Banksy: Cardinal Sin

[captured quickly on my phone]

Just as I was leaving the Walker Art Gallery the other day, after seeing "Can you tell what it is yet?", I remembered Banksy's Cardinal Sin was on show...

I have been a fan of Banksy's work for a long time, having included him in my A level art work, and been one of the crazy people who queued for hours to see his 2009 show in Birmingham!

[source]

 I'm always excited to see Banksy's work, and for it to be in one of my local galleries is just brilliant!

It appears to be on an "indefinite loan", so if you're passing by, I do recommend a look! It's hiding up in Room 3, which is up the stairs and at the back.

Can You Tell What It Is Yet?

On a rainy Friday morning I ventured into Liverpool to check out the current exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery, Rolf Harris' "Can you tell what it is yet?"

I went with a very open mind, excited just to be there for the experience, but hoping to take away something more.

[The Lion King - Uneasy Truce]

If it's possible to be both excited snd disappointed by the same exhibition, I was. Spread across three (very busy) rooms, the exhibition takes us from his childhood, through his music career and his art career.

[Oil painted grand piano.]

So, why the disappointment? At times, it felt like a tribute. It felt like the type of exhibition one would go to after the artist had died. I felt uncomfortable prying into his childhood photos and pieces of his clothing from when he paints; and I hoped for more talk about technique and the influences upon his artistic life.

 

But, the art was great. When I think of an inspirational artist, Rolf Harris wouldn't have popped into my mind... Until now. I have struggled with portraiture for many years, and seeing his portraiture work develop was exciting. I came home and just wanted to pull out my paints and sketchbook and just start painting my own self portrait [sadly that will have to wait until I am well enough!]

[Rolf's recreation of Gustav Klimt's, The Kiss.]

 

Included in the exhibition was his first portarit using a palette knife, of his Dad, when Rolf was still in his teens. I should pick up a palette knife...

 

His portraits use such amazing use of colour, building up the layers. I always love it when portraits don't just use "flesh tones", but really bring it to life. Rolf always tries to make the same colour work in different areas of a painting, and that really helps to pull a picture together, I think.

[Self Portrait.]

 

I think what inspired me most about Rolf's work though, is the layers of paint. You could tell that many of his paintings started with a bold painted background, and I think that it is such a wonderful base. It adds texture under the brushstrokes, and it adds a lovely fullness and depth of colour.

 

[Sun on the Water Tresco.]

 

Oh, I need to paint...

Liverpool Doors - Roger McGough

It's been too long since I've made it out to any art exhibitions. Today we finished my Birthday celebrations off (and celebrated our double anniversary) with a trip to Liverpool Doors in the Museum of Liverpool. The museum only opened late last year, and this was my first chance to get inside! The interior is lovely and just feels welcoming, fresh and modern - we both can't wait to go back and have a proper look around.

"The doors in the exhibition were donated to Roger and book artist Mark Cockram following a public appeal. They were then transformed by students from Liverpool John Moores University's School of Art and Design, who used the doors as canvasses for extracts from Roger's poems. Supported by Roger and Mark throughout the artistic process, the students have used creative designs for the words themselves as well as imagery and objects to illustrate the poems, such as model cars, football socks and photographs."

Text courtesy of Liverpool Museums.

I really enjoyed looking around. I have a bit of a fascination with doors anyway, after focussing on them for an A level art project, "Abstract Elements of the Urban Landscape". Seeing them interspersed with Roger McGough's humour was just wonderful.

I can't believe I've never thought to make a guitar on a door - a great alternative to a doorbell.

Were these meant to be part of it?

This one really inspired me - I never want to be that.

