Higherford Studio 12

Last weeks London trip

2012-03-05T02:57:00.001-08:00

I have got to own up that I was a bit nervous about going to London last week as I was to be on Jenny Runacre"s radio show, I was going over and over in my head what she would ask me and kept getting in a muddle. But you know she was a delight and Sandra and I had a lovely time and between us I think we put across what my work was about. Below with Jenny looking like witches of eastwick.

Before all that, Sandra met me at the Tate (as she was doing a tour) and let me in to the Kusama show as she new I would enjoy it, funny as I"ve always enjoyed her work starting from the 60"s happenings on Alice in Wonderland and also want to be her, now I don't mean live in a mentil hospital (as she now does) but just be as fabulous in the outfit and hair department.

This lady now in her 80"s is mad on dots her work always suggests a surreal quality creating a dreamlike world, from fabric phalli shoes to boats and the list goes on to pasta covered suitcases, enough to make you dotty

I wondered around the show and was told no photography, but when I walked in the Alice style living room I couldn't help myself, I had to take a quick shot of the table although the flash took away the darkness, but it was better than me taking a seat as it was sooo tempting!

Well then I couldn't stop
The Infinity mirror room, you can just see me

Fun with the spotted balls

And to finnish of my super trip I only bumped into the best (in my eyes) Picaso that he ever painted, what luck!

The end of the week was spent in East Sussex at the Desmond's house sorting my work for my first show in Londow next week.

The Body Clothed In Art

2012-02-28T02:56:00.001-08:00

I had a wonderful time at the Chelsea Arts club last week, the Body Clothed in Art fashion show and auction went down a storm! Sandra Higgins had worked her socks off for this event but as you can see her work paid off!

Peeps viewing the canvas' before the show started, mine is the one just in front of the gents hands!

St, Sam and Steve before the show, Steve bought mine!

Brian and Anji, thanks to Brian we have the Brill pictures!

Hair...Make up

and it's nearly time Aaaarh

Behind the scenes, Catherine was sooo busy

Moi in Vivienne Westwood

Getting ready with Sandra

So on with the show!
Ella looked amazing and wowed the crowd with her good looks and wit

Sir Bob having fun at the front, infact I went in for the hard sell later and told him to have a feel of the dashing velvet coat I had on, he laughed but didn't perr chace...but it was a fashion frenzy at that time so I think he just missed out!

Here I am all wrapped up, you can't see from there but I am in a frenzy myself looking for the planted pipe.

Off WE GO!

and with a puff of my bubble pipe I opened the show!

Anji working it, and below Florence looking super in the green

The fashion show ended in style with Sandra in the top hat.

It was brilliant and with the auction of the small canvas' too, the evening raised a fantastic £40K

Valentines

2012-02-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

HAPPY LOVE DAY EVERYONE!

Result!

2012-02-09T01:31:00.000-08:00

Well the Heritage Trust have come up trumps! Roger Dyson came to my rescue, he really couldn't believe the mess my studio was and I think it pushed him over the edge when he saw the studio technitcian shiver in his bed. I'm sure Mr Desmond had something to say e.g painting damage, especially one's for new show in March, but hey look at this

I'm moved to a new room, even with no heat we have no drafts, and more to the point NO DAMP!

I had no bubbles to pop so out came the popping corn, doesn't take much to get these artists excited

Greedy trousers!

A Fun weekend

2012-02-07T02:51:00.000-08:00

There was a dampner put on the end of last week in finding my studio is riddled with, yes DAMP! Mr Simon Desmond was already on his way up North when I discovered the horrid black speckles on the back of most of my paintings. He now awaits a meeting with Mr John Miller as what the Heritage trust will do about it!

A coffee at Turners a slip of wine later and a big fat cheer up!

The rest of the weekend went a treat, the Pendle Beer Festival had lots to offer and we even made it in the snow, well with taxi's and buses at a stop, creative juices a flow, yes I know, we'll run in brogues! nothing could stop us!

So the snow kept us in on the Sunday but only for us to make up for it on Monday, with a big surprise birthday meet with my good friend John

SURPRISE, the balloon was as big as him.

John thought we came up trumps with a spot of birthday cake to start with, then a super day out in Morecambe.
You cannot beat the Midland Hotel this time of year for afternoon tea, Simon thought we'd ended up at Lake Geneva with the candy-coloured mountains creating a skirt like effect around the sea.

WoW is that Sean Connery?

