:56:00.001-07:00

Went on a wonderful screen-printing course at the weekend. It was held at the MAC in Brum. We were dizzy with freedom, getting paint everywhere and 'expressing ourselves' through the media of print;-) Can't wait for the next course. I've uploaded a couple of photos, showing the image in multiple...the robot's called Charlotte, (name given by friend's 4 yr old daughter).

WAVE Fair in Worcester Tomorrow.

2010-10-29T02:40:00.000-07:00

DON'T MISS IT!!

When One Door Closes...

2010-10-29T02:16:00.000-07:00

...another door opens? After over ten years, Spine Skateboarding, Worcester is to close this weekend. Chris and Jo Bourke, (Waterhouse) will be closing the doors on a business that has, not only brought top quality skating goods to the city, but has provided it's skating fraternity with a lifeline to the outside world, in terms of creative culture. Jo and Chris installed a small gallery in the shop a few of years ago, called 'This is Ours'. The gallery drew me into the shop, (along with the fantastic book, 'Concrete to Canvas: Skateboarders' Art', written by Jo). The duo are responsible for me doing what I do now. They've become valued friends to Jo and me and I'm so grateful that Chris had the balls to open the shop and keep it going for as long as he has. It's thanks to the duo's encouragement and energy that I am an artist today. The shop will be sorely missed, I just don't think the local kids have realised it yet; it'll be too late when they do, the shop will be gone. Chris and Jo will carry on being the most creatively energetic people I know and their resources will be chanelled into other projects, I know. Watch this space.
gx

KEEP ON - Chris Bourke 2010

Pushing Forward...

2010-10-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Been pushing forward with my found object, sand-blasting project. Today's additions are a charity shop vase and a pint glass, yum!

Sand-Blasted Glass Vase (20cm High)

Vase Detail

Pint Glass, empty:-(

Moon

2010-10-19T02:43:00.000-07:00

Watched the film, Moon (2009), last night. It was an incredible experience for me, (it prompted to write something for a change!). The film, set in the future had echoes of some of my favourite films, both thematically and visually; notable titles are: Silent Running, Bladerunner, Alien, Outland and 2001 A Space Odyssey. It took aspects from all the above films and created a brand new experience. The experience was profound and moving and elegantly executed...It's the film I should have made! It's the film I dreamt of making, (when I used to dream of making films,). Congratulations to the writer/director, Duncan Jones, he and the crew did a great job, (Sam Rockwell was mesmerising, it has to be said). I had a feeling of nostalgia watching the imagery, the visuals comforted me as they were so familiar. It was a British production, it felt like one, authentic and gritty and human? It contained lots of Special effects models as well as CGI and was a good balance of the two, creating a vivid thematic recall of all the other past movies. The film sets, complete with polygonal shaped corridors and doorways was evocative of a place I know, a place that I inhabited during my childhood. It was my escape shuttle, my Off World Colony... If you haven't seen it, don't watch the trailer first, just watch the film.

Moon Screen Shots - Gavin Rothery Designs

Mirror Mirror 2.0

2010-10-16T04:13:00.000-07:00

More mirror art. This time, a nice 60's/70's? example. A one off, now for sale in Toadstool Vintage, Worcester. g.

Mirror, Mirror.

2010-10-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

Bought an antique (1956) mirror today. Sandblasted my Flying House motif onto the surface. Nice, I thought. It's missing a wing or two, (blown off in the sandblaster), so it's officially a second; I've given it to the College library as a gift.
g.

'Fly Away Homes' Mirror

Mirror Detail (Nice the way it reflects the sky).

Lots of mileage in this, me thinks!

New Piece...

2010-10-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

..for our bathroom! I've been playing Batman Arkham Asylum, on the 360, far too much recently, (the dark winged imagery seems to point in that direction). The shelves are oak and the image is my own design, inked and sand-blasted onto the sides...I'm pleased with it and want to do more; might even use existing furniture.

Oak - 50cm X 30cm X 20cm

'Indie Craft' - Book Out Now!

2010-10-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

Haven't done much on the blog recently. I'm lost really, not sure what to make or create. I seem to have nothing to say about anything, not really sure if I'm really sad though; just ticking along - comfortably numb sums it up pretty well. There's lots going in though - watching plenty of films, (Kick Ass, Exit Through the Gift Shop and Beautiful Losers getting worthy mentions) ,playing video games, hill walking and reading. Just wish someone could tell me what to do, quite frankly, with the skills I have, just wish someone would take me away and place in a place more worthwhile situation, a place that made more of a difference. As it stands I'm just treading water, not moving, just floating, just hope I drift towards a purpose soon.