I'm not sure how long the exhibition is on for, but if you're in the area do pop in and have a look - the snippets of humour will bring a smile to your face. Entry to all Liverpool museums is free, and there is even pre-bookable disabled parking :)

With thanks to the Museum of Liverpool for allowing people to take photos and share the art <3

Neil Buchanan's Hope Street Launch

I was brought up in an era of good quality children's television. Shows such as ZZZap! and Art Attack spring to mind. You know, if there's one Art Attack I'll never forget, it was a tree, of course made out of papier mache, which had secret storage compartments in the trunk, in a little tree house… Hidden through out! Now, I had papier mache skills. I've been an artist all my life. But could I master this particular one?! Could I heck! It always seemed to end up looking a mess… *sigh*

Anyway, I'm past those days now (I say, trying to convince myself), and when I heard that the presenter of that very programme, Neil Buchanan, was launching his own fine art exhibition in Liverpool? Well, I just had to be there.

The launch was located in Rennie's Art Gallery, a lovely gallery with a wonderful art shop attached. There were balloons outside inviting people in, and the atmosphere in there was one of the warmest I've experienced. At the entrance was a wonderful display of cakes (ok, you didn't need to know that, but I'm sugar free at the moment, and man, were they tempting!) and everyone was so welcoming and attentive.

It was, as you may expect, bustling with people, and a real variety of people at that. Neil was being interviewed, and was answering a steady flow of questions. (Apologies for the mid-shrug moment!)

Then you stand still, and look in front of you, and… just wow. This series of paintings are loosely based on him and his sister as children. The atmosphere captured in each painting is touching, and the skill is obvious.

There are a few things about the paintings which really stood out to me.

• The striking blue backgrounds, which somehow work in every single painting.

• The two children always wear the same outfits, painted with so much texture and movement.

• The older girl always looks likes she's taking care of the younger boy.

• You never see their faces.

The last point is probably what intrigues me most, and I would love to know why. I think why these paintings are so wonderful, and call out to me so much, is that everyone can identify with them. It's childhood, lovingly captured.

I can't leave without sharing a single image, I hope noone minds.

Source/Copyright Neil Buchanan

To see the images in the exhibition, and you really must, check out Neil's website.

Latest Creation and an Exhibition!

Hello :)

First things first today, I owe you some creativity. Here's some Mini Sock Monkeys I made recently... Like Mr Sock Monkey and Master Sock Monkey made previously, but with smaller socks!

Mini Sock Monkeys by ~bicyclegasoline on deviantART

As with most things you'll see on here, I am always open for commissions, so feel free to contact me and we can discuss your requirements.

And in other exciting news, my photo of Pleasant Street Board School will be on show in the Capture Liverpool exhibition in Liverpool One from 27/05/2011 until 25/06/2011. It's a free event, so I recommend getting down there to see some great local photography! I believe the photos are also open for public vote, so if you think my photo is the best, then be sure to vote!


Pleasant Street Board School by ~bicyclegasoline on deviantART

Winter's Art Market @ St George's Hall & ME/CFS

 

Yesterday we were at the Winter's Art Market with Feel Good Fair at St George's Hall, Liverpool, organised by Open Culture. I want to share with you not only a bit about the market, but also about how I coped as an ME sufferer. I don't talk about my ME much here, but I think this is an important topic, and having shared some of my story with customers yesterday, I would like to share it here, too.

The market itself was a buzz of activity. From when we arrived just after 9, til when we left just after 5, there was a really positive atmosphere. It oozed creativity, there were over 100 stall holders alone! There was Christmas music playing all day, and the buzz of voices echoed around. I saw more people than I have all year, and had some wonderful conversations with utter strangers - about the content of my photographs, my health and my education. It was lovely to engage in this, as I have suffered from anxiety for years, and to be able to interact is something I am really pleased about.

