Pictures

My walls are plastered with pictures. I don’t decorate because they are in the way. Some are my pieces but there are other artists work too. They include prints, photos, paintings and scraper board art. Then there are ornaments on the mantlepiece. I have what can only be called eclectic tastes. This was going to be a photo of one of my cats, but he moved!

Retrospective

I’m holding a retrospective of my art at Spode studios next week. It’s because I am leaving the studios after 7 years this April. I have enjoyed my time there but circumstances mean that I cannot continue there.

The retrospective will run from Monday 4th March 2024 to Friday 8th March. There will be a closing viewing of the exhibition on Friday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Most of the works will be for sale. Please join me if you can at Spode Studios, Spode Site, Elanora street, Stoke upon Trent.

Art for sale

Some of my prints and necklaces for sale at Etruria Industrial Museum today inside the cafe. I really like the way they have been displayed. One thing about being an artist is the gamble that people will like your work enough to enjoy it and even buy it. The trouble is that I paint things that ‘speak’ to me. If I try and paint something I think people will like I don’t get the feeling out of it and it doesn’t seem to work. Do all artists feel that way. In the same way I don’t like doing the same or similar thing over and over. I get bored. Probably too easily. I just have to create…..

My stall

Lots of small and tiny paintings, jewellery and prints were also for sale today at the exhibition. The ginger cat at the front centre found a new home. I was only charging a small amount so it was good to sell a few. I even discounted them more. Sometimes you need space to create new things.

Dragon illustrations

Image from a book of beasts and monsters

For my final college report I’m looking at the history of the depictions of dragons (OK very niche). I’m trying to understand how they were illustrated and how they change across the world. I’ve found out Korean dragons have five toes, Chinese four or five and Japanese three toes. They have different shapes. They go from serpentine to with two or four legs. No wings or wings. Some are fire-breathing. They may be mythical but they seem to evolve.

Today

Here are some photos of my exhibition at Etruria. The show looks pretty good. I’ve sold a few pieces and talked to lots of people. I had a chat with someone from tourist information who was very helpful. I’m hoping that  I can do more work and that people will enjoy what I do. I’m sure I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m always willing to take on commissions so the choice of subject matter can be yours.

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