Dancing should never be a chore, Simon Desmond had to have a little push for this but you can't go to Morecambe without meeting Eric. Hmmm Monteee's not impressed!

We finished off in Arnside for a fish and chip supper, It's all about making life easy you know!

Happy Birthday John.X

Preview night

2012-01-30T02:08:00.000-08:00

A Pendle Investigation exhibition started on Saturday in Pendle, the Arts council work that is to tour the country started off with a bang. People were overwhelmed with the giant paintings hung from great hooks in the gallery space, and some got quite emotional with the over all feeling of power and injustice.

The evening was a great success, as you can see it was full of folk, there was a great atmosphere, people seemed to get it (going off the comments during the show) and even with the Red Witch brew flowing, nobody fell over!

Video

1st New Show

2012-01-26T02:13:00.000-08:00

You can imagine the running around now going on for this first view of my Pendle Witch exhibition for the arts council, catalogue isn't quite done but we are soo close!

Please come and view on the 28th and try our RED WITCH brew! ALL WELCOME, see you there!

Busy Weekend

2012-01-24T02:13:00.000-08:00

This weekend went so fast as I had some wonderful guests to stay, it was Sandra Higgins first stay in Pendle and at first she didn't know what she'd let herself in for with all the 400th anniversary talk of Witches. We soon cut loose in the area but had much a stare from the local folk as they assumed Ab Fab were in town!

Sandra and I in my studio looking at the work for selection, Perjury below was of interest

Pic taken by S. Desmond

A quick call at Turners was in order to warm up after that and then off to visit John Baldwin in Silverdale, the evening ended in a curry then up to the Woody, a secret bar in the woods, lets not talk about red beards and pulling!

Food and Fun

Winter Warm up

2012-01-17T01:18:00.000-08:00

MY GOD it's cold in my new studio! It was cold before in the mill, but with the extra space it's something else! So this weeks main game was first, to stretch and prime my first canvas in the new place and then, well ways to keep warm, and yes the layers get more and more.

1) Lots and lots of cups of tea, Green if possible, you know, keeping up the detox for Jan.

2) STAR JUMPS, yes on camera!

But just when you think, you know maybe you can't go on, in pops a good friend with a supply of Lancashire pies, now check these out for a warm up! John Boldwin with Oswaldtwistle finest!

New Start New Studio!

2012-01-05T02:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the help of Simon W Desmond I've taken a much needed bigger studio in the mill, it's funny how these new paintings looked soo big in the other and now seem quite small, MUST DO BIGGER!

Stiil manoeuvreing things yet but I'm really looking forward to starting my first 2012 piece (hopefuly Friday)

Before I got the keys I was out and about with Stevee the camera cat and here's a view from his spookee world,

What fun we had at Bolton Abbey

But then it was time for home

Biggest Baddest Catch Up

2011-12-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

I was going to ask Santa for a few things before the 25th but I must admit I have been rubbish with this blog for the last month in fact not really any good since my camera busted!

I have still been keeping up my visits to London, taking in as much modern art as possible and meeting interesting people, the next to the last trip below, Simon thinks mine would look better in the Saatchi than this!

But here he is with a Turkey oh and me

The Christmas Open Studios went down a treat! We had Mary by the tree, Paul Hartley played a super tune and the artists all came out in Super Xmas stylee

SEE!

But then Santa did pop to mine and obviously he thinks I've been very good this year (don't say a word) and brought me lots and lots but the main thing is he got me a new studio technician. He's called Steven and he's my new studio photographer but when he feels fit, also small movie maker!

A cat that likes do take his own shots! Designed by Lisa Larson world famous ceramist and Steven/Necono is made from one of her original designs. The FUN we're gonna have!

Xmas day pic of when he met Nevill the window frog, It's his first wonky money shot!
Talking of Xmas money shots

CHRISTMAS CRACKER!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR, over and out!

New Longton

2011-11-16T01:35:00.000-08:00

The Weekend was real busy at the Fine Art Fair in New Longton, it was great to catch up with the arty gang and of course my partner in crime Barbara Dalziel.

As you can see I can only get a few paintings in, my main work being to large but I didn't do so bad on the sales of drawings that I put together for the show. To be honest I go for the chatting, to be surrounded by painters for the weekend is soo great!