The interest in Pet Portraits was huge, and has spurred me on to complete that section of this website. Many people were also interested in my photographs, and the shop will hopefully be launched within the week! I believe I was also interviewed for Kensington Community Radio - do send me a message if you heard it - though I have to say I have no idea what I said ;)

Anyway, me and my husband suffer from ME/CFS. This is a chronic illness, with symptoms as diverse as extreme fatigue, constant aches and pains in muscles and joints, gastric problems, headaches and sore throats, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties. Just climbing the stairs can be a marathon, so doing the Arts Market was... Well, excruciating! Due to having major sleep problems, just waking before midday is a challenge, and getting up at half 7 after less than 4 hours sleep wasn't easy. Sitting in an upright chair without head support was exhausting, and I borrowed my hsuband's walking stick to be able to stand and converse with people. I disappeared for a massage at the fair for half an hour as I have an extremely bad back which the NHS won't fund help for. I had to call in my father-in-law to do all the loading and unloading in the morning and evening, as neither of us can lift anything. And when we returned home before 6pm, we were only able to throw a pizza in the oven, and curl up in bed to eat it. Neither of us could stand, my husband was collapsing, and we were too fatigued to talk and in too much pain to move.

So why did we put ourselves through doing that? Because it is my dream to be an artist and photographer, and the only way to make it happen is to get into the world and show them what I'm made of. I put a grin on my face and lift my voice so they don't see the pain inside. I hide the bandages on my legs which help me stand up. I disguise my inabilitiy to hold me head up with scarves. I hide heat packs under my clothes to ease the pain. For people to see my work, the pain is worth it. It's now the afternoon after, and I have only moved to go to the bathroom. I don't know when I will make it downstairs today - we will have to move at some point to eat. This is life with ME. This is why I can't work, this is why your commission may take longer with me than someone else. But know that I will put my heart and my energy into it, and I will reach perfection no matter what it takes. It's not a pity story, it's an insight into my life.

Liverpool Academy of Arts Christmas Open

Roses by ~bicyclegasoline on deviantART

Restriction by ~bicyclegasoline on deviantART

These two are currently in the Liverpool Academy of Art's Christmas Open exhibition 2010!

You can find them at:

32 Seel Street

Liverpool

L1 4BE

From tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd November) until Thursday 9th December, 12-4pm.

Do pop in, there is a great array of different mediums and styles, from rocking horses to fused glass work, photography, acrylics, pastels - everything!

Winter's Art Market @ St George's Hall

I found out today that out of 200 applicants for 125 places, I got a stall at the Winter's Art Market at St George's Hall!! Put the date in your diary now! :)

Painting Now by Kate Fielding & Luminosity of Light by Simon A Yorke @ The Corke Art Gallery

Last night me and the husband returned to the Corke Art Gallery for the private viewing of their next exhibition as part of the Liverpool Biennial. This exhibition features Painting Now by Kate Fielding and Luminosity of Light by Simon A Yorke. Fielding's paintings are huge canvasses, truly abstract in form, with paint thickly spread on. It is not until the artist herself starts to point out a park bench here and a cat there that you can truly start to see the world through her eyes. At first glance, the paint appears haphazardly applied, then you look closer, and there is such detail expressed.

Moving out of the main rooms of the art gallery, and into the hall, the office, and the dark barely lit back room is moving into another artist's head. Yorke has been a buddhist for 18 years, and his paintings built up of over 100 layers of paint show his journey with his faith, and his explorations of life. The pictures are full of light, colour and movement, and we stopped a while to talk with his parents about the meanings behind them.

If you like abstract art, this is an exhibition of two artists with local roots which is well worth seeing - you've got til Saturday!

Oh, and I Found A Pound!

"'Outsiders' In" @ The Corke Art Gallery

 

If you're in the local area you're sure to know that the Liverpool Biennial is currently taking over the Liverpool art scene in it's normal fantastic way.

Yesterday, me and the husband called in to the Corke Art Gallery on Aigburth Road to catch the last day of the exhibition "'Outsiders' In", featuring work by many famous worldwise street artists, including the likes of Banksy.

I love discovering art galleries like this one. It's not in the most direct of places for me, but it is well worth the trek. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the owner Nic is chatty and seems so enthusiastic. Photography is welcome, which is great for people like me, and the space is clean and bright, even when packed full of great art.

I'm just going to comment on a few pieces of work which stood out to me...
This is my second exhibition of work by Banksy, and a gorilla poster from his Bristol show made an appearance!
Bestie's "Day Out at Nurenberg" caught my attention for the use of accetate over painting - it produced fantastic outlines, and is a technique I intend to implement myself.

