Client List

 This is my shortlisted potential client list. Sorry about picture quality but my mac has decided to be a pain in the backside today.
I have emailed each one on the list asking if it is possible for me to visit them and show some of my art work. Up to now I haven't heard anything back from any so I will give it a couple more days then chase them up with a phone call.

Hattie Newman talk

Hattie Newman is an amazing paper sculptor. She is someone I have been dying to meet and finally I have. She produces buildings from paper that I envision myself achieving some day soon. With my interest in architectural illustration and paper cutting, Hattie is a great person to know. This was definitely one of the best talks I have been to. She is also such a nice genuine person with an hilarious laugh. I spoke with Hattie after the talk and asked if it was possible to keep in touch for some help and advice, which she had absolutely no hesitation in accommodating my request.

Bruno Maag lecture

This is a little late being posted because I have been trying to find my pictures of him, which I can't I'm sorry. Anyway, Bruno Maag is a very well known typographer who really knows his industry inside out and upside down. If he doesn't know something to do with type then its not worth knowing.  It was very informative to say the least and I picked up some good tips too. He actually invented the typo for Amazon and the digital reading. Very interesting. I think with him being Swiss, it makes him be so precise in all he does.

Xu Bing Exhibition

Had a great evening at the Chinese Contemporary Arts Gallery with the host Xu Bing. I must admit I wasn't too knowledgeable about his work and what he was about. Basically he replays a day in the life of through symbols and emojis. I thought it a little strange to be honest at first but he changed my mind. What he did was very clever and with the amount of spectators there shows he is doing something right. Drinks and nibbles were served all the way through which always helps, but it seemed every time I turned a corner, this waiter was stood stuffing his face with the salmon. It was making me giggle so I had to get a snap of him which he obliged.

They had set up a replica studio of Xu exactly, right down to the rubbish bin.

 A good night had by all I think and we left with a goody bag with all sorts in it. Thank you Xu Bing

Concept ship building

Started to use the manta ray from the Sea life centre as reference for making a concept style space ship for a recent project. All made out of balsa wood. The theme for this project was growing up in the 80's as a kid.

My idea behind this ship was a compilation of Star Wars, Jaws and the manta ray. Ralph McQuarrie was the original concept artist for Star Wars, but then I found my inspiration from Ian McQue who got his from Star Wars too.

Its getting there I think? It is looking like I wanted it to so thats a good thing right? All made from my own head, no instructions at all.

Hometown.

It has just occurred to me after my life time so far, how beautiful the buildings in Stockport are. I usually travel around to find beauty in buildings but on a grey, moody and wet day in Stockport, I looked at the marketplace as though I had never been before.

 I can see another personal project coming on....

I have grown quite a passion for architectural illustration recently. I must say I am really enjoying it too. 

Lego land and the Sea life centre visit

Took the kids to Lego land and Sea life centre in the Trafford centre. I know people don't like seeing family days out posts but I always find inspiration when I go places with them, especially my two youngest children. They have an interest in what I do and really enjoy helping me out when they can. No matter where I go, I am never switched off so I think visits like this are important for both the children and myself.
Plus I found the Star Wars display, come on, who doesn't like Star Wars?

 Then onto the Sea life centre. I always love this place. I could quite easily spend hours just watching. It is so relaxing and the kids love it too.
These are just a few pics to try to capture some of the fish movements for a project. Artwork will follow to show how I used these.

Not quite sure what species these two are though? They seemed to like the camera.....