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.

RECYCLE RECLAIM 6

Today, before visiting my friend Dianne, artist and model, I painted some more on this image. Just a couple of little things but I think there is no more I can do to it, but please feel free to make suggestions.........you may have an insight I dont have as Im too close. However, I think it may be completed.

Not one to not multi-task I also recycled/reworked this double portrait of my spanish friends Juan and Rafa. I also think this may be completed too. Sometimes you dont have to do much to make it right, and sometimes you have get rid completely and start again. In these last cases I think it was just a matter of tweeking.

One more day to decide on what works to put into the one night show at Belgrave Gate , Leicester. One more day for you all to organise free time to come along and have a look. One more day to Love each other. All I am saying, is give Love a chance.

VACANT SPACE

Sat sri akal ji. Kem chow? lol, yes Ive finished my latest Nisha Minhas novel. chotto okii desu ! lol. Clearly I dont have enough to do, hahahahahahahahaha. I have four paintings shortlisted for the show this Thursday, which may get whittled down to three. Watch this space. I do hope some of you will be able to come and see the range of art and furniture on display. If it is succesful Prakash may make it a regular event which is good for all of us in the end I would have thought................. 6 to 9 pm I think is the time for the show and you only get the one chance to see it all!! Remember to offer hope to those without hope, befriend the friendless and give Love without hesitation to all .

RECYCLE AND NEW BIRTH

I am still working on a recycling project and finding it hard going. Its getting somewhere but just not sure where exactly. Let me know what you think, but Im sure its going to change radically once more quite soon. It is intended for my solo show at Hastings at the end of September. Ironically, the pamphlets I had printed seem to not represent what Im doing at all anymore! lol, oh well, tis typical of moi !

I have also started a smallish abstract especially for the one off on the 24th........no panic there then....lol........ I do hope that some of you will be able to attend on the night.

On a more mundane level, I got busy with the art today because I had to end taxi driving early in the shift as my indicators completely failed. So, over the weekend I actually earned................da daa.........£27.56. I really need to get out of the taxi trade and into the succesfull prof.artist trade.

Thats all for now folks.........so remember, make Love your calling card.

OFF SUBJECT

It may be off subject but it makes my (he)artbeat, lol. Today was my middle sons birthday and we went off the Nandos in Coventry to celebrate a little. My eldest said I was getting more immature..........which I actually take as a compliment cos thats how he meant it. Here are a couple of pics;

SAM and BECCA (GARETH'S FIANCE)

SAM, BECCA AND GARETH.

So today I have spent completely on the internet surfing for art spaces, art groups, art websites, anything arty for me to get involved with as well as trying to find employment that would satisfy my mind and my wallet. With the latter I dont seem to be having any luck, whilst with the former I have signed up to artforum uk where already a couple of people have said very nice things about the work on my newly revamped website and blogsite. Also, yesterday, a lady in Argentina (of all places) stumbled upon my blog site and said such smashing things about my work. You can see her comments on my blog, there are two of them regarding two diferent entries (the game is to see if you can find them, winner gets................the pleasure of knowing they won, lol).

Well, already its the weekend and the taxi is set for tomorrow and Sunday. Did I mention the boss is away until mid august so I cant return to taxi full time just yet? I need ABBA........ money, money, money ! lol.

O.K. going to go now, nothing much else to say, except The past is history, the future is a mystery and the present is a gift. (dont know who wrote that but I found it on the internet today!) . Just remember that Life is very simple, its people who make it complicated. Basically all you have to do is to Love yourself and smile at the world as you watch it go by.

