Summer Break

Well I have been quite neglecting of my blog. Facebook has been shown the love. So I thought I post images of two dolls that are very summer timey.

They are both covered in hand made flowers and raspberries.

One is soft and ghostly and the other intense. I am really liking the soft ones lately. Perhaps it's getting older and pondering mortality, or the fading of ones being. (how depressing is that? ha ha) But I mean it in the best possible way.

On a lighter note: We are off to London and I will be running the Vitality British 10k. After my broken heel bone  6 months ago I am hoping for a good outcome. It's a wonderful route all throughout central London. Trafalgar, Victoria, Westminster, Send good vibes. And I am going to be sketching A LOT. This is my charge my batteries time.

Homeward Bound

Today we leave Dublin and arrive home later tonight. It'll be nice to set down a suitcase and set my feet back on home soil. We've seen a lot of wonderful things. Here's some "artsy" things that I liked.

We saw the play Wicked at the Victoria Apollo Theatre. Simply Amazing. And if you haven't seen it, you must. Changed the way I see the Wizard of Oz and particularly the Wicked Witch of the West. All of this time she was really one of the good guys. Aside from that we saw some cool street art like this

and this

and this

We walked a lot, about 10 miles a day. And my sketchbook is bursting with new ideas. Watch in the next few weeks for updates and new work.

Let It Be

If you know me well... or if you've ridden in Missy (my car) you'll know I have 1 cd in the stereo.  It's the entire compilation of the Beatles. Every album they made contained on the disk, and I have played it straight, non stop for the past 4 years. Give or take a month or two. And no, I never get tired of it. We went and saw Let It Be at the Garrick Theatre in London. I screamed like a 12 year old. Well worth the ticket.

Holiday Fun in England

A few more images. At the seaside, a garden in Cambridge, a ceramic cat, and street art in Camden.

The best thing about vacation is wandering with no plan. Make sure you take time to do the same. It's good for the soul.

Getting Inspired in England

I thought I'd share a few images from our trip to London. A raven in the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster (Big Ben), and a thistle in Regent's Park.

Rabbit Rider

Finally, I am posting an image of one of the new babies. It might be old news to you if you saw it on Etsy already but with the craziness of the last week I haven't had the time to post an image. I am really having a lot of fun with these Riders. Right now I have 3 more on my table (2 on birds and 1 on a dog) and 5 new sets of male and female salt and pepper shakers (they've been getting moved around because of tornadoes and tropical storms).

When we were on vacation I did my usual day after day in the British museum and I of course paying extra homage to Canosan Pottery where I noticed broken shards of pottery that inspired these pieces. We'll see how these pieces evolve.

View from the Bus

One of the best things about London is its public transport. No need for a car when you have such great bus and tube routes. This image is from the front seat of one of the iconic double decker buses. It's a great vibe with the build up to the Olympics.  Although the torch relay is supposed to be interrupting bus routes. Next weekend the bike races should snarl things as they're closing a lot of roads.

In the meantime, this is Regent Street approaching Picadilly Circus and as you can see it's all decked out with flags which really gives it a celebratory feel. It's nice to see the buntings and flags all around the city. Today on the agenda: buying new pedometers. After almost 10 years and on average 10 miles of walking a day (while in vacation), we have worn ours out. Tonight we'll be heading over to the Venue to hear my wonderful brother in law's magical sounds. (he's a FABULOUS sound engineer and more like a brother). Okay, get ready feet.

And another favorite

And it didn't take me long to begin clicking like a fiend in the British Museum. As soon as I hit the door I head for the Greek and Roman art. I know, I am so boring. But I can't get enough of the Hellenistic terracotta figures. So I absorb them first and then when I get my fill begin wandering the rest of the rooms in the museum. But why not? I live for the time I get to spend here in the summer. Absorbing the art and culture and allowing it to distill inside me the rest of the year. It really feeds my artistic soul.

 The figure accompanying this entry stands about 3 feet high and is sculpted from clay. Bits of glaze still stain her face and some of the higher surfaces of her hair. She's hollow. How do I know? Next to her are 2 similar figures which are headless. What I like about them is that one can see inside the torso and see the finger marks of a long forgotten artist. Today I am off to the National Portrait Gallery. Hopefully it won't be too crazy down in Trafalgar Square. As you may have heard the Olympics are coming and I think they're expecting one or two extra people on the streets.

Guess Where?

Well, you'll never guess where I went last night. Guess. Of course, you couldn't expect me to be in London and NOT visit my clock? So much inspiration all around. Speaking of inspiration, I made my way to the British Museum yesterday and drooled sufficiently over the Etruscan terracotta figures. (among other things) But not enough the flag security this time. Although I smile so much while wandering around the museum, people must think I am a total gooney bird. Right across the road from the British Museum is a fabulous gallery called Contemporary Ceramics.

If you want me to document anything while I am here for you let me know, send an email. Otherwise, you'll have to tolerate what I post.