Oneself below setting up

Smudging

2011-11-09T01:45:00.000-08:00

I was at Sandra Higgins house on the 2nd, we had lots to chat about and then get ready for "Dead Hat" at the club but before we went anywhere a bit of smudging was in order to get rid of any bad lingering vibes in her new pad, as she's just moved in.

doing a spot of a smudging spell

We then went onto the club in our dark outfits, and were greatly surprised at a impressive Halloween turn out. The night went a bit wild to the point that Sandra and Simon had to get me home quick as my cat suit split down the back having my underwear on show, yes we all know it was green!

Enough about that onto Friday's "Open at the Haworth" I took Sharon Connery along as my guest, as my piece was about her, it was a great evening although one could say rather packed.

Title "A Box of Seeds"

WARNING!

2011-10-29T03:38:00.000-07:00

This is the final painting for the Arts council work, as you can see I've only just started it, it's title being: "Drunk"

Now for the Warning!

There will be danger in the streets this weekend, watch your back from the rooftops check over your shoulder down the ally, this Cat means business and Witching is big business in her book!

You might also want to look out for her friend too, that horrid clown is a menace!!!

New friend Fred

2011-10-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

This is my new friend and he will be with me all week, as this weeks build up is very exciting to me! Lots of people are planning outfits for our annual outing of Trick or Treating, we might be coming your way and SPOOK you 2.

I forgot to say about the Open at the Ace and how I was surprised about the quality of the work, please go and see if you are local, it's a very good show, not forgetting that lady and her knits (as in wool not bugs)

Think I'll wear Fred all week

New woolly Do with a Hat too!

2011-10-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

I was judging the open art comp yesterday when I came across a lady on a craft stall selling this wonderful poncho number, alas, I had no money on me, but clever the lady was! Said shed hold it for one.

I went over again today and she only produced a spectacular matching hat, well what could one do , well look, I mean just bloody look at it, HAD MY NAME ALL OVER IT!

Pics taken from start of painting and just before finnishing tweaks, Fourth Arts council painting, title "Judge"

apologies

2011-10-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Apologies for not blogging, as you know I do like pics with my blurbs but my trusty camera has died.
I am now onto my forth painting for the Atrs council work (total of 5) and also getting ready for the New Longton arts fair, which I do every year. This year it will be held over the weekend of12th-13th November, please pop along, come view the work, oh and maybe have a cup of tea with me!

Rock Lobster!

2011-10-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

My hat went down a storm at CAC's Hat party, it eventually came together with help from Julie Miles, handing over a red satsuma net that was just the ticket!

Twas great to see everyone again and
Hi to Rod! I know you're tuning in!

Simon W. Desmond drove me all the way back home and then stayed up North for a week, him below, having a pig fight with the studio technician Montgomery.

And to the final post of last week "The finishing party" again on Pendle Hill, thanks to our fantastic host Matt, this was a party for (in my eyes) brining back those witches from Lancaster to where they belong! We had a few spells, some wonderful wishes and lets be honest lots of Rum.

Enjoy!

A quick "catch" up

2011-09-27T01:57:00.000-07:00

To start with I had a very exciting box turn up last week, a full new colection of paint I ordered with the Art's council money, it turned up the day after I ordered it from Jackson's art suppies, so they were super quick!

Now onto the hat for the party this Wednesday...

I thought it would be quite fabulous for my theme this time to be the sea or even a quick catch from my holiday in Brighton, so what can one put together?

While I strive for utmost precision in every detail I cannot be held responsible for any injury or damage undertaken with use of plastic lobster, a bit of string and a fishnet stocking!

Last week

2011-09-19T01:43:00.000-07:00

The work went well last week, I was straight back in after my holiday like a duck to water, as sometimes it can take days to get the connection back. I think it was all down to my new paint suit that I collected in Brighton (been after one for some time now, Santa didn't bring last December) so here I am in my new Death Roe.

Friday I went to a performance by Laura Mugridge called "Running on Air" a fantastic comedy show in her camper van in a car park in Newton (Lancs) called for a swift pint first at the Parkers arms and then for a full hour and a half of Laura's camper stories with biscuit barrel drums and driving with paper plates, I cannot go into how good it was, but look out for her show at a festival near you, below the yellow camper, I am soo jealous of.

Next, making a lobster hat for HAT

2011-09-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

OOps forgot the last pic!

Brighton Break

2011-09-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

The studio technician and I went away for a week, I love Brighton, people dress like me down there, well so I thought, I haven't been there for quite a few years, and I did get a few points and stares of my vintage colour chaos outfits, but you know that just made it more fun for me! Below when Montee and I arrived at the beach

Funny who we bumped into on the beach, Paul Hartley can you believe?

