beauxtique

Demon Hell Riders - Motorbike Show Room 29/07/11

2011-08-02T02:20:00.000-07:00

Demon Hell Riders - Petro and friends.

One week to set up, for one evening only. Go-karts, mechanics and a garage.

The devil was certainly in the detail.

There was a video to go with this installation, of the Demon Hell Riders go-karting action adventure. I've been reliably assured this video and some images will be put online at some point, but unfortunately Petro's internet presence is quite low (I was nagging him to up it!) but he has a tumblr of his photos, so show it some love http://theallotment2011.tumblr.com

And it was all Yellow

2011-04-28T01:43:00.001-07:00

Woah, square eggs (to purchase type, Egg Cuber Square Egg Press into Amazon)

Via Swiss Miss

Fernando Vicente and Vanitas

2011-02-04T02:07:00.001-08:00

Fernando Vicente Vanitas

Inkie/Sepr/3Dom - Croft - Shiv Lizzy

2010-11-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

I think the strength of the Stoke Crofts open air gallery, is the constant change, artists trying out new ideas and the fact they can still pull in a name or two. In the last six months a couple of memorial pieces have gone up for Bear (poet, and Croft resident) which were quite wonderful. So I was really pleased to see such a beautiful memorial piece with respect to Shiv Lizzy (Shivon Watson, 28) who was tragically killed in London earlier this year.

Here's some progress shots from the new Inkie/Sepr/3Dom.
(sorry for the slightly late posting)

Matches: Passion by Pei-San Ng

2010-11-13T03:10:00.000-08:00

Matches: Passion

This piece is made up of approximately 2,500 match sticks and a total of 24 hours. The board is a reclaimed art board / plywood. It was previously used as a glueing surface. The type is hand drawn.

Love on fire represents romance and passion or destructions and jealousy. It is raw and gritty.

20″ x 14″ x 4″ (50.8 x 35.6 x 10 cm)

More interesting work on Pei-San Ng's site.

As seen on Stash Studios blog

Write on a bike

2010-10-22T04:17:00.001-07:00

I did a double take when first viewing these images, pity my name is too short to make a bicycle frame - wonderful work by Juri Zaech.

As found by the fantabulous Cafe Cartolina.

Star Wars (Boba Fett) x Adidas

2010-09-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

A sharp intake of breath for these beauties.

From the ever wonderful Lovely Package

Love you long time

2010-08-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Eine - Alphabet Street - Serif Style

2010-06-17T08:29:00.001-07:00

Eine - promotor of the simple but beautiful text - has painted a whole street in North London (apparently Middlesex St). Signature style, in bold and glorious colours.

It almost makes me forget the recent handbag collaboration.

Photos from artofthestate

New Nick Walker - Bristol

2010-05-24T07:32:00.001-07:00

On a lunch break today, and spotted Nick Walker doing a new piece at the back of the Colston Hall. Apparently it's got something to do with a BBC documentary on butterflies.

(Photos: Bristol Street Art)

Shag is such a dude (with Gary Baseman)

2010-05-15T06:31:00.001-07:00

Art from the New World - Sneaky Peak @Bristol_Museum

2010-05-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

The shows looking great. Gary Baseman's characters getting some practice in. And lots of smiley people. Press morning at the museum.

Buffmonster being interviewed by the BBC.

One of Gary Basemans girls.

Double sided book installation by Mike Stilkey, greeting you in the foyer of the museum.

Stunning work from Colin Christian.

Bring your credit cards - merchandise.

Even more merchandise.

Awesome double headed diamond dog sculpture (just seen in the distance - apologies for Iphone quality pix).

The show looks really great, it's so nice not having to travel to London to see this sort of quality of work. For me there is a couple of artists work I really would of liked to see (uh hum...Frank Kozik, Tara McPherson, Ashley Wood, Glenn Barr), but I presume that is because they're tied in with other galleries. Or don't need the coverage.

Incidentally my interview with the lovely Mike Stilkey will be featured later on in this blog.

To see some better quality pictures of the work shown see Cool Huntings notice.

@Bristol_museum Start of Mike Stilkey installation #aftnw

2010-05-10T08:21:00.001-07:00

Met the lovely Mike Stilkey today who's starting work on his book
painting installation in the foyer of the Bristol Museum. Very
exciting. As is the Buffmonster in the main museum (but my picture is
of a blank wall), so I didn't include it. Hoping to post an interview
soon.

Having a Retro Moment in the road

2010-05-09T05:58:00.001-07:00

AnyForty - Versus Exhibition

2010-04-29T14:19:00.001-07:00

The dynamic colour work of Matt W Moore (MWM Graphics) - he who was mentioned a couple of blog posts ago, has work heading to the UK for an exciting exhibition put on by AnyForty at an undisclosed Bristol venue. Minimal details have been released, but its all looking exciting.