There's alot going on around me though, which brings me onto this. The brilliant Jo Waterhouse has just released her latest book, Indie Craft. From the preview pages, it looks awesome; bang up to date and full of motivating images. Good luck with it Jo! Take a look Below:

Moving On...

2010-09-03T03:10:00.001-07:00

Well, some of you might not be surprised; some of you might fall off your chair, but I announced yesterday that I will no longer ride or race my BMX bike. I informed my friends by e-mail, as I was afraid of being pursuaded not to give up. It's mainly as a result of receiving another injury, this time a serious sprained hand, earlier in the Summer. It's also as a result of some personalities in the racing scene that want to win so badly, they are prepared to put other people in hospital to do it. It goes with the territory, I suppose, but aggression in sport doesn't really interest me, good sportsmanship does. I'll miss riding with my friends, I'll miss the adrenalin of jumping and I'll miss having something to work towards. I'll also miss Jo riding her bike, she confronted many emotional demons and conquered them by bravely riding BMX tracks; I think that's the thing that's made me most proud for the last four years riding. It's the end of an era, I guess. Might give me more time to concentrate on my work and this blog, we'll see.

Thanks Andy & Bron, Sean, Matt, Benn, Bryan, Tim P., Orbs, Ady, Dingo, TJ, Marv, Daz, Tim D. Chris & Jo, Jane & Peter. And of course Wibbs...I couldn't have done it without you.

g.

Nothing much to say...

2010-08-10T01:48:00.000-07:00

...at the moment. Sorry.
g.

It's been a while...

2010-07-16T03:11:00.001-07:00

Sorry, been busy.....

Munich - Birthday Weekend

Munich Beer Garden (Chinesischer Turm)

Redditch Premiers' First Regional Meeting; (me in yellow. I finished fourth ...must try harder)

Summer Camp Blog

2010-06-22T02:51:00.001-07:00

I was put onto the Summer Camp blog by Lauren Laverne on 6Music. I love looking at the photos, (and that's all there is,) page after page of wonderful American photos. Some make me howl, some of them make me want to weep, they're so tragic. It's the feeling of surrogate nostalgia I feel, at the moments captured here, that interests me; I don't know these people but I have an affinity with all the images somehow, being alive gives me that, I guess. Have a look yourself, forget OldBooth and forget Hipstamatic, this is the real deal and I love it, hope you like it too.
g.

Summer Camp Myspace page

Newspaper Report...

2010-06-15T04:15:00.000-07:00

The Redditch Standard reported the racing from Chesterfield the other week, Nice photo of me and my team mates in the sunshine!
g.

Ben Martinez, Sean Bowditch , Tim Drew, Me,

Josh Wilkins, Benn Thombs and Matt Mayneord.

Chris in the Big Smoke!!

2010-06-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

Chris Bourkes work ends up in London this week. East end clothing store, Number Six is displaying a number of his lino cuts from tomorrow. There's quite a nautical feel to alot of the clothes for sale in the shop, Chris's work will fit in nicely as it has it's roots in traditional naval tattoo imagery.
g.

kozyndan in London Exhibition

2010-05-28T03:32:00.000-07:00

Artist favourites of ours Kozyndan are having a show in the big smoke; the Nelly Duff Gallery is housing a show of their most recent works. Hope we can make it at some point.

Culture Comes to Crowngate!

2010-05-26T03:06:00.000-07:00

The WAVE (Worcester Arts and Vintage) collective will be holding a 'Pop Up Fair' this Saturday in the Crown gate Centre Worcester. It'll be an oasis of interest and wondefrul peculiarity. Get yourself along there and check out the vintage fashion and the catwalk show, it'll breathe a breath of fresh air into an area normally occupied by high street stores and mediocre retail outlets. Takes place between 11am and 4pm.

I'm onto something...

2010-05-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

...with this piece. Rushed it onto the blog before the end of the day...Made from pine and finished with 22ct gold leaf...(61cm high). See what you think.
g.

Scott Beaumont Track Test

2010-05-11T04:11:00.000-07:00

Redditch Premier, Scott Beaumont, recently posted a video on youtube. The video, taken with a helmet cam, shows how smooth the 'Redditch Raceway' is! It's looks irresistable. Track will be open in a few weeks as it needs to settle down and we need to complete some essential paperwork before anyone can officially ride it. For now, check the vid for a taste of joys to come!!
R.P.

