BLOG BLOG BLOG BRRRR

Had a freelancers christmas get together last night. It was supposed to be at THE QUAY, in Leicester but when I arrived there was nothing left inside the building except a crane, men in hard hats and lots of dust! Apparently, without letting anybody know (KLA; including me: had paintings on the walls!) Tesco decided to change it from a pub into a store.........directly opposite the small Sainsburys so often used by students at DMU. So, having made phone calls, found we had transferred to FIREBUG, where a student from my uni days was working behind the bar. Has a degree and is still a barmaid. I know how she feels of course, but for me its starting to happen so I hope it happens for her soon too. Had a lovely evening. Still havent heard from Maplewell so perhaps choosing between the five of us is proving much more difficult than anticipated. Clearly we are all going to be left hanging now until the new year as the school is closed for the festive holiday. Its all very nerve jangling ! Well, its really close to that day now so may I take this opportunity to thank all who sent me xmas cards and xmas texts. I REALLY appreciate it, and to any who have not received a card from myself , for whatever deplorable reason, may I here and now wish you A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. Remember, you create your future with your thoughts, so think constructively. Love all, hurt none, its the only religion you really need. xx xx xx

BAMBOOZLING BLOG

I had a real treat this afternoon. In my email I received an invitation from Bamboozle Theatre Company, of Burnmoor Street, Leicester, to come see their spruced up building, eat their mincepies, drink their drinks and listen to the choir.

They are building more studio spaces into their structure, nicely sized too. Not too many people attended whilst I was there, but it was nice. The mince pies were funky because they were SQUARE! I had orange juice as I was driving , but the very best part was the singing of the BAMBOOZLE BABES! Five ( or maybe six or seven actually) ladies formed a little choir and gave us rendititions of three Christmas songs including Silent Night. They were absolutely marvellous. They should audition for Britains Got Talent...........where is that Simon Cowell when you need him?

Anyway, stayed for about an hour then did a little painting in my own studio space at KLA before going home and on to the cinema.

It was a lovely way to end the day, and tomorrow I have Maplewell Hall School to look forward to ! Oh, did I say I had had a return booking at Rawlings College in January? Just one day but its great. I think its really starting to happen in earnest.

Well, time to go folks, so remember to remember; you create your future with your thoughts. Love all, hurt none; its the only religion you really need.

BLOG ; KLA @ IAC & KLA@TEAPARTY

A couple (three actually) of images from the recent KLA exhibition at The Independant Arts Centre, Leicester.

The three abstracts mostly in red and green are mine, which marks a turning in my vis.art works. Im not viewed as an abstractionist normally.

It was a good P.V. and I captured it on video. The resultant video took me about a week, on and off, to complete. Its under five minutes long but Im quite pleased with it. I love this filming business and am actively seeking more avenues for this art form.

THE TEAPARTY AT THE KNIGHTON LANE STUDIOS

the Cathedral that is the studio. Dont you think it is churchlike? the high three windowed wall with the round window atop, if it was stained glass.............. and the new top floor with its internal window looking out at the round window, is that not an altar? I love it. The studios look fabulous now.

the ultra tidy gallery-looking space is Dave Gaff's area and he really went to town on promoting his work. I think he should have his own gallery. He works maintenance at Loughborough University but clearly he learns from what he sees at work. He puts so much effort into his work and he does make sales, but he deserves more success. We could all learn from his approach.

Elaine Miller, the membership officer (seated, left) is currently engaged in her MA yet still finds time to promote the KLA. Oh, and yes, lets not forget the geeser with the scarf. Promoting his embryonic arts company as much as his art. The picture suggests he is going to eat his own banner ! The geeser of course is me, but I didnt need to tell you that did I?

On the work front, I have received the funds for the arts club in Barwell and have engaged Darren alternatively with Sam. I have also been offered a couple of stints in an afterschool setting exploring cartooning courtesy of Chloe of BARNDOOR THEATRE COMPANY, who was on the same mentoring scheme as I. She wanted to use as many people from the course as she could, which is great ! So, have applied for funding for other projects, fingers crossed, local arts officer is interested in another idea I have for the area so maybe, when current project ends........but lets not count chickens, and it would appear that maybe its starting to happen........at last.

Well, its coming close to the end of the year and you will all be out ending the recession by spending horrendous amounts of money on things that will soon be in the attic so let me suggest the perfect Christmas presents for all your family and friends............... a box of Love.

Remember that you create your future with your thoughts so Love all and hurt none, its the only way to be.

