FROZEN BRUSHES

After a quiet christmas and now starting to die of boredom I decided to go to the studio and work on the three paintings I started a little while ago. The first image (STOCKINGS -- working title ) I just started to block in the seating, did a little work on the shawl and a lot of work on the face.

On this image, LOTUS --- working title, I once again worked on the face as well as just a little on the flesh of the torso and her right leg.

Here, on image AGAINST THE WALL --- working title, I performed major surgery. The raised, bent, leg has been made in better proportion, lowered (as you can see from the lingering ghost image) and Im far happier with it.

This is just a photo of the collection in my studio space at KNIGHTON LANE, Leicester. It was so cold today that my bristles had frozen and I had to melt them before I could use them ! Thank goodness for the extension lead that allowed me to use one of the electric heaters and thank goodness for the kettle for my numerous cups of coffee to keep me going. Once again, I was the only person in the studios. Im not complaining as I rather like it. Dont feel I have to make conversation, just do what I want. Paint, draw, sculpt, read, drink, listen to radio, look out of the window, whatever.........anything. Its my little piece of heaven.

I think I am almost well again now. I dont think I will ever be the way I was, and why would I want to be? The changes that are happening around the world, both physical and spiritual, are to be embraced but, as I found, it can be very stressful and even painful. I have come through that door and am now looking forward to 2009.

Had a lovely surprise phone call from CHARLES WALKER-HAZZARD a sculptor I worked with and for a few years ago and he said some really nice things so thanks for that Charles. If you got to his website you will see some stunning work. I also had a card from MARRIANE HUMPHREYS who I met many years ago at LUSAD and who sends me a card every christmas. We havent spoken in several years, but still she remembers me. Thats what Yuletide is all about, isnt it? I think so.

If you have sent me a text, email or even a snailmail card for Yuletide I thank you very much and apologise if I have forgotten you somehow..........its been quite a stressful last couple of months, so I know you will forgive me. And a special thankyou to the lady who often times uses my taxi and who told me she is praying for me.

Thankyou all for being in my life.

Happy New Year to everyone !!

and remember, Love all, hurt none, its the only religion you need.

THREE AT ONE

Have been working in my freezing studio space at Knighton Lane. I sometimes think that Im the only person in there as Im always alone! but its nice to be alone. I can just get on and play, alone with my thoughts, not have to talk to anyone, and always come home feeling better.

Im currently now working on these three at the same time, the latest one I worked very wet in wet and had to force myself to stop before it turned to mud, but in all Im quite pleased with the progress. There are problems which need addressing but thats the joy of it. No deadlines. Nobody judging or advising, just me doing what I love because I love it.

Things are changing. I have lost so much weight and I believe its for a reason........energy...... I think I will need lots of spare energy next year as my life starts to take the turn I want it to. There are things happening, in a very small way, but I dont want to put the hex on it by telling you all before its actually confirmed. Probably wont hear until New Year so Im trying not to think too much about it....................but its sooooo hard isnt it.

In the meantime.................keeeeep painting !!!! ( sorry Bruce !)

remember everyone, Love all and hurt none, its the only religion you need.

LIFE IS A PANTOMIME

A while ago I got involved, in a small way, with a pantomime society. I was in the chorus. Then, for various reasons I had to drop out. This made me feel guilty. This week the show starts, so I offered to work as stage crew. Today I arrived at 9.30 to offload scenery from lorry to theatre, set it up, etc. Boy ! so slow ! and now most of the scenery that cost loads of money to hire is not being used as the stage is just too small! Went home at 4p.m. Returned for technical rehearsals at 6p.m. Came home just now at 11.p.m. having not completed tech rehearsals. Dress rehearsal tomorrow. I wonder sometimes why I get myself involved in things like this. Yes, I need to be around other creatives. Yes I need to keep my mind stimulated. No I dont need the stress, especially as it is happening this week, on wifes 50th birthday, with hospital appointment tomorrow late afternoon too. This is not making me any money. It is not endearing me to my wife and I find the faffing around of people just too much to bear. This may be the straw that breaks the camels back.

Voluntary Action Leicester

Voluntary Action Leicester

The shelf life of my exhibition at V.A.L. has been extended by the third change of paintings since I started showing there. Jane has new work there too, she seems to be concentrating more on photography these days; nice work.