Busy Bank Holiday & New Work

2010-05-04T02:52:00.000-07:00

Well, a busy weekend for us...I'll get onto that in a minute; just wanted to say, I didn't get onto the Artist Residence in Japan. It was really generous of some people to give me a reference, (thanks SO much for having faith in me) but alas, the competition was stiff; 85 people from over thirty countries applied, the quality, looking at the winners, (Ilgvars Zalan:Latvia, Yukie Hori: Brazil, Midori Hirot: Japan) was very high...oh well, will just have to find another way to get back to Japan, (any suggestions or addresses of friends/family/organistaions gratefully received:-) I REALLY want to go back to Japan, I think about it every day, every time I have the warm sun and a cool breeze on my face, every time I smell diesel fumes and the sesame oil sachet you get in a pack of ramen noodles...every time I feel happy, I'm constantly reminded of being there.

Anyway, Raced at Derby on Sunday, came 3rd/1st/1st/3rd and 3rd in the final...managed not to go home in an ambulance, (which is always a good thing). Photo shows me(No. 14) n the final breaking hard before a jump...need to stop doing this:-(

It's bluebell time again, walked around Knightwick on Monday, it was glorious; wish we we could show some of our Japanese friends this beautiful sight, makes me proud of the U.K..

Finally, here's a photo of a new work...everyone around me seems to be taking to the water, thought I'd have a go at making my own craft...I carved it from a single piece of wood, (cedar, I think). The figures were from a chrity shop and just happened to be the perfect scale.
g.

Cheddar National Video

2010-04-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

OMG! Never ridden Cheddar, but the first BMX Double Header National took place there, last weekend. Track looks extreme, but people make jumping look so easy, (even no handed!). Here's a nice video that really sums up the excitement and personalities involved in a British BMX race...enjoy.
g.

British BMX National Rnd 1&2 Cheddar 2010 from Corinne Walder on Vimeo.

Chris Bourkes Show

2010-04-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

As previously mentioned on this Blog, Chris Bourke is exhibiting at the Studio 4 Gallery, in the Custard Factory Birmingham until Saturday 29th May! In conjuction with the exhibition, there is a new Facebook page spotlighting Chris's work...nice. Took the liberty of borrowing a couple of pics to show you how the show was created. Private view is this Thursday, gonna drive up and have look this weekend m'self.

Chris copying an OHP image to create a wall mural...smart.

Dreaming of Japan...

2010-04-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

I seem to be dreaming about Japan alot at the moment...

Perspex & (well rotted) oak.
H226mm W340mm D75mm

Detail

Skate Shop in Crisis

2010-04-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

The only skate shop in Worcester, Spine has issued a worrying statement in the light of it's recent financial situation.
Spine Skate Shop Statement

Sunday, April 11, 2010
Use us or lose us
It's no secret that it's hard times for everyone at the moment and independent businesses are closing all the time. It's no different for Spine, after one of the harshest Winters and a pretty wet Spring, times are tough. If you don't want to see your local skateshop disappear the same way as your local, independent record and book shops etc, show your support. Next time you need a board come and check us out before you put that order in online.

Thanks to all the regulars that come to us as their first choice. Much appreciated.

Firstly, Spine is owned by and Chris and Jo Bourke, who are responsible for me writing this blog. The shop has been open for more than ten years and has fed the local skating fraternity with quality service and products. As well as being a purveyor of niche clothes, hardware and skate decks, (often designed by Chris Bourke himself) Chris and Jo energetically promote artwork from people, (people like me) who wouldn't normally get an airing in a traditional gallery.

Chris, along with many other people, was involved with the setting up of Perdiswell Young People's Leisure Club, patiently attending numerous meetings which resulted in an amazing facility, used by people from near and far, (believe me they come from far away). The park is always busy, BMXers and skaters alike, share the facility and I've seen, with my own eyes, the fun kids can have in there...priceless.

Come on kids, it's pay back time, next time you're drawn into buying a new pair of average Nike or Vans sneaks from Extreme Pie or that Billabong T-shirt from TK Maxx, DON'T DO IT!

Do the right thing and buy something with integrity from Spine instead.
g.d

My new favourite artist..

2010-04-13T04:26:00.000-07:00

...well for now anyway. Tomokazu Matsuyama. Anyone who knows me or my work can see why. Nice to see a Playmobil, (or Play People as I remember them), being used to drmatic effect...Matsuyama is not a bad painter either, with his works utilising the wood block prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige and bringing them bang upto date with graffiti colours and techniques....quite beautiful; take a look at his web-site by clicking his name above.
g.