WHITE WALLS A GALLERY MAKES

Spent the whole day painting over black drawings on a white wall at the ICA in Leicester preparing for the exhibition. I naively thought it would take a couple of hours at the most. Silly me. Claire, Emma (and her daughter), Lydia and myself spent ALL day at it. Black paint marks are so hard to cover with white emulsion. I reccomend masonry paint, which is what we ended up with. I havent told anyone, but I may be documenting the private viewing evening on my video camera. Im getting into that artform just now. Constantly seeking new ideas to film so if you have any please let me know people, I would appreciate it. Hope to see lots of you at the P.V. on Friday 27, 2009, Independant Arts Centre, Humberstone Gate,Leicester, 7 til 9 p.m. and when the wine runs out thats it...........hey, why not bring your own too ! Remember folks, your thoughts create your future. Love all, hurt none.

NEW PROJECT

Hi, just another quickie. Got the funding for a ten week arts club in Barwell, an area pinpointed by the local council as in need of community actioning. I will be venued at the Barwell Community House, meeting on a Saturday morning starting on January 16, 2010. The kids (maximum of ten as the venue is quite small) will be aiming for a bronze level in the YOUTH ARTS AWARDS. I have offered Darren alternative Saturdays as my assistant, still waiting to hear from him, and another, Sam, has accepted the days inbetween. Again I am employing people! This is so great ! I get to encourage youngsters in going forward with their lives, promoting positive actions with them, I get to earn a living from arts and I also manage to help other freelancers in this world. Its a really win-win situation. Also, I had a chat with the nice people at Speakeasy Theatre Company today and I think we got on well. Preparing for my first involvement with a KLA exhibition at the Independant Arts Centre in the middle of Leicester, just up from the Fountain pub and sainsbury's. Have to white the walls saturday, and hang on sunday (putting in three abstracts ) (yes, I know! abstracts ! My work has evolved into abstraction and I feel more like "ME" with them, Funny isnt it?). Private viewing is Friday evening. Meanwhile on December 13th KLA hold their annual TEA PARTY, meet the artists, tour the studio, drink the drink, eat the soup, buy the art, offer the commission, arrange the exhibition, that sort of thing. If you havent had an invite via email or snailmail, then please consider this an invitation well, sorry no pics. Havent had time to make art this week, just busy making plans, lol. Its great isnt it? getting work, getting known, employing old uni colleagues, feeling at home in this body........at last. Have to go now, remember; your thoughts create your future, so Love all, and hurt none. its the only religion you really need.

SOMETHING NEW

Just a quickie.................... have just revamped website; www.art-cell.com please have a look and let me know what you think........improvements, etc.... X cheers , Steve, X Remember your thoughts create your future. Love all, hurt none, its the only religion you really need.

NEVER SAY NEVER

Well, the eggs have sort of gone, but have been replaced by globes. Actually this isnt the first time that spheres have featured in my art. They first appeared around ten years ago. I have given myself permition to allow these things from my psyche to appear as often as they want to. I think the eggs were just another form of sphere really, just appearing in order to pave the way for the spheres. On the funding for future arts based works front; I have just been allocated funding for an arts club geared at youth arts awards with children who seemingly underacheive..........Have a meeting with arts officer on Friday to tie up the ends etc., and then get started. I have already approached one person to assist me and he has agreed, but I would like to share the opportunity among a few people. It will look good on their cv, and pay them a modest sum too. (and it really is modest Im afraid.). Laura C invited me to fireworks at Abby Park, but had to turn the offer down. Shame as I would have got to see Amy once more. Ah well. Hope you guys had a good evening, maybe see you all some other time. Met up with Claire H, took her to studio space for coffee and chat during my break, which meant it wasnt very long, which was a pity. Hamish was there helping toinstall central heating.............really feels like its starting to happen at KLA. Cant wait. Have exhibition at ICA at end of November, havent decided what to enter yet. Missed the City Open, forgot the submission dates, woops ! Well, have meetings and conferences to attend this month, its keeping me busy, and its good. Remember folks, Love All, Hurt None, its the only religion you need. Your thoughts create your future.

Last of the eggs !! ??

Welcome to the last of the eggs.........perhaps ! In order to help me stop the eggs I have now started a series of portraits.........the same face evolving. But Im not very happy with the way it is right now. No doubt it will alter as time goes by and when Im happy with it I will show you it. Of course there is always the chance that I will hate it, clear it off and get back to the surrealism or the nudes that I love. So, getting back to the eggs, I now have a single painting (see prior blogs), one series of two ( above ), one series of three (see previous blogs)

and one series of four (see below)

I really think I have plenty and, actually, Im considering putting one in which contains a figure, a face and an egg, from my second year at university, but the figure may cause it to look out of place or I may enter it into the Leicester Open 21.