I'm guessing now that you can tell the weather was windy? Well it was a backlash from the tornado in America, the gusts were so strong a man had to help me into my hotel (after my third attempt) my clothes blew up like balloons which made it hard to walk, so I looked up he just grabbed me opened the door and pushed me in, WELL FUNNY, tad embarrassing?

Me in the wind, pointing at the pier were my favourite Ghost Train is, can you believe they wouldn't let dogs on and thew the Montee and me off! Charming!

Saw some public art, looks like a giant doughnut to me, or maybe we could smell some?

All in all we had a good week, lots of nice veggi places, were the ladies made a big fuss of the bearded one and gave him treats and water, stayed with Anita and Steve one night and met George for the 1st time and even had lunch with Simon, who's a train stop away. Also I picked up a lovely lobster, but will show you that when I put together something special next week for the Hat party 28th, but first back to the painting!

Monts, happy chasing pebbles!

Me with what's left of the old pier, though I like the spooky-ness of it now, you should see it at night.

London

2011-09-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

I was hanging around with Mr Simon this week at the Chelsea Arts club, and I have no picks of his two friends that are now my new one's, but it was great to meet Megan and Sandra!

Also met up with my friend John and viewed a few galleries (checking out pots)

John and I having a snoop!

Oh mummy!

Trouble at Mill

2011-08-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

It was Barrowford show yesterday and the artist team "trouble at Mill" were entered for the tug of war, as you can see they were well into it although tuther Mick was missing as they all warmed up moustache twitching, muscle stretching.

Here he comes, I think he got time wrong or maybe hadn't finished his Black pudding breakee!

Heave Heave.....PULL!

They did un believable at first and won both games! But me thinks to much to soon as the other guys had them after that although my god take a look at the Anchor and his mate on the big bruiser team they were against

They ended up with third, so at least they got Bronze. Eyes on the Trophy next year guys!

Hey isn't that D.D.Lewis from "Gangs of New York?

Great Pic

2011-08-27T04:26:00.001-07:00

What an ace picture of all the Artists at stuie's do a few weeks ago, and it was also a grand night!

1st drawings for Pendle Investigation

2011-08-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

I've done 6 to start with of the large drawings for my grant, I'll see what I think when they are mounted etc, I was dreading doing them as I'm more about the paint, but you know I've enjoyed it!

Although the above images aren't the image in full

And today I've stretched my first big one in quite some time so tomorrow (at last) I'm back to large scale

Canvas on it's side for the primer!

Art Car Parade

2011-08-22T02:20:00.000-07:00

Surreal is all's we can say to Saturday's Art Car Parade, Roger had done a brilliant job on his Monopoly board tricycle and all artists had made a good effort being the board pieces

It really was like walking round in a dream when we set off with all the other cars, in fact people started to get cheeky and run each other off the road, just like "wacky races"

Paul Connery

2011-08-15T03:06:00.000-07:00

I regret to say that my wonderful friend Paul Connery died on Friday. Paul was a great friend to me, always interested in my work, and looked forward to all the updates on my progress. Even when Paul was in a lot of pain he'd still make it to the pub for a pint to hear how my trip to London had gone. Camping trips with him and Sharon have been the best of times, this is a man who loved life and everyone in it!

Above: Paul, our camping trip this year to Robbin Hoods Bay.
Camping, our get together s, whatever we do

Paul, it won't be the same without you

Witching

2011-08-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

I started off at the Pendle boarder on Sunday 7th Aug this is me coming up from the river at the beginning of my journey

I was thinking about the Witches a lot and it's hard to get your head round this is the actual old track they would use most days

The trip has been good, at times hard, even though I've joked at the trip being part grim, and for me to feel some grief, well the weather finished me off in the last leg yesterday, the wind was so fierce and took hold of me at the Lancaster boarder, like something didn't want me to go in.

It hasn't been all rough though, I've camped along the way, some friends camped too

Leah kept it real with a stick for a spoon

As you can see, Phil's cream tea wasn't so grim!

My enchanted Hazel has led the way, lucky for me, but as I looked around and saw the twisted trees and the bubbling bank of the river I could imagine what it was kind of like.

At this point as you can see I've had enough, and poor Montee had too!

Golgatha! Made It!