British Museum

If you haven't guessed by now, I am totally addicted to the British Museum. We've been in London a week and I have already been three times and I may go again later today.

Here is a piece found the other day while wandering the museum. It is a decorative shield from Flanders and it is believed it may have been a prize a knight received for competing in a tournament. It is made from wood is dated approximately 1475-1500.

Tomorrow we head off to Prague. Yesterday we got up and said "what about a side trip?"Today do yourself a favor, instead of asking WHY ask yourself WHY NOT?

My Favorite Places

This is absolutely one of my favorite places on the planet. Affectionately known as "my bridge". Give me a sunny day, a stroll by the Thames, maybe stop off for a pint late in the afternoon, more walking and great conversation.

While in London Jody and I wear pedometers and on average we walk 5 miles per day. You just don't get that here in Florida because we are so reliant on automobiles. That is one of the things I miss the most when we get home.

The London Eye

Jody and I took a great "flight" up the London Eye last night just before sunset. Attached are an image of a view of Westminster from atop the eye and the London Eye from Westminster Bridge.

The Rumbling Volcano

A volcano... really? Has my life really become a soap opera? My work will be part of an exhibition at SDC Gallery in London beginning on May 5 "God willing and the creeks don't rise" or should I say "God willing and the volcano stops spewing".

This piece is called Grow and it is approximately 13 inches high, ceramic with underglazes, oxides and stains. So if you are in London from May 5- August 7, 2010 stop by the gallery and see some of my work.

Show at SDC Opens May 4th

The kiln has been firing and my hands have been sculpting pretty much non stop for the past few months. I have been working on my body of work to bring over to SDC Gallery in London, England where I will be taking part in the Summer Collection.

SDC is located in the East End of London (24 Rivington Street) and is an absolutely lovely space. The Summer Collection opens on May 4th and ends August 7, 2010. Hopefully those of you on the other side of the pond will come opening night. Address and directions can be found on the galleries direction page.

The sculpture accompanying this entry will be in the show. It is handbuilt ceramics, slips, oxides, underglazes and overglazes. (c. 4" x 3" x 2").

Lovely Last Week of Fun

This photo is of the Dicken's Inn a beautiful pub and hotel located in St. Katherine's Lock which is just a stones throw from Tower Bridge in London.
The flowers were absolutely lovely and sitting on the porch one could catch a glimpse of Tower Bridge. Honestly, not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

We arrived home last night and with a sad heart I say that vacation has ended. Back to life, back to reality...

River Thames

This is a shot taken of the River Thames in Richmond (London). We took a nice long leisurely walk along the river and watched the Canadian geese and Swans paddling around.

I can't iamgine ever growing tired of the architecture in London. There is so much to see aside from the usual Big Ben and St. Pauls. Small historic buildings dot the banks of the river. We went into a pub the other day on the river called the White Cross (very near the spot where this photo was taken). Seemingly it was built on an old Roman road and the building has been there before they began keeping records. It was a frequent watering hole for William the Orange. So much history to digest and so little time.

End of One Journey- Begin Another

The bags are packed and one part of the journey ends. Today we head to a hotel near the airport in an effort to make tomorrow that bit easier.

This morning I finished reading a book Flash CS3 Professional and will hope to finish reading my second book on animation while on the plane. Which brings me to the next journey: Associate Professor with PBCC. I look forward to the semester and incorporating what I experienced this summer into the classroom. From the British Museum, to the Tate Modern, the hip graphics found in Temple Bar or the experience of painting pop art images it all about enjoying life and learning just a little bit more than you knew yesterday.

Poster for New Room

Jody and I finished painting the bar last night and we headed up upstairs to listen to some music, enjoy some libations, and unwind. However, we were stopped in our tracks when I looked up and saw one of my murals staring back at me.

This is a poster the Venue has put up to announce the opening of the new bar we have just painted. Great job Eddie. I wish we could be here for the opening, but I am sure I can browse the Venue's website and enjoy it from afar.

Seeing the poster really gives one a sense of ahhhh, I can now exhale. A job well done.

Raquel Mural

Just wanted to add another image before I sign off. This mural is featured at the end of a long corridor which leads into the bar. It is an iconic image from the 1960's (Raquel Welch in her fur bikini). Poor gal, must have been tough being so out of shape and homely. (Yeah Right!!) A gorgeous pose. This mural measures approximately 8 feet high.

I created this artwork specifically for Eddie. I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

Let's just hope the corridor doesn't get log jammed with panting men. Actually, yes we want that... if the men are hot they buy more drinks meaning more business for the bar. Perfect.

Painting Away at the Venue, New Cross

Another day, another mural. Actually today we painted more than one thing but who's counting (besides me). Todays images are of the Barbarella mural and the column located in the center of the bar. The Barbarella mural features Jane Fonda and the Angel. It is approximately 10 feet high and spans probably 8 feet across.

The colors used in the room are very warm and inviting. I am sure int he dead of winter it will be a favorite of those craving a little more warmth. As I was painting the vibrant Florida colors reminded me of home.