If anyone has any advice Im listening!

well, Strictly Come Dancing is about to start and its the one thing I dont miss on t.v.

so............... remember your thoughts create your future

Love All, Hurt None, its the only religion you really need

Young friends, new eggs, and a hicough

Lets get the disappoint out of the way. Had workshop with reception class at Intake Farm School, Mansfield, followed by interview but today was informed that I didnt get the gig. I thought it was my best interview ever and the workshop engaged the children well. They have offered me written feedback which will prove interesting and, hopefully, helpful for the future.

Now to the good stuff ! Met up with Laura (Red) on Wednesday evening. Me and mine, and she and hers, dined at San Carlo restuarant. Food was fine, company was great, and afterwards we went off for a drink and met up with Darren (alone) and later Abi and her boyfriend. Really good to see them all and, hopefully..........but lets not talk about any plans as it usually puts the kibosh on it.

The Knighton Lane Studios are looking sooooo good now. Rick estimates another four to six weeks before completely finished and because of this the teaparty is now scheduled for December 13. Invites will be sent soon.

Did a small painting today..............more eggs! and I have another small canvass which is also destined to be containing eggs. This must surely mark the end of the eggs ! I will have 10 paintings to choose from for the R.A.C. show ! I have two 50 x 50 cm canvass' on which I will be returning to black and white and working on evolution/devolution of an image. All part of Truth and Other Myths, which will be the second exhibition bearing that name............when I actually exhibit it.

Have decided on entry for this years Leicester Open.

plus maybe one other not decided yet.

Whilst on the good news............out of the blue a degree student at DMU (graphics I think) has contacted me and engaged me to give her a couple of one to one drawing tuitions. First session is next Friday and Im really looking forward to it. Strange how life works isnt it?

Well, being taken to pub to watch Aston Villa tomorrow by son number 2 (Sam) which is nice isnt it. Its actually been a really good ten days with just the one hicough so I shouldnt complain and, actually, it doesnt pay to.

OK dokey playmates! Remember, your thoughts create your future so be careful what you think. Love All, Hurt None........its the only religion you really need.

The Little BIG DRAW

The Little BIG DRAW

Sounds like an American Indian name doesnt it.......but it was my public art event, funded by Hinckley Council, and held in the town market. The funding allowed me to employ another freelance artist so naturally I thought of my degree course colleagues and Melissa Theobald came to mind immediately as she had entreated me to think of her for such things last time we met at a little reunion in Leicester. She was marvellous! In fact the whole day was great with the public engaging themselves in surprising ways, not just doodling on postcards but taking the cards out to areas of shoppers who may not have seen our stall! Two young girls stayed with us all afternoon. I think the day demonstrated a need for something similar to this in the area on a more regular basis and Im now looking into providing something arty.

I documented the day on the camcorder I won from Creative Leicestershire and am currently editing it for public consumption. I have the thought that when the cards are displayed the video should also be viewed. As some of you probably know, I like to spread my wings across the various labels and so this will be my second video work. My first, titled "Passage", a short art film, is now edited and awaiting its debut on the public stage. This was going to be the Tea Party at Knighton Lane, however, the date has now been put back a month at least as the building wont be in a pristine enough state. So I will have to keep you updated on that. Invitations will go out as and when its all settled to the groups satisfaction.

I took just a couple of photos of the day and , sadly, none of them feature myself or Melissa, but they do feature the banner !

Im now planning a diferent event for 2010 which will need to take place under cover and will be more about the public engaging with artists to produce something huge. Im going to call it The REALLY big draw. This idea is copyrighted so hands off ! lol.

The eggs project for the Richard Attenborough Centre and Vaughan Way exhibitions is now complete. The smaller quadrilian of eggs have undergone changes but I have now decided to stop tinkering with them. They are complete. This now means I can get back to making the work I want to make. The work which is more natural to me...........my pictorial essays.

On that note, as I have an interview and workshop this tuesday with reception class kiddies I asked Hayley Fern for advice on workshop and she said that my strenghts are thinking on the spot and storytelling.........it fits in with the paintings doesnt it, and now the video work too. I am a storyteller! I like that because I am. I have just written a short play after all and may turn it into a short film. Im still fluid over it. But getting back to Hayley, she also said that most kids seem to think Im Santa so I should be o.k. !!!! SANTA?! lol, well, it could have been worse I suppose , ha ha ha .

Well, its back to the drawing board because, as Jay Potter said, "Im a creative practitioner; that means I make things happen". That stuck with me. Its true. You have to make it happen for yourself. You have to be an entrepenuer in the creative industries as much as anywhere else. To this end Im awaiting confirmation or not regarding funding for another project, saturday mornings probably, and will be in the happy situation of being able to employ another freelancer..........but not another word on that as it sometimes puts the kibbosh on things, dont you find?

This week I hope to meet up with Laura (the red) as she is coming to town to give a lecture at DMU. Clever girl. Its so good to know that most of the people who graduated with me last year are now making it in the real world and,yes, son number two (Sam) is finally getting supply teacher work on a regular basis. Oh, and its Divali tomorrow, Sunday Oct. 18th so if you are Hindu then HAPPY NEW YEAR to you .

