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.