So this summer is already looking good with 'Art from the New World', and some promising exhibitions on the horizon from our favourite street art galleries. And since when has Bristol become the art capital of f...whatever? This is Bristol - rumoured to be twinned with Jamaica. Maybe Bristol's finally grown up.

Joe Sorren - Painting in progress

2010-04-23T08:39:00.001-07:00

I like a bit of 'process', as clearly the last post has demonstrated. So to continue on this theme and with another artist from the upcoming 'Art from the New World' exhibition, here is Joe Sorren's progress on a 'The Overture' from his blog. To see the full progress - go to Joe's blog.

Mark Ryden painting 'Incarnation' on time lapse

2010-04-22T15:36:00.001-07:00

In preparation for 'Art of the New World' at the Bristol Museum - this is one of the featured artists, and a fantastic look at Mark Ryden painting a recent piece for the Gay 90's exhibition in New York, (April 29th 2010).

Cheo at the Deaner

2010-04-15T07:47:00.001-07:00

IT Crowd

2010-04-02T03:18:00.000-07:00

The wonderful IT Crowd has started filming again and from what I understand my Lucky Luchies are still in the realm of Moss and Roy (up on a shelf). V cited, especially as Graham Linehan has some more special guests in the show (Kevin Eldon and Limmy).

This pic is from a recently twittered on-set image by ITCrowdsupport

New Organisational Purchase :)

2010-03-26T04:59:00.000-07:00

Kate MccGwire

2010-03-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

I've seen Kate MccGwire's work mentioned in a couple of blogs recently - and could not fail to be knocked out by it. It's made a 2nd time appearance in the Juxtapoz blog, and I just felt the need to share the love.

Just breathless.

I could drone on like a love-sick teenager - but I think it just speaks for itself.

Natural Warmth, Knitting and a Belgian Gas Commerical

2010-03-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

Life on the Croft - The tale of Ron, Squidgy and the mean dog warden

2010-03-20T17:37:00.001-07:00

I see these guys alot on the Croft.

Exit poster

2010-02-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

Large Banksy film posters are all over the tube in London. Someone's
putting alot of money behind this film.

I've gone to heaven

2010-02-24T13:19:00.001-08:00

The Specials win an award at the NME awards.

Matt W Moore

2010-02-21T03:01:00.001-08:00

Colourful discovery - Matt W Moore.

I just love this page on his website MWMGraphics - which covers you in waves of colour.

MWM : CRYSTALS & LASERS
Since.Upian Gallery - ROJO Artspace Network
211 Rue Saint Maur - Paris, France

From his site:
"An ambitious creative spirit, MWM (Matt W. Moore) has traveled to Paris for one month to prepare, from scratch, for his first Paris Solo-Exhibition. He arrived with no art, no supplies, and no firm plan for this new series of canvas paintings. The ideas for the artworks have actualized while processing time spent absorbing French Culture, exploring the City Of Lights, the vibrant colors, the exaggerated geometry, and the diverse architecture and fashion of Paris.

These paintings were created entirely with spray paint, one of Matt's favorite mediums. But the designs are very clean, and appear almost digital in their precise details and craft. An honest, analog attempt to achieve the same depth and abstract geometry of his digital "Vectorfunk" style. The goal with each work is to have the viewers eye fall into the piece and get lost in the optical illusions, trying to figure out what is up, down, left, and right."

Geeking out with Futura 2000

2010-02-20T03:42:00.000-08:00

ALIEN ASSAULT RIFLES COURTESY OF LENNY MCGURR & LEGO. from tabatha mcgurr on Vimeo.

This reminds me that I really need to make that felt At-At.

Made

2010-02-16T15:22:00.000-08:00

A little christmas present I made for someone special - a Helvetica 'S'

The Journey Home

2010-02-11T13:21:00.001-08:00

I love this journey home for so many reasons.

For Lee in the clouds x

Good Creative Business Advice

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

I read this and thought that this was great advice, even though it is clearly about ceramics, it can definitely be applied to a lot of my fellow creatives.

It's from Whitney Smith's blog, who creates the most beautiful ceramics which you can buy on Etsy. She tells it like it is, which is great, because sometimes you need to know you're not always going to get nice customers and your work won't always come out perfectly.

"received an email the other day:
It has always been my dream to start my own pottery business. Hoping to do that in the next couple years. Any advice?

My first thought was to just send this person to my blog, but then I thought it might be hard-- even with my half-assed tags-- to ferret out the advice amongst the bitching, crying, and general angst that my posts are usually engaged in. A rational person would walk away from my blog realizing that they do not want to start a pottery business, but ceramic artists are not rational people, at least not when it comes to clay. Look, we take mud and turn it into a freaking cup, so many of us have this idea that we can do anything we put our minds to. Ceramic artists have wills made of steel.

