General Pattern

The Artist(s)

2012-01-13T04:31:00.000-08:00

The above painting by Tamara Dubnyckyj 'Rio Repetory' is of the fabulous Rio Cinema in Dalston which is where I went last night to see the brilliant film 'The Artist'

I am sure you have heard what a great film it is so I won't bang on about that, but what most interested me was the 4.3 format of the film. This virtually square screen size was the original movie format, but when Television came in and movie audiences started to drop, Hollywood introduced Widescreen to get one over on TV.

I have had the pleasure of watching many a brilliant film at the Rio, most of which have been in Widescreen or other modern aspect ratios but watching The Artist in a Cinema built in the 30's for 4.3 proportions was a brilliant cinematic experience. It certainly beat getting a 3D headache wearing plastic specs in multiplex.

The print below 'The End II (Widescreen)' is by artist Richard Roberts who has a great selection of prints on his website.

Big MAGIC

2011-11-03T00:52:00.000-07:00

I have been working with Heartbreak Publishing who have produced three colourways of my MAGIC print as large scale screenprints with spot varnishes and diamond dust. I must say they look rather good, thanks to Coriander Studio.

The print will be launched at Heartbreak on Wednesday 16th November.

Magic (Blue)

Limited Edition Silkscreen Print with Diamond Dust

Paper size: 103 x 71 cm / Image size: 93 x 60 cm
Published in 2011
Paper: 410gsm Somerset Tub sized paper
Edition size: 35

The Heroic Book of Failures

2011-10-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

I was commissioned by Faber and Faber to illustrate the cover of 'The Heroic Book of Failures' by Stephen Pile.

New ANIMAL prints

2011-10-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

I have just completed a set of nine, 2/3 colour Lino print on Accent smooth 135gsm off white paper.

Limited edition of 100, signed, numbered and dated.

Paper size 21x21cm Image size 17x17cm

£45 each available here;http://generalpattern.bigcartel.com/

West(Ham)field Stratford City

2011-09-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

I am ashamed to admit I have been to the new Westfield Shopping centre three times so far. I went today after picking my son up from school because I wanted to show him the Olympic Park from the drive to the car park and from the viewing point on the third floor in John Lewis.
I also wanted to show him the amazing collection of London photographs in The Getty Images Gallery.
You can see a slide show of the photographs here but you really need to go and see them in the flesh and at large scale to truly get transported through time.
One of my favourite images was the one shown above, noticing it was missing from todays visit I asked where it had gone.
"We had to remove it due to complaints"
"Complaints?" I queried "Why?"
"Because everyone around here is a West Ham fan and they all objected."
.... Crazy eh?

Shiny Touch Farm

2011-07-20T01:49:00.000-07:00

The 4th August sees the publication of my second book 'Shiny Touch FARM' published by Walker Books

Shiny Touch Farm is an eye-catching book for babies that explores animals through graphic patterns in a simple, contrasting and novel way that is perfect for young babies who are just beginning to develop their visual skills. Each animal is presented boldly on its own and as a part of a fascinating pattern, introducing rich texture and quality art to the very young.

Publication details:

Format: Board Book

ISBN: 9781406320565

Published: 04 Aug 2011

Price: £4.99

Size: 180 x 180 mm

Pages: 16

iphone portraits

2011-07-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

I have a brilliant new hobby..... drawing my friends with an app on my iphone called Artstudio.

I never thought drawing with ones finger on a tiny screen could be so much fun. The portraits are shown in order from my first to latest, I think I'm improving.

New Prints at PULSE

2011-06-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

I am showing some new prints at PULSE until 7th June. It has been good fun and I have met some really nice folk, existing customers, new customers and fellow designers. Below are some of the new prints which are available here.

Peep Through SHAPES

2011-04-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

Next week sees the publication of my book SHAPES published by Walker Books
SHAPES- A visually stunning introduction to shapes for babies.
This bold, eye-catching board book explores shapes through graphic patterns in a simple, contrasting and novel way that is perfect for the youngest babies who are just beginning to develop their visual skills. Each shape is introduced as a part of a fascinating pattern and has holes in the pages to inspire interactivity.

Down to Margate

2011-04-22T00:14:00.000-07:00

I went down to Margate to visit the new Turner Contemporary musuem. From the outside not a great building in my ever so humble, but once inside its a fantastic space.

