Yesterday I hopped on the Overground with some friends to Shoreditch and visited London's biggest free art gallery displaying some established and up and coming British and International artists - works covered the walls, shutters, windows rooftops and floors of London. The curators are the artist themselves and and of course it's free - you don't even have to be represented by a gallery to get your work shown and unknowns are displayed next to living legends. We started with a Banksy in EC1 and went on to see works by artists who have come from all over the world to work in London. ROA from Belgium, Burning Candy Australians, and some up and coming enigmas such as the recent addition of Mexican Pablo Delgado's miniature works - close to the ground, casting long dark shadows of the figures along the road. Some have - like Invader's work in Brick Lane - been half removed, the heads peeled off and removed, leaving just a torn paper imprint, but this is part of the transient nature of the work. Open to the elements, tagged by graffiti or with more street art being worked over the top they are ever-changing, reflections of and on our city and the world. But you cannot spend all your time looking down, if you don't look up and adjust your focus, you could easily miss the small figures opposite Banksy's car in Els Yard above the works by Portuguese artist Vhils who carves out of the walls on which he works.
I imagined how one could easily be drawn in to make your mark and it's a fascinating introduction into this world. We heard of ongoing spats between artists over image rights and walls and the difference between attitudes here and abroad to street art and grafitti. I was really inspired and even got to meet one of the artists sitting with his friends and a bottle of cognac as we were admiring some of his work just off of Brick Lane.
It was a great antidote to the immense disappointment of seeing Wales lose to France on Saturday. They played an amazing game, but as I stood there in the Three Famous King's, I thought I really should keep my name to myself. Maybe handing out flyers with my name stamped all over them wasn't such a good idea - even if they do act as great make-do fans in an exceptionally hot pub.
I painted an image of two cats in Crystal Palace Park in the snow then used the image to create some Christmas cards for Jane Matthews of Cat Calls Ltd - Crystal Palace alternative to a cattery - which I handed over today.
I first met Jane at Bigger Picture Gallery and she has always been very supportive of my work so it was lovely to be able to paint something for her and her business. Unknown to me Jane loves the colours I have used and already has a space ready to put it up at home.
Thank you for popping by at such an opportune moment Lynn Hilton and taking this photo on your phone.
I love Jane's drawings of her feline frineds and clients. I hope she'll be doing some more to add to her online gallery.
If you live in or around Crystal Palace and need a house visit for your Cat when you go on holiday give Cat Calls a shout They will also ensure your plants are still alive when you get home to.
I took all my new work to the gallery today - I've been spending alot of time on getting it right for smaller works and this has paid off with them all being accepted for the first round of inclusion for the gallery and the Affordable Art Fair next week. I wasn't expecting to ride the subaru home empty, but empty it was and I do actually feel really good about this set so I'll be keeping everything crossed that as many of them as possible get in and find new homes.
All the new ones can be seen on this page
I managed to get everything done ahead of schedule on Friday so was well rested and prepared for my weekend of work - this made for a great time at East Dulwich yesterday and my space looked really good - "Art Gallery" signage defined the space atop my easel and painting - and I had lots of comments on the price being too low for my framed prints. I just has one key original (Tudor Road) on show so I could talk about commissions and the link with "Fox Hill in the Snow" and how my work has developed following that work in 2009 - blimey 2 years ago nearly. It was great being able to talk about a packed Autumn schedule including my being in the Affordable Art Fair with Ingo Fincke although I must remember not to have so much coffee...I'm sure I was talking way too fast and wandering off on tangents even more than usual, but couldn't quite help it....The Blue Mountain Cafe is to blame.