So I thought about it-- what would I advise someone who wants to start a business in making clay objects and then sell them? I made a list.

#1- Get a mentor. Find a successful clay artist and ask them to be your guide, teacher, and mentor. If possible, work for them. When I was first learning how to make pottery, I landed a job with ceramic artist Sandi Dihl. She is a successful artist who has been supporting herself with her work for decades. I leapfrogged ahead in my career by many years because I learned from her firsthand what it took to run a business. What to do, and sometimes just as importantly, what not to do.

#2- Don't sell mediocre work just because you can. A quick peek through etsy will show you that there are many people making unexceptional pottery, and selling it. Don't add to that pile, it is not the path to distinguishing yourself. Brutally assess your work. Find other people whose opinions you trust to brutally assess your work. Make something special that shows who you are and hone that talent before putting yourself in the marketplace.

#3- Realize that when you make pottery for a living, you are sacrificing a part of yourself for money. Every artist struggles with this, and every person who wishes to survive in our society must do this, so don't fool yourself that because you are an artist you can skip by. If you are running a ceramics business, then ceramics is your job. Maybe your dream job, but still a job. I've spent years cycling in and out of burnout and psychological stress from running my art as a business. Recognize that you will need outlets to help balance your life, and put them into place.

#4- Create a support network for yourself of other artists and creative types so that you can struggle and learn together, give each other advice, cry on each others shoulder, and critique and advise one another. Your mother, best friend, and significant other can't do it all for you.

#5- Don't eff up the business end of things, and don't spend one second telling yourself that you are an artist, not a businessperson. If you want to be successful, you must be both. Get interested in running the numbers. Learn quickbooks. Read small business blogs that specialize in the arts. When you are done reading this paragraph, read it again and replace the word "business" with "marketing". Then get interested in promoting yourself. Learn how to use social media and avail yourself of all the online tools that are out there.

If you've been keeping up this week then you may notice a theme developing. I promise to take each point from above and write more extensively about it in the coming weeks, and as usual, some feedback from my readers to keep me on track is always helpful!

Crazybusy at the Droplet do at 50/50

2010-02-07T03:08:00.000-08:00

Crazybusy in Bristol this weekend, Sickboy, Droplet launch and Cheo. Managed all too (a long evening that ended with the odd Alco-milkshake (don't ask).

Anyways, here's the 50/50 Gallery and the Droplet Launch pix.

Sickboy - Logopop @ Friend & Co

2010-02-06T05:32:00.001-08:00

The temple has come home!

This is the first exhibition Sickboy has held since treading the path on the yellow brick road to the big metropolis of London. This also followed his recent December Pop Up exhibition in London which was on for 3 hours.

Maybe the clue is in the title 'Logopop', the gallery seemed to be split in two, with the first half conveying Sickboy's more serious artwork (see last picture) and the other half displaying his more familiar (and apparently popular) temples and street-art screen prints, which were produced in edition's of 3 and were all slightly different.

Giving the audience what they want.

Glos-tonbury - Golden Lion (last summer)

2010-01-31T10:01:00.000-08:00

Looking through last years photos I found some which I'd forgotton to blog about at the time (it's the Bristol disease ;), of a very happy day last year - and gives me a longing for all things sunny and summery.

Mr Jago and 2keen
2keen
Lokey & FLX

Mr Jago

Futura - Spray Can Wizard

2010-01-16T03:02:00.000-08:00

I could watch Futura work forever.

This video was highlighted by Juxtapoz

Art Of Facts (Feat. FUTURA) from 13thWitness™ on Vimeo.

Central snow

2010-01-13T10:21:00.001-08:00

Stokes Croft China & NY Delftware

2010-01-12T14:52:00.000-08:00

Ceramics are getting a bit of a face lift with the lovely and wonderful PRSC project Stokes Croft China, and a more graff style from New York Delft by lovegrove&repucci.

Just before Christmas I had a guided tour of the work at Stokes Croft China by Mr PRSC, who used to work in the pottery industry. It was great to see the progression where 6 months ago you could only choose from simple mugs and customise them with deadstock decals, and now their is a selection of pottery which even includes toilet bowls. Some of the highlights were collaboration with some chosen artists who've taken the decals and added their own twist (see below). I especially love the 'Cardinal moustache' pieces.

Maison Martin Margiela

2010-01-06T00:52:00.000-08:00

Behind the Wizard of Oz' curtain.

In just the same way most of us don't want to know who Banksy really is, I really don't want to know too much about Martin Margiela. Yoox have shown this peak into Margiela atelier in Paris. And thank goodness it is just a tease. Where the seamstress's seem more adept at using plyers than sewing machines.