RECLAIM / RECYCLE 5

Started a new painting today. I think its going to take a little longer than previous paintings, but there is no rush. I think I have decided which works will be going to Hastings and which paintings are for the 24th in Leicester.........but then again........lol. Not much else happened today. Had a ride on scooter as it helps to sort out my mind, had a little meditation as it helps all manner of things to commune with oneself and with the Universe. The message from the Universe was that I was doing the right thing now, that cheer would come and life would be plentiful. Regarding employment......... went into taxi office today to speak to the boss about more hours driving his cab only to find he is on holiday in the USA until mid August ! Now if that isnt an omen I dont know what is. I just have to have faith that the money I have still in my bank will suffice until "something" is delivered by the Universe. I believe it will be forthcoming. I will let you all know as and when it does. Tomorrow is son number two's (Samuel) birthday so its whatever he wants to do, albeit I cant afford to pay !! lol. Its the thought that counts. And on that topic, remember people that thoughts are living things and once given life by you they fly off and land wherever and influence others, so be very very careful what you think. Think Love, offer Love, receive Love.

MORE VARNISH VICAR?

I just varnished some more paintings today in readiness for the one night exhibition in Leicester and now the week show in Hastings. Michelle, from the Hastings gallery,phoned me today to see if I wanted a private viewing. She said I didnt need to do anything, it wouldnt cost me anything, they set up a bar and keep the receipts from it and they do all the inviting as I dont know anyone down there. So, having considered this for a whole two seconds I said yes! This now means that I may have to stay two nights in Hastings or drive down on the Monday and install and private view on the same day. That may be very tiring, but more cost effective.

I feel changes are happening in my life, that something is just around the corner and cannot be avoided but will be good and life enhancing for me. I dont know what, I can only hope on that front, but when it happens you will all be the first to know.

Bank account getting dangerously low so tomorrow its off to the firm I currently drive a taxi for part time to see if there is any chance of returning full time, but with time off every now and then in order to install exhibitions, teach key skills, run drawing workshops, etc., etc.. I dont want to do it, but needs must.

So not much else to say today. No creativity today except in my mind where a couple of paintings are lurking and have been taking shape this afternoon.

Oh, nearly forgot, I have spent some time on the website (www.art-cell.com) and tidied it up. Removed several pages and tried to add a shopping cart, but not sure if it works. Its all just another step in the direction of professional artist.

Remember people, treat the world as you would a new born baby, with unconditional love, and that love will be returned with interest.

bye for now :-)

THE GRADUANDS

Today brought closure to the BA course. The graduation ceremony came and went. I know, I know, its all very silly getting togged up in costumes from the 17th century, doffing once cap to the Chancellor, walking in procession etc., but it still felt good and doesnt mean that you have to continue to be a part of the establishment, even though that is what the ceremony was originally about. Lets not forget though, that its also a formal clap on the back from your fellows, to your fellows and to yourself. I think this is important. Well, it is for me anyway, although , should I do the Masters programme I doubt I will do this again. Sharon Steingold was awarded her PhD at the same ceremony, and what a cheer from the Fine Art section for her. She felt so so good after that, she told me. She was the very last person to walk across the stage, she had to sit through one and a half hours of clapping before she got her turn!!! some kind of masochist? lol

so, today no art got created, but a lot of love was shared around and thats really worth so much.

Dont forget people: Love is something to be cherished and shared. Give Love, receive Love. Its so simple.

Its late so Im signing off now a fully fledged Bachelor of Art with honours..

A NEW ME/OLD ME

What I mean is, the new me is a version of the old me who existed before the current me. The one who removed anger from his life. I have reached that understanding again. The universe flows through me and around me and gives me what I need and want. If I dont get what I think I want or need then maybe its because its not on my alloted path. Deep breath. Hold. And release slowly.........ah......thats better.

I found out yesterday that my one man show in Hastings starts on the festival of NAVRATRI, which sort of celebrates the sewing of seeds (according to the web anyway) so I'm just wondering if that is an omen. Maybe this exhibition is the sewing of a seed? Fingers crossed, but if it isnt then its deep breath. Hold. And release slowly......ah.....thats better.

Tomorrow is the graduation ceremony at De Montfort Hall, Leicester, and boy is it causing strife in my home, but Im trying to remain calm, not get agitated, not give in to anger so its.....deep breath. Hold. And release slowly.........ah........thats better.

I have had work regularly displayed in a solicitors office in Nottingham up until around 4 years ago and am considering requesting a month again. Its only a window but its free and Ive sold from there in the past. Any window for ones art is a good window I think. Anybody want the contact for this to apply for yourselves? Let me know.