My desperation to get new work done for the AAF now seems pointless...not due to apathy, but I'd rather have good work there. Following a chat with Guy I let our conversation sink in and have now spent some time revisiting some recent work, which may not make it to AAF, but will help in other ways. Ingo Fincke are taking two large canvases. They have 5 hours to sell over the weekend - if they don't sell in that time that's their chances gone. Still I think I've made a lot of progress on the ones in the studio - much more depth and am looking forward to a very productive week after being totally blocked about working on this size - avoiding them at all costs. I've kept in mind the Ritzy Skater Boy in Brixton and been really bold with the latest works, pushing the darks again and adding some sweeps of texture. Lots of energy and keeping the composition in mind. I had a notion that I was being too tentative somewhere in the back of my mind - just took someone else to say "You're holding back, kid". Talking of which the Ritzy Skater Boy went down really well in East Dulwich and the print was up and gone before 11 am so will have to do another one by Thursday to hang at Lambeth Open this weekend.
Degas exhibition is very enlightening and certainly interesting to see the artist embrace the cutting edge technology of his time. I'm using still photography in my work for research and cannot wait to receive the hi-res shots from Brian in San Diego...I've already been working on some ideas around skaters and commuters (this may change). I used to be a commuter - every day for years! Then gave up that day job for this much more satisfying rollercoaster 24/7 one. I dreamed this life. What do those commuters dream of?
I imagine them dreaming of being one of those Southbank skaters... remembering childhood dreams and carefree days spent mastering those skills and never stopping - becoming experts, making a living. ...but it is a job, people do become professionals in this as any other sport. I can't imagine any 80's careers advisors recommending it...still back in the day, rather like now there weren't many prospects. No wonder kids go mad/bad/indifferent. I guess anyone with a job now will be hanging on to it like they were a championship winning boarder and loving every minute of doing the minutes for the monthly board meeting.
Still....I'm thinking of those commuter dreams...see what happens. It's a starting point, eh.
Over pleased with my ingenious sign for Saturday's Pop "ART GALLERY" in East Dulwich's Northcross Road - it will be attached high up on my easel above my painting of Tudor Road and I'm hoping this will help encourage people my way by defining the space and what I'm about. I've even got a proper card stand all sorted so greetings cards will be easy to see and all is priced up. If anyone needs a cards I have all of them at Vien's - 79 Church Road in Crystal Palace too.
Next stop putting some work up for Sam in Paradou, by the park. This is where all the dog walkers go on Saturday for coffee in the mornings...my goodness there's so much to do now Christmas is coming...really for me it is...No let up until 25th December now. Keep your hands inside the car and hold on tight...woo hoo!
Hoping to promote the Lambeth Open when I'm there, framing to do, painting to do..to do list to do...I think you get the picture.
Off to see Degas at the Royal Academy tomorrow thanks to my - artist and friend of the Royal Academy - Mum. This looks like an excellent exhibition and right up my street as it's about Degas and the Ballet: Picturing Movement
17 September – 11 December 2011 - "This landmark exhibition focuses on Edgar Degas’s preoccupation with movement as an artist of the dance. Degas and the Ballet: Picturing Movement traces the development of the artist's ballet imagery throughout his career, from the documentary mode of the early 1870s to the sensuous expressiveness of his final years. The exhibition is the first to present Degas’s progressive engagement with the figure in movement in the context of parallel advances in photography and early film; indeed, the artist was keenly aware of these technological developments and often directly involved with them."
I'm still enjoying working on my own series of works featuring skateboarders - I love trying to give a feeling of movement and energy, with drips from arms hanging in the air and broken repetitive scrapes of paint - reminiscent of the board as it clatters across the road. Splatters of paint follow the energy of the moment. I'm currently working on a collaboration with Brian in San Diego of Sore Eye Sports a very modern way of working indeed feeding my interest in making things through social media.
I was thinking about how I work using my images, other peoples images and listening to my talented bunch of South London DJs and it's a kind of remixing. Brian picked up on this straight away.
...and what an amazing Friday it has turned out to be. I had a blast at Jayne Nicholls class in Dulwich Village followed by a visit to the studio which resulted in a sale of two paintings. Delivered them this afternoon and off to see another two favourite South London DJs tonight in Charlie Cantanka and Ian Hadassi - very different styles, but brilliant all the same...hello weekend!
I've also come to the end of my week with Humphrey Doodles Spaniel - I've loved taking him on his walks. Together we have walked or run round Crystal Palace park 12 times, had a trip to South Norwood Country Park and played in the woodland walk. This is the way to get fit and I've met quite a few dog walkers to chat to. A great way to engage with new people. I do love Humphrey.