A Spooky Send Off

2011-08-07T03:52:00.000-07:00

Spells of good look were done on Friday for my send off for the Arts council walk, as you can see from below we captured the vibe!

I am setting off NOW!

Trip to Sussex

2011-08-07T03:48:00.000-07:00

My trip down South was a super one, got to see my paintings in between very successful artist work at Simon's house, met up with Sarah on the first night then Anji Brian and Leila (both nights Bonkers) I can't thank Simon D Desmond enough for his hospitality!

Mr Monk Simon

More Witchy info

2011-07-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was spent collecting more info and arrangements for my arts council Witchy walk.

We took Rohan (who's a very clever wizard) to see a short film about the story, I ended up in a Witchy situation and then off with my friend John Boldwin to Leah's world over in Accrington for camping plans!

It is all getting a bit exciting!

Below is another spooky little witch called Ruby who I saw last weekend with Rohan

A good pic

2011-07-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

I had to blogg this pic my good friend Brian Usher sent me of Anji and I outside the club, you can also see the building at the moment, the theme was the Blitz, they change it quite a lot, it always looks fabulous!

A Pendle Investigation

2011-07-18T02:18:00.000-07:00

As my work is due to start this week John Clayton and I were out and about sorting the starting point of my walk to Lancaster, the idea is for me to go from Pendle forrest boundry West Close

This is the new path being around 200 years old, the start of the old path isn't walkable , but you can see where it was

This house (we think) is where Chattox lived, and we also think this is the place were Demdike fell in the ditch!

This is as close as we'll get to an actual event, this house is 3rd generation

John on the old main road, around 200 years disowned

Above is the original old track (main Rd) Blind Lane up to Haddins Head

Ron Duncan

2011-07-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

It was a very sad day on Monday for the artist of the mill,we found out that Ron Duncan passed away late the night before. Ron came in to visit us all every day and even brought a ginger nut for Monteee.

It's not been the same in the mill since Ron was taken in hospital four weeks ago, and won't be the same again.

As we always had tea and cake with Ron on a Friday, we will keep this up in his honor, yesterday we had a huge cake off in Ron's name, we said chin chin with tea, and believe me Ron you will NOT be forgot!

Monteee misses Ron already

Proms

2011-07-13T01:50:00.000-07:00

This is a rubbish shot of the invite, but I must say the evening was quite the opposite!
I went to see how Barbara would perform and as I imagined she was the star of the show, even though she was sat right at the back of the stage, when she got up for her special bit (huge cow bell.. tambourine etc) she sparkled!

Barbara and I in the intermission, guesses to what someone said to us?

Hat

2011-07-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

Went back down to Chelsea for the grand show of hats, stayed with Brian and Anji so I can show you a pic of hats before we set off.

We had a grand time at the party, although Catherine had a secret weapon of two hats, very clever and forward thinking!

Helped Mr Desmond to trim up his, as you can see it worked a treat.

When I arrived home they'd sent me the key to the door, officially a member of the Chelsea Arts club now!

Dr Dee

2011-07-09T04:29:00.000-07:00

I was blown away with this amazing Opera, it was not like an Opera I had seen before! The usage of the space was extra ordinary, from giant moving paper black and white screens the multi layers of stage platforms fantastic costume even a live raven opened the show, which flies from the back!

The Big city

2011-07-04T04:41:00.000-07:00

I went back again to the Chelsea Arts Club to see about my membership, but first I met up with my good friend Simon to talk about lots of paintings,we fit in a visit to the RA and even Tea and Cake

S.D.Desmond

Outside the RA with the Koons piece

Before I went down to meet my proposer there was talk of a goat and also rubber gloves, I tried not to let this put me off but I must admit it nearly got the nerves going (naughty Ru and Simon)

It turned out I new most of the committee and ended up enjoying the who White rose Red rose thing, sorry no pics as we're not aloud, but this is me in the room night before!

Monday at the Castle

2011-07-02T04:32:00.000-07:00

Wow it was hot (for up North) when us artists went to view the "Taken" exhibition, a sound installation by contemporary classical composer Ailis Ni Riain. We loved the humming as walked round the castle, it felt eery as we moved around the keep.

So yes we were taken by "Taken" though we weren't impressed by the people calling the PENDLE witches Lancashire Witches. They were from Pendle!

Also found some Pipes!