SPQR's "See No More" is another piece which caught my attention. I love the fact that this style of art works on canvas, and I love the fact it's in an exhibition. It just screams to the world of the complaints about graffiti, whilst also making such a point about how the country is watched itself. Yet on canvas in a gallery is so far away from being caught on camera on the streets!
And I won't deny a tear caught in my eye when I saw the Superlambanana in that state - can you imagine if someone did that to George?!

Nic has put some photos up on Facebook if you wish to see more...

Piazza Art Market at the Hope Street Feast

I am pleased to announce that Creative Chaos has a stall at the Piazza Art Market this Sunday, 19th September. There will be prints of many of my photographs for sale, along with postcards, and the release of my latest project, "Pet Portraits". I would love to see you there, as there will be art to suit all tastes and styles :) You can find out more information on the Metropolitan Cathedral's website.

George Returns!

If you've been following this blog, or my art in general, you have probably been wondering "What happened to George?!" - I certainly was! Just over a week ago an email landed in front of me, with news that he has returned to the Lady Lever! I, of course, jumped right in the car with my fiance and went to see him. Apparently he had been on display, but due to being unsecured he had had a bit of an accident and was now locked away. A very kind person unlocked the door, and allowed us to spend some time with him. He has suffered some scratches, and I am hopeful to touch them up soon. George has been bought by Phil Redmond (the man behind Brookside, Grange Hill, and Go Penguins itself) and he will be on permanent display at the Lady Lever Art Gallery in the near future. And he has raised a wonderful £750 for ME Research UK!

George at the Lady Lever, and a Thank You

Well, with George being sold this week at the Go Penguins auction, it seems only right to post a few thoughts.

Firstly, I cannot thank people enough for their support throughout this project. Especially my fiance, my family and my friends, but also other people who have come forward with words of encouragement. Thank you to everyone behind the scenes - at Go Penguins, at the secret location, at Wild in Art, and everyone else involved. Thank you to the press for the amount of coverage given to this wonderful art project. And thank you to everyone involved at the Lady Lever. Not only for choosing my design in the first place, but for their constant attention to George. Everyone at the gallery have looked after him so well, and me and George really appreciate that - I know he has enjoyed his time there :)

Thank you also to everyone who has stopped to think. "Do I look like I have an invisible disability?" ME is in the media a lot just now, and I believe every little thing brings more awareness and understanding to the world on invisible disabilites. Thanks to everyone who has taken time to look at my website, and contact me as a result of this, and I hope you have come away with more knowledge on the subject.

This has been a truly wonderful project for me, and I am looking forward to hearing where George will travel to next.

I am also hoping to be involved in future art projects, such as Rhino Mania in Chester this summer.

I spent a lot of time in the Lady Lever during George's stay, and it was lovely to rediscover somewhere I would visit in school holidays as a child. Please click here for a few photos of George in situ at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, especially for those who were unable to visit. Enjoy!

George in the Lady Lever!

You may have noticed that George has become a very popular penguin!! He now features in his own postcard (Look at me) and he is also on the introductory page, as well as the general listings in the Souvenir Guide. I can't wait for the Coffee Table Book to come out! All Go Penguins merchandise is available at the Go Penguins Shop. And I'm hoping to turn a ceramic penguin into a mini George for myself :)

Visiting George!

Friday night saw the Preview Party for Go Penguins, and tomorrow George gets installed in the Lady Lever Art Gallery on the Wirral!

Do go visit him, he's on show until early January, when he shall move on to icebergs new!

You can visit the Lady Lever website for more information, including George's own page and their visitor information, with the museum open 10am-5pm daily.

Do also visit the Go Penguins website for more information on the whole project, and for details about the Winter's Trail that the Penguins form.

And see all the Penguins in their glory at the Go Penguins Gallery at Art in Liverpool where George again has his own page.

Goodbye for now, George.