Quite frankly I'm way beyond excited to be part of the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea in October this year.
Having visited a few times over the last few seasons it's been one of my goals to be shown and I'm so please that Kira and Ben of Ingo Fincke will be representing me there.
It will be interesting to see my work in amongst a whole host of other artists styles at different stages of their careers. Fingers crossed I'll get some more fans and of course sell some work. My first art fair on this scale...
Not having my studio in Lambeth, but being a mere stones throw away in our five boroughed location means I'm will be taking part at the Portico Gallery in West Norwood. It's an amazing space - I'll be downstairs in what will be the hub of the Open Studios weekend.
It's great to work with some very well organised individuals in Tim Sutton and John Price. I know from Bigger Picture Gallery what something like this takes to put on - this is a massive undertaking - hats (or should I say berets) off to them and their fellow organisers for helping put us all on the map in South London. There's so much on for us artists and those wanting to look, engage with and buy.
Lambeth Open Studios - 1-2 October 2011 I'll be at:Portico Gallery West NorwoodSE27 0HS
Glad that View West from Tower Bridge went to Dan and Hilary Charlton - should help towards keeping Herman at college in SA. See Herman's Facebook Page for more information
We are open for the Crystal Palace Festival - I'll be in the courtyard painting alongside my excellent South London DJs: David Minns - Read the Crowd and So Called Scumbags, David Griffiths - House Rules, DJ T-On-J, Alex Acuna, Samina and Jon Edge in no particular order.
Samina - thanks so much for the decks! - I'll put the film up as soon as I can - it's on Croydon TV - will give you an idea of the day.
I'm autioning a painting this day too!
I'm Silent Auctioning a painting this year for Herman Witbooit - we may think we have problems in this country, but sometimes someone comes along and puts our own problems in their place. I'm more than happy to help out Herman to realise his dream as I am realising mine of autonomy in my life. I feel very luck to live in London and have the opportunities I have been given.
All the flyers are printed and paintings nearly finished. I need to sort out how I'm going to hang my space. Being a bit daft I was a bit confused between 6 feet and 6 metres....luckily I have 4 new big paintings that I think will look great. On the downside light rain is currently forecast, but that's not too bad I guess. Comes with the territory of living in the best city in the world.
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life… ...for there is in London all that life can afford." - Dr Samuel Johnson, 1777
I'm really pleased with this painting, Tudor Road in the snow for a surprise present. I went round with Jonny to deliver the painting. Lovely space and it looked really good in the flat.
I have a couple of paintings to share with you in July, the first is a commission of a local building, but it's still a secret, so I'm going to have to wait until next week, but I know you are going to love it. The second was handed over to a happy customer last week. Hopefully you will enjoy this one too.
Running roun the park gives me such pleasure as well as enables me to eat cheese nearly as often as I fancy. I'm training for a 10k in a couple of weeks and Humphrey Spaniel has been helping me get fit. He's so amazingly fit and bouncy...whilst I struggle to keep up he is an inspiration. I'll be taking him out again in half an hour...at 30 degrees I'm a bit peeved (on his behalf) he wont be able to enjoy a swim in Crystal Palace park anymore as they have a notice on the lake saying keep your dogs out. Understandable, but poor Doodles. He'll be a very hot dog and as he cannot read will think I'm being a spoil sport for keeping out ....hmm. Maybe a trip to Norwood Country Park instead...sorted.
It's always lovely when someone mentions you on a blog or bothers to contact you to say they like your work so in the spirit of giving back, I'd like to thank one of my House Rules DJs who has inspired me to paint this weekend.
Working hard on some big paintings for Brixton and beyond....being inspired by the fabulous Umberto Giannini. Cheers mate!
One of the mixes starts with a track that sums up how much I love listening to this stuf for inspiration for me...