Remember folks that your thoughts create your future.

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

EGGS ARE SO VERSATILE

Hi folks,

a little snapshot of my nearly officially re-opened studio space at Knighton Lane Artists Studios. As you can see, due to the FOOD theme of our upcoming Richard Attenborough Centre show in March, I am currently obsessed with eggs!

So this is a sneak preview of my contribution you lucky people !!!

Had some Leicester College work this week, which was nice, and some more next week too, which is also nice. Also next week I have a meeting regarding funding for a project with young people next year, which will be nice too. Its all quite nice at the moment isnt it?

Knighton Lane is coming on leaps and bounds and I cant wait for it to be completed so we can organise something special for opening ceremony. I am currently working on my first short arty film which should be completed by then so perhaps I can persuade my chumblies at KLA to use that evening for its public debut. Fingers crossed on that one as it will be rather nice.

Great news from my old uni buddy Laura (Red) Corrance who has been invited to speak at DMU and give studio tutorials too. Hoping to meet up with her the evening before and that will be really nice. Gosh it really is all quite nice just now !

Just had an email newsletter from EMPAF which highliights my Little BIG DRAW happening a week on saturday. Oh, if the weather can hold out for then, it will be really really nice. I just cant believe how nice it all is just now.

Well, thats all folks ! as a cartoon hare used to say, so remember, your thoughts create your future. Love All, Hurt None; its the only religion you really need.

BANNERS AND EGGS

Well, at long last, I have been able to get into my studio space as building work comes to a conclusion. Not quite finished, but at least the spaces are now workable. Because of this I have been able to start work on paintings for the KLA exhibition at the RACentre in March. The theme is food, if you recall, under the title of "BANQUET......HURRAH!" I love the shape of eggs, its now the nearest thing to eating animals that I undulge in and, of course, they featured heavily in the life of DALI .

Also, I am now set up for my event in Hinckley for National Drawing Day; I have called it The Little BIG DRAW, and it is being funded by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. The funding means that not only are the materials and venue (a stall in the market........ pray for fair weather) catered for but it also enables me to pay a freelancer to assist me............Melissa Theobold is that freelancer. For people who dont know, Melissa was on my fine art course at DMU and was awarded a 1st ! We are both excited about the day. The plan is to get 1000 people to scribble, draw or doodle anything they want on the postcards provided, using the pens provided and then, at a date and venue yet to be organised, they will exhibited. Cant wait !!

The market stall will be adorned with a banner Ive had printed especially for the day, with the idea that it will come in useful for other events in the future.

Last week I had two days working for FIND YOUR TALENT and CREATIVE LEICESTERSHIRE on the Young Ambassodors / Young Voices "Where Next" event held at the Peepul Centre, Leicester. What a great building ! I didnt realise it was so big and well designed. A theatre and a community place too! Love it. Had a great two days there working with primary aged children and young teenagers too. The two workshops I worked in presented their "findings" on the stage to the rest of the youngsters/teachers. I love being a freelance creative practitioner. You get to meet so many interesting and talented people of all ages and disciplines and I want more, more , more ! lol. Im now on the Soft Touch list of freelancers too.

It feels like my arts based business is starting to kick in, but lets not count chickens etc..

Well, on that happy note I will draw to a close. Dont forget;

You are what you think, your thoughts create your future.

Love All, Hurt None, its the only religion you really need.

NEW SCOUSER

Jumped on train yesterday and set off to meet up with Maz in Liverpool. I saw her from behind and knew it was her. Isnt it funny how we recognise more than just faces? Had an absolutely wonderful day and it ended all too quickly. We perused the art at both the Walker and the Tate and talked and talked and talked. Maz's energy is now at a diferent level............calmer............positive..............so she has grown, just as I am growing and, hopefully, most of you out there in the ether are also growing. Without growth there is only stagnation and whilst we might think this is good, in fact it is the beginning of decline.

The day before was my 33rd wedding anniversary and we spent the day on the coast with Molly, the spaniel, who I finally got into the sea ! Had a really lovely day at Snettisham and then Hunstanton, had a bag of chips and a bag of dohnuts on the sea front.............now you cant get more romantic than that !!! lol !!

here are a couple of pics from the day;

Well, have to go prepare for Islington meeting on Wednesday so I will leave you with the usual thought that the Universe gives you what you truly want and desire but while you wait to receive it, LOVE ALL AND HURT NONE; its the only religion you really need.

