Tinsel Edwards

A studio on loan!

2011-12-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

A very generous friend and talented artist Sonia Blair recently offered me the use of her studio, whilst she is away for christmas.

It feels like a million years since I have been able to paint properly, partly because its been a really busy 6 months filled with exhibitions, and partly because of the upheaval of moving back to London, and no longer having a place to work. (and I guess it's also because I'm trying to balance being an artist with looking after a two year old!)

But it feels like finally I am starting to get back on track! The studio has amazing views (and is heated!) it feels like a haven and very productive workspace, I am loving being able to at last get started on some of my new ideas.

I will be in the space working away throughout January which is a very exciting start to 2012, and by February I should have some images of a brand new piece or two if all goes to plan!

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year, and the biggest of thankyous to Sonia for the loan of her beautiful studio.

Love Tinsel x

London Calling at OCCCA

2011-12-12T12:33:00.000-08:00

I am really excited about taking part in an exhibition in LA this December: ‘London Calling’ will feature the work of 30 London based artists.

The exhibition is at ‘OCCCA’ – or The Orange County Centre for Contemporary Art. The gallery has been presenting cutting-edge artwork since 1980, a non-profit corporation, it acts as a catalyst for self-organised initiatives with a keen focus on social engagement, intellectual and cultural exchange and endeavours to produce a forward-thinking intellectual framework.

I will be exhibiting three works, ‘Shoebox’, ‘I hope this does win the Turner Prize’ and ‘Paint Stuff'. Funnily enough I painted Shoebox in 2008, it felt poignant then, but even more so now! I really hope that in the next few years I won't have to paint another version about people having to live in matchboxes.

'Shoebox'

acrylic on canvas

There are 30 of us taking part in the group exhibition, we’ve all been busy fundraising to help towards costs for the show via indiegogo, and a couple of Christmas pop up shops at Debut Contemporary on Westbourne Grove and another near St Pauls. You can see our Indiegogo profile here, we're selling lots of prints and original pieces at discounted prices to help raise funds for the group to ship their work over to LA.

The participating artists are as follows:

Abigail Box, Agnetha Sjogren, Alyona Larinova, Azadeh Fatehrad, Beth Nicholas, Carlos Burgos, Chantal Powell, Darren MacPherson, Katerina Stavrou, Katerina James, Kimi Wylde, Henry Wood, Joe Cruz, Lloyd Durling, Lyndsay Martin, Masa Suzuki, Nicola Anthony, Rachel Noble, Rosie Emerson, Robert West, Senghye Yang, Silvia Krupinska, Sylvia Morgado, Sun Ae Kim, Tinsel Edwards, Tahnee Lonsdale, Twinkle Troughton, Victoria Heald, Vikram Kushwah

London Calling opens on 21st December and runs until January 12th, The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA) is located in the Santa Ana Artist Village, which is home to several galleries, artist studios, restaurants, shops, and First Saturday art walks. OCCCA, 117 North Sycamore, Santa Ana, CA. 92701 USA. Visit www.occca.org

The Other Art Fair, OCCCA and pics from the Something Borrowed exhibition...

2011-11-15T15:31:00.000-08:00

I will be exhibiting work at The Other Art Fair next week. This Fair is unique, the 100 emerging artists participating will be representing themselves. A brand new concept in the art world, this will give artists the opportunity to actually meet the buyers, collectors and gallerists who attend the fair.

Myself and Twinkle Troughton are sharing a stand, we will both be exhibiting a mixture of new and older original paintings and a selection of limited edition prints. Having been selected from hundreds of applicants, we are both really excited about this opportunity! We've never had a stand at an art fair before, and The Other Art Fair seems like its going to be an amazing one to debut at!

There are some top names involved in the selection process, including the artist Charming Baker (who's paintings I love!), director of the BALTIC Godfrey Worsdale, Dr Anthony Downey of Sotheby's, Sophie Hastings of GQ, and Graham Fink of Ogilvy and Mather.

AND (I'm very excited about this bit.....) Harry Pye and Jasper Joffe will be selling art for 99p at their shop, giving Other Art Fair visitors the opportunity to collect art for less than a pound!

http://jasperandharry.blogspot.com/

The Other Art Fair came by to interview me about my work for the website, you can view it here Keep checking the site as I think Twinkle will have some footage up there soon too!

Anyway, we really hope you can join us and come along to the Bargehouse on Southbank for the fair next week. Opening night is Thursday 24th November, and the Fair is open to the public Friday - Sunday. Our stand is on the 4th floor. You can buy tickets from the website here or email me at tinseledwards@hotmail.co.uk

The other massively exciting thing is that I have some work in the London Calling exhibition at OCCCA, a group of 30 London based artists will be showing work at The Orange County Centre for Contemporary Art, USA this December.

I've got lots to prepare for The Other Art Fair, so there will be more info on this to come soon!

And last but not least: Myself and Twinkle recently co-curated 'Something Borrowed', a group show featuring the work of ten artists. We held the exhibition at the cutting edge new gallery on Vyner street, Cultivate.gallery website here

A mentalist First Thursday opening, followed by a busy weekend on Vyner street, and most importantly the brilliant artists who took part all helped to make it a huge success. Thankyou Sean at Cultivate for all your help with the show, and thankyou to all of the participating artists:

Iain Andrews, Liz Bailey, Wanda Bernardino, J.A. Nicholls, Holly Revell, David Storey, David Troughton and Wen Wu

There's lots more pics to see on Twinkle's flickr

Scroll down for more info about Something Borrowed, or read about it on the Fox and Squirrel blog.

Thanks for reading, hope to see you at The Other Art Fair next week! x

Something Borrowed exhibition

2011-10-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

Me and Twinkle have been busy selecting artists for our upcoming exhibition 'Something Borrowed'.

Its the second show we have curated together, opening on first Thursday in November at Cultivate Gallery on Vyner street. We have a great line up of artists involved, and both myself and Twinkle will also be exhibiting. I will be showcasing a brand new painting which technique-wise is quite a departure from previous work. The artists exhibiting are as follows:

Iain Andrews, liz Bailey, Wanda Bernardino, Tinsel Edwards, J.A. Nicholls, Holly Revell, David Storey, David Troughton, Twinkle Troughton, Wen Wu

Cultivate Gallery is a new artist-led space opposite the Victory Pub on Vyner street, they have had some really good shows so far, so we are really pleased to have been given the opportunity to curate an exhibition there.

I hope you can make it along to the opening night!

You can find out more info about Cultivate gallery here

See below for the invite and press release, please contact me if you would like a PDF version of the press release.

Exhibitions in October

2011-10-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend I am exhibiting some prints with Art Rebels at their pop up at Finders Keepers in Copenhagen. I wish I could fly over to be at the event! Next time maybe....

In the selection of prints I sent there were several new giclee editions including:

'Risk is Good for the Soul' Edition of 50, Giclee on Somerset 300gsm

'Coat of Arms' Edition of 45, Giclee on Somerset 300gsm

'Collecting Fossils in 2058' Edition of 25, Giclee on Somerset 300gsm

These prints have not been uploaded to my online shop or website yet so this will be the first time they have been exhibited. I am currently redesigning my website and will be uploading lots of new prints to the online shop this month, if you are interested in purchasing anything in the meantime please email me at tinseledwards@hotmail.co.uk

On October 13th I will also be exhibiting with The Lucky Dip Collective at The Islington Contemporary Art Fair.

