> IW STORY FESTIVAL

 Newport, IoW
21-22 February 2020

2020 - The first ever IW Story Festival. Stories are all around us; not just in books and poems and plays and songs, but also in the news and history and the places we live. For two days, children and families were inspired by stories, creativity and - by some pretty impressive Storytellers too. I went along to lend a hand - and to get lost in a wonderful world of Storytelling.

The aim of this fabulous new Festival is to:
CREATE; whether through stories and poems, junk modelling or other crafts; for families and young people to have fun together and discover new talents. To let authors, poets, actors, illustrators, spoken word artists and others INSPIRE us to create our own stories; to discover new worlds and new ideas. And finally, to help all IMAGINE the amazing things we can do and the amazing things we can be. All this, and so much more, brought to life through the wonderful world of Storytelling!

The festival organisers curated an impressive programme of Story based workshops, talks and activities. World class authors, illustrators and performers joined Storytellers from the Island to entertain and INSPIRE. It was fantastic to meet so many talented and passionate creatives... 

The lineup included: Korky Paul - Artist and world renowned illustrator. Nick Sharratt - Illustrator, author AND onetime official illustrator for World Book Day. Sarah McIntyre - Illustrator and writer with an eye-popping collection of glasses, hats and outfits. 

Sarah MacIntyre

World Book Day costumes. Permission given when pictures taken.

As a volunteer, I was ready to help out wherever I could. My love of visual Storytelling was sure to come in useful somewhere! On the first day, I really enjoyed helping out in the crafty sessions run by the amazing Teresa Grimaldi. In the morning, we inspired children to make creative costumes for World Book Day and in the afternoon, we got crafty with junk! Huge fun and it's surprising what you can CREATE from a pile of old fabric, some egg boxes and a collection of paper tubes! These 4, 45 minute sessions were FREE - it was so rewarding to see the children walking away with (and wearing) their own story based creations.

Getting crafty with junk! Permission given when pictures taken.

A small, but very dedicated group of IoW based Storytellers made this Festival happen! Such a creative and fun bunch. It was a joy to get to know them.

Elspeth Giddens - A lovely Lady who get's things done!
Debbie Webb - An Author, Illustrator and educator.
Jules Marriner - A Storyteller, Illustrator and writer.
Sue Bailey - A wonderful Storyteller.
Peta Rainford - A children's writer and illustrator.
Geoff Banks - A passionate supporter of all things creative.

10 out of 10

> ART CATCH UP

 London Town
22 December 2019

We take a day trip to London and explore the major art shows at Tate Britain and Tate Modern. Before heading home, we chill in a couple of our fave old City haunts... Cheers!

First up: Tate Britain... Anne Hardy wins the prize for best winter decorations with her post-apocalyptic commission. She has transformed the front of the London Gallery with ice, mud, tangled lights and torn banners. The result is truly unique and even includes a 21-minute quadraphonic soundscape... Then, we enjoy...

William Blake - A painter, print maker and poet who created some of the most iconic images in British art. With over 300 original works, including watercolours, paintings and prints, this is the largest show of Blake’s work for almost 20 years. It rediscovers him as a visual artist for the 21st century. Radical and rebellious, he is an inspiration to visual artists, musicians, poets and performers worldwide. A beautifully staged show, very enjoyable!

Nebuchadnezzar William Blake 1795

A destroying Deity William Blake 1820

Mark Leckey: O' Magic power of Bleaknesss - An ambitious new large-scale exhibition by the Turner Prize winning artist. Leckey transforms Tate Britain’s galleries with a life-size replica of a motorway bridge on the M53 on the Wirral, Merseyside, where he grew up. The bridge – a recurring motif in his work – is the setting for a new audio play. Focusing on a group of teenagers, the play is inspired by folklore and stories of changelings and ‘fairy raids’ and by the artist’s own pre-adolescent experiences. Composed of new and existing work, this exhibition is an atmospheric, theatrical experience of spectral visions, sound and video. BRILLIANT...

Installation view Mark Leckey 2019

Dave and 'The Depth of Darkness, the Return of the Light' Anne Hardy 2019

After a spot of lunch, we hit Tate Modern. It's hard to believe that this Gallery has been central to London's art landscape for 20 years...  it surely has to be one of the best Contemporary Art Galleries in the world!

Kara Walker: Hyundai Commission - Fons Americanus is a 13-metre tall working fountain inspired by the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, London. Rather than a celebration of the British Empire, this fountain explores the interconnected histories of Africa, America and Europe. Kara uses water as a key theme, referring to the transatlantic slave trade and the ambitions, fates and tragedies of people from these three continents. Fantasy, fact and fiction meet at an epic scale. Based in New York, Kara Walker is acclaimed for her candid explorations of race, sexuality and violence.