I have now detached myself from previous hopes and expectations and sublimely submit myself to the dictates of the universe.

Remember people, anger and hate are disruptive bedfellows, only Love lets us create.

NEW TOY

Hi once again everyone. No pics to upload today. I varnished some more. I booked an exhibition in Hastings, finally got through to them (offered share with my friend Shilpa but she declined). Sam brought home a new toy for me.Its called a tablet and is virtually a laptop without the top. So this evening I have made a powerpoint presentation of examples from my folio in readiness for the upcoming one nighter in Leicester. Leaflets are ready, business cards are plentiful, my presence will be there for the entire evening so Im all set. Just need to finally decide on what Im displaying. Dont know whether to put on my c.v. that I have been life modeling for the last 15 or so years,and dont know whether I should also put that I have completed part one of a TEFL course. Do you think they will make any diference to my pursuance of non-taxi future? lol. STILL waiting for those elusive phone calls / emails. I think the first one I have now given up on completely so that even if they were now to contact me I would probably refuse as I wouldnt want to work for anyone so ignorant, the second I held out high hopes for and am giving the benefit of the doubt ................ but for how much longer? Soooo, weekend is looming, taxi is calling, leg pains at the end of day are something to be looked forward to (?). well, if you are now receiving this blog its because I have now changed the recipients once more in an attempt to be fair to all of those of you out there who are just living on your nerves waiting for the next installment ! lol. OH YES, TODAY I FINALLY DID IT.................. I GOT MY EAR PIERCED, mmmm, sparkly ear, mmmmm . I was such a brave little lad ! The look on the faces at home was just great ! lol

VARNISH

Putting a gloss on things often makes them appear better, and my paintings are no diferent. I set about varnishing some of my works today and found the feeling, the emotion, the release of pent up energy, is the same as when painting. That was an interesting discovery. It seems that any art activity is what I need to do now each and every day. Even if only for an hour or so. The good thing about now having a studio is I can get away from the world and inbetween painting I can read a book or even meditate. Today I meditated. It was like old times. I may return at some point to the place that got me meditating in the first place, although it may be for a diferent reason now. In my meditations I "saw" a piece of jewellry which is worn on the forehead and resembles a kind of upside down fluer de lys. I could feel it. Just like old times, so I havent completely lost the touch.

Anyway, back to varnish.................... I cant believe just how much better it makes the paint look. Even the black and whites just look blacker and whiter. Fabulous. I have posted a couple of pics here but dont know if the camera does it justice or not. Still, its evidence of work done.

So, I think thats all for now, oh, I tried phoning that gallery again today, but yet again got their answerphone.

Im also still waiting for those other phone calls.

Im starting not to care.

OK, I think thats all I have to say right now so I will say good bye and remind you all to offer Love in place of Hate. Give Love a Chance.

LITTLE 'UNS

Hi there all. Well, lets get the ordinary stuff out of the way first for a change shall we? Hospital visit results in wife being pencilled in for small operation for carpel tunel, being told that her trigger finger is incurable and that she doesnt have enough sweat glands, hence the skin problems Right , well, the time flew by today and by the time we got home the day was sort of over really. But it didnt stop me getting into my studio and producing five small paintings, abstracts, measuring around 12 inch square. Again, recycling old, old, works (from foundation days). Just experiments really so they may get recycled again some time. Here they are:

It may be that one or two may turn out to be finished enough to exhibit and hopefully sell, but we will see. It takes me a few days to make decisions like that. I still havent got that varnish so tomorrow I MUST force myself to go seek it out.

Not much else to say here at the moment. Its late and Im tired so I will probably be back tomorrow evening. In the meantime, envelope your world with Love,and Love the world you're in.

OH YES , p.s. Still waiting for that phone call / email, absolutely nothing again. I have decided to leave it to the Universe and just send out Love.

