It’s March Already!

Posted: March 3, 2012 in Art
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Wow, I know February has less days than all the rest of the months, but even with the extra day its still flown past! I’ve been busy with other things but still fitted a few assignments in there. A community dog show being the most memorable. Getting dogs to stand still in the dark, damp outside world, now that’s a challenge!

Now things are moving towards Spring and we’ve finally seen the end of the post-Christmas blues, it’s market season and I’m delighted to be part of Moseley Art Market again this year. It’s got to be the best display of local artistic talent in the Birmingham area, the standard is really high and it’s a great showcase of the underrated Birmingham arts scene. Not only that but there’s a fantastic farmers market too, plus the local galleries and some great independent cafe bars. Spending the day in Moseley is a great thing to do on a weekend.

I’m also going to be at my regular pitch at Stirchley Community Market,  which is a great community focussed social market. It’s an evening market so it’s easy to drop in after work and there’s always a bar so it’s nice to have a beer and a chat.

Here’s the dates for where I’m going to be for the next few months. I’m sure there’ll be others happening too.

6th March – Stirchley Market

24th March – Moseley Art Market

25th March Coventry Transport Museum Spring Fair

3rd April – Stirchley Market

28th April - Moseley Art Market

2nd May – Stirchley Market

26th May - Moseley Art Market

5th June – Stirchley Market

23rd June - Moseley Art Market

And after all of that, here’s a picture from February. Sorry it’s so late!!!

Mr Cook's Forte

Kings Heath BID Awards Ceremony

Posted: January 27, 2012 in Uncategorized
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If you haven’t visited Kings Heath recently you’re missing out. We keep hearing how the traditional high street is dying and that something needs to be done. Well Kings Heath is exactly the opposite, all shops occupied, it’s always busy and independents are thriving. It’s part of a council supported Business Improvement District and they have a yearly awards ceremony with awards being given based on public votes.

I’m a big fan and regular visitor to Kings Heath and the pubs and businesses there and was delighted to be chosen to cover the awards ceremony at the Hare & Hounds. It wasn’t even like working with so many friends old and new in the audience. Great food too from Soul Food Project. Funnily enough it felt slightly strange being there completely sober!

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Creative Car Boot

Posted: January 19, 2012 in Uncategorized
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I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be taking part in the second Urban Car Boot at Broadway Plaza this weekend, Saturday 21st January.

The event is in the indoor car park at Broadway Plaza (Cinema & Bowling at Five Ways opposite Tesco!) between 9am and 1pm, and will raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a great cause.

It’s a mixture of Birmingham creatives, plus handmade crafts, jewellery and beauty products and vintage clothing.

Also, Broadway Plaza are offering Urban Car Booters the chance to grab freebies and exclusive deals including 2 for 1 cinema tickets.

It’s under cover so, whatever the weather, get up early and come see me there!

Street Photo Day

Posted: January 16, 2012 in Street Photography
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This year I’ve decided I need to push my comfort zone a bit more and force myself to explore areas of photography I’ve not spent much time doing. Talking to others it seems like I’m not the only one thinking this and there are a few places where some motivational projects are taking place to encourage us.

One of these projects is 10 Strangers by BLP, it’s a simple concept, just shoot ten portraits of complete strangers! The first meet took place on a freezing cold January day in Birmingham with about 20 photographers getting involved. It was a mix of pop-up studio and street photography, working in small groups for moral support, motivation and encouragement. It turned out not to be as scary as we all imagined, most people I approached were only too happy to be involved, my only error was not carrying business cards so I could exchange the finished shots with them.

This is something I really enjoyed and the results were really surprising. Definitely something I’m going to do again, hopefully in warmer weather!

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New Year, New Show, & Just News!

Posted: January 9, 2012 in Uncategorized
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The end of 2011 was pretty hectic, with a show in Manchester to sort out work for and a lot of Christmas Art Fairs & Markets to take care of. It was great to meet lots of you and I’ve got to thank you all for the massively positive feedback you gave me.

For 2012 I’m hoping to offer you more of the same and I’m hoping to secure regular places at the established Markets. Organisers are just starting to come up with dates after taking a well earned break, and most Fairs & Markets won’t be back until March, so watch this space!

You’ve given me lots of requests and suggestions so in the next few weeks I’ll be working on those and building my stock back up. Some old favourites and a lot of new prints will be coming for 2012. Maybe some new ranges too and of course the felt key rings will be coming back, with some new designs there too.

My first exhibition of 2012 will be at “Art In The Underbelly” which is a gallery space underneath the Rumsey Wells in Norwich, an international group show which I was lucky enough to get selected for. I’m exhibiting a piece called ‘Rising Sons’ which is another darker piece influenced by the decline of coal mining.

The opening night is on Thursday 12th January from 8pm until Midnight, there’ll be DJ’s, freebies and best of all, it’s all free to get in! What are you waiting for East Anglians!!!

For everyone who can’t get to Norwich then here’s a sneak preview. More market & exhibition news will come shortly too!

 

Exhibition Piece

Posted: December 9, 2011 in Art
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I’m excited to have been chosen to be part of  the Dark Satanic Mills group show in Stockport, Manchester which is being curated by one of my friends Lucy Sparrow

I’ll be exhibiting a selection of work including a new piece inspired by the history of the mills which were a huge part of not only British industry but the industrial revolution itself and contributed hugely to the development of the British Empire. I’ve spent a lot of time around that area of Manchester and it’s sad to see so many of the old Mills lying derelict or being torn down.

If you can’t make it in person here’s a picture of the new work:

If They Knew Then What We Know Now.
A 24″ x 36″ original giclee print framed and mounted. There will be no more of these produced.
For sale at the show for £100  Any enquiries, please contact me.

I’m Selling Prints At Brick Lane This Weekend

Posted: December 8, 2011 in Art
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I should really keep you more up to date with my print sales on here. At the moment I update most of that information via Twitter which is really quick and easy. You should follow me there, I do a lot of sales and markets around the Midlands, between Coventry & Derby mainly.

On Saturday 10th December I’m selling my prints at the Rag Factory, on Heneage Street, just off Brick Lane, here, it’s E1 5LJ for all you smartphone satnav gurus!

It’s run by FiFi’s Markets who I’ve only heard good things about too, so it should be a great event in a cool venue. Brick lane is awesome for both art and asian food and I love that part of East London. If you’re in the area or need some motivation for your Christmas shopping come and drop by!

 

 

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