I had to use a couple of spaces in the main reception area this time as I thought just three in the cafe was enough.

I had a couple of surprises when I entered the building yesterday to hang my work. To the left of my painting (on the far right; "The Potential For Love") of my biological, deceased, father holding me as a baby, is a Melissa Theobald painting. I dont recall seeing this one before. No varnish ! Just painted! A change in technique for her......... and where is she these days? What is she getting up to? Strange how some people happily just vanish. I hope she had her graduation day as she deserved her great grade !

The other surprise I had was the dark painting at the end of the cafe and the blue painting on the left of Melissa's work.

The dark painting still looks as great as when I first saw it so many months ago, but I dont recall the artist putting it in the V.A.L. so at least she is still trying to put her work about.

I cant give you her name as she has made me promise to never print it here on this blog. And I always keep my promises.

Basically, the works I have hanged here are taken from the Pocklington Walk show I had way back in April 2008. Here are the invidual works; The Potential for Love; Father and self-portrait

Agnes

Walk in My Shoes

Steve; self-portrait

Shilpa

Attended the Private Viewing of the Hinckley Open yesterday held at the TEN-2 Gallery, Upper Castle Street, where my black and white painting of Amy and Kayleigh, called "We Shall go to the Market Today" (playing on a Gaugin title) was accepted. Bumped into Bev Chandler (who didnt submit any work), Keith (sorry, forgot his name, does self portraits , ex DMU) and Laura (Lolly) Taylor, who had three small works accepted ! It was almost a DMU reunion ! So, maybe 2008 is ending on a good note.

SECOND OF THREE...... sonds like a Borg !

second in a series of three. I still keep progress pics, a university habit. There is a major problem with this painting...........

................ but can you see what it is? Its art, so does it matter? Should I change it?

Have another p.v. to attend on Friday Nov. 28th at the TEN-2 GALLERY, Hinckley, where I had another painting accepted into an open exhibition. I understand Laura Taylor (Lolly) also entered some works and was succesful so maybe I will see her there.

Thank goodness I have a studio. I was right about it being good to be so far from home. It means I can get away, use the space and time to think, and enjoy the therapy of my artistic expression.

Love all, hurt none.

Love, peace and tranquility to those in my orbit.

This image of me at work in my space at KLA Open Studio event 2008 was kindly emailed to me by Sandi Patterson, another new artist at the co-operative.

I must improve my posture ! Despite losing so much fat I still seem to have a belly ............ not good. Ah well. As long as feel slim and young, eh?.........

So the open studio event is now over and Im wondering what else the KLA have already planned that I can be part of. Exciting isnt it? !

Love all, hurt none.

Love, Peace and Tranquility.

ALTERNATIVE LOGO DESIGNS

Here is another chance to view new logo designs for ART-CELL and to vote on them. Please do so as I cant decide which I prefer, except to say maybe the large A C design is more like it than the previous two yesterday.

Please let me know what you think.

also let me know what Maz's email is as every combination I have tried just comes back to me!

Last day of open studio event today, which sadly I had to miss due to making money to feed the family.........darn that family !!! lol !!

Love all Hurt none,

Peace , Love and Tranquility

KNIGHTON LANE OPEN STUDIOS DAY

A few people came and went, all leaving good remarks in the communal comments book and there will be more tomorrow, but I cant be there. Never mind. I managed to start, and almost complete, a painting whilst I was there. Had a really good day. Met a few more of the artists in the collective and am starting to feel at home there. I really think was a good move for me, even if I can only get there twice a week or so. Anyway, this is the painting I spoke about, painted from a sketch from life, and the other shows its setting in my space with my table laid out with promotional material for the hordes of visitors.

The private viewing of the OPEN 20 at city gallery, Leicester happened last night and was a great success. So nice to see my painting on display in there, at last. Met Gen Doy, art history tutor at DMU who had managed to get two works accepted.................including a photograph of herself naked with a stuffed swan, alluding of course, to the traditional paintings of times gone by. I believe there is another viewing on Monday which the accepted artists have been invited to rather than just anybody. I shall of course as I intend to milk this for all its worth. Its taken me such a long time to get in there Im going to enjoy every minute !!!!

