When I’m out and about, on a walk, on a journey or somewhere new I find myself taking photos of things – interesting, unusual, pretty and often random things. A theme starts to develop and I start ‘collecting’ taking more photographs on the same theme. For instance one of my favourites is ‘doorways’ – they’re very interesting things entrance ways and locks and door knobs…… Before I know it I’ve started another collection, so I decided to create this virtual place to store them, an online photo album or scrapbook.
Often years later I’m subtly inspired by these collections, they seep into the new creative projects or artwork that I’m working on. I guess this is the nature of inspiration, it kind of sneaks up on you when you’re not looking. It’s great having this online receptacle for my collecting habit otherwise our home would be full of my hoarded junk – this way I get to scratch my collecting itch, albeit virtually!
I spent some time wandering the lanes, streets and neighbourhoods of Melbourne looking for graffiti. The modern part of the city has a few areas, but the best spot was around Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. I loved this neighbourhood and was sad that I only found it towards the end of my visit.
I was lucky enough to get some work out in Melbourne in January 2014 and whilst I was there I managed to squeeze in a guided road trip down the Great Ocean Road – I love a good road trip and really enjoyed this action packed day of site seeing. We visited the Otway Rainforest, Apollo Bay and the spectacular 12 Apostles before heading back to Melbourne across country.
1 November 2013: We went for a walk in Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol yesterday – it was a glorious Autumn day, perfect for a walk around the 42 acre site. I love the way the old gravestones are positioned on the banks of a wooded hills and the way the trees and wildlife are taking over. Cemeteries and graveyards are some of my favourite places to visit and we always make a point of seeking them out wherever we go.
September 2013: We went to Boomtown Festival near Winchester in August and I was very impressed with some of the props, sets and artwork that dressed the site. These photos show some of my favourite pieces.
September 2013: Keith and I dusted off our bicycles and went on a tour of Easton, Stokes Croft and St Paul’s to check out the new graffiti that’s been thrown up over the last few months. Some spectacular artists sharing their skills in this ever changing outdoor gallery and it was really nice to see a couple of the artists out creating new pieces too.
June 2013: We’ve just got back from a road trip along the northern coast of Spain and up the Atlantic coast of France in our campervan. Whilst in the Basque region of Spain we visited the Enchanted Forest of Oma. These decorated trees were created by Spanish artist Agustín Ibarrola in 1984, although I believe some of the trees were painted more recently. It was a bit of a hike in the hot sunshine, but it was well worth the effort.
June 2013: I recently started pressing flowers and leaves that I pick during walks in a notebook that I carry. I decided to photograph these pages so that I can create this virtual album.
May 2013: We spent last weekend down in Braunton in North Devon visiting friends. We went for a walk on Sunday down by the estuary and discovered this beautiful old wreck. I love the flaking paint and the beautiful colours – very inspiring.
March 2013: I’ve just flown back from six days working with the Monterey Symphony in California to launch Play Me, I’m Yours Street Pianos across Monterey County – great fun! After two days hard work, I had two rest days before flying back to Bristol. I spent one day exploring Carmel-on-sea and driving around 17 Mile Drive round the coast line around the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and my last day driving along Highway 1 along the Pacific Coast in an area known as The Big Sur – spectacular scenery!
We went down to the free evening of illuminations and festive magic around M Shed and the surrounding Bristol Harbourside.
The museum and adjoining waterfront was lit up with spectacular seasonal and historic films, projections and animations and we drank lovely mulled wine and listened to traditional Christmas carols performed by Gathering Voices Festival of Song – lovely!