Margiela doesn't appear to buy into the exploitation of promoting his company or work, which is so commonly used today (or 'selling out' as we used to say). His clothes don't show a label with a brand or name on it, just blank or a series of numbers. And so the appearance of this video seems to confirm the rumour that he has left his company.

More info about Margiela
and the new Maison Margiela - website (which is adorably in a fake 'Dos' look)

Maison Martin Margiela : Atelier Artisanal from Materialiste Paris on Vimeo.

New year

2010-01-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

Please

2010-01-03T10:29:00.001-08:00

Winter walk

2009-12-30T17:10:00.001-08:00

Checking out the wildlife at Ashton Court.

and stumbling across a vintage Mudwig/Paris piece.

Decks - and not the Christmas kind

2009-12-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

Supreme collaborations

Damien Hirst

Kermit

Dallas Clayton - Awesome book

2009-12-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

Awesome Book Tour from Dallas Clayton on Vimeo.

Sick of New Year's resolutions already - well I know am. I think I just need some inspiration to make things better. And Dallas Clayton with his 'Awesome' book is a good place to start.

Petro @ Friend and Co

2009-12-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty behind on posting photos, and seeing as this film is going around, I'll do the same. Done by 45rpm (I think) - nice work.

And not forgetting Dec 11th being a busy old preview night - Weapon of Choice, Beezers book at the (Banksy) Bristol Museum and Friend and Co's Christmas show.

Noel the Impaler

2009-11-23T14:31:00.001-08:00

Having made a 90 second video recently, and discovered the joys and pitfalls of 'Final Cut Pro' as well as trying to be Tarantino, I have an appreciation of short film making. Here's a latest good find, loving the 70's b-movie styling. Jealous jealous jealous.

Kasabian - Vlad the Impaler from Kasabian on Vimeo.

Follow the sign

2009-11-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

Something I noticed on the way home yesterday (on the way to Ashton).

I heart Julian Casablancas

2009-11-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

Due to the wonderful Mark Radcliffe I got to hear Julian Casablancas new album 'Phrazes for the Young' and look what I found on the cover! 'Out on the blue' is a cracking song too.

Krink vs Mini Cooper

2009-11-08T01:35:00.000-08:00

Beautifully shot. Beautiful end piece.

Fan Death - Video

2009-10-31T03:42:00.000-07:00

I can't fault this. Great styling. Humour.

Love the David Byrne, Billy Corgan (right at the end) too many to mention.

Dead Weather - Bristol Academy

2009-10-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Worshipping at the ground of Jack White.

Tech's wearing suits, hats and royal blue ties. Lighting in shades of deep blue and purple. Alison Mosshart smoking on stage. A well designed evening of pure blues rock.

Laptop decal

2009-10-24T03:22:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for a cover options for my laptop (as it's getting trashed), and found this from Vinylville on Etsy.

Cut & Paste Championships - NYC

2009-10-19T02:30:00.001-07:00

I don't know why but this reminds me of skateboarding and disco-dancing competitions in the 70's (something that originated as a 'street' activity, being pushed to the max), but with the added twist of the audience being able to give feedback via Twitter, and designers as X-Factor contestants.

Cut and Paste Championships as featured on Cool Hunting in NYC

Also visit cutandpaste.com

GetDringMobile - Paintworks

2009-10-17T03:20:00.001-07:00

A great evening organised for the GetDringMobile money raising event, which managed to raise an astonishing £25,000 that night. Some fantastic work, good music and really nice feel to the whole evening. I think it's what some of the other 'graffiti' events should of aimed for. It was also great to see such a high calibre of contributing artists to the event (Nick Walker and Pam Glew getting nice cash amounts in for their work).

Bristol Graffiti blog and Bristol Urban Art have much better photos of the event, so definitely check their links out. I was filming it for a project, so hence my limited and unobserved photos, but here they are anyway.

Inkie's piece (half way through), Mr Jago on the side, Vermin in the distance.

Paris' pop up shop - another stop on his world tour.Milk and Dora's piece
Lokey working (Jody and Mr Jago, in the background)
Nick Walker and Eelus (and an investor)
Hmmmm gold. Wonderful piece from Xnz, which went for a pretty penny.

Hillgrove Street - Update

2009-10-16T06:35:00.001-07:00

Paris' piece on Hillgrove Street was sprayed over this afternoon, and while someone connected with the shop told him off as he didn't have permission to spray there, within 10 mins rescued him from an altercation with the police. A nice bit of Stokes Croft community spirit.

Friend and Co - New Show EINE, MR JAGO, MÜDWIG, WILL BARRAS & XENZ

2009-10-11T12:58:00.001-07:00

On Friday the 23rd of October Friend & Co are opening the doors (24 Park Row, Bristol) to their new gallery. The first show is a group show from: EINE, MR JAGO, MÜDWIG, WILL BARRAS & XENZ. There will be new original work and prints from all the artists. Looking forward to seeing the new premises and new works from some of my favourite artists.