PASS ME THAT OSCAR

Hi all, finally, the short film, "SILVER BULL" has been uploaded to YOUTUBE so you can now all bask in my glory ! I hear Ive been shortlisted for the British Acadamey Awards , lol. here is the link; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVJFQT2EIcM There is a professional actor who gets narrated over, another professional who was in The Full Monty at Leicesters Curve was in drag (why? have no idea. Just surreal), there is myself who was made up facially to look older and then didnt have my face seen, and of course the Knighton Lane Studio was acting as the entrance to the SILVER BULL public house. Hope you enjoy. Im off to Liverpool on Saturday for reunion and day of art , coffee and chinwag , with Maz from DMU........... cant wait, so excited............... I swear Im getting younger (there must be a portrait in my attic somewhere) and the day before I will have been married for 33 years ! (which balances things a bit) Gonna spend the entire day somewhere TBA. Had informal meet with SoftTouch with four other freelance artists to be included on their database of practitioners. One other was from KLA and yet another had been on the mentoring scheme so its a small world. Have to go Islington next week too so its all happening ! Just goes to show that if you let the universe know exactly what you want............... So its goodbye from me and its goodbye from the gamekeeper and remember to LOVE ALL AND HURT NONE; ITS THE ONLY RELIGION YOU TRULY NEED.

SUMMER ART CAMP AT RAWLINGS COLLEGE, QUORN, LEICS.UK

Well, sadly, my two weeks of art camp at Rawlings College in Quorn, Leicestershire, have come to an end. The children, ages ranging from 5 to 14 years , all loved their time with me and the other artists engaged on the project. We pursued everything from puppet making, drama, face-masks, mono-printing, pavement art, origami, simple animation, comic book making, storytelling and, when it rained we played indoor games during the break periods. It was exhausting work, but the kind of exhaustion that feels great and makes you want to do it all again. At the end of my last session the Hayley Fern, the arts development officer, gave me a small present, a hug and the promise that she will work with me again ! I had a great time and it was confirmed that children do seem to respond to me. They think Im weird and funny, but in a good way. I want more of this sort of work, so if anyone can point me in the right direction I will happily go there !!!

The Knighton Lane Studios are still in the process of building, but getting closer to being opened up for work again. Walls are being clad, filled and painted. Im needing to get into my space again to start some work in readiness for the groups exhibition at R.A.Centre. Im feeling the need to make art.

Im still practising with the MAC and the video camera before I launch myself into serious work with this new equipment so it may be some time before anything gets seen.

Well, dont think there is anything else to say except................................... the Universe will grant your heartfelt desires, but while you wait..........hurt none and love all, its the only religion you really need.

AND THE WINNER IS ..................

Well, the winner was me.........yes ME ! oh, and 23 other people. However double that applied for this bursary from Creative Leicestershire so I did really well. The bursary is for equipment that will enable me to further interest in the moving image, either on a documentary/short film level or animation. I spent almost all of it last weekend on a new MAC and a camcorder. I know the quality wont be strictly professional but its a start and who knows where it might lead? Im chuffed anyway. Only a couple of people knew about this as I wanted to keep it quiet until it was actually in my hands. It makes you feel good, doesnt it?

On another matter arty, today I commenced my second week as arts leader at Rawlings Community College summer art camp. Very tiring, but very rewarding too. Its comfirmed that young children seem to like me and respond to me. Today we looked at the work of Quinton Blake and based the days art around his style. I think tomorrow its Picasso day.

The arts career is slowly happening and it feels good.

At Knighton Lane Artists Group some people have applied to fill the new spaces that will be created after the build. Two of them come from my course at DMU, Maggie and Hamish !!! Who would have thought? I dont know if they are going to be offered spaces or not as its a democratic process, but it would be nice. Almost be like being back at DMU again !

Am working on ideas for Richard Attenborough Centre exhibition in March. Oh, and KLA are having their (our ) annual tea party early November. Of course all are invited. I will remind you nearer the time. If you are in town, do try to come.

OK, thats that then. Need to go practice on the Mac editing software..........

remember folks; Love All, Hurt None, tell the Universe your heartfelt wants and give thanks when you receive them, its the only religion you really need.

MOLLY RECOVERS

Hi everyone, I know its not artbeat, but it is my heartbeat. Molly our canine angel, has had an operation. Sadly, Huncote Animal Aid, where she found us, insist that all their dogs are neutered so yesterday was the day. She cannot climb stairs or jump or run due to stitches so Agnes slept downstairs with her last night ! The cone around her head (no, its not a lampshade thankyou so dont pull her tail, it wont switch her on!). We shouldnt laugh, but its rather funny to see her bump into doors, walls, carpets (yes, carpets!) and eating is proving particularly awkward for her, bless her.

Other than that though she is fine and we all continue to count ourselves so lucky to have been adopted by her.