'Wherever I am'

Detail

Mansfield Racing Results...

2010-04-13T01:41:00.000-07:00

Mansfield BMX Regional (No. 2). Results: 4th, 3rd, 2nd & 4th in Final. Pleased with my results; no injuries, starts are getting stronger and quicker, need to work on my technique, (jumping especially). The field was even stronger than the first round, I'm being eased into the maelstrom of National competition one race at a time. A good day spent with friends in the sunshine at Church Warsop in Derbyshire. BMX racing is ace!! (Thanks to Matt Mayneord for the photos).

Photo from the final.

Look at the effort on my face!!

VINTAGE AND CRAFT FAIR TOMORROW!!

2010-04-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

The WAVE events just keep on coming. The venue is the same as usual, Fish Street, Worcester. Judging by the Facebook site, people are travelling from all over the country to go to these events...Well organised and breathing some fresh, creative air into Worcester...

Chris Bourke Art Exhibition

2010-04-06T01:41:00.000-07:00

Chris Bourke is exhibiting at the Studio 4 Gallery, in the Custard Factory Birmingham. Starting Monday 26th April until Saturday 29th May. One not to miss, Chris is a master of the lino cut and his images are thought provoking and full of integrity. The image below is called 'Represent' and is one of a series of 12, (with hand painted gold detail £35)...lush, get em while their hot!

'Represent'

Exhibition Poster

Bullwell BMX Pictures...

2010-03-31T01:52:00.000-07:00

Pictures from the Bullwell Regional Race. Me in front, for a change:-)
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Life begins at 40?

2010-03-30T07:57:00.001-07:00

Well, I competed in the first round of the Midlands Region BMX Summer season on Sunday. Results in my heats were, 4th, (Wind blew me off the track!), 1st and 1st. Came 2nd in the final. A good result considering I've been out of the sport for so long; a good way to start the season. It was my first race in the 40+ age group, which still feels strange to say :-S... Had a lot of fun though, pictures to follow, I hope.
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Gloved Up!

2010-03-25T03:31:00.001-07:00

My very kind Canadian cousin sent us a lovely gift. These supporters gloves were, apparently, all the rage at the recent Winter Olympics in Vancouver, (wish we could've been there!). I love em. Thanks M.

Sport Relief...

2010-03-20T02:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, spurred on by David Walliams et al, I took part in a 12hour spinning marathon at Hereford Sixth Form College's Sixth Sense Gym. I only rode for half an hour, at lunchtime, but the guys there motivated me enough to travel nearly 13, virtual, miles on the bike!! Needless to say, I was good for nothing for the rest of the afternoon...Sport Reflief, I learnt this morning, went onto raise £29 Million by the end of yesterday.

g.The 'before' shot...

Through the Glass.

2010-03-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine and fellow BMXer, Tim Print has just begun a blog, Through the Glass. The image below comes from the site and explains itself, only when you've read the first post...stunning story, one I never knew and apparently, it's completely true!
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Tim Prints Blog

'Raising the stakes'

2010-03-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

First go at 'raising' in about 4 years. It's a really tough technique to master and makes your arm ache like hell when you begin. It's again, made from aluminium sheet, (one piece 0.9mm thick) and is gradually stretched by hitting it with a special raising hammer upon a raising 'stake'. Not brilliant, it shows I need to practice ALOT more; a good distraction though.

Semi-raised vessel, Aluminium sheet H12cm x D13cm

Empty Vessel?

2010-03-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

Two images of another vessel I've made; this time out of copper sheet and lined with variagated brass leaf. It's been fun hammering metal again and playing with metal leaf in a messy and unfinished way. The effect of the finish is really dramatic, I can see heaps of applications for this material. It's all in the aid of experimentation and trying to move my practice on in a new direction.

Copper vessel, (finished with copper nitrate and brass leaf)- Diameter 20cm

The Finished Article

2010-03-05T07:27:00.000-08:00

And this is the finished vessel, lined with gold leaf, (well actually it's brass leaf) still, looks nice in the Friday afternoon sunshine, nice days work, I think!

Hitting Things...