Will Barras - Live Painting

2009-10-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

Will Barras at the Oakley store in Bristol's Cabot Circus.

The 'Will Barras' limited edition glasses from Oakley, part of an 'artists' collection.

Muck

2009-10-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Been super busy at the mo, and also realised there's a distinct lack of pooch pictures on the blog - so here's a recent one of an over confident Daisy meeting a pond.

Gareth Pugh + Daphne Guiness + Ruth Bogden

2009-10-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Heart - Love - Daphne and Gareth

Embrace your inner emo/goth

Great Birds of the British Isles - Emporium, Bristol

2009-09-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

Just walked past the Emporium on the Croft, and it's looking very exciting.

An all female show - Great Birds of the British Isles is on for two weeks.

I'm hoping to get to the preview tonight (and post pix later).

Gett off my land!!

2009-09-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Little riot on the cuddly Bedminster community

On the home ground

2009-09-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

So wish I was there!

And no it's not a stunt for 'skins'.

Loving a little bit of skateboard anarchy!

Tripledrop - Preview

2009-09-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

New works from Dicy, Acer and Ziml.

Tripledrop @ Centrespace

2009-09-11T09:10:00.001-07:00

Another great show - starting tonight at Centrespace

Mythical Beast Sweet Shoppe

2009-09-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Loving the progress on the Mythical Beast Sweet Shoppe exhib which is being monitored on this blog. It's on in my spiritual home of Weston-Super-Mare from 12 September until 11 October (open at weekends), as part of the Weston Arts Festival, as curated by Camilla.

I'm looking forward to seeing Chip-Fork's flouro prints - in the flesh (as featured in the picture below). And hoping my piece will be finished in time, due to my recent malaise.

Matilda Tristram

2009-08-31T02:20:00.000-07:00

Omo - Oversized from LOAF on Vimeo.

Refreshing on so many levels. Love the meatball at the end.

More on www.mmaattiillddaa.com

Stokes Croft - PRSC

2009-08-25T01:20:00.001-07:00

I watch the PRSC with a quiet admiration - trying to reclaim the area of Stokes Croft and keep it from being forgotten and unloved, the PRSC have set up 'graffiti areas', keep the council on their toes, care for the local wandering residents, and give local artists a lot of encouragement and love.

Posted originally here.

Tim Lane - The innocents? - Knifesmith Gallery

2009-08-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

A pleasant surprise awaited me at the top of Christmas Steps on Saturday - a reasonably new gallery called Knifesmith Gallery, and their current feature Tim Lane, whose work appeals to my dark heart. These flat screen grabs don't do the work justice, especially the drawing.

According to a conversation I had recently, this style of work is called 'New Brow' (the bastard son of 'Low Brow' I suppose).

The exhibition is on until August 28th, and I look forward to seeing more from this Bristol-based artist.

There's a good review of his exhibition on 'boys who draw blog'.

Friend and Co - New group show

2009-08-20T08:51:00.001-07:00

I hear the smallest gallery in the world is moving to bigger premises very soon, and this is going to be their first show - stellar line-up - looking forward to it.

Paris on the Hillgrove

2009-08-18T05:09:00.001-07:00

This empty shop on Hillgrove Street has inadvertently caused a couple of problems to the PRSC in the Croft, as it has been 'officially' sprayed and then the Council will come and black it out the next day. This has happened a couple of times, with interesting comments sprayed back onto the shop, including the email address of a councillor for whom to complain to.

So this is the latest update...

Coeur de Pirate

2009-08-17T02:29:00.000-07:00

The styling on this is too lovely...

(a little bit Mad Men, a lot francoise hardy, a touch new Dior balloon advert - Tim Walker I think)

Deaner

2009-08-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

The annual Dean Lane Skate fun day.

And a beautiful gold, pink and scarlet new number on the main wall at the skate park. I've always hoped someone would incorporate gold in a great way - so finally my wish has come true.

(Incidentally for Skins fans, this is the park that Freddie uses)

Jody - Weapon of Choice

2009-08-14T13:23:00.001-07:00

Bristol native Jody began painting at the now infamous Barton Hill Youth Club under the wing of the legendary John Nation in the late 1980’s. After a long break from the graffiti scene he has resurfaced following the success of Felix Braun’s Children of the Can book launched last year.

Returning to the Bristol scene refreshed and reinvented, Jody’s first solo show draws inspiration from the barrage of slick and cynical imagery portrayed through fashion and advertising. No picture can be truly trusted - we are subjected daily to hyper retouched, overly sexualised and false imagery, making us feel aspirational, but at the same time, insecure about own selves. Jody digs just below the polished surface of magazine spreads, movie posters and advertising to uncover a sinister world of false idols and hopes.