On the art front; had a meeting Tuesday regarding summer camp. Yet another CRB filled in. Looking forward to it. Two whole weeks without taxi will be almost like having a holiday. Knighton Lane Studios are now looking like there is an end in sight to the building work. we now have three floors and as soon as it is opened for work we can all get into professional group mode and start making art and money. We have been given an exhibition opening at the Richard Attenborough Centre in March 2010 and tomorrow we will be deciding on a theme for the show. Its all exciting stuff and its all happening slowly, at the right time, and with the right people. Maybe we will have an official opening of the new studio, make it an event. In which case everyone I know will receive an invite.

Well, thats all for now. Let you know the theme tomorrow evening.

Remember folks, Love All, Hurt None, Its the only religion you really need. and as an adendum, Your Thoughts Create Your Future

UPDATE UPDATE

Have now had two glowing references from people who have engaged me in creative learning/practitioning roles. Makes me confident that I am following the right path. Have now updated my website http://www.art-cell.com/ with quotes and a new look home page. The quotes can be found on the home page and the AT WORK page. Check it out ! No other information to transfer to you all. And no new pics.

The work at KLA studios is progressing well, but now everyones bits and pieces are morphed into one blob so I cant get at anything or do any work in there. Cant wait for it to be completed. Its so exciting being a part of this KLA company. It really seems that its all starting to happen at last for me and I so hope it starts to happen for all of you if it hasnt yet.

Remember the motto folks; Love All, Hurt None........its the only religion you really need and dont forget that what you think becomes your future. I have found that to be true.

xx

.......TO HE WHO WAITS.......

Hi there everybody ! My cousing VAL once told me that (everything comes to he who waits), regarding cars, and lo and behold just a couple of years later I had my first ever brand new car ! Since Uni I have been waiting for something to happen and, well, yes it is now happening and growing with the latest thing being a two week summer role as creative practitioner for a summer camp. 5 to 16 year olds are, I think , the target group. Should be fun.........hmm, stop me if Ive already told you this though.........but wait, have to tell you about the Donovan song Ive just had in my car. Its what might be called a fate song, but of course relates to those time of folk/rock music when hippies abounded and found solace in Sexy Sadie, as George called him in a song. the lyric goes, Happiness turns in a circular motion, Thought is like a little boat upon the sea, Everyone is part of everthing anyway, You can have everything if you let yourself be. So prophetic. So true. Anyway, in my usual manner of transgressing when writing I should get to the point. Which is; Had a reference from Tricia at V.A.L. (see how I connected the start with the almost end there? So clever is I ) that glowed so much it illuminated the room! Thanks for that Tricia. And also the long awaited pics of the Mural with the youth group she engaged me for after Ellesmere College have arrived. You can find more on Tricias facebook page or my own website , http://www.art-cell.com/, when I put them up there. So, for your gratification.......... may I proudly present..........LGBT and the Mural !!

DEGREE SHOW 2009

No pics. Just thoughts. Emotions. Impressions. DMU degree show last night seemed to be less populated than normal. Met so many people from the course, most of whom failed to recognise the new me, but one DID say I looked ten years younger ! Love that Tracy to bits ! Handshakes and hugs, missed the hugs, smiles, sharing last years experiences, renewing friendhips......... fantastic,,,,,,,,, the art? Hmm, well, maybe Im biased but I felt that overall ours was better but down in sculpture.........you MUST visit sculpture..........there is an interactice musical piece that I found to be just wonderful and has fed my own imagination for potential possibilities. Watch this space !!! Metting up with Red, and whoever else will be there if any, at lunchtime today then maybe go visit the LUSAD degree show. Speaking of LUSAD, couldnt believe my eyes when MARIO MINICHIELLO turned up to see the show. He is now in charge at Birmingham Uni. I first worked with him at LUSAD, he was the most amazing man. He also seems to have lost weight. Im sure he had something of a breakdown, somebody told me (but that may be malicious gossip, sorry if it is Mario), and he arrived on a motorbike. Sounds familiar doesnt it? Anyway, everything feels so right at the moment and, unlike previously, I am determined not to divert myself with stray thoughts and ideas, but am focusing on what I REALLY desire, want, need in order that the Universe fully understands and can deliver. Those Hindus definitely know something..............your thoughts create your future , they say : and I think I am living proof of this. Plus I have a copy of THE SECRET, which is western thinking on the same subject, where they say you subconscious brings you want you WANT and need if you can only prevent the conscious from getting in the way. Its very similar. It works. It isnt instant. Try it. About vegetarianism; I now find I can no longer even look at meat. I feel sick in the meat aisle at the supermarket. People, and I would have been one of them not long ago, think me silly I suppose. But thats how it is now. Well, gotta go prepare advertising stuff for the carnival stall I have to promote me locally. Take care all. remember to LOVE ALL , AND HURT NONE, ITS THE ONLY RELIGION YOU REALLY NEED.