On October 20th I have a small piece going in a group exhibition at Cultivate, Vyner street The venue where myself and Twinkle Troughton are co-curating a show for November First Thursday, more on that to follow soon!

Thanks for reading x

The Social Networking DILEMA!

2011-09-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Having access to Facebook, twitter, linked in......and all of the other social networking sites available, is a massive help to anyone wanting to promote their music/business/creative venture. As an artist it is amazing to promote an exhibition to 100s of people online for free. Years and years ago I imagine it was much harder for artists to promote themselves, I feel lucky to have access to all of these websites as it is a really simple and easy way of spreading the word.

HOWEVER....I sometimes feel that it is TAKING OVER!!!

When I was a little girl, dreaming about growing up to be an artist, I imagined a wonderful life of painting all the time and exhibiting all over the world. Now I am grown up, and living the life of an artist, I find that I spend so much of my time at the computer. Between all the admin jobs, emailing, entering competitions, preparing proposals, tweeting, facebooking, blogging, mailouts and promotion, theres hardly any painting happening, How did this happen??!!!

To have a presence it seems that you need to be blogging once a week (at least I am up to date with this weeks!), posting on facebook at least every couple of days, tweeting regularly. I haven't quite got into the world of twitter yet, every now and again I tell my 73 or so followers that I've got some work in an exhibition coming up, retweet something interesting, and then don't log on again for afew days. I suddenly realise I forgot to tell them all about the wonderful painting exhibition I went to recently, the revelation I had about this or that....what a lovely time I had at that event the other day. I think for it to work I probably need to be tweeting more and for it to be second nature.

Maybe in time I will get into it abit more.....Its not that I don't like social networking sites - I think twitter is a brilliant tool to use to let people know about what you are doing, and also as a way to catch up on news and updates, as with all the social networking sites. As a strong believer in all things DIY - an ethos close to my heart and one that I continually promote in my art work, social networking fits. It is an excellent tool for artists to use to promote themselves - giving them autonomy. But it sometimes feels all consuming, and I'm always conscious that I'm not doing enough of it.

I'm wondering whether I might take 6 weeks off and see what happens. I want to promote my work, but I also want to make my work! We'll see.....I will keep you posted.

I recently stumbled across some of Filipo Minelli's work:

The imagery struck a chord with me and started me thinking about this issue in a wider context. We all spend so much time on computers, more so in our jobs than ever before. But people seem nostalgic for craft/skills based work where you can use your hands, and we are all aware that the presence of computers and the internet reduces face to face contact with each other. I wonder how things will stand in 2050?

Anyway! My next blog will probably be about the show in Copenhagen that I'm putting some prints in at the end of the month...or the show that me and Twinkle Troughton are curating at the beginning of November on Vyner street. And I must remember to facebook and tweet and tweet again!

Thankyou for reading, see you all on facebook! x

Pics from FLAGSTOP LA

2011-09-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Some pics from the exhibition in LA - The London Art Box at FLAGSTOP was a big success, and has led to many more exciting opportunities. Including exchange exhibitions with several LA and San Francisco galleries and a now confirmed exhibition in December at Orange County Centre for Contemporary Art (OCCCA)

You can read more about FLAGSTOP here on Artweek LA

A big thankyou to Nicola Anthony, Abigail Box and Kimi Wylde who went over to LA to represent all of the artists!

We are putting on a post-exhibition press event at Debut Contemporary Gallery on September 28th, if you would like a copy of the press release for the event please email me at tinseledwards@hotmail.co.uk

Compulsory bag wearing person - a must at any artfair

London Art Box at FLAGSTOP art fair in LA!

2011-08-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

On Friday 2nd September FLAGSTOP opens, an alternative contemporary art fair in
Los Angeles.

Alongside 13 other artists from Debut Contemporary, my work was selected for LAB - ' The London Art Box'. A pod at the art fair purely dedicated to the art of London based artists.

Its been a busy couple of weeks getting everything ready for the fair! but finally all of our works have arrived safely in LA, set up is already happening, VIP opening Friday and the fair is open to the public Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th.

Here is a little info about the fair, you can also read more about FLAGSTOP on the website: http://flagstopart.com/

'FLAG STOP’s mission is to present new and emerging contemporary art to a larger audience outside the mainstream art venues. FLAG STOP is searching for alternative venues in which to present the best curated examples of what, why, and how art is becoming relevant today. Each “STOP” will feature art which has been curated with some of the best examples of contemporary art, brought to you by some of the top professional, emerging curators and artists from Southern California.'

The Art Fair will be hosted by South Bay Lexus, a MASSIVE Lexus showroom! There are also some really high profile LA based curators involved in the fair such as Howard Fox of Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Lily Siegel of MOCA. Following the FLAGSTOP art fair, in December all of our works will be moving on to a second exhibition at OCCCA, Orange County Centre for Contemporary Art.

Its so exciting to have been selected for the show! Although I can't be at the opening it is fantastic to have some work going over to the fair to make its US Debut. I'm really interested to see what kind of feedback our works will get. Afew of the Debut artists have gone over to represent us all and chat to visitors about our work.

I am showing my 'Shoebox' painting, 'Paint Stuff' and an older piece, 'I hope this does win the Turner Prize'.

Other artists selected for the exhibition include (in no particular order!): Twinkle Troughton, Chantal Powell, Nicola Anthony, Darren Macpherson, Katrina James, Robert West, Carlos Martyn Burgos, Abigail Box, Azadeh Fatehrad, Vikram Kushwah, Kimi Wylde, Sylvia Morgado.

Also I just wanted to say a big thankyou to Ryan Noble for helping to organise the event, and to everyone at Debut Contemporary.

If you are in LA this weekend please visit the fair if you can! and anyone not in LA, I'll be posting some pics from the event as soon as I get any xxx

Is Capitalism a Dictatorship or a Democracy: Working on a new piece!

2011-08-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

I used to feel that I couldn't make political work because I didn't know enough about 'Politics'. Over the past couple of years I've changed how I feel about that, I still don't know much about politics, but I do know how I feel about the observations that I make about society and life today. These personal responses to what I see are what is expressed in my work, and now sometimes the work does end up being abit political....!

IS CAPITALISM A DICTATORSHIP OR A DEMOCRACY? My paintings often start with a question or a slogan, and a while back I started thinking about the above question. Capitalism is supposedly a democracy, but are we really all free to decide what we want to do? Certain things have to happen in order for Capitalism to continue working as a model for society, mostly buying stuff...all the time. There is a hierarchy and a growing wealth divide, everyone has their function within the big wheel of society and amongst other things we all have to keep buying to make it all keep ticking.

Aswell as pondering on this thought...I never forget how lucky we are to not live under a real 'dictatorship', I can't even begin to imagine the reality of living under a regime. I sometimes wonder whether I really can make a painting to explore the issue I'm thinking about in Western countries - which also shows sensitivity and respect toward people living under dictatorships.

Anyhow, I thought I would attempt to tackle it, as to me its a very real issue. I'm just at the very beginning of this process, and I think alot more research, reading and thought needs to go into the piece.

I attempted to come up with something which had just subtle visual reference to the theme I am looking at, thinking that the text would really do the work, and the title too. Its a bold question, and simply asking it in the painting will encourage thought on the issue. I also like the idea of making pieces where the text is a little bit removed from the image, as a way of leaving more space for thought and interpretation.

I've just been experimenting so far, and after a few days working on the painting I decided to abandon it and go back to the drawing board...