Blank and hollow eyes stare back where once perfectly made up faces once did – imagery that was meant to be flawless is subverted, changing the intended meaning into something darker, disturbing and more powerful.

The show opens at the Weapon of Choice Gallery on the 14th August and runs until 13th Sept 2009.

(text ripped from WOC site)
(and how much do I love love this flyer)

Grayson Perry

2009-08-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

Liberty are currently holding the exhibition 'Prints Charming' on the 4th floor - as you can see from the below picture they covered this wall in their classic 'Betsy' print, (which also appears on their staircases too). They commissioned six artists - Grayson Perry, Paul Morrison, Mike McInnerney, Michael Angove, Anj Smith and Simon Hart to design some Liberty inspired patterned fabric - which they're selling in their wonderful fabric and haberdashery department.

Grayson Perry (as 'Claire') opened the exhibition by drawing some sketches in the window (which included one saying 'help me - if you buy my fabric they'll let me out'). While a few fans, bemused passers by and his wife, and daughter watched on.

I had heard he wasn't very well the day before, so I was extremely pleased he appeared. After the window display, he made his way up to the exhibition, checked out his fabric and posed for some official photo-taking (see pix below).

Chanel Paper Flowers

2009-08-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

Just lovely

Come to dinner - David Lynch

2009-07-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

David Lynch loves quinoa, he likes to eat it as often as possible.
(I like quinoa too, but not as much as David).

And one of my favourite comments...
"i just bought some quinoa today and was hoping david lynch might have an instructional video on youtube on this very subject."

This is No 2 in my occasional series of 'Random Love'.

Jack White, Jimmy Page, and that bloke from U2

2009-07-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

Soooo excited about this.
Just watched my music geek go nuts. Documentary 'It might get loud'.
(which includes Jack White making a guitar using a block of wood and a coke bottle)

70's Graphics and Ice Skating

2009-07-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

With an old friends visit came a trip to the ice rink, and a trip down memory lane. I loved the ice rink in my early youth, and I was amazed to see it hadn't changed a bit. Even down to the 'Kiosk' sign above, and the selling of 'Disco' and 'Skips' crisps.

Also found behind the main staircase was this piece of graff, which I found quite charming.

Random Love - Klaus Kinski

2009-07-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

The first in an occasional series of random finds.

I have big love for Klaus Kinski - I just wish I could give big air and ride a half pipe - oh well. It would sit very nicely next to my Futura deck though.

And it's only €65 from Alllikestore.com

Will Barras - Green Day tour

2009-07-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

A big shout out for Will Barras, who will be one of the artist featured on Green Day's roving art gallery tour. I've reposted this from Eelus' blog as it's a pretty interesting music/art crossover (press-release info below).

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GREEN DAY’S UPCOMING U.S. TOUR TO FEATURE A ROVING GALLERY SHOW OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS AT EACH VENUE

ARTISTS SUCH AS RON ENGLISH, THE LONDON POLICE, AND C215 CREATED WORK INSPIRED BY EACH TRACK ON BAND’S LATEST ALBUM 21ST CENTURY BREAKDOWN

DATELINE - Burbank, CA - Green Day have a special treat in store for fans attending their U.S. tour this summer. A roving art gallery will be set up at each venue to display work by a collection of eclectic artists from around the world, each of whom has been asked to create an original piece inspired by a track on Green Day’s new album 21st Century Breakdown.

The show is curated by New York-based stencil artist and die-hard punk-rock fan Logan Hicks, whose portraits of band members Billie Joe Armstrong, Tre Cool, and Mike Dirnt will also be on display. A passionate art and music lover, Hicks has assembled an impressive group of noted artists - including world-renowned New York-based painter Ron English, Amsterdam-based street artists The London Police, French stencil artist C215, and British illustrator Will Barras - to show the connection between music and art.

“I chose artists whom I felt had a similar visual approach to art as Green Day does to its music,” Hicks says. “Although most of the artists represented are well-established in their careers, they embrace the same emotional rawness with their art, which speaks from the heart and swings with the fist. Their subject matter is struggle and injustice-they shoot from the hip and their art is their weapon.”

“We are really excited to be touring with this incredible show,” says Armstrong. “Seeing the pieces that our new album has inspired is very exciting. Many of the artists Logan has chosen show their work on the street, and we feel a strong connection to that type of creative expression. We think the fans coming out to see us on the road will love it.”

Graffiti Gravestones - Sickboy

2009-07-06T15:44:00.001-07:00

This sorta rocks my world, not sure why.
From Sickboy's blog.

Here's more of an explanation about his work from Bristol Graffiti blog.