The current exhibition centres on Turner’s painting The Eruption of the Souffrier Mountains, in the Island of St Vincent, at Midnight, on the 30th of April, 1812. (pictured above)

The six contemporary artists in the exhibition work in the same spirit of enquiry, invention and interest in the natural world that flourished during Turner’s lifetime. Just as Turner explored nature in paint and colour, so these contemporary artists play at the borders between what we can see and know and the truly fantastic. Four of the artists have made new work for the opening of Turner Contemporary. Like Turner, their work responds to the special setting of the gallery in Margate, on the North Kent coast.

Conrad Shawcross is fascinated by science and philosophy, and his work evokes the forces governing the universe. His dramatic new installation draws together a number of threads evident in his practice. A suspended rotating light sculpture fills the gallery with shadows from a large bronze ‘tree’ sculpture, taking the form of a sound wave from a harmonic chord that appears to grow from the gallery floor.

The museum shop is pretty good too but the 14,000 visitors who attended on the first day (they were only expecting 5,000) seemed to have left gaps in the shelves. I was very pleased to see a nice selection of Art Angels cards, my ABSENCE design being one of them.

A couple of days earlier in a charity shop I was lucky enough to scoop an original box of 24 rings of PLAYPLAX so it was great to find in the Turner Contemporary shop a newly reissued box.

Invented by Patrick Rylands in 1966, PlayPlax went on to sell over a million copies.

Patrick was an art student when he first came up with the concept of these brilliant interlocking squares. PlayPlax is in the permanent collection of the V & A and demonstrates perfectly that the best toys are the simplest.

HELP!

2011-04-15T12:45:00.001-07:00

I am looking for some help. I need what I believe they call these days an 'Intern'. An illustration or printmaking student, or recent graduate would be great, but I definitely need someone who is keen and willing to learn. I need help with framing, printing, delivering, sending out orders and generally mucking in to the everyday tasks of my studio. I also may need help every now and then manning my stall at Designers Makers Market E8.

The work would be varied, sometimes monotonous, sometimes not but I think a good opportunity for the right person to learn and hopefully have fun!

Hours and remuneration are negotiable.

Please email a C.V and covering letter to me; james@generalpattern.net

Chats Palace art auction

2011-03-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

Chats Palace is a brilliant arts and community space in Homerton, Hackney. They are holding an art auction on the 31st March at the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green raising money for their 2011/12 arts programmes for children and families in Hackney.

Artist contributing include Cornelia Parker, Gavin Turk, Tom Hunter, Stephen Gill, Gayle Chong Kwan, Gideon Mendel, Laure Prouvost, Cedric Christie, Eva Rothschild, Pascal Rousson, Alex Hudson, Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey, Shane Bradford, Graeme Miller, Tim Betjeman, Perienne Christian, Bobby Lloyd, Greg Rook, David Fryer, Jeff McMillan, John Smith, Miranda Pennell, Colin O’Brien, Brighid Lowe, Delia Woodman, D J Roberts and Sandra Blow amongst others.

I have created this very limited edition print (only 5), please come down to the childhood museum on the 31st.

The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Awards 2011

2011-03-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

I was honoured to be asked for the second year to design the poster for The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Awards 2011. Competition launches on the 7th March. I hope my poster inspires many youngsters to enter.

I also designed the anthology for last years winners.

A coiled spring

2011-02-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

I made a delivery yesterday to a new stockist, The Home Front in Greenwich.

After business and a mooch around the market, I headed to my new favourite place in SE3, The Painted Hall. Whilst walking through the grounds of the Naval College I was amazed by these tough little daffs forcing their way through the turf. A very welcome sign indeed.

Me & You

2011-02-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

New print available from here

Designers/Makers Market

2011-01-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

My artwork for the new Designers/Makers Market starting in April.

My new identity....

2011-01-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

Nice type...

2011-01-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

... to be found at The London Transport Museum.

Some old stamps...

2011-01-06T06:01:00.001-08:00

... I have collected over the years that really don't need to be cluttering up my desk any more.

VAT 10%!

Betsey's Winterlude 2011

2010-12-29T11:29:00.000-08:00

My initial design, not yet finalised for Betsey's Winterlude 2011. Should be a brilliant day, get yer tickets quick.

SALE MADNESS!

2010-12-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

Enter promo code XMAS before 20.12.10 to receive 15% off at my online shop.

VIKING, DOGGER, GERMAN BIGHT...