I'm still feeling that it is really important to make a piece of work to explore this issue, so hopefully I will be posting again soon with a finished piece!

x

A review of Opinionated Objects at Debut Contemporary

2011-08-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

It’s a while ago now, but I’ve finally found the time to write a little bit about Opinionated Objects!

On Saturday July 30^th me and Twinkle braved the intense sunshine and sat in the window of Debut Contemporary Gallery, painting onto people’s unwanted objects in aid of the Ubuntu Education Fund. The project took weeks and weeks of planning, so it was brilliant to finally see it happen and to have such a good response.

The idea was that people donated an unwanted object and a hope or wish for the future. We then painted the text onto the object, transforming the unwanted object into a piece of art. In exchange we asked for a donation to The Ubuntu Education Fund.

We wanted to raise awareness about Ubuntu and the amazing work that they do for children in South Africa who’s lives have been affected by HIV and AIDS, and also raise some cash for the charity. From an artistic point of view we wanted to do an interactive project to create a visual display of people’s thoughts, hopes and opinions, ‘upcycling’ their unwanted goods along the way!

The response was really positive, we were given some really interesting objects to paint on, including a fishbowl, a breadbin, a guitar, an old record player, a wooden sword, a toy horse, some speedos….and lots more. People were very thoughtful with the opinions and hopes they gave us to paint onto the objects too, we were given a diverse range of really heartfelt statements such as:

‘I wish I cared enough to cry’

'Good ideas are the heartstrings of the soul'

‘May we always find nourishment in the simplest of things’

‘I hope that our relationship with technology doesn’t take over our relationship with each other’

‘I wish for all of us to work harder to protect our beautiful but threatened marine and sea life before it is lost forever’

We combined our different painting styles to collaborate on most of the objects, some lent themselves more to Twinkle’s style, some to mine, each piece was signed by both of us.

Thankyou to everyone who donated objects and opinions! Thankyou so much for donating to Ubuntu, and thankyou to Debut Contemporary Gallery for hosting the event.

(thankyou to Sophia for being so helpful on the day! Me and Twinkle were just about delirious from being in the direct sunlight of the gallery window on the hottest day of the year – and having to wear sunglasses to paint!)

We would love to continue this project somehow and do it on a larger scale with more time to paint more objects.

The blog to review Opinionated Objects will have to wait....

2011-08-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

This evening I was planning to sit down and finally write a blog to review mine and Twinkle's recent project: 'Opinionated Objects', as usual I'm abit late to upload the news after the event! But after seeing the footage of the riots on the streets of Hackney I feel shocked and horrified, stunned, and worried about how things will pan out tonight.

Weirdly I am not in London this week, but so many people close to me live near to the area where the riots are going on, and I can't stop thinking about how terrifying it must be for them right now. I lived just off Mare street for a couple of years, its awful to see what happened in Tottenham and I really feel for all of those affected, but on a personal note, seeing such familiar places being trashed to pieces feels really sad.

What is it that inspires people to cause such damage to other people's lives?

I will write about Opinionated Objects another time...All I can say about it at the moment is that it was wonderful to have had such a positive response, people were so forthcoming with honest and heartfelt hopes and opinions.

I hope that the response that me and Twinkle had to Opinionated Objects reflects how Londoners will now all pull together.
xxx

Me and Twinkle on Resonance FM

2011-07-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

This week artist Sean Worrall invited me and Twinkle onto his show The Organ Hour on Resonance FM. To talk about our forthcoming project ‘Opinionated Objects’ at Debut Contemporary on July 30^th.

Sean and Marina were very good hosts and made us feel at home! I was nervous about the whole thing at first but it was quite relaxed and we ended up having a good laugh. We managed to remember to say everything, including the address and date of the event!

You can listen to the interview here:

http://soundcloud.com/organart/organhour24-07-11edit

Sean is live on Resonance every Sunday between 9 and 10pm, he’s always chatting to lots of different artists and playing lots of underground and alternative bands.

You can see his artwork and find out more about some of his other projects here:

http://www.organart.demon.co.uk/seanworrallart.html

Opinionated Objects at Debut Contemporary

2011-07-04T03:19:00.000-07:00

Me and Twinkle will be doing a fund raising event at Debut Contemporary Gallery on Saturday July 30th, we need lots of people to donate their unwanted objects so we can turn trash to treasure! All the info about the event is below.

Debut Contemporary Gallery, 82, Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill W2 5RT

Saturday 30th July 11am - 5pm

WHAT: What do YOU want for the future of our planet? Politically, economically, spiritually, environmentally, in your lifetime, what do you wish to happen?

Twinkle and Tinsel’s 'up-cycling' event in the Debut Contemporary gallery will explore this question and find out what you want to happen in our world.

YOU bring us an old object you don't know what to do with anymore

WE recycle it by turning it into a piece of art.

HOW: Along with the unwanted object we want you to tell us your hopes and dreams for our planet. We will paint these opinions as text on the objects. These redundant objects will thus be transformed into unique pieces of art, old will become new and they will start to communicate your hopes for the future.

All pieces will be signed by the artists and then returned to their owners as brand new unique pieces of art.

THE DETAILS:

To have your object up-cycled we ask for a donation which will be given to our chosen charity. The charity is Ubuntu Education Fund (www.ubuntufund.org), a non-profit organisation which provides orphaned and vulnerable children affected by

HIV/AIDS, poverty and abuse in the townships of Port Elizabeth, South Africa access to the world of higher education and work. Ubuntu aims to transform the lives of the children they serve so that they can grow up healthy, educated, well-supported and prepared to enter university and fulfil their dreams. 10% of all gallery sales on July 30th will also go towards Ubuntu Education Fund.

Opinionated Objects at Debut Contemporary will operate on a first come first serve basis, contact us at opinionatedart@hotmail.co.uk in advance to get your name on the list and we will send you instructions. Once the list is full up we wont be able to take on any more objects. As the event is for charity we will be asking for the donation upon delivery of the item.

On the day, we will be sat in the window at Debut Contemporary painting the objects in view of passers by. The completed items will then be exhibited, we will be adding each finished item to the collection in the gallery throughout the day.

Painting workshop at Carshalton High School for Girls

2011-07-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

On the 29^th June, I went in to work with some Year 10 pupils at Carshalton High School in Surrey. It was a one day painting workshop where the students were asked to create ‘An Alternative Self Portrait’ and incorporate text into the painting.

I really love working on projects like this! Its really rewarding to see the kids enjoying painting and benefiting from the experience of the workshop. The teacher had contacted me through the LONSAS website back in April, and asked me to submit a proposal for the kind of workshop I would like to do.

I took elements of my own practice to develop the idea for the workshop. The students were asked to find an image or take a photograph of something or a place that they felt represented who they are, they were also asked to write a slogan or find a quote that they felt represented them. These were combined to create a painting on canvas, which they worked on throughout the day. We also looked at examples in art history of artists who have made alternative self-portraits (Van Gogh’s chair and Emin’s bed), and artists who use text in their work.

A lot of the pupils wrote some really inspiring and interesting pieces of text for their pieces, and they produced some really good work.

Thankyou to Miss Care for inviting me to do the workshop! And it was lovely to meet all the students in the year 10 class.

Combatting Propaganda....

2011-06-21T02:33:00.000-07:00

My artwork usually starts with a thought or idea about something I really feel strongly about, and want to make a comment on.

When I first started to come up with the concept for my new piece 'The Future is Unwritten', I was thinking about advertising and consumer culture. How in contemporary society we are constantly being sent subliminal messages about what to buy, and how to live our lives. Advertising is propaganda!