Alex and 'Fons Americanus' Kara Walker 2019

Dora Maar - This exhibition explores the breadth of Maar's long career in the context of work by her contemporaries and is the most comprehensive retrospective ever held. During the 1930s, the artists provocative photomontages became celebrated icons of surrealism. Her eye for the unusual also translated to her commercial photography, including fashion and advertising, as well as to her social documentary projects. Her relationship with Pablo Picasso had a profound effect on both their careers. She documented the creation of his most political work, Guernica 1937. He painted her many times, including Weeping Woman 1937. Together they made a series of portraits combining experimental photographic and printmaking techniques. In middle and later life Maar withdrew from photography. She concentrated on painting and found stimulation and solace in poetry, religion, and philosophy, returning to her darkroom only in her seventies. Fab show, great to discover the work of this incredible Lady!

 Hand-shell Dora Maar 1934

Untitled Dora Maar 1933

Nam June Paik - This major exhibition is a mesmerising riot of sights and sounds. It brings together over 200 works from throughout Paik's five-decade career – from robots made from old TV screens, to his innovative video works and all-encompassing room-sized installations such as the dazzling Sistine Chapel 1993. Experimental, innovative and always playful, this artist's work has had a profound influence on today’s art and culture. He pioneered the use of TV and video in art and coined the phrase ‘electronic superhighway’ to predict the future of communication in the internet age. Amazing show, great fun and very memorable - top marks!

Uncle and Aunt Nam June Paik 1986

Sistine Chapel Nam June Paik 1993

Dave enjoys the installation 

10 out of 10

> HAROON MIRZA: WAVES AND FORMS

 John Hansard Gallery, Southampton
19 December 2019

Haroon Mirza: Waves and Forms - This exhibition highlights the artist’s ongoing exploration of waveforms: how they are perceived, the emotional and physical responses they create and the various ways in which we relate to them.

I really enjoy popping into this contemporary art space in Southampton, there's always something new to explore. The long awaited move in May 2018, from the Gallery’s historic home at the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus to the new purpose-built Studio 144 in Southampton’s Cultural Quarter, triples the space available for public programming, community-focused projects and active learning opportunities. The arts venue comprises around 75,000 square feet of stunning gallery, performing arts and film/media studio space across two iconic buildings, as part of a mixed-use development. This city-centre Gallery has dramatically increased the opportunities for the public to experience and be inspired by great art, as well as for creative collaboration with its new cultural neighbours in Studio 144 – City Eye and Nuffield Southampton Theatres.

Beautifully staged across two floors, Haroon Mirza’s artworks are united by an enduring preoccupation and engagement with diverse disciplines including physics, shamanism, artificial intelligence and astrology. He has won international acclaim for installations that test the interplay and friction between sound waves, light waves and electric current. As an advocate of interference, Mirza creates situations that purposefully cross wires. He devises sculptures, performances and immersive installations that skilfully blend ancient and contemporary technologies, offering up composite installations that mix an electric range of materials.

Haroon Mirza - Solar Symphony Solar Credit Thierry Bal

Haroon Mirza - Dreamachine 2.0 Credit Thierry Bal

Haroon Mirza - Pavilion for Optimisation Credit Thierry Bal

The John Hansard Gallery

Mirza describes himself as a composer, working with physical phenomena and found and created instruments, to create complex works that embrace both the everyday and the sublime. Through his work, processes are left exposed and sounds occupy space in an unruly way, testing codes of conduct and charging the atmosphere. Fantastic stuff!

10 out of 10

> COWES ART GROUP QUIZ FUN

Gurnard Village Hall, IoW
2 December 2019

Cowes Art Group - It's that time of year again... Dave and I write the quiz, pack the props and head to Gurnard Village Hall to host the annual Cowes Art Group Festive quiz.

The organisers of Cowes Art Group have once again asked us back to host their festive quiz. It's always a great night out with fun loving local artists. We designed a final 'festive make' round to beat all festive makes and the teams did an amazing job of constructing a 'snow person' from a handful of balloons, pipe cleaners and coloured card. It's surprising what you can produce in fifteen minutes, especially when there's chocolate to be won! Looking forward to the 2020 spectacular already ;-)

10 out of 10

> A STORY OF INDIA

Southern India
18 Oct - 1 Nov 2019

One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is a mosaic of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and a myriad of attractions, this country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. We pack our bags, open our minds and head off - for a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to know the real Story of India!

We enjoyed a truly unforgettable holiday with Carl and Annette. Spectacular scenery, incredible food, amazing experiences and beautiful people. What more could you wish for?