2010-12-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

'Viking' 1 colour Screen print on Colourplan Natural 270gsm paper Open Edition, signed and dated by James Brown Paper Size: 30 x 42 cm. Image Size: 26 x 37 cm

£31 available here

Behold!-A new print

2010-12-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

I was approached by The Independen t to produce a alternative piece of royal memorabllia to commemorate the up and coming wedding. The article runs this Sunday in the colour supplement and features eight other designers reaction to the brief.

My print can also be purchase here.

Festive Fair at The Museum of London in Docklands

2010-12-06T06:40:00.000-08:00

Thu 9 Dec, 6-9pm FREE
Join me at my favorite London museum for an evening of crafts, carols and Christmas cheer as the Museum of London Docklands opens its doors to some of the city's best craftspeople (and me).
There will be mince pies and mulled wine to accompany carol singing, craft-making activities and stalls selling unique gifts from jewellery and ceramics to badges and stationery.
Please bring cash and cheque books along as credit card facilities may not be available.

The Sutton House Christmas Craft Fai

2010-12-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

I shall be selling my wares this weekend at The Sutton House Christmas Craft Fair.
Come and do your Christmas shopping with mulled wine and mince pies in the oak paneled rooms of east London's oldest house.

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th December 2010.

11am-5pm

Father Christmas' Grotto

2pm-5pm both days

2&4 Homerton High Street
Hackney
E9 6JQ
Adults £1.50
Children FREE
National Trust members FREE

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/suttonhouse

Anorak- The happy mag for kids

2010-11-25T04:32:00.000-08:00

I have an illustration in the latest edition of Anorak magazine. As a result I have gained much respect from my 9 year old son, Charlie. Phew!

It's their book issue and my illustration accompanies a great story by Rachel Eling

The summer of 1976 was a scorcher. I was living with my Mum in an airless flat with no garden, high up above Earls Court tube station. Two weeks into the school holidays we could bear it no longer. Mum borrowed a tent and a couple of roll-up sleeping bags from a neighbour, turned a sliced loaf into Marmite sandwiches and we headed for the coast.

We caught the first ferry that was going to France. Mum got chatting with a pair of students who were going to brush up their French. Over squashed Marmite sandwiches and warm lemonade we invited ourselves along, and landed a lift in their tomato soup coloured Vauxhall Chevette, all the way to their campsite in Concarneau.

Days were spent on the beach, jumping in and out of the water and feasting on hunks of deliciously fresh, crusty bread and chunks of cheese that looked – and tasted – nothing like the yellow brick of Cheddar in the fridge at home.

Cuddled up to Mum at night, I would watch the stars through the open tent flap, and will myself to stay awake to make the holiday last as long as possible. Every morning as I woke, hungry and a little stiff, I was disappointed not to have seen the sun rise.

One morning, when we woke and headed for the showers, there was a buzz in the air. Something was happening. Leaving the campsite for the boulangerie in town, we rounded the corner and there it was, faded canvas in shades of cream and gold, pitched just on the edge of the dunes. The Big Top. Le Cirque was in town! I spent the day sat on the sand, watching the wiry boys setting up the little wooden benches, laying out coconut mats as a makeshift floor and rigging up the high wire and the trapeze. As the sun began to set, I raced back to the tent and hauled Mum along, determined to get a ringside seat.

The show was simply magical.

The dancing girls with their shining smiles and long glossy hair, the tiny acrobats spinning through the air like butterflies, and the surly ringmaster, bellowing in French and then smoking silently between acts.

A toy circus made flesh, just for me. That night I fell asleep instantly, with the tinkling of the band still in my ears, dreaming of the tumbling acrobats turning somersault after somersault in the cool night air. In the morning, I knew I had to see it again.
For five nights I kept my place in the front row, until one morning I woke up knowing it was our last. After a quick breakfast, we packed up the tent and got ready to return to London, but not before I took one last look at the circus tent, damp with dew and leaning slightly, like a paddling pool left out all night.
That summer was meant to be an escape from the city heat, but it turned out to be so much more. I came home with legs covered in mosquito bites and a lifelong love for life under canvas. I’ve not run away to join the circus yet, but there’s still time.

Christmas handbill

2010-11-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

I have just proof printed my Christmas handbill that I shall be scattering across the land from my B52 over the next few weeks. I shall be printing them on my Arab Press which I am very excited about as I have not had a chance to use it yet...

Its Friday! Shake it out...

