Half hours at the Seaside

Back in July 2012 I posted details of a book from the 1800s called 'Half Hours at the Seaside' and I have now started work on it.  Decided to include some of my watercolours on the seaside theme, to include paintings of driftwood, seaweed and beach stones -

I've found some lovely illustrations in the book as well, so may well use some of those to put together, although haven't decided yet exactly how they will appear.  I cut some out -

Having started, I now want to get this altered book completed so onward and forward.....!

The Paper Cinema

Went to see The Paper Cinema's production in Brighton recently, and it was marvellous.  There's a troupe of multi-instrumentalists who perform an orchestrated score, from keyboard, guitar and violin to playing a saw and various other sound effects are made.  The puppeteers use visual storytelling through bringing 2D drawings to life, all displayed on a large screen.  This is just such a wonderful use of paper cutouts, drawing, storytelling and music, and I would recommend it to you to go and see when it is next around.  This feature length piece was based on Homer's Odyssey.

If you would like to see their website, here's the link - www.thepapercinema.com

Some more collage

Here's a few more collage images from recent work - it all helps with the creative process ....

Book Art Forum

I had an idea the other day that it would be great if book artists in the area - Brighton/Lewes/surrounds - could meet up in a Forum from time to time.  I could imagine discussing our work, giving presentations about our work, attending specialised sessions delivered by someone in the know, sharing news items, listening to Book Art talks and so on. 

Bearing this in mind I have emailed a local place to see if they are interested in starting up something like that.  It seems to me it would be beneficial to them too, as it might create more interest in what they offer already and perhaps broaden horizons, although they seem to do a good job already.

If I hear any news on this front, I'll post it on here and any of you who are interested might want to come along  .......

Oversize 1900 era book

Recently I was at an Antiques Fair and spotted this lovely old book.  I did a deal with the stall-holder and was very pleased with the price I paid, although it took some work to get it.  It was a bit of a bargain because a lot of the loose leaf copies of engravings and paintings are missing, but as it happens that will be fine because I intend to 'alter' the book anyway and give it a new lease of life.

Like some of the books I have already bought it has an inscription in the front cover (frontispiece) and some decorative art deco.  Not only that, it is an oversize book, so wonderful to work on when I get round to it.  Also shown below is one of the remaining images that was left behind.

The following photo I took shows a more usual size book alongside the new book to give an idea of scale-

Latest news

If you are in the area of the Pen to Paper shop in the North Laine in Brighton you can see my friend Angela McKay's work in the window.  (See earlier blog for Angela's details).  I mentioned that she and I had written illustrated letters to each other, and she has included some of my letters in the shop window - shown on top of the post box.  Thanks Angela!