Last night I had a dream that I lived in a speaker, And the sky was the smoked filled room in Ibiza, The sun was a crystal ball shining 24 hours a day, My air was the winds of the woofers bouncing off the wall, My soul was the spirit of all the children dancing, My rain was the sweat that rolled of their faces, My lightning was the strobe that filled the room like a tropical storm, This is my world, This is my planet, On my planet bass was my day and kick was my night, Rhythmatic interludes of percussion were my four seasons, On my planet I could see constellations of children dancing, On my planet House is the religion and God is a DJ, On my planet there is peace, On my planet there is love, On my planet there are no wars or rumour of wars, On my planet there are no drugs or politicians, This is my world, This is my planet, And my planet rocks!
Download House Rules very own Umberto Giannini radio show podcasts here:
How on earth did that happen...it's June - that's halfway through the year and 3 months through this financial one. You can take the girl out of the bank, but you can't take the bank out of the girl eh? So things are hotting up and I'm very happy with the way the year has panned out so far. More exposure for my work and the response has been good. I am a little behind though due to a problem with a delivery from Windsor & Newton - harnessing my PMT seemed to get that back on track.
So what's on in June? Well this weekend three new works go on show in Beckenham at The Barn, 2 Sidney Road, Beckenham. Do go and have a peruse. 15 of us all in Geoff Brookes beautiful space. This weekend and next weekend Friday until Sunday.
I'm taking a month off of doing East Dulwich as I'm kind of bored with seeing the same images so I'll be working towards a new collection to show either in the first week of July or after the Josephine Avenue Urban Art Fair.
May was mental - worked my missed matched socks off getting paintings ready for Beckenham and starting some new work for some commissions. I completed a portrait of a beautiful family home in Belevedere Road. This was very well received and is hanging (I believe) in the lounge. I'm already set up to do some prints from this work so if you would like one just let me know.
I've been out and about with my camera looking round Brixton for inspiration and loved the Windmill. It made me so happy to see it basking in a perfect blue sky. A truly loved piece of local history. I chatted to Jo at the play centre next door. She's lived there for many years and it's part of her landscape. The windmill faces in the direction it would have in the old days looking across now just imaginary fields. If only time lapse cameras had been invented and strapped to the top.
I've been down at East Dulwich a couple of times to introduce the good people of East Dulwich to my work. So far so good and the response has been very positive.
If you are in the area do pop by and say hello. I'm just opposite The Blue Mountain Cafe in Northcross Road. They do rather a fantastic "Full Monty" breakfast yum yum.
4 weeks has flown by and in that time I've put some work in the Belleberry Deli in Beckenham which comes down this Friday so if you are passing pop in for a coffee - it's really good
I really thought I was dreaming when I turned on the television this morning and saw what is still sweeping across the Pacific. I was filled with disbelief - it's both overwhelming and terrifying. I felt compelled to keep watching as helecoptors flying above the huge surge of water, carrying still-burning houses captured footage of a train moving along as the waters came up beside and behind it - the camera cutting away seconds before we were exposed to what? I hoped they managed to keep out of the way. Then again some unfortunate passenger(s) on a motorbike was heading along a road - the waters came up ahead and behind - they must have been somewhat oblivious until the last minute or two or did they have any warning.
Google's home page announce "Tsunami Alert Waves expected across the Pacific region, caused by 8.9 earthquake in Japan." News reporters head to the web to show videos uploaded on social media sites.
Really enjoyed seeing every single item on show. Really enjoyed the texure and feeling of nostalgia from Dan Parry-Jones work (eyes left for Girl Running With Kite. Mixed media. 60 x 60 cm. £1,100 - showing with Edgar Modern). I much preferred the work on offer this time around with Joanna Charlotte (showing with Four Walls). It's on until Sunday so go this weekend if you can. Really worth a visit. Met some memorable people. It was great to see familiar faces and recognise some work - Eberhard Ross was there with Four square Arts from Sussex. Loads of people said why was I not showing! Well give me a chance. I've only being doing this for 2 years. Felt more of a sense of belonging than I have before though and bumped into Ian Dawson from Crystal Palace which was nice. We ruminated on the global recession and how hard it is for young people these days. So much pressure.