Seriously guys.........

Seriously guys, I dont know which is better from the above logos. I like the smoothness and the business-like appearance of the first one, but appreciate that perhaps in the world Im aiming at with the Youth Arts Awards the more funky, young, scibblish style of the latter image would be better recieved. However, who am I initially aiming at? not the kids, but the adult commissioners. How would they think? So...................Im looking for advice here kiddies. Lets be democratic.

remember though, that the logo will also be used for all my other art related business plans.

O.K. then, Im waiting for your votes with my abbacuss in hand !

Love all, hurt none

Peace, Love and Tranquility

Today, November 13, 2008, I became a Youth Arts Award Advisor having completed the course, and can offer the award at levels one and two.

The award is administered by Arts Council England and is accredited by Trinity College London.

I can now work within schools, prisons, youth centres, etc., with people in the age range 11 to 25. It is designed for both the talented and the dissaffected. The award is more flexible than normal qualifications but is recognised by the National Qualifications Network and is equal to lower grades of G.C.S.E. (level 1) and upper grades of G.C.S.E. (level 2).

Any establishment wishing to engage me freelance, with me being "the centre" or if any establishment wishes to become a centre with me as the resident Advisor, should contact me via email; artcell@hotmail.co.uk

Tomorrow evening is the private viewing of the OPEN 20 exhibition at the City Gallery, Leicester to which I have been invited and Monday is the artists gathering at the same venue where awards are given out. Clearly, as its new to me in Leicester (and been a long while coming !) I shall be attending both nights.

Saturday afternoon will be taken up with the openstudio event at Knighton Lane Studios,although I cant be there Sunday ( have to make some money !). Gosh, its all happening all of a sudden............................ if only I can keep up the momentum and make it all permanent and succesful................ . I even have ideas for greeting card design. They are primarily Christmas orientated, and its now too late for that really, but they can be produced ready for next year.

Since I decided to put on my business head and stop looking at art in an arty-farty kind of way, things have been changing. Long may this continue.

Life is getting interesting.

Had a smashing time staying at Amy's home last weekend. Only wish I had had more time. Thanks Amy and Neal and Heather and Bernie !

Remember folks, love all and hurt none.

Love, Peace and Tranquility.

H O T N E W S ! !

KLA At Arena Festival Of Contemporary Art Category: Art and Photography Knighton Lane Artists are proud to announce their involvement in the Arena Festival Of Contemporary Art, Leicester. Come see us at our Open studios event on the 15th and 16th of November and maybe pop your head (quite literally) into our mobile micro gallery!

Yes ! the studio Im currently renting are having an open weekend in conjunction with Arena Festival. I will be there on the saturday but have to make money on the sunday elsewhere. So if you want to come and have a look, have a catch-up chat with me, that would be super and........................................................... even better news !!!.............................................................

after how many years of trying I finally got a painting accepted into the Leicester City Gallery Open Exhibition 2008 (OPEN 20) !!! Its the painting now called THE BROWN SHAWL and you can see it in a previous blog regarding my Knighton Lane studio space. ( the image above is a prep.drawing for the Brown Shall) The life drawing event I organised didnt happen as nobody turned up, but I felt so good having had this honour bestowed upon me that it didnt matter. I have another session booked at a diferent venue on the 22nd so fingers crossed for that one. In the mean time........other irons in the fire !!!!

Love all, hurt none.

Love, Peace and Harmony to all of you.

TRUTH AND OTHER MYTHS

Well the Hastings show has ended, didnt sell anything, but its o.k. Made another contact. Visited a place Ive never been before. Had a weekend away. So its good. Entering "The Brown Shawl" (see painting in my studio pics) into the Leicester City Gallery Open Exhibition. If it gets in, great, if it doesnt, o.k. Friday visiting Amy and Neal and their parents in Banbury, Neal is cooking, we are all drinking, we are staying overnight. On the Saturday I have a life drawing session booked. Although Ive had no interest on the phone, Im just hoping that people will simply turn up on the day. Then again, if not, no worries. Try try and try again. I think the trick is to simply not worry about it. No pics this blog. No worries..........use your imagination ! thats what art is for, developing imagination !! Love, peace and harmony to all.