Full itinerary to follow soon.

10 out of 10

> BIENALLE ARTE 2019

Venice, Italy
4-8 October 2019

Biennale Arte 2019 - May You Live In Interesting Times', the 58th International Art Exhibition is just one of the reasons why we decide to revisit this beautiful and unique City... the other has to be all those gorgeous Lions!

We really look forward to heading back to Venice. Exploring the Biennale requires stamina, an open mind and determination... there is always so much to take in! This year, narrative driven installations and video pieces really overwhelmed us, in a good way! Plenty of time and a good pair of shoes are essential if you want to fully engage, and get under the skin of some of the more challenging and conceptually rich pieces. This is ART on an EPIC scale... and you need epic amounts of energy to keep up!

Open to the public from Saturday May 11th to Sunday November 24th 2019, at the Giardini and the Arsenale, this art experience is on an olympic scale and includes 79 participants from all over the world. This year it's curated by Ralph Rugoff and organised by La Biennale di Venezia chaired by Paolo Baratta.

Our trip went a little like this:
Thur 3rd Oct - Dave and I travel up to London late afternoon to stay with Carl and Annette in Greenwich. We enjoy a lovely meal and head up to bed before midnight...

Fri 4th Oct - Up and out early to catch our 9:05 flight from City airport to Venice Marco Polo. We arrive in good time and head to the water taxi departures to board our boat to Venice. Our host, Linda, meets us at Ospedale and we walk to our home for the next 4 nights. This is our second stay at the beautiful Ca' Ermina Garden property. Situated within walking distance of all the main sights, this oasis is perfect as a base to explore. A quick unpack and we are off out to grab Venice. We enjoy a drink and some snacks pre heading out later to eat at a local restaurant. Osteria Ai Do Pozzi is a real find! Recommended by our host, Fabio, this unassuming eatery is great for a casual night out. Lovely seafood and meat cooked to traditional Italian recipes, uncomplicated and very tasty.

Sat 5th Oct - A beautiful sunny day. First up, a leisurely walk to the fish market near Rialto Bridge. We are cooking in tonight and get fresh bass, squid and veg from the near by stalls. We head back via the supermarket to pick up bits for breakfast. Brunch is enjoyed outside in our private garden... bliss. We are ready to head to the Giardini to start our Biennale experience. So much art to enjoy... we spend a good 3 hours exploring. The Pavilion's are busy with art fans and we have a great time (Notable works listed below and some are shown in pics). In the eve we saunter back to the apartment via a quick drink stop to refresh and critique the day. A fab eve of cooking, eating and laughing follows.

Here are my faves from the Giardini:
Belgium: The crazzzy animated world of Mondo Cane. Brazil and the wonderful dance orientated piece that was Swinguerra. Canada with Isuma, their charming narrative driven film - one of the very few that we actually engaged with. Poland and Flight, the inside-out flying machine. Serbia and their lovely paintings and 3D pieces of Regaining Memory Loss.

Sun 6th Oct - A drizzly morning, so breakfast is inside today. We pack essentials and are soon off for part two of our adventure. We take a stroll towards the busy centre of the City before heading over to the Arsenale. This is always our favourite venue, and this year does not disappoint! Fabulous installations and highly creative pieces in this fantastic collection of renovated dock-side and industrial buildings. (Notable works are shown in pics). We round off the afternoon with a quick refreshment stop before heading back to the apartment to prep and enjoy another tasty home cooked meal.

Here are my fave artists from the Arsenale:
Alex Da Corte: His fabulous video works that formed Rubber Pencil Devil. Soham Gupta's Angst series - intimate photographic portraits celebrating the people who live in the shadows of Calcutta. Mari Katayama and her personal photographic images and hand made props that talk to her physical self.

Mon 7th Oct - Gorgeous sunshine greets us on our final full day in Venice. Today is all about getting to know districts of the city that we have not enjoyed before... and sampling some authentic Cicchetti in a few of the best rated smaller restaurants and bars. All Vedova is our first stop... a lil' glass of local vino and delicious bites in this authentic back street Venetian restaurant... beautiful. We also do a couple of the more decorative Churches. Basilica Sant Giovanni e Paolo and Basilica Dei Frari are both certainly worth a visit! More snacks, now we relax for a bit longer and enjoy the gorgeous canal side location of Paradiso Perduto.  With full tummies we are ready for more art! We explore the interesting collection of work at Palazzo Michiel, the European Culture Centre of Italy. Then continue walking for another hour or so, taking in the sights and sounds... A quick drink at Caffe Rosso is required before heading to an old fave of ours, Osteria al Squero, opposite the picturesque gondola yard. Phew, what a fantastic day. We have a lovely night at our base - and Fabio, Linda and Mum come over to see us, such a nice gesture!