I've been out and about taking photos for a commission of one of my favourite houses in Crystal Palace today - really excited about starting this one as it's a good size image. Here's one I finished earlier....
I've just finished the commission for a Christmas present (eyes up). I found this one quite hard to do - so many colours in the landscape that I wanted to bring out, without that fighting with the 3, well 4 with the dog, figures in the composition. I was a bit concerned as the original photo was quite muted, but I like a challenge and thought I would be able to inject some energy and joy into the scence.
The client popped up on Saturday morning and is pleased with the work, but even better, his girlfriend, who's family are all in the painting likes her Christmas present. Hurrah! I have varnished and taken the photographs so you can have a look for yourselves.
I'm really pleased with the finished painting and the reaction of my clients to their commission of their home which I began in January after moving back into what now feels like such a small space. Look at me - off on a tangent already, but it is really cramped after the big space I had at the showroom though. Sigh. Still it's good to be amongst other people again and I like just being here. Still enough of this, "what about the painting?" I hear your groan. Well it's finished in a flurry of magenta blossom in homage to Fox Hill's pink and snow flurry (eyes down)
"so pleased with the way the painting has captured the essence and feel of our home and how accurately Angelique has translated our conversation of wishes and requirements....Just as good as we'd hoped it would be."
Slightly peeved that my email to Living South magazine (see page 17) did not get there the first time round and I think my advert only got in by the skin of it's teeth, however, it is in! Fox Hill and 60 words of text next to it are there for all South London to see. We'll have to see if any new work comes of this.
Whilst I'm inbetween layers I'll update you on what's been going on in the studio today. I'm going to try and separate my blog out into 2 years as I have now been "out" for a year and a half, although I've been a few more years in the making. Slowly slowly catchy monkey...
I'm lucky to be working on two commissions - one of beautiful house, that looks straight out of a fairytale, but is very local. This has a lot of local history and used to be right in the middle of the Great North Wood - why we in Crystal Palace are really in Norwood. I guess that's why it has that fairytale feel. I feel very honored to be able to spend time in such lovely homes.
The second is a landscape with three figures. I'm pushing the colours on this to get a sense of joy at being in the landscape and the happiness of being in this group of three. As soon as I get my money from Battersea Skater Boy I'll be investing in some bigger canvases and will be starting a third commission of one of my favourite houses in Crystal Palace. Weather dependant I think - as this one will need a really sun shiney day.
I have a friend who loves Leonard Cohen - she went to see him at the O2 when he was over - and over 20 years ago another friend tried to introduce me to his poetry. At the time I was more interested in what Simon Le Bon had to say, however, today I was sent the lyrics to Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah having been chatting about them only a few days ago. I'm so used to listen to a belting baseline, it was a lovely experience to stop, engage and contemplate. Of course as I write this I am listening to er...a big phat baseline...oh well. I was reminded of the first time I'd heard Jeff Buckley singing Hallelujah and was instantly attracted to how the lyrics go straight to the heart soul and painful truth - quite dark.
I had no idea he'd written them. Beautiful
Your faith was strong but you needed proof You saw her bathing on the roof Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you She tied you to a kitchen chair She broke your throne and she cut your hair And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Baby I have been here before I know this room, I've walked this floor I used to live alone before I knew you. I've seen your flag on the marble arch Love is not a victory march It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
There was a time you let me know What's really going on below But now you never show it to me, do you? And remember when I moved in you The holy dove was moving too And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Maybe there's a God above But all I've ever learned from love Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you It's not a cry you can hear at night It's not somebody who has seen the light It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
You say I took the name in vain I don't even know the name But if I did, well really, what's it to you? There's a blaze of light In every word It doesn't matter which you heard The holy or the broken Hallelujah
I did my best, it wasn't much I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you And even though It all went wrong I'll stand before the Lord of Song With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
Had a lovely afternoon hanging out with my neice in Colchester - great company and so many lovely things to buy. This had me thinking about my work in Ingo Fincke and hoping it's selling - I mean "want" and "need" is the same when you are looking at a lovely pair of shoes, isn't it? The constant rain was a worry and I did wonder if anyone would be in the gallery in London drizzle.