2010-11-11T23:39:00.000-08:00

... with Mad Lizzie and The London Boys!

Knees up Mother Brown...

2010-11-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

I have blogged about my Dad and my Brother so I thought it only fair to mention my Mum too, children's book author and illustrator extrordinaire Ruth Brown. Like me she has the same name as a popular American soul singer.

This isn't her...

... but this is.

Hogan Brown- Painter

2010-11-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

He's my Brother and you can see more of his work here

I'm gonna get my dad on you

2010-11-10T03:58:00.000-08:00

In 1983 my Dad, Ken Brown made this TV public information film for the Central Office of Information. (I can now see why at the time he was so keen to see Tron in the cinema.)

Anyway, 27 years later I am listening to BBC 6 Music and suddenly hear the familiar voice of Madeline Bell warning me to "...read the road, there's a junction coming..." over and over again, the whole track has been 'sampled' with added, drums, synth and tamborine and eventually the voice of Jim Noir coming in at the end.

Download Jim's 'Melody Junction' track for free here.

"If you don't give my football back, I'm gonna get my dad on you
I only kicked it over your fence and broke a silly gnome or two
Eanie meany, run away
Eanie meany run away"

Eanie Meany by Jim Noir

St Judes in the City

2010-11-07T02:03:00.000-08:00

St. Jude's return to London for an exhibition of prints, paintings
and St. Jude's fabrics from artists including:

Penny Bhadresa · Chris Brown · James Brown · Chloe Cheese
Peter Clayton · Hand and Eye Letterpress · Jonny Hannah
Mark Hearld · Jonathan Gibbs · Peter Green · Michael Kirkman
Ed Kluz · Angie Lewin · Andy Lovell · Jon McNaught
Charles Shearer · Alice Stevenson · Emily Sutton

Plus vintage furniture from Retrouvius, upholstered in St. Jude's fabrics.

From Wednesday 10th until Sunday 21st November 2010 at The Bankside Gallery, 48 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH

The Guide

2010-11-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

I have illustrated the cover for tomorrows The Guardian Guide, also an illustration inside to accompany an article about Chess Records

Small ads/ big snakes

2010-10-31T14:58:00.000-07:00

Saw this ad in a newsagents window.

Elphicks at Multiplied

2010-10-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today, I have been helping Sharon Elphick set up her stand at Multiplied, the contemporary editions fair at Christie's. The stand looks fantastic and I would recommend you all have a look round the show.

Christie’s, South Kensington
85 Old Brompton Road
London SW7 3LD

Public viewing
Friday 15 October 9am – 5pm
Saturday 16 October 11am – 5pm
Sunday 17 October 11am – 5pm
Monday 18 October 9am – 7:30pm

Admission to Multiplied Art Fair is free.

Cath Kidston update

2010-10-10T00:53:00.000-07:00

Sales of my prints for Cath Kidston seem to have made a promising start. I popped in the Marylebone High Street store yesterday to check out the merchandising.

Fakery in Greenwich

2010-10-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have lived in London for most of my life, I have worked in Greenwich and I go there often, but I have never before today been to to the Royal Naval College. I have always assumed the hoards or Italian students where visiting the Cutty Sark, The Observatory or my personal favourite, the Maritime Museum.

I was dumb struck when I walked into the The Painted Hall in the Naval College, it is the most amazing example of nautical trompe l'oeil I have ever seen, even the flutes on the columns were expertly faked. Nelson's body (which was pickled in a cask of brandy) lay in state here two months after his death at Trafalgar.

Outside the painted hall in the grounds of the College a modern form of fakery was taking place with the filming of The Pirates of The Caribbean 4. Huge scaffold backed facades extended from the original buildings, smoke and wind machines were buzzing, huge blue screens were being erected to enable the latest CGI trickery and the London Fire Brigade hosed the ground to simulate muddy streets for the horse and carts and Tricorned extras.

The Colleges Chapel is also well worth a visit but I was most impressed by their amazing harvest festival display. My mum and son were convinced one of the red peppers wasn't real, I do hope they were right as it would carry on the theme of the day.

The 'C' word

2010-09-27T04:48:00.000-07:00

Yes I know its still only September.... so I apologies for mentioning the 'C' word. I have designed the flyer and poster for Columbia Road's Christmas Wednesdays which takes place throughout December. For more info on Columbia Road E2, click here

Point of Sale

2010-09-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

Just made this to display my HAT badges.