RECLAIM / RECYCLE 4

See, I told you, never say never. I just had to work on this piece some more, and Im glad I did. The original figure is now coming through nicely, just enough to suggest he is there, as is the othe figure on the right. Not sure it can be seen on the photograph, but trust me, Im not lying, lieing, luying............fibbing...........how DO you spell that word?!

My little studio is quickly filling up with work. I really NEED to sell some of them. Are you listening Universe?

On more general matters; still not had that phone call or email. I try to detach myself but its hard and there is no garauntee that detachment works, as another phone call / email I have been expecting since April has failed to happen too, and I was definitely detached from that.

Wife has hospital appointment tomorrow, scans and things, so it looks like lunch out at last, but not with the one I wanted it with, lol, and then she has promised shopping at Asda afterwards......... oh goody, Im really looking forward to that then. lol.

This week is actually going quicker than last week. Perhaps because its leading up to graduation ceremony, and perhaps because its nearer to the one evening exhibition on the 24th. My leaflets came today. Really, really nice ! Just wish I could have afforded more than the 25 I ordered. Got them especially for the 24th.

Have you ever read Suzane Whites Chinese book of Chance, its about the chinese birth year horoscope. I am a Monkey. The description of Monkey people fits me so nicely. Never do the same thing twice, mercurial, dreaming of other things, shooting off to new adventures all the time. Im also a Gemini. The two share the same concerns. Boy am I in trouble then! lol.

Have been in contact with small gallery in Hastings via email. Need to phone tomorrow to arrange booking the place. In fact, I need to get booking exhibition spaces in quantity for my solo shows, joint shows with Shilpa, and perhaps group shows with so many other talented people Ive come across in the last three years. Maybe thats another project. This blog is getting to be so useful for sorting out my mind and letting the world know what is happening with me and mine at the same time. its like, because Ive told the world I need to exhibit then I now MUST exhibit. Its a real motivator.

Anyway, enough for now. Take care and offer Love to those you dont like as well as to those you do.

RECLAIM / RECYCLE 3

Welcome to those who are new to my blog ! How are you? Everything going well with you all? Lets hope so. As for my project, it gathers pace! As you can see the latest picture change has gone really radical. I think I will have to look at it for a few days before deciding if Im happy with it. In the meantime I have lots of other paintings to recycle in the shed! lol. here is how the painting changed today:

Not at all happy with the changes I made a couple of days ago I started to make radical changes, but utilising what was already there as a kind of template.

As I applied more paint the original images began to vanish, just leaving a few hints of what was there before.

Smuding and blurring the edges of forms and finally hinting at wisps of smoke or thin clouds such as might be vapour trails running across it all. I have to say it looks far better in the studio than it does here , which is weird as most of my work appears so much better when digitally reduced. Not rushing into saying this is completed. I have an idea that copious amounts of varnish, perhaps with small amounts of colour added, may make an appearance on this, and perhaps others too. I am definately going the abstract route right now. It allows me to have fun and be serious at the same time. I dont know why I didnt do this at Uni. RIght at the start of the second year I produced two small abstracts and then, for reasons best known to the other person who lives in this body I absailed into figurative works ! It seems that if there is a hard way of doing something then generally speaking thats the way I do it. I think its about a need to prove myself to others as well as myself. I keep telling people life is too short for that kind of thing, so I suppose its about time I listened to my own advice, lol. Well, no phone call or email again today, but its o.k. , I didnt hang around waiting. I painted all day instead. Too wet for nice bike ride. May have to go into town tomorrow and get some varnish before the cash runs out. Has anyone had any thoughts on the big draw next year? I would love to participate in a huge collaboration of some kind in the drawing medium. O.K.that's it for today, more painting tomorrow.

A LIGHTER SHADE

Today it (life) seemed to be getting a little lighter. Drove the taxi all day, and whilst its tempting to just do that to make the money in order to make the art, the pain in my legs tells me that its really near to the time when I simply cant do it anymore. So, tomorrow, Monday, what am I going to do? Am I going to sit around waiting for a phone call? leave the p.c. on just in case I get an email? Nope. Gonna work on some paintings, ride the scooter, visit a friend maybe, read those books I mentioned the other day (started one today), maybe get that ear-ring thing done, have a pleasant time in the week leading up to my graduation ceremony and possibly the last time I will see most of the people I shared the last three years with.