GETTING IT

What a good day it has been today! Had a meeting and got engaged for two weeks on a summer art project at Rawlings Community College, Quorn. I was the last to be engaged so I got the timing just right foronce! ha ha ha. Then when i got home I found an email asking if Im interested in a clay animation day in the autumn............subject to the organiser obtaining funding, which Im confident about as she has a good track record on that sort of thing. SO...... aint it great? Oh, yes ! Cant believe its the degree show already this weekend. A whole year has passed and Ive gone through so much in my business life and my personal life, but its all coming together at last. I really feel it happening and completely trust the Universe to provide all that I want from the rest of my life. Everything in my past is coming together now and completing the person I now am. Happy in my own skin at last. Content to be me as this me is not the same as the me of before the metaphorical train crash. Im the new improved product. The KNIGHTON LANE STUDIOS have now got the steels installed for the new upper story where , I believe, the screen printing machinery will be installed. That takes me right back to my first ever job out of school, so its all about circles isnt it. Even the film acting role forms part of a circle and one which may widen in the near future. Its all just wonderful.........at last.........I think I will be going to the Loughborough private view on Friday if anyone wonders where I am at DMU, but will see the DMU degree show on the saturday as Im meeting up with (Red) Laura for liquid lunch at Soar Point on that day. Kill two birds with one stone as it were.........not literally you understand..........that wouldnt be right would it? Nope.

Cleaned the logo up a bit...........think I need to make a stencil. Need a banner or something for a stall Im having at local carnival event field. Chance to advertise my business. Anyone know of any cheap banner printers in Leicestershire?

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

Battling Brook Primary Project et al.

At last the picture uploady thingy is working ! Here are just three pics of the Battling Brook Project. I was too busy to take any others but the organising teacher took some of me and all the children working in the playground and has said she will post me a c.d. containing the images so there may be more pics to come.

Imagine, just me and 400 children.........o.k. it was staggered but still........ and whats more they loved me. I am amazing with children ! This was a great day and I look forward to gaining more of this type of work as my business expands and takes hold. The pics are of me, of course (a primary aged child with a beard would be suspicious!) outside the school after the event. I was tired, back pain setting in (yes, Im a martyr for carrying on when in pain, I know) and the other pics are taken inside during a spare hour between the pavement art and choosing the winners. The teacher sent me four children to make a large group mural on paper as it was by now raining outside. We didnt get it finished but we had fun doing it !

There are other things in the pipeline but Im not saying anything until I have confirmation.

Last Sunday afternoon I met up with Maz and Clare ( and thousands of other still-at-uni people) at Bede Park, Leicester. Brought back memories. Had a great afternoon with them. Clare is off to Korea soon for a holiday from her work with special needs kids and Maz is looking forward to starting her PGCE at Liverpool having worked full time for an optician since graduating. It seems that, for most of the graduands of 2008 fine art at DMU things are now slowly but surely panning out. We must all look to the future.

Well, thats all for now.

Remember to Love all and hurt none; its the only religion you need.

.....SO THE BEAT GOES ON....

Well I was going to upload some pics of works Ive been using spraypaint on but, as usual, my computer wont play along with me so you will have to take my word for it. Quite successfull they are think I.........but then Im the worst judge of my own work. At Knighton Lane the building work has begun on the second floor...........putting one in that is ! So for the next couple of weeks it will be almost inpossible for those who, like me, have a studio space on the first floor. So much drilling, gouging, dust making, ladder climbing , etc., that all "stuff" is being moved to one end of the large room. I dont know what Im going to do without my sanctuary. Mentoring continues Monday evening at the super Knighton Centre. Wow. Went there for the first time last week and it was like being on the set of FAME ! just fantastic. If I knew then what I know now, and if I felt then what I feel now, this is where I would have gravitated to. A place full of talent,just fabulous. Im running a pavement art session on Friday at local primary school. 400 children over the day and pay that a graduand might expect.............at last! Of course its not the first and I do hope its not the last as the taxi just cannot sustain me any more. Less than minimum wage is no joke and is not what I signed up for at DMU. Maz wants to meet up and catch up on things next weekend and Im meeting up with Red very soon too. Is it really a whole year since we graduated? How time flies. Anyway, if anyone can suggest a way of getting my pics on this blog again please do tell me! Maybe I will see some of you at the degree show? If not, keep smiling and remember folks....................... Love all, hurt none: its the only religion you really need

HOLLYWOOD !!!