Tue 8th Oct - Our final morning in Venice, a quick tidy up and we are offt... up to Ospedale to catch a boat back to Marco Polo. A slightly choppy ride across the lagoon and we are soon aboard our 11:30 flight to Gatwick. Dave and I eventually make it onto the 15:45 red jet to Cowes. It's been such an amazing few days with Carl and Annette, happy times indeed! - Bring on India!!!

10 out of 10

> ART AND HORTICULTURE CATCH UP

London and South East
4 - 6 August 2019

We make the most of a few days off to hit a selection of art hot-spots and destination Gardens. Installations, undiscovered new art and inspirational planting await - we just can't get enough!

Sunday 4th - We drive up to Greenwich and park up just outside our first rented property, we are staying with Carl and Annette. A quick freshen up and we are soon off to catch the train into central London. First up, The Royal Academy. Here we enjoy 3 shows.

Helene Schjerfbeck self portrait, black background 1915

Félix Vallotton sunset Villerville 1917

RA Summer Exhibition 2019

Helene Schjerfbeck: this is the first major exhibition of one of Finland's best kept secrets. Over 60 portraits, landscapes and still life studies help to give us a career wide overview of this wonderful artists' creative output. Next up, Félix Vallotton - Painter of disquiet: the prolific Swiss painter and print maker. Through more than 80 paintings and exquisite prints, this exhibition reveals Vallotton’s extraordinary body of work, including compelling portraits, dreamlike landscapes and satirical prints distilled into pure blocks of black and white. We have just enough energy left to enjoy the 2019 Summer Exhibition: the annual freeform art explosion that covers every single surface in the major gallery space. Always fun, always surprising and always a complete riot! This year, acclaimed British painter Jock McFadyen RA takes the mantle from Grayson Perry to co-ordinate the 251st Summer Exhibition. Over 1,500 works are on display, most of them for the first time. Highlights include an animal-themed ‘menagerie’ in the Central Hall, with works by artists including Polly Morgan, Charles Avery, Banksy and Mat Collishaw. Artist sisters Jane and Louise Wilson RA have curated two galleries, one of which showcases work exploring light and time. Further artists exhibiting include Jeremy Deller, Marcus Harvey, Tracey Emin RA, Frank Bowling RA, Antony Gormley RA and Honorary Academicians Anselm Kiefer, James Turrell and Wim Wenders. We head home to Greenwich and enjoy an eve of fab food and great company.

Olafur Eliasson Beauty 1993

Takis radar 1960

Natalia Goncharova The Phoenix 1911

Monday 5th - We are up early to cram as much into this day as humanly possible. First, we head to Tate Modern to enjoy another 3 shows. Olafur Eliasson in real life: Some artworks introduce natural phenomena such as rainbows to the gallery space. Others use reflections and shadows to play with the way we perceive and interact with the world. Many works result from the artist’s research into complex geometry, motion patterns, and his interest in colour theory. All but one of the works have never been seen in the UK before. Next, Takis: This the largest exhibition of Takis's work ever held in the UK, bringing together over 70 works. Throughout his career he produced antennae-like sculptures called Signals, and musical devices using magnets, electricity and viewer participation to generate resonant and random sounds. Lastly, Natalia Goncharova: This multi-talented artist found acclaim early in her career. Aged just 32 she established herself as the leader of the Russian avant-garde with a major exhibition in Moscow in 1913. She then moved to France where she designed costumes and backdrops for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes. She lived in Paris for the rest of her life, becoming a key figure in the city’s cutting-edge art scene. Her bold and innovative body of work influenced and transcended the art movements of the 20th century. We explore her diverse sources and inspirations, from Russian folk art and textiles to the latest trends in modernism and beyond.

The day is not done yet! We are now off to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to enjoy a sunny afternoon relaxing in the beautiful grounds. We are also here to take a look at the beautiful glass art of Dale Chihuly. A selection of his dazzling sculptures transform the Gardens and glasshouses into a contemporary outdoor gallery space. A spectacular and very memorable creative partnership. Early eve we head to north London to meet baby Alba, and to catch up with Amy and Robert.

Dale Chihuly at Kew

Tuesday 6th - We breakfast early in Greenwich, say our goodbyes to Carl & Annette and head south. We are off to RHS Wisley. This 240 ache site is one of five Gardens run by the RHS. We LOVE visiting Wisley and spend a very happy few hours exploring before heading home to our Isle later in the afternoon.

The beauty of Wisley

10 out of 10