Here is something we can all join in with. Lets do it somewhere, somewhere big, lets get funding and get the public involved in a really big drawing event. Any ideas anyone?

O.K. I have a limit of ten email addresses for this log to post to automatically so Im going to take some of you off just now in order for others to have the chance of enjoying this sublimely lovely blogwotsit. Now, dont fret, I know none of you want to leave, but dont worry, I will bring you back on line in a couple of weeks. Of course, you can always just log on to the read the blog anyway...........http://robinson-artforlife.blogspot.com..........just in case you dont know the address.

So, its been lovely chatting to you all, but I have to say cheerio for now and hello to some newbies, and, in the words of Arny........ "ahll be back"

HANDY HINTS

Not touched any artwork today. Spent all day driving taxi, then fell asleep, so nothing to relate to you all really, but felt the need to communicate something, anything, with anyone. There is nobody else i can talk to, about anything that matters, in my locality, so you imaginary people who inhabit the ether-net will have to put up with it, sorry about that. Any way..................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................when boredom sets in............paint a fingernail ! you know what? I think I could carry that off..........its very Michael Jackson dont you think? lol

BACK TO THE FUTURE

And so, back to the now dried recycled piece I started earlier. Now its looking a bit more like it, I hope you agree. The falling man has fallen into the void unfortunately so I may have to look into tweeking him a little, just to bring him back into play.

Im also working on a smaller abstract, I think I can satisfy something inside of me if I swing from abstract to figure to abstract for the time being.

If I get despondent its only natural. I have been reading about artists such as Stanley Spencer, and S.J.Peploe, both of whom got despondant over their work. Its only natural to feel this way when the work doesnt work. But we work it out.

One way I have of working things out of my head is to ride my scooter. Today, before I started painting in the early evening, I went for a long ride around the country lanes, passing through Aston Flamville, Broughton Astley, Frolesworth, Leire, Sapcote and back to Burbage. By the end most of the blackness in my mind had been blown away. It felt so good riding on the mostly clear lanes between the fields of Leicestershire, and dont the villages have such lovely names?

Wont be getting much painting done tomorrow or sunday as of course I will be sitting waiting for work in the taxi trying desperately to not get dragged down by it all. But I have a good book to read, "Bindis and Brides" by Nisha Minhas, and if that fails I also have "Understanding the Mind" by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, so it should be a good weekend then ! lol

One piece of excellant news came through today via text on the old mobile........Amy Mulford has got herself a job in a special needs school near her home, fighting off 99 other applicants. I understand she is having champers with family this evening. Well I say congratulations to Amy,she deserves it and will be good at the role Im sure.

The tickets came today for the graduation ceremony, which is now only a week away. Not sure how I feel about it all now, but since Ive paid for it all I shall be there, count on it, even if Im there alone.

The studio got invaded too. They are impersonating three brass monkeys. Aparently one of them looks like me according to my estranged sons!

RECLAIM / RECYCLE 2

Whilst waiting for the paint to dry on the previous work I set to on this one which, Im sure you will agree is just awful. Having no idea of what is going to happen is scarry but releasing at the same time. I knew it was going abstract but had no idea of what road it would take me down.

Well, this is the result of the journey >>>>>

It isnt quite finished I dont think, and the eventual application of varnish will alter it yet again. But that is a while in the future. I may reappraise what Im showing on July 24 to include these abstracts, or maybe I will mix them up as its a diferent kind of showing and doesnt need to be a "body" of work, as they put it.

I also started a completely new abstract today, so as you can tell, I have been pleasantly busy..........but what a long week its been. Waiting for a phone call or an email and putting other plans on hold and then not getting the awaited message is a real down-er. It makes the time really drag by. I didnt get the residency at Chinderton School...... did I say that yesterday?.....anyway, even though it was bad news, at least they had the decency to tell me. One post I applied for and was interviewed for have started advertising in the local press again and not so much as a thankyou but no thankyou from them! I wouldnt want to work with people like that anyway, so its probably best that Im out of that one, but it doesnt excuse their rudeness. Emails cost nothing, like courtesy. I had the same problem a few years ago when I was unemployed for 18 months. Ah well, que sera, sera.

