The events in Paris are a stark reminder how far we still need to go to resolve the frankly medieval Muslim intolerance towards free expression (sometimes satirical) of religion, politics, ideology and any other human endeavour , as let’s face it, they’re all just human constructs in the first place. To condemn a cartoonist of playing God by depicting the prophet, then taking that cartoonist’s life as if they are God themselves is an appalling act of hypocrisy. . .

I’ve been off the radar for a bit, but that’s because I’ve been working on all kinds of stuff, particularly a lot of unique artwork for the new online wall decal company WallGecko.com! A swanky site with premium art and photos for your interiors- here’s the link: http://www.wallgecko.com
From kids safari animals (which I’ve talked about in a previous blog) to aspirational quotes and landscapes scenes, the work has been varied and almost entirely done digitally using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop Elements 11 and the incredible software which is Corel Painter 2015.
I’ve been able to produce more painterly work with the latter, especially on the theme of sensual women, which you can see below. . .

This is an illustration I worked on several months back as part of a re branding for Manchester based confectionery company Freedom Mallows:  http://www.freedommallows.com which has been used for their micro mallows range (see related link from their news page http://craftychai.co.uk/national-vegetarian-week-and-freedom-mallows/.

Nice to see it being used at last… the mallows are very tasty and well worth a try, Holland & Barrett now stock them!

I saw the Grayson Perry exhibition at the Manchester Art Gallery and would recommend to anyone that they see this!

A modern day take on Hogarth’s Rakes Progress, the tapestries depict the life and tragic death of Tim Rakewell, a computer software millionaire, all through the satirical prism of class identity and tensions-brilliant stuff.

http://www.manchestergalleries.org/whats-on/

Spent a very enjoyable Saturday in Kendal for what was the very first International Comic Art Festival,  with lots of comics from established artists as well as new people on the scene for sale and to admire. As I was nursing a mother of a hangover I very regretfully missed the first event I had booked to see- Guardian political cartoonist Steve Bell.  From all accounts he gave a very  funny and informative account of the absurd behaviour he’s witnessed within British political parties. Did get to see a Sean Phillips talking about how he started and his working practices,  followed by the highlight of the day for me, seeing two of my favourite cartoonists, Gilbert Shelton and Hunt Emerson discussing their work and influences. I couldn’t resist asking Hunt a question about the influence of George Herriman’s Krazy Kat on his style and got a very detailed response with even Gilbert piping in on how he saw Herriman’s work in the New York Metropolitan Art Museum and was amazed this was regarded as art! Then waited for over an hour to get books signed by both- they drew cartoons for everyone who waited which was a nice touch. . .I hope they manage to hold it again next year and get appearances from other big names.  Who knows, Robert Crumb? Chris Ware? Also picked up a beautifully drawn comic in the vein of the classic Tintins called The Rainbow Orchid by Garen Ewing- a ripping yarn with detailed, historically researched artwork,  really something else!

I’m going to be attending Lakes International Comic Art Festival which sounds great on Saturday 18th October!

There are some really fascinating events throughout the weekend, a few I’ve booked to see including an interview with Guardian political cartoonist Steve Bell as well as one I’m really excited about as they’re two cartooning heroes of mine- talks with Hunt Emerson and Gilbert Shelton (of the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers 70s underground fame).

What a day immersed in cartoon talent it’ll be! Check the link below if you’re interested:

http://www.breweryarts.co.uk/events-and-festivals