2010-03-05T03:01:00.000-08:00

Using a polished hammer and a piece of oak, with a depression carved into it, you can create interesting forms out of aluminium sheet; the technique is called sinking and to finish it of you planish it, this hardens the material and creates a beautiful dappled surface. This kind of work is very rewarding and therapeutic, (says alot about my state of mind at the moment, that I find joy in hitting things!). I can pound the metal for hours, allowing the material to guide me and the subsequent forms are always surprising. Sinking, raising and planishing are an art form. I need to practice more and pass on the technique, to see that it doesn't disappear.

College Magazine Interview

2010-03-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

I was recently interviewed in the Hereford College student Magazine, Pallette. I was quite pleased with the result; I was surprised by some of my answers:-S The typeface is a little hard to read; you can download the PDF version by clicking HERE, there's a copy that should be a little easier to read.
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Spine Skateboarding - Art Exhibition

2010-03-04T07:36:00.000-08:00

Spine in Worcester have got a small, but beautifully formed, exhibition of the work the of Thomas Hinton. I love the wind turbine imagery...speaks volumes, somehow.

Oh Canada!!

2010-03-01T01:07:00.000-08:00

WORCESTER VINTAGE AND CRAFT FAIR

2010-02-11T01:21:00.000-08:00

The people from WAVE (Worcester Arts and Vintage Events) are holding another shindig on Saturday. The stalls wil be as good as ever and many will be offering Valentine themed goods. The RoyalTea tea shop sells an amazing array of cakes, (some of which are Vegan!) that are really ace. My friend Chloe Lewis will be selling ceramic items, such as vases and brooches, many of which will be making their debut at this event...We'll be popping along after I've taken the car for a service...bummer.

Ceramics by Chloe Lewis

Adi Gilbert - Solo Show

2010-02-04T08:43:00.000-08:00

If you're in Bristol in February, you might want to check out an exhibition by Adi Gilbert; the BMXer/illustrator/graphic design supremo, is having a solo show. It's taking place at Baristas Coffee Collective, (Nr. Bristol Bridge, Victoria StreetBristol, BS1 6AA) Here's a sample of his excellent work. This and many others like it will be on sale, we not long ago, purchased a piece and it just gets better the more you look at it.
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Toys & T-Shirts

2010-02-03T07:49:00.001-08:00

I'm currently exhibiting 'a few' of my toys in the HCA College library right now. I wanted to expose the figures to the light, they're usually packed away in boxes and the toy tray in the basement. The response has been really great, especially from the students. The point of showing them was to highlight the fact that there are many, and often ignored, forms of design inspiration available to artists. These figures inspire me, the colours, forms and the representation of men in popular culture, is a subject that interests me -what people think the ideal male form should be, this is particularly poignant in the super hero genre. I've posted a couple of photos, (not very good I'm afraid) to try and show you how it looks. Must say a big thanks to Ashley in the library for his co-operation and curating skills.

Also, went into my local charity shop today, Martha's Trust(even has it's own blog!), bought an interesting new t-shirt(50p Bargain!)...Apart from being new, it had an interesting insignia on the front and back Franklin Pierce College Fire Department...I got back and checked out the name on the Web....I was thrilled to discover that the origins of the t-shirt were an actual student run fire department in the USA!! Cool, I thought, I just wonder how the heck it managed to get to Hereford without being worn?? See Pics below.

Redditch Premiers Session

2010-02-01T01:25:00.000-08:00

A rare moment in the air yesterday

Enjoyed a session yesterday at Bishops Tachbrook. The club has such a nice crew, everyone looks out for each other and is so encouraging, I am proud to be a member. Everyone is getting excited about the track build. The fence has already been built, work on the bumps and lumps should hopefully start this week!

Redditch Premiers in this photo: Gregory Dunn, Lee Hathaway, Stewart Rockliffe, James Day, Harley Taylor, Chris Day, Matt Mayneord, Benn Thombs, Darcie Taylor, Sean Bowditch & Tim (Print. Photo taken by Chris Taylor.)

Beer, cycling and any excuse to mix the two!

2010-01-26T07:01:00.000-08:00

Attended a British Cycling coaching course at the weekend near Burton, Derbyshire. Once I've passed, (everything crossed!), I'll be able to show young people and inexperienced adults, how to ride a bike. Sounds like a fairly easy thing to do....but you wouldn't believe the detail you have to go into to effectively teach this kind of stuff. I have loads of sourse work to complete and a further training day to attend in April. It was an intense experience, but a fun one. I also got to visit a regional beer shrine...The Burton Bridge Brewery. O.M.G. the beer was amazing!! I tried a pint of Sovereign and Golden Delicious (and it was!)