A LONG SILENCE, STILLED

Well, its been a really long time since my last blog, but things have happened in my life, with my family, which we wont go into here, because its not the place, but now I think Im starting to get back on track again.

One thing I do have to tell you is that I lost my home studio but now rent a studio in a shared space at Knighton Lane. I think in the long run it may be better there as I have space to move, breathe and think. As you can see from these pics. The only down side is .................. its soooo cold there! and...................ive only ever been alone in there apart from once when there was just one chap painting a colour wheel ! lol.

I also installed my exhibition "TRUTH AND OTHER MYTHS" at the I-CANDY ARTS CENTRE in HASTINGS last weekend. The little show in thier basement gallery is only for one week which means it ends this weekend. Hopefully some , if not all, will have sold.

O.K. Now Im getting ready for the Leicester Open. Im going to try to get three accepted including "THE BROWN SHAWL", which can be seen in the pic of my new studio space. I was originally going to install it at HASTINGS but on relection decided it didnt really fit in with the rest of the work. I shall also enter two black and whites from last year. Fingers crossed please !

I have booked a village hall for Nov.22 to try and get a travelling life-drawing business going, and have eyes set on another one earlier in November in a diferent place. This marks the start of the business for ART-CELL (see website; http://www.art-cell.com/)

Love, Peace and Tranquility to all of you.

Love all, hurt none.

last canvass

Finished the latest paintings today after a succesful (if it can be called that) day in the cab. Not what I want to do, as you all know, but needs must.

Anyway, they are now complete and it looks like Im moving into abstracts. Perhaps there is an abstract exhibition out there waiting for me ?!

Now I have no more canvass and cant get any until Wednesday, and then only if other outside influences have their positive sway. Fingers crossed, mind visualising, on that one.

Abstract, although not entirely new to me, is not something I normally gravitate to but recently I seem to be falling into it. Its quite interesting. Its something I learned whilst at uni, from watching other students making both good and bad attempts at it. There is one particular method that was employed for two years by one student which I found particularly interesting. Her degree show was, for me, one of the best. Aspects of her work have been employed in both of these paintings. Now, titles for abstracts are particularly dificult arent they? perhaps I should just number them something like.........."meditation 2", "meditation 5", etc., etc.. What do you think?

I have been applying positive thinking with visualisations today until it actually hurt! But I know that I still have to leave it to the Universe.

Think of what you want to do, not what you dont want to do, thats the key. Dont offer the universe any negatives at all.

Love all, hurt none, its the only religion you need.

WELL !!!!!!!!

I let go this afternoon and the latest work morphed into this. I dont know if its improved or worsened, but its certainly diferent to its original conception.

There may be work involved tomorrow or Monday, I will have to let it talk to me first.

Well, nothing much else to say today, taxi had cracked windscreen so no money made today, never mind.

remember to love one another people, never judge too quickly or too harshly, and remember that what you think, so you are. Think happy, positive thoughts and be happy and positive and attract others who are happy and positive and see your life change.

Love all,hurt none, the only religion you need.

LITTLE TOUCHES

Some subtle little changes and additions really alter a piece and I hope for the better. Its not complete of course, I think there is a lot more work to do and I have tomorrow with no work so maybe I will see what happens tomorrow.

Nothing much else to say about anything right now.

Just remember folks that friendships, real friendships stand the test of time even though they are fragile things. Respecting each other and putting up with the little things you dont like about somebody, concentrating on the things you really like about them, is the only way to maintain them. If all we want is a clone of ourselves then we neither grow as individuals nor do we calm the group energies of the world.

Love all and hurt none, its the only religion you need.

POST EDINBURGH FESTIVAL

Spent the last three days at the Edinburgh Festival, took in a couple of fringe shows and attended the Military Tatoo (boy did it rain?! but we didnt let it stop our enjoyment, we just bought ponchos and widened our smiles.) It was good to get away for the longweekend, but its always good to return isnt it? I considered putting up pics of the weekend, but that might be boring for all you lovely people.