Keep your hat on.

2010-09-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Balmoral bonnets, Kepi hats and pith helmets.... Its almost as if my HATS print has come to life in a Kent car boot sale.

V&A 'Cherry on the Cake'

2010-09-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

The ‘Cherry on the Cake’ range is the V&A’s designer collection, and

represents the best of the best in its shops. It brings together

designers, ideas and products in a collection of exclusive editions to

match the diversity, originality and quality of the V&A itself.

The third 'Cherry on the Cake' collection, focuses on paper and brings

with it a resurgence of interest in the medium, the collection includes

traditional printmaking, paper engineering, typography and paper-cut

techniques.

I have been invited as one a group of 12 artists whose working practice

has an affinity to the Museum to produce a piece for this new Paper

collection. The other artists are Aardvark, Fred Butler, Nina Chakrabarti,

D-BROS, Lisa Jones, Ed Kluz, Angie Lewin, Charlotte Mann, Tom Martin,
Rob Ryan and Chisato Tamabayashi.

Check out the whole range on display in the V&A Shop and online at

www.vandashop.com from the 15th September.

My contribution was to illustrate the William Morris quote;

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

Blink

2010-09-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

BLINK LONDON is a new fashion reporting and consultancy service offering a unique insight in to the best of the British fast fashion womenswear. BLINK interviewed me, read it here.

Hat badges

2010-09-05T02:01:00.000-07:00

Five 25mm pins per pack, collect all three sets here

Cath Kidston

2010-09-03T10:24:00.001-07:00

I have done a collection of 4 limited edition screen prints for Cath Kidston. They will be going into the following 10 stores on 13th September and also available online £65 unframed and £125 framed;

York

Liverpool

Tunbridge Wells

Kingston

Marylebone

Cheltenham

Wimbledon

Winchester

Windsor

Sloane Square

Victor(ia) & Al(bert)pha

2010-09-01T02:29:00.000-07:00

My ALPHA poster now available in the V&A shop.

X is for Xylographer

2010-08-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

'A was an Artist' hand-coloured woodcut 1898

William Nicholson 1872 – 1949

In my ever so humble, a true 'A', one half of the 'B'-staff Brothers and a master 'X'.

A was an Artist

B is for Beggar

C is for Countess

D is for Dandy

E is for Earl

F is for Flower Girl

G is for Gentleman

H is for Huntsman

I is for Idiot

J is for Jockey

K is for Keeper

L is for Lady

M is for Milkmaid

N is for Nobleman

O is for Ostler

P is for Publican

Q is for Quaker

R is for Robber

S is for Sportsman

T is for Trumpeter

U is for Urchin

V is for Villian

W is for Waitress

X is for Xylographer

Y s for Yoke

Z is for Zoologist

Squirrel

2010-08-11T23:37:00.000-07:00

New Print- SQUIRRELS.

3 colour Screen print on Off White 315gms Heritage Woodfree Paper Edition of 150, signed and dated by James Brown Paper Size: 34 x 34 cm. Image Size: 27 x 27 cm

Available here for a mere £66

Little London Fields

2010-08-04T03:21:00.000-07:00

This Saturday 7th August I will be selling my wares at Little London Fields, a free one day festival showcasing an array of talented up and coming bands, record labels, artists, designers and performance collectives. If you happen to be in London Fields E8 on Saturday then please stop by and say 'hello'.

Hat's the way, uh-huh uh-huh

2010-07-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh....

New print finished at last and with typo corrected.

'Hats'

5 colour screen print on off White 270gms paper
Edition of 140 signed and numbered by James BrownPaper Size: 36 x 50cm, Image Size: 28.5 x 40cm

£95 available here

Hold on to your hats!

2010-07-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

New print coming soon...

Grump

2010-07-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

'Grumpy Love' by MH Jeeves

Available here.

Telesales

2010-06-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Topiary toupee

2010-06-25T04:19:00.000-07:00

This electricity box's hedgerow hairpiece made me smile this morning.

Baileys Home & Garden

2010-06-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have just sent a consignment of framed prints to Baileys in Herefordshire. Operating out of the sympathetically restored and repaired buildings on Whitcross Farm, it is an amazing place selling a mix of vintage and new. I cant wait to pay them a visit soon.

They are also responsible for the brilliantly packaged and delicious Curious Chocolates.

Something WICKED this way comes...