I wanted to create an artwork which offered an alternative to the messages we are so accustomed to receiving everyday. I wanted to create slogans and messages which ask us to be individual and not just follow advertising instruction, which ask us to be creative in the way we live our lives.

This piece was a message to myself aswell! As much as anything the slogans I've used are to remind me to follow my heart and instinct.

'The Future is Unwritten' was showcased at the 11:11 exhibition at East Gallery, 214 Brick Lane. It opened last Thursday 16th and is open until June 23rd - so you still have a chance to go and see the work and the work of all the other 21 artists in the show.

The opening for the 11:11 exhibition was brilliant, really busy. Curated by Infinity Bunce, Russell Chater and Richard Stone the show was really well put together with some interesting pieces from the 22 artists involved. Thankyou very much to the curators for inviting me to take part!

Other artists include: Rich Simmons, David Bray, Infinity Bunce, John Cake & Darren Neave, Russell Chater, Lorraine Clarke, John Doe, Chris Koning, Josie McKoy, Ben Oakley, Adrian Pritchard, Rugman, Schoony, SNUB23, Christopher Steadman, Richard Stone, The Krah, Lex Thomas, Mimei Thompson, Twinkle Troughton.

Twinkle exhibited her piece 'Prayers over the white cliffs of Dover'. You can read more about her piece on her blog here

I have been working on 'The Future is Unwritten' for over a year, so it was brilliant to finally see it all together. I think it will be a piece of work that evolves and changes as I add more slogans to it. I left the exhibition wondering whether it really does 'Combat Propaganda'....I wonder how people actually perceived the piece? In the end I decided that whatever the outcome, I'm glad that I am putting artworks into the world that do attempt to do so!

xxx

New piece for the 11:11 Exhibition

2011-06-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

I’ve been working away in the studio trying to get my piece finished for the 11:11 show on the 16^th June at East Gallery on Brick Lane. Less than two weeks to go and quite abit left to do!

11:11 is an exhibition curated by Infinity Bunce, Russell Chater and Richard Stone. It will feature the work of 11 fine artists and 11 urban artists, you can visit the website here for further info. If you would like to come along to the private view, it is 6-9pm on the 16th June at East Gallery, 214 Brick Lane.

For the first time ever, I will be exhibiting my new piece: ‘The Future is Unwritten’. The piece is a wall based assemblage made up of statements and slogans painted onto a collection of found wooden panels.

I like the idea of using found wood to promote recycling, the panels I’ve used had been left in the streets of London as rubbish, painting onto them and turning them into pieces of art gives them new meaning and value.

The idea for ‘The Future is Unwritten’ was inspired by looking around at a world full of advertising. We are constantly being told what to wear, what to eat, what to wash with, what car to drive, how to live our lives, we are surrounded by propaganda. I wanted ‘The Future is Unwritten’ to offer an alternative, it is a call to action and asks us to be creative in our lives rather than following the instructions issued by advertising.

I’ve always been inspired by the ideas and slogans of the Situationist International, an activist/political group originating from Paris in the late 1960s, this piece takes a direct influence from their philosophy.

The collection a month or so ago, there are now 14 panels

I LOVE TYPOGRAPHY!!! and a while ago I decided to bring it in to my work much more. My choice of fonts in this piece is inspired by Victorian leaflets, broadsides and circus posters. Much of my current practice looks at previous generations and the style of typography used in this piece ties in with that theme.

Half way through painting this piece I started thinking ARGHHHH this is really prescriptive, and all abit too nice…. I didn’t want to create something that seemed like I was telling everyone what to do, so I began to incorporate quotes from other people, song lyrics, and my own thoughts and reflection on the piece. The quotes and lyrics have been carefully selected, the words of activists such as Joan Baez, Joe Strummer, and John Lennon have been used so far. ‘Boredom is Counter-revolutionary’ is a famous quote of Guy Debord’s, the founder of the Situationist International. ‘The Future is Unwritten’ is the title of the Julian Temple documentary about Joe Strummer, and also one of his lyrics, I thought it was the perfect slogan to borrow for the title of my piece.

So please come along to the show if you can! I'm really excited about exhibiting the new piece and would love some feedback! I'll be posting some pics from the show and of the completed assemblage as soon as its all up on the wall.

MoMac show in Gloucester

2011-05-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

My work was recently selected by curators Roberta Moore and Lisa MacKenzie, for a MoMac pop up show in Gloucester.

It was really exciting to be involved in such a big exhibition, I would have loved to have gone! But the exhibition was only on for two days and coincided with my solo show. Roberta has just kindly sent me some images, afew of which are posted here. You can also follow the link to view a full slide show of the exhibition.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49388273@N07/show/

There were several Debut Contemporary artists in the exhibition, including Chantal Powell, Tahnee Lonsdale, Patrick Colhoun, Miss Annabelle Dee, Rosie Emerson and Estelle Grandidier. Other artists in the show include Freya Douglas Morris, Stuart Semple and Paul Robinson.

Some of the wooden panels from my assemblage: 'The Future is unwritten'

Not sure who these paintings are by but they look quite amazing!

Some of Tahnee Lonsdale's work

Pics from the auction on May 4th

2011-05-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

Afew pics from the charity auction at Debut Contemporary. All of these images are courtesy of Debut Contemporary and can be seen as part of the full set on their flickr stream.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/debutcontemporary/sets/72157626651544960/

The aim of the auction was to raise funds for the Jennie and Jessie Gunhammer Lupus trust, over 10,000 was raised which will help to facilitate the first ever walk in clinic at St Thomas's hospital.

All of the Debut Contemporary artists donated works for the auction. I was really pleased when my 'Door of Opportunity' print sold, it was nerve wracking being in the room whilst my work was being auctioned! But bidding happened...thank god!!!! and it sold for a good price - all of which is going to the trust.

Hugh Edmeades of Christies was the auctioneer, here he is with my print!

Art Sale photos

2011-05-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

So far The Art sale/auction has been a big success!!! It was a really good opening night with lots of bids placed into the box, and a steady stream of people throughout the weekend.

Bids have yet to be counted and bidding doesn't officially finish until midnight tonight (2 hours to go!!). I've had a few sneaky peaks in the box, but I'm trying to do it properly and wait to look through all the bids tomorrow morning once the auction has officially finished.

Its brilliant to have such a positive response to the exhibition and the concept of the show, thankyou so much to everyone who came along over the weekend! Afew of my prints have now sold out, lots of catalogues sold, the remaining ones will be available to buy through my website soon.

Please do get in touch if you are reading this before midnight on Sunday and would like to place a bid!

Below are a selection of pics from the show, courtesy of Alex Carlisle. More pics to be uploaded to Facebook and Flickr soon!

xxx

Art Sale featured in local newspaper

2011-05-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

There is only a few days to go until the big Art Sale and auction....!!!!

I am nervous but excited, and also manically busy trying to get all the last minute things done! The printed catalogues arrived the other day and they look really good. I decided I wanted to bind them myself with red ribbon....this is taking AGES, and perhaps wasn't the most time efficient decision to make! But I think it will be worth it in the end, I'll be posting pics of them soon.

I was also really pleased to discover that the local newspaper, The Courier has written a lovely feature about the auction.

If you would like any further information about the Art Sale and auction taking place on Friday of this week please email me at tinseledwards@hotmail.co.uk

Also if you scroll further down my blog there is an entry which contains all the relevent info.