Next week I plan on a day trip to London, which Iwas going to do this week but for the afformentioned expectation, to take in some art, Alison Watt in the National, and a retro spective of......erm....darn, forgot the name........at the Tate Modern and if time, any other shows I can get into. I need a fix. I wouldnt mind going to Liverpool for the Kandinsky retro at Tate Liverpool, but have you seen the cost of trains? The car is an option, and I will use it to London, but have never driven to Liverpool, so if anyone has any ideas please let me know.

O.K. think Ive blogged enough for now............and soapboxed ! lol.

RECLAME - RECYCLE

So this is the latest project as I think Ive finished the last one..............although it remains on the studio wall just in case. This painting started out as just the figure on the left sitting crosslegged, chin in hand with the faint buildings in the background. I have gradually added the female on the right, a broken action-man figure at the lower centre, hiding just behind the robes of the main figure and at his feet is a naked person with knees up and crossfooted. There are now intimations of figures in some of the windows and, above the female is a falling naked man. I cant do much more to it at present as it needs to dry thoroughly.

I have been making an edited folio especially for the one night stand at HOUSE TO HOME, BELGRAVE GATE, LEICESTER, on July 24, 2008 and have rediscovered some abstractions I did in the past. I think they are quite good and they have enticed me to return to the abstract in a major way. I cant say I will be leaving figurative work for ever, as I never say never, but it does offer me the chance to simply paint and not worry about the characteristics of the figure. I do get really uptight regarding the facial aspects, especially, of the figurative studies. I recall the abstracts being a nice way of being. Of keeping in touch with the paint for its own sake and indeed have touched on it in the production of the Tessa-like work that appears on this blog a little earlier.

Im now looking forward to producing these abstractions, so watch this space !

bye for now everybody.

(details of the smaller additions to the work. Interesting that the two small males are either broken or about to be broken and the large man is no saint ! All the females in the work are innocents for some reason. Sometimes the reasoning for the imagery in my work doesnt become known until after its completion. Its a kind of non intended meditation. But isnt that the best thing about art? The application of chance, the allowing of inner thoughts to interpose with outer thoughts. Wow, I love that. )

RADICAL CONTINUANCE

This is how the painting currently looks, albeit in the yellow glow of my studio electrical light. Remaining from the original are the two figures, now ghostly. The original story is slightly changed but still they are ascending. Perhaps the original story actually remains the same, but I only just realised what I was really saying. Originally it was about a man who died in the throes of morning (and we know what that means with most men !) so that he ascended to heaven whilst being mourned. Hence the then title, "Ascension in the Mourning", a play on words. But now the title has changed, along with my realisation of what it actually refered to. Now the title is "Ascencion to Past Feelings". The dead man, which is a metaphor I now realise for my masculinity, experiences a physical memory on the journey to heaven, itself a metaphor for self examination. For only when we truly know ourselves can we come near to knowing that thing we oft call God.

The image on the right is the same painting but seen using only daylight. Im not sure which is more true to life as it seems no matter what I do my little digital camera produces an image that my eyes do not agree with ! Anyway, you can compare the two and decide just where the truth lies. Which leads us to yet another philosophical question.

Please feel free to comment on this work as Im not sure if its finished or not at the moment. I may exhibit this in House to Home furniture store (BELGRAVE GATE, LEICESTER, UK) for its one evening art event on July 24, starting around 6pm I think. Please do come along. There will be others from DMU exhibiting there Im sure as Prakash (the Director) already has works on his walls from Melissa Theobold, Laura Corrance and Bev (sorry, forgot her last name). I will definately show my black and whites, "ONCE UPON A TIME" and "WE SHALL GO TO THE MARKET TODAY" and also "AUTUMN ABSTRACT No1"