A MESSAGE

Here's the latest painting, hot off the palette. I'll take a better photo of it by daylight tomorrow but it feels good to post it right now.

Got the message but can't read the writing

Acrylic on canvas board, 10 x 14 inches.

HEAD REPLACEMENT

Dan Maier and Kayley Holderness, both Trustees and designer-makers in the Society of Designer Craftsmen, came to see me in May to choose one of my bookworks for the Transformations exhibition at Bankside Gallery. It was our first meeting and, although I don't understand why a burning house is like people getting on really well, we did get on like a house on fire and they took some blazing photos on their phones. The only problem was that when I saw the photos, my flat looked wonderful but I looked.....well...I had the usual reaction to photos one does not recognise as being the self one knows. I said DELETE DELETE!! However, as I want to post the photos because I like the people so much, I have simply chopped my head off and replaced it with NOTOLIE's head.

NEW PAINTING

Just finished another small painting in the new series. Although the title tells a story the image is open to any and all interpretations. I'm hoping the strong colours and patterns stimulate flights of thought in uncharted directions.

When the Universe granted my prayer I didn't want it anymore Acrylic on canvas board, 10 x 14 inches.

Society of Designer Craftsmen Exhibition, Bankside Gallery

Meeting some of the wonderful makers at the opening of Transformations the Society of Designer Craftsmen exhibition at the Bankside Gallery on Tuesday 14th June then again the next day, I didn't have time to take more photos but the work of about 100 very diverse and talented makers is there for everyone to enjoy until the 26th of June, 11 am to 6pm daily. Almost next door to Tate Modern, the Bankside Gallery is easy to find and, if you happen to have access to Thames Link that's a comfortable and scenic way to get there.

The bookwork I was asked to exhibit is Seuphor à Natalie. Displaying the pages in a glass case so the embossed relief could be seen was challenging to say the least but Dan Maier (SDC maker and Trustee) came up with brilliantly improvised solutions. I want to thank and loudly applaud all of the SDC people for their efficiency, enthusiasm, kindness and friendship and, as well as all of that, their individual creativity. Bravo and thank you very much! You've made me an Honorary Fellow but the honour is all mine, if you see what I mean. The last three photos I took were at Blackfriars Thames Link Station on my way home. The figures looked like a sculptural installation.

FROM ELSEWHERE

Just finished another painting in what seems to be an unplanned new series. Where do these ideas come from? Probably from my unconscious. But it's unconscious so it doesn't know where they come from either. As long as it keeps giving them to me I'm happy to accept.

'I'm from elsewhere' Acrylic on canvas board. 10 x 14 inches.

REALITY?

New small painting, finished at 5am this morning. I've never understood reality Acrylic on canvas board. 10 x 14 inches.

7 STEPS OF CREATION

Looking for something you come across something else and that something leads you to another thing and before you know it the whole day is gone and you haven't even started what you meant to do. Here's a thing I found that I wasn't looking for. Why can't I follow my own advice?

TRANSFORMATIONS

I'm an Honorary Fellow (as book-artist) of the Society of Designer Craftsmen and hope that those of you who are in London will be visiting what promises to be an inspiring show. Here is my Maker Page on the Society's website.

It is the Society of Designer Craftsmen's pleasure to invite you to:

Transformations – an exhibition of unique contemporary craft from the Society of Designer Craftsmen.

Masters in the magic of transforming simple materials into superb contemporary craft works, the Society of Designer Craftsmen will be revealing their collective skill at the Bankside Gallery in London this summer. Combining innovative approach with supreme craftsmanship, over 100 of the Society’s members will be showcasing original work in textiles, ceramics, glass, wood, paper, stone, base and precious metals.

Established in 1887 by Walter Crane, with William Morris an early President, the Society of Designer Craftsmen is proud to have as members some of the finest and respected designer-makers of the day. It continues to promote and support the work of creative thinkers, designers and makers who innovate through the exploration of materials and skills in their own fields.

Transformations will exemplify the abundance of talent the Society represents today.

It will also feature a selection of supreme designer craft works created by Honorary Fellows of the Society along with the stories behind them.The exhibition will offer a rare opportunity to view and purchase a wide range of exceptional and unique craft pieces.

It runs from Wed 15th June to Sun 26thJune, 11am to 6pm every day. Admission is free and all works are for sale. Commissions can also be taken.

Bankside Gallery, London

15th-26th June 2022 Bankside Gallery

48 Hopton Street

London SE1 9JH

DIGITAL AND PHYSICAL PAINTING

Yesterday I drew and painted the first version digitally. Then I made a second version with real paints on real canvas board measuring 25 x 35 cms (10 x 14 ins.) Here are both versions of I've Been Thinking.

SILLY SELFING

Got haircut plus lowlights today. When you have nothing interesting to say, take silly selfies.