Thankyou! x

Art Rebels shop

2011-04-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

I have just set up a new online shop with Copenhagen based Art Rebels! I've always liked what they do, so it was really exciting to be invited to join. They saw one of my pieces at The She Said exhibition on Redchurch street, and approached me about selling work through them.

There are just prints on there at the moment, please have a look through!

http://tinseledwards.shop.artrebels.com/brands/377-tinsel-edwards

Thankyou xxx

ART SALE AND SILENT AUCTION!! - MAY 6th

2011-04-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

FOR ONE WEEKEND ONLY! Tinsel Edwards is offering buyers a unique opportunity to snap up some of her artwork.

Tinsel's work has sold in exhibitions across the UK and Europe, Banksy even has a piece in his personal collection! In this exhibition Tinsel is turning the tables and asking you to value her work. In a blind auction, the highest bidder will win the piece - THERE IS NO RESERVE PRICE!

10p or £10,000 pounds - you decide. (the only catch is that although there is no reserve price, you won't know how much anyone else is bidding!)

The exhibition will include a selection of older works, all produced over the last five years or so, the show is open for one weekend only, opening on Friday May 6th and closing on Sunday May 8th. Bids must be submitted by midnight on Sunday, and winning buyers will be notified the following day.

IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT TO LEAMINGTON SPA - Bids will be accepted by email. Please email me if you would like to request a PDF catalogue of the works in the show: tinseledwards@hotmail.co.uk

There will be a limited edition printed catalogue to accompany the show, all prints will be on sale at a 10% discount for the duration of the weekend. What's more, the first 5 people to arrive at the show will receive a FREE print.

Press, anyone with queries or questions about the auction please email me.

Hope to see you on the 6th! xxxxx

PRIVATE VIEW AND START OF AUCTION: Friday May 6th 6-9pm
SHOW OPENING TIMES: Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th 12-6pm
AUCTION CLOSES: Sunday 8th 12pm
VENUE: The Ibis Gallery, Althorpe Street, Leamington Spa CV31

11:11 Show

2011-04-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

I'm really looking forward to exhibiting in this show! Curated by Infinity Bunce, Russell Chater and Richard Stone, the show will bring together urban artists and fine artists at East Gallery on Brick Lane. Its not until June 16th, but I'm working on some pieces for it as we speak!

Check out the website for further info:

www.1111artweebly.com

Hope you can make it along x

Charity Auction at Debut Contemporary

2011-04-14T01:09:00.000-07:00

On May 4th, Debut Contemporary are hosting a charity auction of artist's works to raise funds for the Jennie and Jessie Gunhammer Lupus trust, all the money raised will go toward Lupus Research via The St Thomas Lupus Trust.

This chronic debilitating disorder of the immune system, now one of the major medical conditions of the modern age, causes inflammation of virtually any system of the body and can be life threatening. Lupus disease, (now more prevalent than Leukaemia) which to date has no known cure, tragically cut short the lives of two most talented women and twin sisters, Jennie and Jessie Gunhammer amongst many and will continue to do so without the necessary funds made available for research.

The event will be held at the Debut Contemporary Gallery, 82, Westbourne Grove, London W25RT. 6-9pm on May 4th.

All of the Debut artists are donating a piece of art for this, hope you can make it along to the event and donate some cash to a very worthy cause xxx

For further informtion please contact Sophia or Samir at Debut Contemporary:

www.debutcontemporary.com

02072771650

My Big Fat Royal Wedding at Maiden Shop

2011-04-03T14:56:00.000-07:00

East End Prints have asked artists, illustrators and designers to produce prints loosely based around the theme of the Royal Wedding. The exhibition is a pop up show downstairs at Maiden on Shoreditch High street.

I'm really excited to have a print in the show! Other artists include Twinkle Troughton, ART IS THE CURE, Paper Inc, Philip Sheffield, Helen Lang, Miss Annabel Dee, Jennifer Camilleri, Tisna, Fiona Watson, Hi-Artz Press, Infinity Bunce, Anonymous Hands, Paul Collis, Dale Edwin Murray, Jess Wilson, Andy Bridge, People Will Always Need Plates, Paul Delaney, Hennie Haworth…plus Vintage by Hemingway….and much, much more…

Don't miss....The Queen (Dame Vesta Bules - see pic) unveiling brand new Rich Simmons street art and check out the Pop Up Choir who will be entertaining us with their dulcet tones for the night.

Private view is 6-9pm on Thursday 7th April, hope you can make it along! The show runs until May 3rd and is open from 11-6pm everyday.

MAIDEN, 188 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6HU

Pics from She Said exhibition

2011-04-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

I finally have a few pics from the She Said exhibition a couple of weeks ago at the outside World Gallery, kindly emailed to me by Miss Annabel Dee who also exhibited some of her ceramics at the show.

Bloggers for Japan

2011-03-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

Katie Antoniou is organising Bloggers for Japan, a sale and silent auction all proceeds of which are going to Japan. She has had some brilliant donations from all sorts of different people, please go along and spend lots of dosh!

I've donated a couple of things, a 'Year of Private Views' screenprint and an original illustration that I did for Vintage Secret.

Debut Contemporary official pics

2011-03-11T03:37:00.000-08:00

The official pics from the Debut Contemporary launch have now been uploaded! You can see all of them on their Flickr account here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/debutcontemporary/

Here is a select few:

Queues in the cold!

me and Twinkle with Zoe Knight

Samir Ceric, Zoe Knight and the Debut Contemporary team

All images are courtesy of Debut Contemporary

She said exhibition

2011-03-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

'She Said....a group exhibition celebrating the joy of text'... curated by Cate Halpin. The show forms part of wisewords celebrating Women's History month. The private view is on Thursday March 10th at The Outside World Gallery, 44 Redchurch Street, E2, the show runs until Sunday 13th.

I have finally finished my new piece 'I wish...' and the She Said exhibition is the perfect opportunity to showcase it.

I have been working on this since last November, its good to finally get it finished! Painted onto found wood, the piece is inspired by all kinds of vintage typography, from circus posters to Victorian flyers. Its a heartfelt statement about all the things I want my art to be, and perhaps the impossibility of that!

Launch night at Debut Contemporary

2011-03-04T04:22:00.000-08:00

The launch night for Debut Contemporary was PACKED!!! With people queuing all the way down the street! The show looked really good, there was an eclectic mix of work including painting, photography and sculpture, with each of the 40 or so artists exhibiting one piece each. It was also really good to meet some of the other artists involved in the project. The show is up for three months, with the works on rotation, meaning that there will be an opportunity to see a variety of pieces from each artist.

I managed to get a few pics but it was a bit too busy to get good ones of the work! Luckily there were plenty of proper photographers there documenting everything, I will be posting more pics soon.

Thankyou so much to everyone who came down on Wednesday, if you couldn't make it to the opening, the show is open daily, 82, Westbourne Grove, London W25RT

www.debutcontemporary.com

02072211651

Debut Contemporary

2011-02-22T08:41:00.001-08:00

Debut Contemporary is an exciting new initiative launched by the husband and wife duo Samir Ceric and Zoe Knight (who are also responsible for Wolf and Badger, Salon Contemporary and First Wednesdays).

The programme is a unique exhibiting and mentoring opportunity. Designed to launch the careers of emerging artists, a big showcase exhibition at their newly revamped space on Westbourne Grove will open on Wednesday the 2nd March.