2010-06-16T10:52:00.001-07:00

Brilliant!

Carters Steam Fair , my favourite fair is setting up in Victoria Park

I am particularly looking forward to the Wall of Death.

Friends of Homerton Station poster

2010-06-03T15:04:00.001-07:00

Now up in the station....

Juliet Bravo

2010-05-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hang this above your roll top bureau and reel off your passwords and registration numbers with the panache of Group Captain Barker.

'Alpha' 4 colour lithograph on uncoated Colorplan

Natural 350gms.

Paper Size: 297mm x 420mm

Only £15 available here.

The Arab Press

2010-05-22T01:02:00.000-07:00

My new 'ARAB' printing press is finally in my studio after weeks of working out the logistics of moving this 500kg beauty. I should have measured the door to my studio before I 'confirmed bid'. These truly are fantastic pieces of machinery, you can find out more about them here.

Rejoice in print.

2010-05-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

I am very sad to say that Printed Textiles at Middlesex University is being shut down. I have designed a tote bag to be given away to all past students who show up to the degree show.
Middlesex University Art and Design Degree Show 2010
The Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1.
Private view: Thursday 3rd June
Public show: Friday 4th June - Monday 7th June
Art and Design: BA Fashion, BA Fashion Design, Styling and Promotion, BA Fine Art, BA Graphic Design,
BA Illustration, BA Interior Architecture and Design, BA Design and Applied Arts, BA Jewellery,
BA Photography, BA Printed Textiles, BA Weave, Mixed Media and Knit, BA Product Design and Engineering,
BA Sonic Arts.

Good Homes

2010-05-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

A nice 'modern retro living room' featuring a couple of my prints in Good Homes June issue. I like the St Judes cushions. If you like St Judes and the work of Angie Lewin why not bid for a one off print with all proceeds going to the Marine Conservation Society. See it here.

Impressive

2010-05-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

I have a nice spread in a new book by Gestalten.

Impressive Printmaking, Letterpress and Graphic Design is an exploration of the interplay between current trends in graphic design and traditional handiwork such as letterpress printing, hand-cut linotype, chiselled woodblocks, and embossing. I am glad that the print I did for Venetia's coffee shop featured so prominently.

Kate Gibb has a nice spread too.

The Outdoor Type

2010-05-09T23:42:00.000-07:00

Driving through North London the other day I was saddened to see that the lovely TYPEWRITER signage on Alfoxton Avenue had finally been ripped down. I am so glad I made a screen print of it a couple of years ago (pictured above) and I hope I kept it alive in some small way. Available for £20 here.

Hackney Wick Letters

2010-05-04T13:01:00.001-07:00

Doors I pass almost every day but never see fully closed, as I did last Sunday.

Phonetic alphabet

2010-04-29T03:19:00.000-07:00

A newly designed print coming soon. I think I should live with it for a while to spot the inevitable spelling mistake.

Lesney factory update No.2

2010-04-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the year I commented on the demolition of the Lesney factory.

Here's progress for you...

Friends of Homerton Station

2010-04-22T01:07:00.000-07:00

I have just completed this illustration for The Friends of Homerton Station, a voluntary group set up by local people to plant meadows at Homerton station, Hackney, E9.

Planting wildflowers helps to preserve native species and the variety of wildflowers on the embankments in the station will create a wildlife-friendly habitat to enencourage butterflies, bees, other insects and birds.

My illustration will feature on a poster printed by London Transport and displayed within the station to make people aware of the groups work.

Someone in the house say YEAH!

2010-04-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

Today I was talking to the chap fixing our lift here at Bridget Riley Studios, he told me he used to attend raves here back in 1988 when he was fifteen year old lad living on the Roman Road. Although he couldn't remember much about the parties other than having a very good time, he did say that Percy Daltons Peanut Factory (as it was then) was one of the original major warehouse venues used for a few weeks before it was busted. If anyone has any more information, I would love to find out more about this spell in the history of 43 Dace Road. As my lift fixing, veteran raver friend said "... this was our Hacienda."

Bridget Riley – Blaze 1

The Scythe Festival

2010-04-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

I have just designed the poster for the sixth West Country Scythe Festival and Green Fair. Its a fantastic day out in the Somerset Levels with good food and drink and some very exciting scything contests.

I will be printing the posters this week, so if you like them you can purchase them here.

Here are some photos from last year.

These chaps were selling elderflower Champaign made at Tinker's Bubble.

