Thoughts on a cloud

It's been a while. For over a year now I have found it difficult to carve, so I am making an effort to be creative in other ways. Reading articles and books on the subject, I've found that I'm not alone. Some artists don't touch their paint brushes for years, even unable to sketch. There's a part of you, that's begging to pick up a pencil, but your conscious self questions the whole process.

And what it boils down to for me, is finding a meaning for what I do.  My dreams have faded, and my love of carving has diminished with my fading dream. 

 

Parallax Non-Art Fair: Different is better

The Parallax Art Fair (or PAF) was conceived and curated by the art historian and theorist Dr Chris Barlow.  Now in it's 8th incarnation, it will take place on the 18th-19th October at Chelsea Town Hall.

The PAF, "is a serious platform for international and national artists to present their work to national and international dealers, art industry people, collectors, critics and buyers without commission charges."

So what makes The PAF different to other art fairs?   The PAF is far more intimate than other fairs, and aims to be accessible for both artists and visitors, which means that recognised and well established artists mingle with emerging artists, giving them an equal playing field.

And...

...the most exciting thing (he he) about this Parallax Art Fair is that I will be exhibiting!  I will be showing previous works, and also exclusive new editions to my Merwood family.  AND there will be a chance for one lucky person to win one of my new figures, 'Nova'.  Tickets are free and can be 'purchased' on Eventbrite.

If you would like to come along to the private view (17th October, 7.30-9.30pm) please drop me a line before the 11th October.

Littlehampton Arts Festival at the Putting Green Cafe

Little did I know that my day would be filled with old acquaintances, and childhood haunts!

Early light capturing the River Arun.

The Putting Green Cafe in Littlehampton has undergone a huge overhaul by one of my school friends, Clara. She has really transformed the food and atmosphere in the cafe, its a far cry from the cafe I used to go to as a teenager! Situated just a stones throw away from the beach (in front of the putting green) and also just accross the road from my childhood home. Sitting there talking to Clara, was a breath of fresh air, and Brenda (our RE teacher) and Linney were fantastic company too.

Take some time out at the Putting Green Cafe.

Clara created quite a surreal school reunion for her entry into the Littlehampton Arts Festival (20th - 27th July), showing my work, Brenda's photographs and Diana Stanley's paintings.

Brenda Gratwicke's photographs - something spectacular.

Diana Stanley's paintings of a serene Littlehampton.

Ino languishing in her glass house.

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Kick Ass Meetup

Ever heard of Meetup? I hadn't until about a month ago, and it's been a breath of fresh air, realising that there are people out there with the same interests and goals that I have. Granted, having connections in London does help, but there are groups all over the UK and the world waiting to be discovered. And you get to go to some really interesting places, and meet great people...

After joining a few groups, I got an invitation from Sacha at Kick Ass Networking, and I thought, what the hey! Give it a go. The first event I attended was a the Google headquarters in London, what a great venue, especially for a geek like me ;) The event was a social networking and newsletter masterclass, well attended and brilliantly organised.

 

Next stop...sales and marketing :)

 

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Creative Synchromysticism - Giacometti to Ma

Giacometti -

One of my artistic influences is Giacometti; the simple forms and elongated lines which echo human shapes. Pinterest is my favourite new social networking toy, so while I was busy filling up boards with different artistic influences, Giacometti immediately sprang to mind.

Hasegawa Tohaku - Pine Trees

I found an image that reminded me of a conversation I'd recently had about a Japanese concept - the space in between spaces.


Ma -Negative Space

A simple and strange excerpt explaining ma on Youtube. 

 

 

 

Inkyo Masako - Light and Shadows.

Hakuin Ekaku - Ant on a Stonemill.

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Three photos, one day

 Three snapshots of Dominican life taken around Saltadero and Cabrera.

Watching while the local boys jump into the pool below.

 

Village huts beside Saltadero.

The Cabrera coastline, wind and rain take hold.

Anacaona (and a little nudge towards picjointer)

These past few weeks have seen me creating a few different pieces. I've started using driftwood from the beaches out here, and Anacaona is my first finished piece, carved from Dominican driftwood, in the Dominican. She was found near Cabarete, on a beach overlooking the kite surfers. Anacaona, Golden Flower, was a Taino chieftan in the 15th Century. She is a celebrated mother figure in Hatian society, and her influence spanned the whole of Hispaniola.

Note: Picjointer? A natty ipad app that allows you to put together photo montages...

 

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