Anyway, the day after returning from bonny Scotland I continued working on an abstract and today began a new abstract. This has to keep me going through the taxi-times, and the lonely times of evenings. Without this I would go crazy. But most artists feel this way I think. I think for artists this is normal. I keep putting out to the Universe what I want from life, what I deserve from life and am 100% certain that it will all come to me quite soon

this last image is the start of the new abstract

Remember people, what Albert Einstein said..........Life is but an illusion, albeit a persistant one........

but also remember that thoughts are living things and find places to perch once you have given them expression, so be careful what you think. If you feel a negative thought forming in your mind quickly smother it in a positive thought. It isnt easy, but with practice it gets better and the results make it worthwhile.

Love all, and hurt none, its the only religion you need.

Perfect Day

Just made a few subtle changes tonight to this painting in progress. I think you can see them. More to do in the future to it.

Its a good end to a good day, finally got the chance to try out a new work task and I think I did o.k. I feel good about it. I was nervous in case I should find I was not good at it, but I dont think that was the case. Am doing it again next wednesday, I assume I will be paid this time. It breaks up the boring taxi work and, hopefully, will lead to a few more sessions. I have to thank my so very good freind S.S. for all of this. Now, having put into place through this new good mental practice, this earning stream/new challenge etc., I have to put the same energies into my show at Hastings. I believe..........I KNOW I will sell my paintings at this show, and not just cover my costs but also make a healthy profit and lay the foundations for future art sales

Still havent made up my mind regarding MA, but no hurry I dont think. Its a major decision and so I have asked Shen Sh'ui to offer me advice.

Have to go now but remember people......................Love, Love and Love again, its the only medicine for Life.

NEW EXPERIMENT, NEW LIFE

I cant believe its been a week since my last blog! This means its also been a week since I did any artwork, no wonder Ive been feeling shitty, although I felt really really great Sunday evening.

Did I mention the book I bought called The Power is Inside You by Louisa Hay? I cant recall, its been a week.....lol........anyway, I read it in a day and half and immediately started putting it into practice, and so far it has worked. My visualisations are so diferent now because I truly want my life to pan out for the better. So, what does this have to do with my present art? Its a willingness to change. This current image is all about experimenting, attempting to put onto canvass more of how my meditations sometimes go when I reach that upper level. Its just the first layer, there will be other layers. I dont know how it will turn out exactly, but its leading me into thoughts of the M.A. I had considered defering it for at least a year. I still havent made a final decision..............except, if I do decide to do it this year then I think it must be full time, not part time as I told Fiona when she gave me the place. I trust the uni is flexible enough to alter that. I dont think I can let it drag on for two years. It all hinges on whether I can be making enough money to pay for it and all the other necessary things in life. speaking of things in life, I have removed some negative energies from my email list and from my mobile phone. Now there is little excuse for negativity to find its way back into my psyche.

Interesting day coming up tomorrow, wish me luck people.

and remember all of you that only Love has the power to change the world, Love is the only religion you need.

RECYCLE / RECLAIM 7

Today I decided to work on this one but having sat and stared at it for almost an hour I couldnt think of anything to do it. Its quirky, its loose, it suggests a story, although there is nothing meditational in this one, so I just varnished it. The second photo is the varnished piece but its still actually black and white, not with the hint of colour that the camera has lied about. I hoped to make the varnish leave drips, as you can see in the close-up, but I suspect that when I look at it once it has dried the drips will have vanished. I will let you know tomorrow.

Back to the taxi tomorrow. Hopefully I will get ride into Leicester as I need to find exactly where a certain building is as I need to be there on Wendesday morning.

Like I said, put it out to the Universe and then knock on doors . Persistance pays. I have also been using the affirmations I found in that book and have visualised events, I have even drawn these events and have them at strategic points in my house. I am laminating a couple of affirmations to carry around in my wallet and perhaps to put in taxi so that it really gets the chance to work. Also, I have contacted a link I have in the world of fund finding to see if there is any chance of me obtaining funds for a couple of projects I have in mind. Maybe I shouldnt have said that, but then again , it lets the Universe know that I really want this.

Remember people, every day declare for yourself what you want in life. Declare it as though you have it! Love all, hurt none......the only religion you need.

RECLAIM/RECYCLE 6

A few more little touches to this painting, but I dont think they show up in the photograph. The important thing here is that I know they are there and I feel better for putting them in. Being in touch with ones feelings is so important otherwise we cheat ourselves, but even more important is responding positively to those feelings.