Last night I played my first minor role in a minor film ! Imagine that! Interesting experience and I had to be made up to make me appear older !! I like the fact the director thought I was too young looking, it makes a change from people saying "too old, too inexperienced". Illegal and unhelpful. I was told to see the character as a kind of Mr. Angry. I said I dont do angry as its a negative energy and unproductive. I dont know if I was good or average, but after the experience I think I would like to be involved in cinema. In my next life .............. Wearing the artist hat, I think I am now a director of Knighton Lane Artists Ltd, where building work has begun on installing a second floor and increasing the space. Im getting really good positive feelings about this group and believe my future heavily involves them and the studio space. Meeting up with old uni mates soon which Im really looking forward to. A chance to catch up face to face with people and share post uni experiences. I have had no work this week as I put my back out. So painful! was walking gingerly with two walking sticks for a while, but its now more tolerable and I intend to return to money making tomorrow (sunday). Well, not much else to tell. Just wonder if the film acting is the start or the end of that adventure! lol. Remember folks, love all and hurt none......................... and dont worry if you forget my birthday at the end of May as Im guilty of forgetting so many birthdays this year, something which will be rectified now Im feeling so much better, both physically and mentally. cheers !!! break a leg !!

MOSAIC AND MOZART

OK, so Mozart didnt enter it at all, but the title of this blog sounded good with it in so it stays! The one day mosaic workshop went well with all the drop in visitors having a go and drinking their free coffee or tea or whatever (sadly nothing stronger!). Im having trouble putting pics onto the blogsite at the moment, something going awry with the p.c., not the actual site. So if you want to see any pics then please go to my website, www.art-cell.com. There arent many but they do exist. The mural project with LGBT is taking shape. Putting the lines on the wall tomorrow (tuesday, 14th) evening. Pics of this will also appear on the website rather than this blog. Hasnt the weather been great today? Sorted out the shed for the umpteenth time and then surprised wife by taking her to lunch. Its been a nice day. Well, thats all for now folks, and remember; Love all, hurt none. Its the only religion you really need.

ONE DOOR CLOSES..........

Well, the term delivery of the artcourse at Ellesmere College, with the learning disabled 6th formers, has ended. We all had a great time, they learned never to say what they do is rubbish (because everything has value) and their work will be on display sometime in the summer I believe. However, the organisation I was engaged by has seen fit to engage me on another project, this time in the evening, with the youth of LGBT, producing a mural in the room they are decorating for themselves. We have already had a meeting, and a brainstorming session, and I have now come up with the design and will be transfering to the wall this coming Tuesday evening (14 April). I dont know how long it will take but assume it will be shorter rather than longer. This Saturday I have been engaged for a Mosaic workshop with I was going to post some pics of me in action, as it were, but my p.c. wont currently allow me to do this. Sorry about that. If you get this , Maz, many thanks for the phone call. It made my day and good luck with your interview ! So, what Im saying is....... as one door closes another one opens..... and remember folks, to love all and hurt none; its the only religion you really need.

DOES IT MEAN I'M FAMOUS?

I have been interviewed by a student of Fine Art studying at Bourneville! He found my website ( http://www.art-cell.com/ ) and decided I was worth pursuing so we met in my studio space at Knighton Lane where photographs were taken and questions answered. A fair amount of time was spent talking about my spiritual side where we found a mutual interest in Buddhist/Hindu/Spiritualist philosophies. I must say it felt kinda strange but I just put on my "being interviewed head" and got on with it. "The world is but a stage and each of us plays our parts......" ha ha ha . I just played mine and an now up for an academy award.

In terms of art Im continuing to remake old works as well as new stuff and whilst waiting for him to arrive I took an old portrait of Zilla and started to re-invent it.

Not sure where Im going with it yet but I just love the journey.

Lot of theatre visits coming up. Let you know more as and when.

Saw Stephanie Pollard a short while ago, had contact from Nat too and Maz. Nice bunch at Uni. Miss 'em. Missing uni now too. Ah well.

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

CAN YOU TELL WHAT IT IS YET? hahahahaha

Well, the snow came with a vengeance didnt it but waste not want not. Any opportunity to be creative. After earning my daily crust I couldnt wait to get into the garden and make art with snow. Of course the furry angel who is Molly was having none of it if she could help it, lol. But I managed to make something. Can you see what it is yet? as Rolf is famed for saying. Its hard to see white against white and its not the best sculpture Ive ever done but it gave me some satisfaction and , who knows, it may have an effect on me , us, as it stands in the back garden.

It is meant to be Ganesha. You can just about make out his ears and trunk.

And this is the result of Molly helping me in the snow!

KLA news. The auction will be happening in four weeks (I think). Fingers crossed on that.

Going to the ballet on Sunday. (whenever I hear music I see people dancing, moving etc . I have so many ideas that involve movement, drama, visual art and film, all locked up together. In the next life I will be very busy I think, but I hope I can achieve some of these ideas in this lifetime eventually.

Well, got to go.

Remember folks to Love All and Hurt None, its the only religion you need.