The Blackbird

Here is the finished blackbird which ended up as a marionette and not a rod puppet as in my mock up. An almost successful prototype.

Animation Puppets

I've been playing with animation software and have started to make some characters as test puppets to see how they look when animated. I have an idea for a film so I am going to try and teach myself the skills to make it.

I made these characters by painting onto very thin plywood so even if I never get a film made this could be a way to put paintings together. Maybe I will have to learn marquetry too.

Being a British Artist in the USA

I am featured in this months Global Living Magazine.

 Claire Bolden McGill, a multi talented lady that has been writing a blog about her observations and experiences as a British woman moving to America came to interview me just before Christmas. If you want to read the article please follow this link and go to Claire's blog. ukdesperatehousewifeusa.com
I have only uploaded a picture of the article below.

In the article I got the chance to explain how my own move to the States has shaped my work and what an immense privilege it has been to have the chance to live for some time in another culture.

Happy New Year Puppet

It is very cold in my workshop so I have been keeping warm indoors whilst mocking up puppets. I can't wait to make him in wood though!

Cats and a Dog

Imaginary Friends

Meet Poco!

I have just spent two days with the fabulous artist and author Kathy Beynette in her studio at the Torpedo Factory Art Centre in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. For the 40th anniversary exhibition of the Torpedo Factory we aimed to illustrate 40 childhood imaginary friends on two small dresses. We got to hear the most fascinating stories and the finished dresses are being raffled off for $1 a ticket in her studio, Studio 5. If you want the chance to win one you have until November 18th. 

A Random Doodle that Combines Wood and Embroidery

I have just finished having a play with an embroidery that I started in the Summer This really is an unplanned doodle but the outcome means that I have a way forward to work that really does combine embroidered and wooden elements. I only need to work out how and if I can make it move.

Wooden Clouds.

A Wood and Embroidered Queen Jezebel. 

And the reverse of the embroidery that was sadly covered up.

I had a great suggestion from a visitor to try working both sides of the embroidery. To establish the image on one side then flip it and work the back as the front. So that will be my next experiment. 

I mixed my devil with a cat

Maybe there is something about horns that add the extra element of menace.

Platform Boots Automata

Visit Little Titch and see him Dance.

If you are in the DC area I have five works in this exhibition at Gallery Plan b 

It starts tomorrow with the opening reception 6-8 on Thursday and..

I am still in studio 333 at the torpedo factory until 30th Aug.