I came home to fabulous stew - thank you Sir Huw and fell asleep in front of The Killing on BBC FOUR - Excellent Danish crime drama.Now I'm wide awake and it's actually 20th and I've been woken up by a friend asking where the party is (my reputation preceeds me) - For once I'm acutally in on a Saturday night, however I do know where the party is - quite funny. I did have to charge up my phone via the laptop to get the info due to annoying smartphone ....I am going somewhere with this...and whilst I'm on there thought I'd just pop in and check my emails and what a lovely surprise I have my first (not my gallery) gallery sale. What a result. Feels like my very first step up and am very excited...fingers crossed this is the start of something exciting for me this year. It did look pretty cool in the window. I'm over the moon! Feel like jumping out of bed and heading out...still the force is strong in me today and I will resist. My focus - I hope is firmly on my goals and this sale certainly helps to keep my goalposts from moving.
I'm pleased to say they really liked the work and will be trying me out. They liked the looser style I have and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that something good comes of this very welcome opportunity. It's been quite a journey from imagining myself as an artist to finding a studio, setting up a temporary space to test my work and now having an established business interested in my work. Eyes down for evidence...hurray!
I wont be sitting still though and I'm still looking for local commercial spaces with a spare wall or two in need of some artwork for the benefit of clients and staff. This weekend I'm off to check out a potential outdoor space in East Dulwich which could be great for more local exposure of my work this year.
I wanted some iconic London buildings that worked with the skateboarders. As I am painting I thinking about how many hours these boys spend practicing their skills and hanging out with their friends; making them focussed, sociable and extremely fit - not the general image we are presented with of their generation. As the Shard - already an iconic London landmark - goes up the much loved monumental Battersea Power Station is being dismantled and reborn as a 21st Century City within a City. The landscape to all our lives is ever changing...when do we actually notice? When you are young you feel so full of years to come and it's only when your own mortality pokes you painfully in the eye that you may notice and feel nostalgic over a familiar lansdscape. I love London and enjoy all the architecture that we have the privilege of living near to - old and new. Just a peek down Gipsy Hill on a clear day and you can see the Shard beginning to dominate the skyline, St Paul's still regal.
I am really excited that I have a space booked at the Urban Art Fair in July this year - save the date and come and see me. Catch me in space 4J, here's a map of where I'll be at the Urban Art Fair, but you know I'll be bothering you about this alot in the months to come...I'll be asking questions later. It's 4J, in the pedestrian bit. I hope the sun shines for us. I'm usually at LOVEBOX this weekend. I've quite surprised myself with my dedication. I'm really really looking forward to this...hmm. Think I may have mentioned that already!
Oh yes the date - 16th/17th July!
....ah my birthday weekend or should I say "ow". Last year I was able to see DJs Enzo Siragusa and Derrick Carter play in Berln. This year I noted that they were playing in London. Weekend sorted! and had all my friends along too, saw my favourite South London DJs along the way and inbetween...so all in all a great weekend if not a long one, still best not go into that except to say how much the music really matters especially when the DJs are as talented as these guys. It's very hard for me to go home! I'll be sure to get hold of some mixes to paint to very soon. Seb Zito was fabulous on Sunday
Of course there was also cake and presents and lunch and fabulous company off of the dancefloor. I do feel very lucky to have such quality people in my life and quality food.
Efisio at Mediterranea made us a fabulous feast - having put all the tables together - Matilde's cake was beautiful and delicious. It was huge! It's still my favourite restaurant in the Palace. Very welcoming and Sardinain food - what more could you want? Presents I scream. Well I did very well there too. Saturdays really are the best day for anyone's birthday.
Another one opens. Closing Bigger Picture Gallery today. It was a much more upbeat experience than I thought and we had the most amazing helpers. It would have been horrendous without them and so much more like fun with them. So now I have the time to focus on the year ahead and try and make some plans.
Wow, what a great year last year. Thanks to everyone who bought, showed up to exhibitions, openings and the kind words about my work and our Progress Through Art project. There are so many of you. I'd be nowhere without the fantastic support I get at home and from friends and family.