Today I became proactive. I organised myself a car at the cab firm so that I can at least get some cashflow going before I become a pauper. With flying up to Edinburgh next weekend for the festival and the tattoo I badly needed cash. So that is sorted out.

I then pondered on whether one should put out the desire for change to the universe and leave it to it, which seems sort of negligent to me, or to inform the universe of what you want and to work in harmony with it. In other words, take some responsibility for attaining those desires. So, instead of waiting for that phone call, I made that phone call and spoke to the person concerned. Now all is much clearer and Im going to observe a session of this wonderfully creative and spiritual and beneficial work that I want to do so much on Wednesday..........although he wont be there as he will be on holiday. He deserves a holiday. I deserve the chance to shine. So, there is a lesson there, dont just leave it to the universe, be proactive and share the responsibility.

In preparation for the above I have also today been busy forgiving those who I feel have let me down. Its a good thing to do. There is no point in harbouring bad energy about other people. It doesnt affect them, it only affects you as it returns multiplied. So today I have wiped the slate clean. From today I can start again............... and it feels so good.

Ive had one vote on the title for the Hastings show and it agreed with me so, unless there is a flood of other notions I will be calling the show "Truth and Other Myths". I think I have enough paintings for it now. I dont want to smother the walls with work, each piece needs to breathe, and I have told the universe that I WANT to sell each piece. It is my DESIRE to sell each piece. I have this notion that they are the seeds of the future and so they need to be sewn in order to produce more succesful plants. Navratri.

Its early so I may go out and celebrate this evening. In the meantime people, hold Love in your heart and share it without expectation, forgive those who you feel have let you down, and forgive yourself if you have let anyone else down. Remember that what you think, say and feel about others will come back to you twofold. Love all, hurt none.

x

CH,CH,CH,CHANGES, TURN AND FACE THE STRANGE.

Today I discovered this book, on the market, it was sort of calling me. Its called THE POWER IS WITHIN YOU. It is clearly a turning point. It is the help I needed that I didnt get. It was like it was put there just for me. This used to happen a lot to me and it was so nice to find it happening again. Maybe Sheng Sh'ui is trying to get hold of me again. It felt like it. I started reading and after just one day am half way through it. It is such a lift for me. It was so nice a day that I went for a ride on scooter, aimlessly, found myself in Broughton Astley, in the park. I sat beneath a tree in the sun and read and read and read. It has made me realise a lot of things I have been doing wrong. It made me see where other people have been negatively affecting me. It made me see that how I can change my life by changing my thoughts and words. When I got home I looked at the latest RECYCLE/RECLAIM painting destined for Hastings and realised what it was I didnt like about it and so attacked it with vigour and positivity and look how it has altered ! Wow, such a change. My mind set has changed likewise. I no longer need to chase people to get me what I want/need in my life. Life will either bring them to me or not. Either way, releasing the grip of the ego is the key. Now Im telling myself that I love me and that I deserve all the good things I have, and that I thoroughly deserve the wonderful things to come. I thoroughly deserve a new career and I will have that wonderful new career very very very soon. It doesnt matter now that in the short term I have to return to taxiing as I just KNOW it is very short term due to me now having no money left in the bank, it doesnt matter.

lets try this together people. lets all say this affirmation: I love me, I am a wonderful person, I deserve all the wonderful gifts in my life, including Life itself.

say it, let it go out to the universe, let the universe do its thing.

