Storm in a Teacup

The view from The Shed window reminds me that daylight is running out . . . 

I've spent the day working on a small painting (I prefer daylight when working in mixed media as I find it difficult to judge colour in electric light) and anyway it is time now to put this to one side and leave it to brew for a day or two while I think about the next stage . . .

Stages it's progressed through today

Meanwhile, ideas for print are developing in my sketchbook. I like to keep these images as simple as possible, I don't want the image to be too 'fixed', I'd rather work out the detail when cutting my block.

No matter how hard I try to I just can't keep text out . . . but perhaps that's not surprising as I'm working on a book idea at the same time as exploring linocut ideas.

In Praise of Beautiful Books

A short review of, In Praise of Beautiful Books, published by BCF Books 2013

Did you know the BOOK?

In a time when pundits regularly consider that the physical book as a device for reading is being brought into question, and the activity of reading is changing considerably, I'd like to share this little video which came to me from Beau Beausoleil (who started the al-Mutanabbi Street project) via al-Mutanabbi Street book artist, Laura Blacklow.

A short film that will speak to every person who makes, loves and reads the printed page!

Second-hand Bookshops

Second-hand bookshops are my true (not so very secret) vice, and like a true addict I just cannot help myself, even though the weight of books in my shed brings the threat of subsidence, and I constantly tell myself, 'this is the last time!'.

Looking for something on Amazon recently I found this brilliant little book by chance, how could I resist? it was meant to be . . . .

Morzine walk

This little book is based on a walk I made with Chris in Morzine, July 2010

This year we climbed higher than we have ever done before and it was brilliant. I loved every bit of it.