Synesthesia by Terri Timely

2009-07-01T08:52:00.001-07:00

I'm loving the network of recommendations by Twitterfolk - here's one by graff artist Fake. Strange but awesome.

Synesthesia from Terri Timely on Vimeo.

Glos-tonbury - Golden Lion (last summer)

2009-06-30T03:14:00.000-07:00

The Dead Weather - Forum

2009-06-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

Jack White's new band - dirty sounding, blues rock - in love.

Peaches - Shop Girl for the day

2009-06-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

I'm going to London this week and not on Saturday - grrr grrr.

How I'd love to see this.

Stanley Donwood - Weapon of Choice

2009-06-22T07:20:00.001-07:00

Kudos to the Weapon of Choice gallery for getting a bit of an interesting name artist. Stanley Donwood is Radiohead's resident artist. From July 10 - August 9 - St Michaels Hill, Bristol.

I'm a particular fan of the Thom Yorke 'The Eraser' cover, which is a linocut and a stock image.

Graffiti Stencil - Making and Doing

2009-06-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

A couple of videos have popped up on the t'internet in the last couple of days about how graff artists work, or the process they use. The Boxi one is quite wonderful, and the divine Obey boy Sheperd Fairey is just.....

Boxi - To Die For (the story behind it is here)

Shepard Fairey from Arkitip on Vimeo.

Weapon of Choice - Exhibition

2009-06-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Really loving this guys work - Julian Kimmings (much better in the flesh).

And there's some interesting pieces up in the new exhibition at Weapon of Choice - St Michaels Hill, Bristol. Really liked Dirty30 and Nikill's work.

Banksy Bro-Ha-Ha

2009-06-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

Preview (Friday)
Ian Brown
Sean Pertwee - actor
Mr Glastonbury - Michael Eavis, giving an autograph (?)
Peter Blake - who has a permanent piece of work in the museum.
Queues - an hour before opening (Saturday)
Press coverage
And we got to shake the hand of the Mayor of Bristol going in. Strange morning indeed.

Well as rumoured earlier and reported, said Banksy exhibition arrived on Saturday.

"Banksy vs Bristol Museum" is an amazing feat of putting an exhibition up in a couple of days, which few people appeared to know about - with so much of his work to see (new and old). And so many people are going to see it, especially as it's on for 3 months - and it's free! (apparently subsidised by the man himself).

The whole event was an interesting study in 'media', 'celebrity' and playing the game. And I fear this is an end to some of Banksy's old-school credibility by being so populist. It's definitely the end of something, something I can't put my finger on. But for me, I had a lot of fun piecing together snippets of info, using Twitter to it's full capacity (thanks Twitter buddy), and running around in my lunchtime looking for clues, especially ending up in a museum (a la Scooby Doo).

The preview was PR'd to the max - promoted by the Evening Post as 'celeb filled'. Carol Vorderman, Sean Pertwee, Justin Lee Collins, Michael Eavis, Meg Matthews, that bloke off of River Cottage. The more credible guests were Ian Brown, Peter Blake, Damien Hirst and Massive Attack, and some of the original Bristol Graffitti names - most of the guests lived locally - so a strange mix.

I love the fact it's in Bristol Museum, as I grew up a couple of streets away from it, and if you grew up in Bristol you were definitely dragged around it as a child, (although I was never a great fan of the stuffed animals, and the museum smell - especially the ugly huge fish which was next to Alfred the Gorilla and the Dodo).
And a nice touch that Banksy incorporated was the Gyspy caravan (with the eviction notice, and the Guantanamo pilot in the plane in the main hall), which are all original museum artifacts from my childhood memory.

There will be kids being dragged to this museum on a field trip, like I was (and presumeably Banksy too), but this time they will love the humour, be inspired or at least have fun, and take away some happy memories - and that in itself is quite a powerful thing.

My new favourite blog - Goths in hot weather

2009-06-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Goths in hot weather blog - sometimes you can love the blogosphere.

Thanks Everett True

Banksy - Summer Exhibition Location ?

2009-06-11T06:03:00.001-07:00

This is looking like a strong contender for the Banksy Exhibition

Bristol Museum (top of Park Street) - Rumour has it that the preview is Friday 12th and it starts Saturday 13th June
(thanks to Bristolurbanart for the tip).

*update* from a sneaky pic I've just seen, it's looking like it's a retrospective.

Spotted Cow Show - Tonight

2009-06-11T03:18:00.000-07:00

And still the graff goes on.

Hopefully get to post my UPfest pix in the next couple of days.

Still waiting on an update for the Banksy exhib - my theory is it's in Weston! Spray them donkeys up!

Why didn't I think of that - grrr

2009-06-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

From the ever cool, CoolHuntingblog.