Well, Thursday saw George be packaged up and taken back to the secret Penguin hideout in Liverpool, where he was able to rejoin his friends, who interestingly all looked rather different from last time they saw each other. He is now sat in a rather bizarre warehouse, waiting to be installed at the Lady Lever on the morning of Monday 23rd November. Before that I believe he has some publicity, but I know he is confident and distinguished enough to cope, having been raised well. He also will be attending a launch party the week prior to that, which I may or may not accompany him to as his date. I miss having George here, I used to regularly just go in and stroke his beak... *sigh* However, I met with people from the Lady Lever on Monday afternoon, and they are lovely and I know George shall feel at home there. He will be in the room with the busts, the old entrance, so do say hello if you pass by over Christmas :) Where his travels shall take him come January who knows, but I shall certainly keep you updated.

Pictures from Thursday:

Red carpet treatment!

Being packaged up...

Secret base. And a secret agent.

A complete overview:

Look at Me - Go Penguins by ~bicyclegasoline on deviantART

Now for a couple of weeks of bedrest lol. Altho my official Creative Chaos Art website really needs to be built too, then hopefully this shall all be transfered across as well :)

George is finished!

Seriously! I managed to remove myself from the depths of my bed for half an hour today to finish George. I feel more ill than I have in a long time, and I'm preparing for an almighty crash next week, but George is finished, and makes a statement, and that is all that matters right now. I am so happy to have actually managed this!

He will spend the next 24 hours drying, then he will be wrapped up in bubble wrap before returning to base on Thursday. Got some paperwork to do in the next few days too...

Photos? Alright ;)

Just after I'd finished the 2 coats of varnish.

Poor quality from my phone, but my Dad decided to take the door off to remove George, to avoid anymore damage to paintwork. On the door that is...

Nearly Finished!

Well, the last few days have been manic.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday were spent making sure all the text was finished, as well as the highlights on the feet, and the eyes.

On Sunday I had a few last minute touching up bits to do, and today the first coat of varnish went on. Tomorrow will hopefully see the second coat of varnish go on, and then he should be dry in time to be returned to base on Thursday. Most of the photos at this stage are very same-y, just showing the painting of the letters, but here's a few of the latest anyway!

Lettering finished, and half way through painting eyes. (Do you like how 99% of my photos are taken at night?!)

The finished eyes, altho I think they still needed neatening at this stage. I decided against the eyebrows, as the only penguins that have eyebrows are the ones that have the huge yellow eyebrows, and I thought he'd look stern with black ones :) I'm aware the eyes don't quite look forward enough when you stand in front of him, but I thought they'd look odd from the side if they went any further forward, verging on cross-eyed, so this made sense!

The back at this stage.

After first coat of varnish today:

I've also hopefully going to the Lady Lever Art Gallery on Friday to meet with the people behind the scenes of this, which I'm excited about!

Long time...

Well, progress has been incredibly slow the past week or two due to pain, fatigue, blah blah blah... Then the other night I realised that I need to have all the painting done this weekend, so it's been a crazy 2 days!

DO I LOOK LIKE I HAVE AN INVI is now finished, touched up, everything. SIBLE has 2 coats, but needs touching up, and DISABILITY has one coat. Tomorrow will see the text finished. Today I also added shading to the beak and feet, and tomorrow will see George given some reddy-brown eyes at long last! I wanted him to have either blue eyes, or green-brown, but red-brown is the more common colour for penguins (apparently!), so it seems only right! I think the shading and iris details is what elevates him from a simple penguin anyone could paint to somepenguin with more class :)

In the aforementioned state, now raised on a table for ease of painting lower down.

His stamp of authenticity, craftsmanship and ownership!

Shading on his beak. (Interestingly you can also see his eyebrow shapes in the picture, not too sure what I'm doing with them. Don't really want him to have black eyebrows, so might just leave them white... We'll see!)

Shading on his feet. The tips of his "toes" have a paler orange, with a deeper orange between the "toes". Really enjoyed this shading actually, much preferable to big blocks of colour and intricate letters!

So painting should be finished tomorrow, and the varnishing can begin! Assuming I have enough varnish, especially with the crack in one of the jars...!