This will be followed by a programme of events for the artists, including a series of seminars and talks from curators, critics, collectors and PR companies. Basically lots of very useful stuff....

I was selected for the show from 100s of applications, I am very excited to be taking part! the full list of artists has not been released yet, but I know that Twinkle Troughton also has some pieces in the show, and Chantal Powell too.

If you would like to come to the opening night please RSVP to rsvp@debutcontemporary.com

Hope to see you there! xxx

Pictures of some new work

2011-02-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

I have recently had all of my work photographed professionally by the very talented photographer Phil Whitby, he did a brilliant job! I'm really pleased with the results.

This is one of my recent pieces, inspired by a news image of The London Afghanistan conference last year. This is very much a sneak preview as most of my recent work has been under wraps in the last 6 months! Twinkle and I are planning a massive showcase exhibition for later on this year, and everything I have been working on will be unveiled then. We have yet to find the perfect venue, I will keep you posted.

The title of this painting is '9 Years and 89 days, ongoing. Civilian deaths 34,240, Military deaths 2,208'. I decided to paint this because the image intrigued me, the situation struck me as so far removed from the reality and horror of war and death; the group of politicians look like a sea of black suits, surrounded by ornate gold decoration and red flock patterned carpet. This piece is an exploration of the power of an image, simply by translating it into paint it makes a comment on the subject it tackles, but it suggests rather than explains, leaving more space for reflection.

I am also currently experimenting with the way I apply the paint to the canvas, here I have built up a series of glazes, and used thick paint to create rough marks, leaving faces to appear half finished and sketched in. I wanted to use a more expressive style of mark making to deal with a sensitive and emotive subject.

I HAD to make the most of it and also have some pics taken

of me and Elvi in the studio.

Thankyou to Phil, and to Vicky and Matthew for helping on the shoot.

Gabberdashery and Supermarket Sarah

2011-01-30T04:02:00.000-08:00

Twinkle and I have been working with Gabberdashery for nearly a year now, the brainchild of Gabby Young (of Gabby Young and other Animals) and fashion stylist/writer/blogger, (a lady of many talents!) - Katie Antoniou.

Gabberdashery sets out to bring together an eclectic mix of arts, crafts and fashion, all in keeping with Gabby's amazing and quirky style.

Some of mine and Twinkle's paintings and prints are available to buy through Gabberdashery, there are on sale at various events, mainly at Gabby Young's performances. In December Gabberdashery teamed up with Supermarket Sarah to create a wall inspired by Alice in Wonderland:

http://www.supermarketsarah.com/wall.php?wall=52

The wall is still up on the website so have a browse! Some of the products are still available to buy.

There are lots more exciting Gabberdashery adventures in the pipeline for 2011, I will keep you updated!

Interview with Harry Pye for The Rebel Magazine

2011-01-09T04:29:00.000-08:00

I first met Harry Pye several years ago when I approached him to be in the Punk exhibition I was co-curating. I LOVE his paintings! And I have always been really interested in the many different projects and exhibitions he is involved in. Harry has just interviewed my for his magazine, The Rebel.

You can read the interview in full here:

http://therebelmagazine.blogspot.com/2011/01/q-with-tinsel-edwards.html

Dant on drink at Hales gallery

2010-12-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

Whilst down in London for the Here Today exhibition, I nipped out of the gallery to have a look at a few of the other shows going on. The Adam Dant exhibition at Hales gallery is well worth a visit.

The drawings on display are vast but filled with meticulous detail, they seem like ageing documents or historial illustrations, all executed with sepia pen and ink.

The subject of the work in the show is DRINK! and more specifically Drinking in Britain and the media representation of our relationship with the bottle.

I studied the drawings for ages, there is so much detail to take in! He depicts recognisable street scenes, filling them with drunken characters.

I loved his work! It reminded me a little bit of a painting I had seen by George Cruikshank which was on display at the Rude Britannia show at Tate Britain this summer. 'The Worship of Bacchus' also all about drink....!

It also made me think that nothing much changes, the drunken shenanigans that go on in the streets of every town in this country have been going on for centuries. I remember thinking along similar lines when I saw the film The Libertine, set in Charles the 2nds 17th century it depicts the streets of London as debauched and alcohol fueled.

Adam Dant 'Royal Drinking' 2010

George Cruikshank 'The Worship of Bacchus' 1860-2

Here Today

2010-12-07T06:41:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came down to the exhibition over the weekend and to the opening night. There was a brilliant turnout, over 500 people and queues out the door despite the snow and ice!

The show is on until 6pm tomorrow so there's still a chance to pop in.

Here's some pics from the show:

And some pics from the Private View night:

Thankyou to all the contributing artists for all the hard work and a big thanks to Cate Halpin at The Outside World gallery (and Bambi the chiwawa of course!).

Twinkle and I are planning to curate another group show together, perhaps Summer next time, we will keep you posted on that!

December 2nd...

2010-11-23T13:43:00.000-08:00

First Thursday in December looks like its going to be an extra busy one!

Twinkle and I have curated 'Here Today which opens at The Outside World Gallery on Redchurch street that evening.

The exciting and ambitious show Remasters also opens at The Rag Factory on Heneage street, loads of artists have been busy re-working the old masters, the results will be on display and for sale as limited edition digital prints. Me and Twinkle have both produced prints for the show, we are also exhibiting paintings, so we will definitely be popping down to that after our show!

- scroll further down to find all the info about Here Today and Remasters, please email me if you would like a copy of the press release.

Pure Evil is also curating '3', a big show which opens on the same night, just down the road at number 28 Redchurch street.

Here's a sneak preview of the brand new painting I will be exhibiting in Here Today:

'Collecting Fossils in 2058'

Oil on canvas.

I took up oils two years ago, and this is my first painting in oils to be exhibited.

Remasters sneak preview!

2010-11-23T09:35:00.001-08:00

'David Antoinette' - A sneak preview of my design for the Artswipe Remasters exhibition at The RagFactory.

Limited edition A2 signed prints will be on sale for £50!

Opening night is on Thursday 2nd, 6.30pm, with mulled wine and DJs

Here Today - curated by Tinsel and Twinkle

2010-11-19T02:09:00.000-08:00

Twinkle and I are pleased to present 'Here Today' our first collaborative curatorial project!

The exhibition features the work of 11 contemporary female artists (including brand new paintings from both me and Twinkle), it opens on December 2nd at The Outside World Gallery, 44, Redchurch street. The show runs until December 8th.

Here Today's artists are taking glimpses, ideas, fantasies and facts from history and bringing them into the now.

Working with a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, found objects, drawing and multi-media, each of the artists selected for this show has a very individual practice.

The main common ground between the works is that of nostalgia, history and time gone by. Some works are political, some humorous, some emotive, surreal or aesthetically beautiful yet it is from a contemporary viewpoint that each artist considers how the past has informed our present.

Remasters

2010-11-19T02:02:00.001-08:00

Remasters opens at the Rag Factory on Heneage street on December 2nd. I have produced a piece for it which will be sold at £50, limited edition of 50... I will post a sneak preview soon! I'm also very excited to be exhibiting some new paintings at the show too.

6' Jellybaby, Agent Provocateur, Dave Anderson, Gerry Baptist, J Boy, Cartrain, Tinsel Edwards, European Bob, Giana, Natalie Hughes, Ben Oakley, Jo Peel, Mark Perronet, Jonas Ranson, Maria Rivans, Ryca, Schnulli, Snub 23, Swifty, Michelle Thompson and Twinkle Troughton....................

