Guardian Review

My very first Guardian review, and I think they summed me up!

I was over the moon, and even more so to be next to Bruce Nauman, I'm a big fan.

OPEN STUDIOS

We didn't get as many Mousey Moochers as we would of liked due to the horrid rain over the weekend but here's one cheeky Cat that came after them mouse tails!

Fun before the Run, although that nip of sherry I think gave us a sparkly edge

Open Studios this Weekend!

This Saturday and Sunday

                                                                                           

Forget all you know, there's a new way of shopping that doesn't involve an undignified scramble for the latest fad! Yes step away from the shops and internet, the new goal in the game is to get beyond the boring and trumping the system and come along to our open studios and find that extra ordinary gift/purchase. And don't be put off by the artists being as mad as a box of fleas or feal like you've to  dress like the couture version of end-of-pier attraction (leave that to me!)

This weekend Saturday and Sunday 16th-17th, 11am until 4pm
 There's a Mousey Mooch, T' Mill (trail)
Lots of Tea and cake and spookee goings on for the 400th Anniversary of the Pendle Withch Trials

All WELCOME as we just like having people over!

Just to keep you up to date. My Pendle Investigation show has proven busy and yes you can still catch it at the "Dukes" gallery in Lancaster, two weeks to go folks!

I went again last Friday to see "Sabbat" a play now showing there, it was wonderful how the trials were truly brought alive, I urge you to go (below the horrid meat hooks in the round)

A Pendle Investigation

Twas the next part of my Pendle Witch Trials touring exhibition, this time in Lancaster at the Dukes. The Red Witch cocktail was flowing and there was lots of good chatter about the work!

Simon at the gallery had done a super job with the work and usage of the space

Mr John and his delightful charm on refreshments made the whole night go with such a fantastic flow!

Up Woods

Here I go in a (singy songy) way, if you go down to the wood today your going to get a surprise, and that's exactly what you get if you go and view my good friend Phillippe Handford's open air studio and now mini sculpture park this coming August! I've been trying to get there for some time but with work and the British weather I had not, until this week. I was blown away with the creations up there by Phil himself being head artist on this project and also three other artists too, all in aid of the Pendle Witch Trails 400th anniversary.Below Phil causing trouble again with that there hill! And two of his pieces.

 What a magnificent stump!
And well, one had to get involved, Phil did say it would hold anyone

What with spookee spiders to find and hanging bats to spot, this will be a wonderful day out, so watch this space for the opening date this August and hey, don't forget your picnic for a super open (fresh) air experience.

A Belter of A Trip

Getting away from it all was my thing for the last two weeks as the studio technician and I went off to the Lakes on a beauty bound Birthday week, then a relaxing and then crazy second. The real envy factor was that as we were still in Spring, we mainly camped alone for the first part and then the sun came out too! The first stop Coniston, our Campervan had Lake side views on Coniston Hall site and one would find Monteee and me stretching our legs on this unforgettably gobsmacking view each morning before a spot of breakfast.

Monts having morning paddle

Weather wasn't fantastic on this part of the trip but this one eve at Skelwith Bridge was good enough for food and a fire. Every plate made with such finesse, such a careful balance of flavour and texture, so super to be able to have dinner like this.

My Birthday treat was to have lunch at the wonderful Midland Hotel in Morcambe. We came down from the Lakes and camped in Silverdale then went off for a tea party and to my surprise family had gathered. It was as close to perfect as you can imagine and with the sea views still as romantic as a fairy ring, with sophistication of rightness.

Looking at the original staircase

Tea and Birthday cake was up next but who would of known that we should of brought out the bunting as her royal highness herself put in an appearance. Below with the Queen! Oh and Auntie Pat!

DANGER! pre-diamond jubilee peaking!

Always finish a birthday with a fire. Below with Ruby-Doo and Nick.

I'm getting too many candles on my cake now as you can see below, better stop these birthdays right NOW!

We carried on down the country for the other part, called on a few family members and then surprised a few friends, by turning up at Simon W. Desmond's opening in East Sussex. Plenty of wine was drank to alleviate that drive and then a mad dash v. early morning to get one to ones opening at the Dean Clough for 12 noon. Gosh it was a hard slog (getting ones hat on in a camper) but Tad Dah! I made it.       

I really am spoilt, the girls from the mill turned up yesterday to carry this party on with tea and cream cakes in the garden.

Skin

Helen's show last night was a real treat, and in treat I mean that I felt like I walked into a grand world of Wonker, giant canvas with sweet like bulbous objects arranged in a way that appear to extrude in dense layers, and the feeling of Hammer Horror about the start, it was all a great hit with me!

Helen below with one of her works

Artist from the mill were out in force!

Oneself, Neeta and Kirsty with my fave from the show "Seethe"

Her work provides an experience, so what are you waiting for, go see the show!

The morning after the night before and we had lots to do before my pick up from Dean Clough, now there's no need for this Brother Roger even though I did put you through it, but hey, thanks for the help!

To View a few

Looking for a piece of art work to stand the test of time? Besides my own of course! My foolproof tip is to go to Doug Binder's show at the Hester Gallery, Leeds at once and pick up yourself a winner.

John B and I went to see Doug and had a strut around his refreshing show last night.

Although I will not tell you the piece I want as I plan to go back for it!



Tonight is Helen's night, the preview of her new work and solo show, not to be missed!

Nice to see Mr Simon last week as he called by before his drive back to Sussex for a spot of Tea and cake

Looking good Mr D....TEA Heeee