The rest of the coaching tainees, (really nice bunch)

Me and Benn(Redditch Premiers Chairman) under the National Forest Emblem

(...Reminds me of one my earlier pieces!)

Haiti Earthquake Fund-Raiser

2010-01-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

Just finished a piece of work that I will be contributing to a fund-raising auction. It's all in aid of the Haiti earthquake. So pleased I could do something that might help.

Untitled. Pine - 60cm x 30cm

Dudley Winter Ales Festival

2010-01-19T02:25:00.000-08:00

Back in November Jo, me and our neighbour Jim, went along to the Dudley Winter Ales Festival. It was an amazing trip into the Black Country', very evocative of my childhood and all the Saturday shopping days I spent in places like Dudley. The festival was a hoot, so friendly and the beer was delicious:-P After leaving the Festival we visited the Olde Swan,(or Ma Pardoe's as it's known locally) in Netherton. Jim took along his old CanonA1 SLR; the photos he took, really bring back the wintry atmosphere of. As you can see from the last photo, I was pretty involved in the sampling process. Great company, great beer and we'll do it again next November...come along if you like....the more, the very merrier!
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If there is a heaven does it taste like this?

Photo Competition...Winner?

2010-01-18T02:35:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas, we caught up with some good friends. The conversation got around to the idea that it would be good, to have an informal competition, to see who could get a photo, or news article, into the most obscure publication in 2010. Well those friends started the year off well by getting their photo of the recent UK weather onto the front cover of the Bridgnorth Journal. Take a look below...it's beautiful. Going to be hard to beat this:-)

It was a year ago today...

2009-12-28T03:25:00.000-08:00

...that I was in hospital, looking at this view!

Worcester A&E - 28th December 2008

I'd just broken my leg at Chesterfield BMX track. I had to spend the following night in Worcester A&E and had to have the following two months off work, (wearing the crazy splint you see in the second photo!) I've, only recently, begun to ride and run again and feel as though the leg is really beginning to feel normal again.

What I learnt from the whole episode was that I have some very dear friends and family...people whom I love but don't tell them this often enough. Yes, I'll continue to put myself in situations that might mean me breaking another bone, but I'm able to do it because I am supported by so so many wonderful people. I am very grateful to all the people that are patient with me, encourage me and give me the space that I, so selfishly, require. I going to try and be more sociable and communicative this coming year. I am looking forward to racing again this year, especially since we will have a new track at Redditch; I also look forward to producing more work that makes people smile...Thanks again and here's to a productive, (and break free) 2010!
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Bamboo House - Recycled compressed bamboo sheet and Acrylic.

Cold and Frosty Morning!!

2009-12-20T09:28:00.000-08:00

Finally finished work on Friday. Ended the very long term, with a meal in Hereford and a few drinks at one of my favourite pubs, The Barrels . It was a great atmosphere with loads of students, past and present, in attendance.

Got up early today and travelled to the Bishops Tachbrook pump track. There was a pretty dusting of snow on the track, which made for some entertaining riding...still, had a good time though. It was great to catch up with my fellow team mates Benn thombs and Tim Print, whose not been on his bike for a while now. For those not familiar with Tim, he was an amazing racer (and still is in my book) in BMX's founding years, the eighties. He rode in the age group above mine, often against, my good friend Mark (Woppa)Watkins. I've alot of respect for Tim, he's a stylish rider and an all round good bloke, great to have in the team...
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Beautiful morning!

Made for tricky riding conditions..

Tim Print now...

and as he was then...(No.3)

Redditch Premier members Me, Benn Thombs and Tim Print

More Bloody Flying Houses!

2009-12-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

Only this time, arranged, in a sort of 'flying ducks' kind of a way...I've sliced them across the back so they seem to come out of the wall at a 'jaunty' angle. God, I wish Cristmas was here already; I'm gagging for a few days off, for some constructive loafing and some outdoor cycling jocularity. Want to get out on my bike now!
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Scott Edgworth...

2009-12-16T01:41:00.001-08:00

One of my Murray Jam/Ride BMX DVD heroes showing us all how to ride the Bishops Tachbrook pump track...think I'd better head up there this weekend and practice...SKILLS!
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Finished

2009-12-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

The piece is now finished. Mounted the wings on a piece of sycamore given to me by an ex-student. The wood's been cut, burnt, sanded and polished with beeswax...lush.

Wood block dimensions H29cm x W18cm x D8cm

Yet another wing detail...I just love the perspex:-)