Have all produced a 'Remaster' ( the dark image above is Snub's) they are all in the show as quality digital prints on fine art paper approx A2 size in signed limited editions of 50 for an incredible £50 each!

The Art Group Studios website

2010-11-18T09:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.art-group-studios.co.uk/

The website for the Art Group Studios is now live!

This is the space where I rent my studio, there is all sorts going on there. Painting and drawing classes, textile workshops, exhibitions, it can also be hired out as a photography studio for the day.

Picture in Warwickshire Living magazine!

2010-11-08T09:03:00.000-08:00

Warwickshire Living magazine came down to the launch of the Studio, managed to get a pic of me in..heehee!

Treehouse magazine

2010-10-13T04:08:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year Natalie Mckane interviewed me for her new magazine: Treehouse. It is a gorgeous magazine filled with art, vintage fashion, alternative music and loads more.

Check the link to read the magazine in full,

my interview is on pages 18-21

http://issuu.com/treehousemagazine/docs/treehousemagazine

Mulitiplied - Christies Art Fair

2010-10-11T03:15:00.000-07:00

My Door of Opportunity screenprint to be exhibited at Christies Art Fair!

Printclub have been asked to do a stand at the brand new Christies artfair - 'Multiplied'

Alongside galleries such as the White Cube, Black Rat Press and the ICA, Printclub will be selling a selection of screenprinted artists editions - including my brand new Door of Opportunity print.

The Fair is free entry over the weekend and will be held at Christies in South Kensington.

http://www.multipliedartfair.com/

Coinciding with Frieze Art Fair in what is undoubtedly the most important week in the London Contemporary Art scene calendar, Multiplied Art Fair presents the perfect forum to scope out emerging artistic talent.

In collaboration with over thirty London galleries the art fair will be hosted by Christie’s and will offer contemporary art editions in all its manifestations, from prints and photographs, to artist’s books and 3-D multiples. Who knows, you might discover the next big thing in Contemporary Art.

OPINIONATED ART!

2010-10-11T03:05:00.000-07:00

Does your art have something to say?

Is your art opinionated?

No matter how subtle or in your face, if your art speaks matters of the heart and mind both politically and emotionally then please submit your work!

Please email OpinionatedArt@hotmail.co.uk with your submissions and for further information.

Twinkle and I are curating this exhibition which will be held at The Outside World gallery on Redchurch St in East London. It will open on the First Thursday in December.

New screenprint and Printclub shop

2010-10-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

I've been busy printing away, working with Printclub London to produce this 7 colour A2 screenprint of my Door of Opportunity piece. This edition of 35 will be released at the new Printclub shop on Brick Lane. The shop opens on the 7th October, check out Run Riot for further info:

http://www.run-riot.com/art/print-club-londons-pop-shop-opening-night

The print will also be available to buy online from the Printclub London website:

http://www.printclublondon.com/

Pics from the Art Fair

2010-10-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

The Art Fair went really well at the weekend, we had loads of visitors to the stand!
Twinkle showing people around.....!

Islington Contemporary Art Fair

2010-09-28T15:05:00.001-07:00

Twinkle and I are exhibiting at the Islington Contemporary Art Fair this year, and Twinkle's dad, David Troughton is sharing the stand with us too. We will have lots of prints on sale and some small originals. Please come and visit!

The opening night is September 30th 6.30-9pm, you will need the invite for entry, please email me at tinseledwards@hotmail.co.uk if would like one. The Fair will then be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 12-6.

I have recently produced some Giclee prints of my 'Shoebox' painting, these will be on sale for the first time at the art fair, and will be onsale via my online shop shortly, which is at: http://tinseledwards.bigcartel.com/

New giclee prints - Door of Opportunity

2010-07-14T07:42:00.001-07:00

'Door of Opportunity' giclee print on 300gsm Hahnemuhle German etching paper, edition of 25

Signed and numbered.

The actual 'Door of Opportunity' piece sold quite quickly, there have been several enquiries about it since so I thought it would be a good piece to produce a print of!

It is an A4 print, limited to an edition of just 25. £45 each plus £2 for P&P

email me with sales enquiries: tinselspinksocks@hotmail.com

Art Car Boot....and Paint Stuff paintbrushes

2010-06-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

I'm seriously trying to keep this blog up to date! - and write about stuff before it happens....to advertise things and let people know about shows.

However its not working quite yet! So this entry is unfortunately about something that happened afew weeks ago.

THE ART CAR BOOT FAIR - Twinkle and I had lots of things at the legendary Art Car Boot this year, on the Gabberdashery stall.

I also launched my 'Paint Stuff' paintbrushes at it, to encourage everyone to start a painting revolution.

Box of Ifs.....

2010-06-09T04:31:00.000-07:00

I made the 'Box of Ifs' for Gabberdashery, check out the website for info!

www.gabberdashery.com

I'd been thinking for a while that I would like to do a painting about all the 'IFS' I could think of that would make the world a better place. I suppose its abit inspired by John Lennon's Imagine, its idealistic, but if everyone were a pacifist, then there would be no war. There will probably always be violence in the world, but why not make a stand for pacifism?

So this box is a version of what will become a big painting at some point, it includes a couple of the 'IF' ideas I'd thought about, I like that its the 'Box of Ifs' instead of the 'Box of Delights'

New Studio!

2010-05-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

This is my gorgeous new studio! Its in a 1960s warehouse building, its such a brilliant place to paint in. I moved in about 6 weeks ago.

There's even a wall of weird and wonderful things....

And a beautiful teaching room.

Carry on Capital exhibition

2010-05-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Carry on Capital exhibition opened at Vincent Van Scoff gallery on election day, there's still time to go and see it before it closes next week!

Both me and Twinkle had a couple of pieces in the show.

VINCENT VAN SCOFF

Location: 242 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London, e2 United Kingdom

The team return once again with an updated band of London Internationals in the long awaited sequel to Gavin Broad's legendary 1997 group exhibition 'Carry on Culture'

VINCENT VAN SCOFF
242 Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2
nearest tube station Bethnal Green
May 6 - May 24th 2010 open Thurs - Sun 11 - 4

www.vincentvanscoff.com

The Pursuit of Happiness exhibition in Poznan, Poland

2010-05-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Pursuit of Happiness is a curatorial project initiated in late 2008 by Polish artists and art promoters Tekla Woźniak and Zbigniew Kotkiewicz. The project aims to encourage creative discussion on phenomenon of happiness and its pursuit in a contemporary, global context.

'The Pursuit of Happiness' was held in the main city gallery of Poznan - an old socialist building right in the middle of a beautiful old medieval looking square. There were 35 artists from all over the world participating in this large scale and very ambitious exhibition. I exhibited my 'Paint Stuff' piece and a couple of other new paintings, it was VERY exciting to go over to Poznan for the opening! 100s of people turned up and it was all very posh, big speeches from the curators and stuff!

Art and Language

2010-05-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Art and Language exhibition opens at the Lloyd Gill gallery in Weston - Super - Mare, this Saturday 8th May.

http://www.thelloydgillgallery.com/currentshow.html

Gabby Young and other Animals - scarf design

2010-03-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

I have just found out that my design was selected in a competition to create a scarf inspired by Gabby Young for Miss Kiki salon!