Helen Oxley's wedding

2011-06-27T02:21:00.000-07:00

Helen (one of us at the mill) got married this Saturday! A fabulous Tea party was had, cake,tea and plenty of bubbles, the weather wasn't great but we still had a few takers on the Coconut shy.

The day was amazing, Helen looked stunning in her vintage looking gown, and you can see from the smile on Darren's face, he is the cat with the cream!

Ziggy was the name of the game with us artists, then I think at some point he really turned up?

I know!

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

2011-06-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

Monday I met up with my friend Barbara and we went to visit the fantastic show of Jaume Plensa's work in Yorkshire Sculpture park. We couldn't of picked a better day for weather, first we had lots of fun doing the trails viewing Barbara Hepworth, Henry moore with such an amazing backdrop. We loved Sophie Ryder's bunny and had a play in Grey world's "Playground" although couldn't set off the sensor, then some children came along and started jumping all over and we soon got the idea!

Barbara in a Barbara

The Bunny S. Ryder

We were blown away with Jaume Plensa's Alabasta Heads, you just have to see the rooms in the exhibition it's quite moving, we had to leave one as it sent you dizzy with sound.

Barbara was quite taken with a new man she met on this trip!

And I had a quick dance off with a couple of others!

We ended up going home with the roof down in the lovely sun, had a few whistles along the way (all due to the car we think!)

End of the week Congratulations!

2011-06-21T01:50:00.000-07:00

Still working away last Friday, struggling to supply myself with new paint, a piece I'm working on

when the post came and to my surprise congratulation were in order, my grants for the Arts application has been successful. Well....then things just got a tad daft, PIPE OFF!

Yep, it can never just be a normal night!

Robin Hoods Bay

2011-06-13T03:09:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a week in Robin Hoods Bay, weather was a tad windy but had a fantastic time, did some drawing and had great fun on the beach making sandcastles with my very talented little cousin Ruby (below)

Also had a look at Whitby, but you can't go without having a look at the old graveyard, and this time I didn't get bit by dracula.

No camping trip would be of any good unless you start it off with Jam Jar mojitos but a real treat for me was finding a small tobacconist in Whitby were I got my new ladies pipe!

Open at the Open

2011-06-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

Yes it's kick off at the Mill tomorrow with "Open Studios" starting at 10am we look forward to seeing lots of folk as it's to be a nice sunny day, peeps can cool of in our mill with a cuppa!

Glyn Hughes the fantastic poet

2011-05-31T02:06:00.000-07:00

I am so sad to have to add to my blog the horrid new of Glyn's death 24th May after his 2 year struggle with Lymphoma, I only found out this weekend. Glyn and I have kept in touch via e.mail and post for a couple of years but only got to meet him and his lovely partner Liz early this year.

My thoughts go out to Liz at this sad time.

Open studios

2011-05-27T02:25:00.000-07:00

Artists are getting ready for our open studios event next week (Sat 4th/5th June) even I am trying to do some smaller stuff, easier said than done! We're hoping people will join us for the weekend and also enjoy our complimentary TEA and Cake, doors open at 10pm, so quick come on down and find something unique and special!

Studio

2011-05-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

It was a hat off this Saturday at the mill that ended in a dance off! To my surprise, lots of people turned up and I went home with a bug in my hair that I found still in there in the morning!

John Baldwin, Morcombe Mark and me.

The Bug

Pendle Witch Investigation

2011-05-11T02:03:00.000-07:00

John Clayton and I have been looking into old places in Pendle to find something pre 1612, I'm looking for a venue to kick off my research trail in July. We've discovered that my friend Matt has a very old cellar in Newchurch, Pendle, so we went to investigate.( Below) John to the left,Matt and me.

We discovered that maybe the steps are external and could of come from another place in the village but also this house is put together in different eras so it's really difficult to see the original.

Lots of things

2011-05-09T02:41:00.000-07:00

To start with I have to say hurrah to finishing the no face painting! It was the 3rd attempt but I did it and Barbara was pleased with the results.

The second also finished, extra large painting by the young people at Nelson youth group, I think they worked really well and their end canvas is briil! (Below) There is to be a grand opening of the new centre in July were the painting will be unveiled!

Friday night was a pie and a pint to welcome my brother Roger as the new artist to the mill, you cannot beeet the cheese pie at the Cross Gates!

Hat WINNER!