Peace to all

HASTINGS PREPARATIONS

Today I managed to return to the studio for a while and varnished these two paintings in readiness for the Hastings exhibition. Ive been thinking of a title for the show, although actually, the gallery havent asked for a title. Im not sure how necessary a title is, but I think it all helps. When I make a decision I will email them so that they can then publicise it better. Which means I had best decide quite soon. Since the works are sort of stories, sort of meditations, I have been thinking along the lines of; "True Life and Other Myths", or "Truth and Other Lies", or "Imaginings and Twisted Tales". Maybe I should put it up for a vote? Truthfully I rather like the first title proposal. So much so that I may use it for every exhibition I ever do from now on. Now, about that vote............... please do let me know. In fact if you have a better suggestion then definitely let me know.........a.s.a.p. . Tomorrow Im going canvass hunting. I visited my friend Dianne today and we talked about me for a change. She thinks I have post degree depression. Maybe she has a point. She offered me much the same advice as Shilpa regarding getting what you want by letting go of what you want, which is so hard to do. She also advised me to make a wish board. Putting down in words or images or both just what I want from life now, and to have drawings of fish around the studio. Well, Im up for most things and so Ive done it. In keeping with this Im off to the taxi office tomorrow to seek out more hours as Im getting desperate for money. I may even defer the Masters, seriously thinking about it. Tonight Im going to tell the Universe that if I cant have what I want and therefore have a meaningful life then it may as well end it now as the idea of simply existing...........well, thats a waste. On a lighter side, my soon to be daughter in law, had her birthday today and part of her prezzy from son number one was for her to have a massage............... and lo and behold two members of the England cricket team came in wearing nothing but dressing gowns ! Messrs. Vaughan and Collingwood no less! (not that I would know them if I saw them, lol)

Remember people, Love all and hurt none...........its the only religion you need.

BUMBLE BEES

I was sitting in the sun on my patio yesterday afternoon watching four bees going about their busines on a lavender bush just a few feet from me. Although Im allergic to their sting I am confident enough of their passivity to actually enter my shed which they live beneath. But whilst watching these bees passionately going about their business collecting pollen I wonderd if they ever thought about what they do or if they simply go through the motions like robots because its what they were born to do. From the moment they awake to the moment they fall asleep they just work, work , work. It looks like a good life at first, but thinking about it, all they do is work and then die. The work is relentless, seven days a week and they take no holidays. The queen makes them, they do her bidding, then they expire. It made me wonder if actually we are all in a similar machine. I know when I worked for an agency and they placed me in a book warehouse all I could think about was Chaplins film. Where people only exist to feed the machine. It drove me mad and I left after two weeks, but I just wonder if there is a similar machine, or a celestial queen bee, for whom we are the slaves. Looking at the bees though, they just seemed content to do what they knew their destiny was. If only 'content' was a part of my vocabulary. Last night I was awoken by the sound of my wife screaming at the top of her lungs and calling my name! I thought there must have been a burglar in the room carrying a meat cleaver or something, but there was nobody. And she went back to sleep, as did I. Later I found myself wondering about jobs and, whilst in this semi meditational state, I thought about the email situation and what else could I do to let a person know that I was really interested in a particular field............when suddenly it entered my head............phone him! so obvious really, but im not a great lover of telephones and previously I only got answerphones. But, ignoring the churning stomach I phoned the number. A nice sounding lady called Carol replied, explained the busy ness of the man and promised to pass my message onto him and he would almost certainly reply to me this afternoon. So it was the right thing to do. I had wrong advice. I have my fingers crossed. I will let you know. I am just wondering if my wife screaming (which she says she cant remember, by the way) was anything to do with the whole phoning thing. Maybe it was one of my guides, unable to get through to me because of the barriers I have probably put up, shouting at me via her and therefore...........well, anyway, who knows. I feel better for having done it. I know nobody is reading this as I have taken all email addy's off the list for now, as I just wanted to talk to myself. If therefore, you have found this blog accidentally, dont worry. Its just me thats all. Remember, give Love without expectation of reward and you will be rewarded.

ONE NIGHT STAND

So, it came and it went, the one-off show at House to Home and it went quite well. Not the hordes that Prakash hoped for but not bad for the first time. Magazine photographers were there taking our images for the magazine, CITYLIFE (I think thats what its called anyway) and one of them really wanted at least one, if not two, of my paintings............but the end came and he hadnt made a decision.........but the paintings are still there so there is always the chance that he will return as he really really liked them. Anyway, it made me feel good. The day started well too as I asked the universe for a parking space outside the shop and lo and behold I got one, then a traffic warden actually let me off for not buying a ticket! Can it get much better? Yes, it can, followed Shilpa home afterwards where we had lovely chat and wine on her patio. Ive missed her a lot these past couple of weeks and who knows when it will be possible to meet up again? Enjoy while we can.

also on show ADRIAN YAU

MELISSA THEOBOLD

LAURA CORRANCE.

(first image ME, and three vertically installed from SHILPA SURANI)

Remember everyone, that the Universe is fueled by Love and we all have to contribute to it. The more Love the better the journey.