And incidentally, Bristol seems to have turned into Graffworld, with Stokes Croft being at the epicenter (artwork changing daily mainly thanks to the PRSC). This weekend we'll see Upfest turning heads at the Tobacco Factory, Dave Whittle opening night tonight, at Friend & Co, Weapon of Choice 2nd exhibition starting next weekend, the Spotted Cow (pub) evening of graff in the garden on 11 June, and a rumoured Banksy exhibition called 'Homecoming' heading this way.

(And not forgetting the Bearpit this Saturday).

Graham Coxon - Thekla

2009-05-15T14:36:00.002-07:00

I saw Graham Coxon at the Electric Picnic a couple of years ago, playing one of the smaller tents, and he rocked the tent that day. He's such a shy, quiet and geeky guy, and very endearing, it takes you by surprise when he plays his punk-pop tribute guitar riffs like 'freakin out' or 'standing on my own again'.

There are some great tracks on his albums 'Happiness in Magazines' (an album title named after my life I reckon) and 'Love Travels at Illegal Speeds', so his new album 'Spinning Top', was another surprise - a full acoustic album, and a tour to promote it where he only played the album. Unfortunately we weren't told this, so I think I wasn't the only person who wasn't a little disappointed not to hear anything from his earlier albums. But as usual Graham won us over, with his guitar playing, rambling quiet banter and smiles. And after having a little chat with one of his crew, the promise of another solo tour in November where he's going to mix it up!

Do some work or take me for a walk!

2009-04-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

My conscience has two eyes and a furry face!

This is the look I get every morning.

Today I'm excited

2009-04-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

I sort of lost my mojo there for a bit...and I'm going to do my darndest to get it back!

and today (for the first time in quite a while) I got interested and inspired again, so I'd like to say thanks to Miss Susie Bubble (who I don't have time to read her blog properly, but when I do, I always get something out of it), Miss Milla (another inspiration in the blog world), lovely SP, the double D's and the mother of great talent and skill.

Currently listening and getting my groove onto...

Aeon - Antony & the Johnsons (and seeing at the Colston Hall)

Yeah Yeah Yeah's - It's Blitz

Peaches - Talk to me
Gorgeous, dark eerie, leggy ghosts in a horror movie house, and I love Peaches new style direction - delish!

Bjork - Wanderlust
I love the fact that Bjork takes an idea and runs with it. And this video is the perfect example. Filmed originally in 3D, animation.

The first time I heard this song I was standing in the cold, and damp at Glastonbury festival, and everytime I hear it I can feel the wind on my face, and the bass pushing through me.

and recently went to the RWA (Bristol) for one of their most successful exhibitions (according to the numbers through the doors) 'Crimes of Passion' featuring Mr Jago, Nick Walker, Sickboy, Inkie, Cheo. A great collection of work, in an amazing old building, which is generally used for stuffy old school art works. The artists were allowed to spray directly onto the walls. And the inflatable on the top of the building was a genius touch. Curated by 'FLX' (who I went to primary school with;)

Mr Jago - Keep from going under

2009-02-25T02:40:00.000-08:00

For our monthly visit to the art centre of Bristol (Stokes Croft/Gloucester Road). We took in the Mr Jago exhibition where he painted his piece directly onto the wall. It’s great to see his work move in a slightly different field as the one thing I feel about the Graff/Stencil world is it’s a little stuck in it’s own rut. When we arrived, I did hear someone say “can you tell what it is yet,” in their best Rolf Harris voice.

Hokusai inspiration in the Croft

2009-02-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

Will post further developments as they happen.

V

2009-02-13T07:48:00.001-08:00

It's still nice to be surprised after all this time...

And here are two recent pix from my trip to London, taken outside my beloved Liberty, where there is a florist.

Snogs, Labbits and potted handbags

2009-02-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

Here's some photos of a recent trip to London.

Of notable toy/design interest was the pop-up shop of Kidrobot in Selfridges with the wonderfully inflatable Kozik Smorkin' Labbit (want one) and their window displays with lots of mini labbits (want them too).

I also bumped into a heavily Japanese design-influenced frozen yogurt eaterie called Snog - in South Kensington - where I sampled the green tea frozen yogurt (super yumm) and had to negotiate round a giant Kubrick Bear and several American students. I particularly liked their seating stools which were made of plastic but looked like heavy lace.

Last creative mention goes to the amazing vintage dress store in Kingly Court 'Fur Coat, No Knickers', where I was knocked out by the quality of these dresses which would not look out of place on Audrey Hepburn or Miss Dita (but unfortunately had nasty price tags), they are utterly stunning and it's was lovely to see such appreciated dresses in a suitably lovely setting (including their handbag window boxes which were potted up with roses).

Fur Coat, No knickers - Kingly Court

What we're watching - Feb 09

2009-02-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

How we love the bargainous FOP

I heart snow

2009-02-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

We heart the snow!