2011-04-26T02:11:00.000-07:00

The London trip was fabulous! Called first at the Serpentine gallery (although didn't know it was in Hyde Park) I had too long of a walk in the delicate blue shoes I had on, but it was worth it! The Nancy Shero show was amazing, in fact I was blown away. Tried to take a pic in there for my blog but was shouted at and it went blurred.

Now to the "Hat" party, well yes I am the official Chelsea Arts Club winner! It was bubbles all round for a celebration of my easter bonnet, And I couldn't believe how many hats there were!

Kate and I before we set off, and the winning hat.

HAT

2011-04-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

It is that time again for the famous "HAT" at the Chelsea Art's club Wed 20th so I'm on with making my creation and also a cheeky number for Kate who I stay with round the corner from the club. My thoughts are on Easter so I've tried to involve eggs, maybe a bunny and always faces!

Work in progress!

Workshops

2011-04-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

As you can see the young peeps in my latest group are doing so well, this is the third week in now, I find it always helps to keep a big stick with one, you know, just incase they step out of line ha ha, yeah thanks for the pic Roger!

So what the willow sticks are for really is to paint, it's really hard but this helps create lots of texture when you are trying to finnish a piece in 4 weeks, I think you'll agree, this 7 foot canvas is looking good!

Obi-Wan Kenobi

2011-04-14T02:32:00.000-07:00

What nobody knows is that Obi-Wan visits my studio on a regular basis! He just floats in when I'm in need of the Force to help me through my work. Although this week he say's these aren't the paintings he's looking for!

View Two Gallery

2011-04-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

Called in on Ken at View Two Gallery in Liverpool last night, for there latest preview, the work looked great, in fact there was a really nice big pencil drawing on canvas that took my eye. Ken was on usual form, he had John Baldwin an I in stitches (below)

Ken still has quite a lot of my paintings on display at the gallery, if anyone passes by please pop in, I'm sure Ken will look after you, after all he does have his own bar in there! "View Two" is a hot spot for original affordable art, quick go see! John, me and Ken below.

What I'm up 2

2011-04-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

As you can see I'm trying to finnish this new painting (below) but stuff keeps getting in the way, workshops, more funding bids and basic Joe thoughts, like "what will my new hat be" or the design of a new frock, especially as there's a new artist in the mill who can make up what you like! Fabulous!

I went to meet my new group of young people this Thursday, for the new lot of workshops, it was a real treat, because they all seemed to have a lot about them and were really interested in the work, we had a lot of meet and greet fun and games as you can see below and I'm really looking forward to next sesh!

FOLD IT GAME!

Spray away

2011-03-21T02:13:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd put a professional edge on this painting for the RA, satin finnish is rubbish though you can't even tell, and it cost me 12 quid! Back to the art shop!

Summer Exhibition

2011-03-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Yes I've fell into the trap again, I just felt drawn to putting a piece forward to the Royal Academy, I know it's a lottery, I've only ever put one in before, anyway fingers crossed my "No Thanks" painting will go through!

Ladies Day

2011-03-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

Today is international Women's day 100th anniversary, so it became Sherry Tuesday, also we had a little celebration for one of the artists birthday, you know who you are!

A painting I'm working on!

Sunday

2011-03-07T02:06:00.000-08:00

Glyn Hughes book launch at the Artsmill in Hebden Bridge. Glyn read some of his poems from his new book "A Year in The Bull Box", it was great to finally meet Glyn as I've been in contact via e.mail for some time now, but due to his illness he's never made it to the Mill, we've now made a date and Glyn and his partner will come visit me and join me for soup!

Weekend Previews

2011-03-07T01:55:00.000-08:00

Friday night was the privet view of Colombian artist Oscar Munoz at the Cornerhouse in Manchester,his work explores universal themes of memory and human loss, it was a very exciting little show of his work, Helen and I couldn't get over the use of Coal dust in"Biografias".

Jim's Acoustic Cafe

2011-03-04T02:49:00.000-08:00

A few of the artists went to Jim's last night, for a super Veggie burger and some splendid music, pipes were out as we watched "Cordial" start off the night!

Me and Jim

The Block

2011-03-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

I'm doing a commission, the commission hasn't to have a face, well you know that's the whole thing for me, faces, it's my starting point! So you can imagine the flow of this week can't you, the picture says it all. So what do artists do when they hit this boring block.... yes cut hair!

Bored bored cut own hair

Cut your fringe off! Nothing else to report!