Print Pattern book

2010-04-12T00:10:00.000-07:00

I have some work in a new book published by Laurence King. Print Pattern is compiled by the creator of the blog of the same name www.printpattern.blogspot.com. The book documents the work of the best surface designers from around the world and features products that have been embellished with a surface print or pattern, including graphics, cards, gift wrap, stationery, textiles, ceramics, badges, stickers, and wallpaper.

Two of my prints featured in the book were produced exclusively for Olive Loves Alfie.

"The Street Where Originality Lives"

2010-03-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

Last summer I wrote about some excitement in the Wick. Here at Bridget Riley Studios we were all very preoccupied watching the shooting of the aptly (for us) named Adidas advert "The Street Where Originality Lives". Beckaham and Snoop Dawg have been spliced in, I can't imagine they graced the Wick with their presence.

As my good friend and studio neighbour Wilfrid Wood said:

"...that looks like terrifically good fun! I wish Dace Road really was like that all the time."

The V&A Bookshop

2010-03-24T02:24:00.001-07:00

The V&A Bookshop are know stocking two of my prints, BAGS and ABSENCE.

Found in Bath

2010-03-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

I have just delivered some of my prints to a lovely new shop in Bath. Found is a boutique stocking undiscovered fashion labels, heritage brands, hand printed stationary, books and a tightly edited range of accessories from across the world. It is a true gem in one of my favourite cities.

The Flicker Club

2010-03-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

I have just designed a flick book for The Flicker Clubs screening of The Night of the Hunter at the Lexi Cinema on th3 28th March.

Many thanks to Shiv for animating it.

The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Awards

2010-03-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

I have just designed the poster for The Foyle Young Poets Awards 2010. Its a nice big A2 number that hopefully will be prominently displayed on school notice boards up and down the country.

The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award is now firmly established as the key award for young writers aged between 11 and 17 years. Founded by the Poetry Society in 1998, the competition has been supported by the Foyle Foundation since 2001.

Each year 100 winners (85 commendations and 15 overall winners) are selected by a team of high profile judges, and receive their awards at an annual prize-giving event on National Poetry Day. Winners from the 15 to 17 age category attend a week-long intensive residential Arvon course where they develop their creative writing skills and establish peer support structures. Winners aged 11-14 benefit from poetry residencies at their school followed by distance mentoring.

Alongside these prizes Winners of the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award benefit from on-going support and encouragement, via publication, performance, promotion and internship opportunities.

Sphere today, gone tomorrow.

2010-02-22T12:19:00.001-08:00

Today I came across this mysterious mirrored ball on Old Ford Road E3. I have always loved a shiny sphere...

... along with M.C. Escher and a bit of tessellation.

Some tessellated squirrels I produced a while ago for a textile design.

It's written all over your face

2010-02-21T02:38:00.000-08:00

I did these illustrations a while ago for Quality Improvement Magazine but I figure that most of you do not subscribe to that particular publication. I was prompted to blog them this morning after seeing somebody else's illustration on the front of The Independent on Sunday magazine.

Say It With Flowers.

2010-02-12T14:48:00.000-08:00

Late Night Love Songs

2010-02-10T01:21:00.000-08:00

Alison Gibb - Artist and Writer.
Since completing a BA (hons) in Fine Art at Goldsmiths College in 1998, Alison has worked predominately in the Arts as a project manager and creative consultant. Supporting artists to raise their profiles and to make good affordable art and design available to a wider audience.
Creatively she has continued to produce a variety of text-based and performance artworks, facilitated art and poetry workshops for young people and is currently studying on a Creative Writing MA at Kingston University.
Continuing her interest in gesture and language, narrative and storytelling and high-art vs low-art, Alison has produced a series of poetic narrative posters inspired by pop song lyrics around the themes of love and loss.

I have just completed a new print in collaboration with Alison Gibb. Designed by me, written by Alison and printed by us both, 'Late Night Love Songs- Heart FM' uses nostalgic love-song lyrics to create a narrative poem that celebrates the emotional turmoil of having-the-hots for someone.

Printed in silver and navy on cream mould made paper, available to purchase here

Also available framed and unframed from Elphicks

"Calm down dearest"

2010-02-03T14:52:00.000-08:00

I am very pleased to be selling a selection of prints through the Keep Calm Gallery.

