DRAWINGS - Simon Lewandowski

Simon Lewandowski by Karen Thompson

An interesting visit yesterday by Simon Lewandowski from Wild Pansy Press. He came into Crescent Arts to talk about the portable reading room and the formation and publications of Wild Pansy Press. I exchanged one of my porcelain PMN-2 landmines for one of his 100 things with handles books. Oh how I love exchanges! Simon also became my latest BADGERED victim...

http://www.karent.co.uk/badgered.html
http://www.wildpansypress.com/index.php?/about-wild-pansy-press/

WORK IN PROGRESS - One mans junk...

Dilapidated metal shelves...

...have so much potential.

Have been on the lookout for dilapidated metal cages for a while... then a friend called me as they walked past a scrap van parked at the end of the street with these on! I dutifully raced out to have a look and could see SO much potential for the chicken project. It's difficult working to a tight budget but in some ways it adds to the creativity of the work... I originally had a slightly different vision but I like the direction these could take me.

AIM & CLICK - Blossom & Victorian road signs

The Crescent, Scarborough.

Spring is in the air... this blossom jumped out at me as I was walking to the studio today. The sprouting through of new life and growth after the darkness of winter comes as a timely reminder... 

WORK IN PROGRESS - Danger Farm Entrance

Lovely old battered 'Danger Farm' Sign.

Sorting through some photographs I've taken as research or inspiration for Farm World... I came across this beauty which I had forgotten about!! I can remember where abouts in the country I took this photo (top secret information), so I might approach the owners to ask if I can borrow it for the exhibition!

OUT & ABOUT - Great gifts...

Angela Knipe - Queens Corgi (Brooch).

Received a lovely gift from the talented Scarborough based artist Angela Knipe over the weekend... I've had my eye on one of these Corgi brooches for the past few months! All of Angela's work is very desirable and I seem to have an ever increasing list of pieces that I would love to own... Thank You Angela!

http://www.angelaknipe.com 

Susan Slann - Heart (Lino print) 2011.

 
I also received as a gift something else I've had my eye on for a little while... I love these lino prints by one of my fellow studio holders Susan Slann. I particulary like her works exploring the heart and the brain... Thank You Sue!

http://www.susanslann.com
 

OUT & ABOUT - Launch of the Portable Reading Room at Crescent Arts

Valley Press Poetry Readings 1 in the Portable Reading Room.

The portable reading room has arrived at Crescent Arts. After a few comical attempts last Tuesday (by three and a half of us) to construct the structure in one of the gallery spaces, we were all set to go for the launch today. The Portable Reading Room is the brainchild of The Wild Pansy Press. Today saw poetry readings from Helen Burke, James Nash and Norah Hanson, all published by Scarborough based independent publisher Valley Press. 
Looking forward to the other readings & events coming up in the next 4 weeks...

http://www.crescentarts.co.uk/site/exhibitions.php
http://www.wildpansypress.com/ http://www.valleypressuk.com/

OUT & ABOUT - Edward Bawden map restoration

Unveiling of the restored Edward Bawden illustrated map of Scarborough.

I joined a host of other folks for the grand unveiling of the recently restored EDWARD BAWDEN illustrated map of Scarborough at the local library yesterday evening. The work was commissioned by hotelier Tom Laughton for the Pavilion Hotel in 1931. It was presented to the library when the hotel was sold in 1961. Recently the work had deteriorated badly and was under attack from silverfish.

http://www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk/lifestyle/newly-restored-map-now-in-place-1-4436158

INSPIRATION - Vintage metal hen moulds

Vintage metal chocolate moulds.

A friend sent me a link to these chocolate moulds which are currently for sale on ETSY. I love them! They are so sinister and make a statement in their own right. They would be ideal for Farm World... little caged chickens. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90577602/vintage-metal-chocolate-mold-4-antique