This Week in London

2011-02-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

I've had a marvelous time this week in London, first to the Chelsea Arts club to meet my friend Ru for a reading in the garden,but no pics as you'll get in big trouble, then off to the galleries to fill up on exhibitions. One of the galleries I went by "the Crypt," Pete Flowers and I discovered a great artist called Sean Fairman (see below)

I got myself into the Bloomberg exhibition even though I wasn't on the guest list, who needs to be on when you've got Pendle witch power with you!

My friend Sarah came to meet me for the last day, had a look at the Tate,then went to the longest Champagne bar in Europe. We then went on to meet Ru again at the club and this time with lots more members went on to Madam Jo Jo's for a night in my honour. We had a fantastic time but I must admit the dancing got a bit Crazy!

Historian John

2011-02-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

Forgot to also say, I went round to see John Clayton, Historian before the painting of Pebbles, we had a brew whilst I picked his brains about the witches, information for my research and also swapped a good bottle of red (moo) for one of his super books!

To accumulate money

2011-02-17T11:21:00.002-08:00

I was asked to help with a installation piece for Pendle Youth, to bring attention to the cuts and how many young people will miss out. So my task was to somehow demonstrate the thousands of young people using pebbles. I remembered that when you go up Pendle Hill some walkers pick up pebbles and drop them into piles (cairns) along the way,this cleverly shows the amount of people traffic, so I will use this with matchstick men in simple pink and blue to show sexes.

I've had to wash and dry 1200 pebbles,seems like a simple task hmmm,I got to the point of answering my phone "HELLO BEACH" and my kitchen was covered.

The stick men will take all night and tomorrow I'm selling my clothes!

New York City

2011-02-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

I know I said that I'd be putting on the making of outfit on this blog, but it was all top secret for the artist of the mill, Miss Julie Miles' birthday party had a New york theme and I think you'll agree we really and I mean really, went for it! (As usual)
But being a special birthday party that it was, even the most famous of artists attended, Andy himself, oh and one of his masterpieces!

POPcorn

2011-02-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

A few of us have felt a bit down in the dumps this week (I blame February) tiz a funny month!
No matter though when you've got one of these magical corn on the cob popper, stick in a bag, microwave for 2mins and you have lovely fresh popcorn and endless fun, went down a treeet at lunch with us artists!

Symposium

2011-02-08T02:06:00.000-08:00

Went to see what other people were thinking at the Witches Symposium, Lancaster on Friday, it was really interesting,
twas grand to see the Flower people Pete and Sue, in fact Sue was a pro speaker and got Higherford Mill in and myself a few times, good work!

John Baldwins birthday party went off with a bang on Sunday, lots of tea and cake and a visit form Morecambe Mark my new friend from the Chelsea Arts club, Hicky Birdy again John.XX

The end to a boring week

2011-02-01T02:04:00.000-08:00

Well after being totally bored with paperwork,applying for grants,and then a hopeless trip to Nottingham with work, the week ended pretty good, the art gang got together for a spot of bowling and then you can't beet it at Turners, the beer's grand, the place is great, it just needs one of my paintings!

ARRRRH

2011-01-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

I am in the office this week, trying to get my paperwork together, I'm missing the studio already, and my head wants to explode, not very good at it, but at least it's warm!

New Painting

2011-01-19T09:42:00.000-08:00

This is part of my new painting, that's nearly finished, although I've been saying that for over a week, you can see the size in the other pic, and yes this weeks been real cooooold!

Montee the studio technician

2011-01-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

This is Montee the studio technician, this morning ready to help with the work.

Joe: Hey boy pass me the sap green oil over there

Montee: God it's cold in here, what was that?

The Mill

2011-01-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

This is Higherford Mill, Studio 12, were I work, due to the burst at Christmas I've only just got back to work, but hey, look at all the space I've now got, all the crap's gone! Am a bit of a hoarder, in fact, five years of crap. So at the mo I am just about to finish a painting that I started before the flood.

Welcome to my new blog

2011-01-17T05:29:00.000-08:00

As well as my main website which will have finished paintings and general news updates on my activities, I will be using this blog to share my progress as an artist on a more regular basis. I will be sharing all sorts, including making outfits for my shows and previews and also other previews I attend, I will talk about life working in the Higherford Mill, which is generally like working in a freezer and you will see me in my layers of painting suits. You will notice I will get smaller as the summer comes as the layers reduce. I am also based there with a number of full time artists. You will also get to see my studio technician at work or asleep, Montee dog!

Hope you have fun reading this.

Joe joe X