R.I.P Ada Street Gallery

2010-01-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

The Ada Street Gallery E8, yet another building suddenly demolished at the blink of an eye. Again, not the most beautiful building in Hackney but one that I will fondly remember for an exhibition I had there with Kate Gibb.

That's my brother Hogan helping us hang things straight in 2008!

More Paintbox jury

2010-01-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

Paintbox Jury

2010-01-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

While tidying up my computer and archiving a few bits and bobs I chanced upon a folder which made me smile. A while ago (in less busy times) I used to submit my versions of album artwork to Gideon Coe's 'paintbox jury' page on the BBC 6 music website. Listeners submitted their basic artwork for other listeners to guess what the albums were. I got quite into doing them as they took me a matter of minutes and made me laugh... a lot. I'll tell you that the first one is Pelican West by Haircut 100, see if you can guess the rest.

NEW PRINT*

2010-01-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

Coming real soon..... just in time for a day in mid February.

Lesney factory update

2010-01-14T01:55:00.000-08:00

I was presumptuous in my last post by stating that the Lesney Factory will be making way for something 2012 related, I was wrong. Guess what they are planning? See the proposal here.

Lesney factory

2010-01-12T01:30:00.000-08:00

Driving down Homerton Road this morning I was saddened to see that demolition has started on the Lesney Industries factory where the much loved Matchbox toys were once made. Its not the most beautiful building in the world but it is still a shame to see another important piece of local history raised to the ground to make way for the 2012 Olympics.

The Mighty Thor

2010-01-11T03:04:00.000-08:00

"The Big Freeze" is over.

Ship of Fools gig

2010-01-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

Ship of Fools "probably the biggest band in the west country."

Cotton tote 'BAGS' bags

2010-01-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

A strong, lightweight Fairtrade cotton tote bag screen printed with my 'Bags' image. Available here.

New Year's resolution No. 2

2010-01-02T10:39:00.001-08:00

New Year's Day

2010-01-01T15:42:00.000-08:00

Remarkable New Year's Day sky on the Kent coastline, foreboding heavy clouds looking east towards the South Foreland Lighthouse and sunnier sky's over the white cliffs looking west towards Dover. Lets hope that 2010 sees us all looking west. Happy new year.

New Year's resolution

2009-12-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

Harmonograph

2009-12-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce Mr Russell Terry and his magnificent harmonograph!

russellterry@hotmail.com

Good God, Lord Have Mercy!

2009-12-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, these are the JB's.

Olympic update No.3

2009-12-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

These pictures were taken on The Greenway where there's a fantastic new cafe called The Container, it's located below the View Tube and overlooks the Olympic Park. Its run by Tom and Jess who also have The Counter on Fish Island. Fantastic food & coffee and a brilliant view of the industrial bustlings on the Olympic site.

Who's the goon on the left?...... It's me!

You're hired

2009-12-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

Apologies to Sirallen. One of many greetings cards I have designed for the Art Group.

House & Garden

2009-12-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

A nice spread in House and Garden magazine featuring my 'Bags' print.

Little Drummer Buoy

2009-12-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

I have just designed and printed a Christmas Card for Frank In Whitstable. Its a bauble/buoy and not a rusty old WWII mine.

Through Positive Eyes

2009-12-04T01:39:00.000-08:00

I have been working with my friend Gideon Mendel to create the logo for Through Positive Eyes. Through Positive Eyes is a project of the Art | Global Health Center at UCLA. Through Positive Eyes is an attempt to address key themes of the AIDS epidemic: widespread stigma, extreme social inequality, and limited access to lifesaving medication. The project is based on the belief that challenging stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS is the most effective method for combating the epidemic—and that art is a powerful way to do this. Over the next two years HIV-positive people in six countries and on five continents will take part in this unique initiative, creating powerful personal photo essays. From these images, we will create local and international advocacy materials including exhibitions, short films, a book, and this website.

Print gone wrong.

2009-12-03T09:10:00.002-08:00

One must concentrate when working with lino and make sure its the right way round before printing.
Mistakes eh! Don't you just love em?

Holiday Marketplace

2009-11-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

I shall be setting up stall in the Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Hampstead NW3 this Saturday 28th November 10am-3pm for the 4th annual HWC Holiday Marketplace. Lisa Jones will be there too.

The above illustration is part of Covent Gardens Christmas campaign which I have recently had the pleasure of working on. See their website for infomation on what's on in Covent Garden over the festive season. (You can also see a nice animated version of my illustration.)