The idea of the competition was to create a design for a square Hermes style silk scarf, the design had to be inspired by Gabby Young and Other Animals new album, 'We're all in this Together'. Details for the launch TBC!!

http://www.misskikisalonpresents.co.uk/

The Parlour

2010-02-25T13:36:00.000-08:00

The Parlour: nostalgic fun and civilised merriment without the modern accoutrements

Using the site of an historic Clerkenwell shop, this pop up space will be transformed into an eclectic parlour where friends and family can gather to engage, think, express, play games, and – most importantly – relax and enjoy a unique old-world experience.

Twinkle and I have designed the logo for the Parlour, a pop up space in Clerkenwell, we will also be exhibiting some paintings.

Drawings on Vintage Secret website!

2010-02-13T12:12:00.000-08:00

A couple of my drawings have just been used on the Vintage Secret website!

Vintage Secret specialises in unique vintage clothing from handmade 1950's prom dresses to fabulous vintage designer diffusion lines.

http://www.vintagesecret.com/

Absorb Arts Christmas open studios

2009-12-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

Absorb Arts studio is opening its doors to the public for the weekend of the 12th and 13th December, come along for some mulled wine, mince pies and art!

Tate the Biscuit exhibition

2009-12-01T10:47:00.000-08:00

Tate the Biscuit exhibition at Shoreditch Town Hall - Christmas show including over 30 artists!

Thursday 3rd - Sunday 6th December

New work

2009-11-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

Recently I've started working on a series of text pieces on found wood/wooden objects, these will be exhibited in mine and Twinkle's exhibition next year.

Traffic Wardens - press

2009-11-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

If you found a different kind of parking ticket on your car, please let us know!

Here are some bits of press written about our Traffic Warden adventures, we were in the Spanish newspaper El Pais but unfortunately we didn't get a copy - if anyone has the printed version please let us know. Thankyou!

Traffic Wardens!

2009-10-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

On the 29th October, me and Twinkle took to the streets of London with our free screenprints - disguised as parking fines!

Rosetta Stone - Jenaer Kunstverein

2009-06-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

One of the pieces I did for the exhibition.

4 artists, from Texas, Berlin, Jena and London (me!). We exhibited at the Kunstverein in Jena, each piece was produced specifically for the exhibition, and created in response to a 'chinese whispers' style of working.

The pieces from the exhibition were later sold in the Jena Kunstverein auction.

Secret Blisters Print show

2009-06-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Secret Blisters at MC Motors in Dalston - Private View 26th June 6-10pm

35 artists - 35 prints in editions of 35 - ALL 35 POUNDS!!!!

I exhibited a new print with print club for the Secret Blisters exhibition. More than 1000 people visited the show over the weekend! It was held in the fabulous MC Motors, an amazing venue full of weird and wonderful props - normally used for big magazine photoshoots.

You can buy remaining prints via the print club website www.printclublondon.com

It was the Best of Times, It was the Worst of Times

2009-05-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

Joint exhibition with Twinkle, at Steal from Work gallery in Bristol.

PRIVATE VIEW - Thursday 28th May 8pm-10.30pm

Show runs fromthe 29th May - 18th June 2009

AlterNATIVITY Stella Dore christmas show...

2007-12-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

STELLA DORE Presents this years beiggest alternative art show featuring both new and established artists within 6300 SQFT. For a glimpse into the future of contemporary art, this is not to be missed.

DONT BOARD A CROWDED TRAIN LEAVING THE STATION. LETS FIND OUR OWN WITH LOTS OF EMPTY SEATS WHERE WE CAN STRETCH OUR LEGS.

Studio 95,
91, Brick Lane
London
E16QL

Private View 5th December
Exhibition runs until December 10th

Artists include: Chu, Eine, I-lib, Cept, inkie, D*Face, Rugman, Sickboy, Kid Acne, Part2ism, Pure Evil, Leigh Dyer, Stef Plaetz, Beth Brown, Modern Toss, Cat Johnston, Tinsel Edwards, Word to Mother, Twinkle Troughton.

Jodie Harsh with my This is Modern Art graffiti.

BREAK PADS at The Garej

2007-11-22T13:35:00.000-08:00

An exhibition curated by Barrie J Davies

Private View 23rd November
Exhibition runs until 7th December

“Brake pads” Art exhibition curated and hijacked by Barrie J Davies at the Garej Artpace 183a kings road Pontcanna Cardiff
23rd November 2007 (the action / hijack starts at 6pm)

THE EXHIBITION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ARTISTS:

Alan Rees-Baynes, Alice Walton, Alun Rosser, Amia Bas, Andy Fung, Angula Sharma, Ann Rogers, Anna abrowska, Anne Redmond, Anne Ricchiard, Anne Shirron, Barnie Page, Barrie J Davies, Beavis Fenner, Benjamin Fletcher, Brian Watkins, Calley Evans, Chek-Huo Leung, Chloe Harris, Chris Moore, Ciaran Duffy, Clare Adams, Dafydd Fortt, Daniel Pryde-Jarman, David Blackmore, David Charles Williams, David Jones, David Ringrow, Elaine L Arkell, Elizabeth Aveyard, Emily Jones, Emma Parker, Eva Brudenell, Faith A Rogers, Ffion Owen,

Germaine Smith, Graham Walker, Hazel Dance, Henry Kleine, Holly Masten, I.J Bart, James Charlton, Jeffrey Driver, Jo Berry, Jo Swift, John Abell, Jonathan Anderson, Jonty Mellman, Joseph J Field, Kat Button, Katherine Cooper, Lee Jenkinson, Lindsay Boyd, Lisa Maria Oritz, Lorraine Kendal, Louise Cunningham, Mark Mcgowan, Martin Briggs, Martin Hablen, Martyn Last, Michael Copsey, Mike Ryder, Nathan Ford, Nic Finch, Nikos Mantzios, Norman Dent, Paul Chaplin, Peter Nash, Phil Lambert,Philippa Robbins, Pru Kemball, Rebbecca Day, Rebbecca Mayers, Richard Higlett, Richard Kearns, Rory Burne, Rose Ruane, SAAB, Sam Messenger, Sarah Bower-Jones, Sarah Christensen, Sarah Ellen Taylor, Sarah Haxby, Sarah Heron, Sergio Gonzalez, Sharon Cantelo, Shelia Dent, Stephen Kelly, Sue Roberts, Susie Thomson, Tinsel Edwards, Tom Goddard, Tom Rosenthall, Wally French, Will Roberts and you!

BERLIN.........

2007-09-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

I DECIDED TO MOVE TO BERLIN.......AND I LOVE IT!!!! I wanted to see what was happening on the art scene, and heard it was really cheap to rent a flat. So I did rent a cheap flat which I use as my studio....ITS MASSIVE!!! and I have been busy painting....going to private views...and gigs....and checking the place out. There are loads of exhibitions to go to all the time, and some really good underground galleries....seems like there are so many buildings and flats which are empty in East Berlin....I'm thinkin it would be good to come out here again next year and put on a show with a few artists from London.

me painting in the flat

The flat in Berlin....its got a balcony!

Berlin undergound....its really empty

Mixing with the Berliners

Punk Show at Ada Street Gallery

2007-07-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Punk Exhibition at Ada Street Gallery, E2

Private View July 12th 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Playing Live, The Fairies Band, The Swankers, Whiteman Kamikaze and The Readymades

Show runs until July 25th

PUNK EXHIBITION
I helped James Bradshaw to curate a show called 'Punk'. The aim of the show was to define what punk culture means now, in 2007. We also produced a book in conjunction with the exhibition.
The exhibition was on show in East London for two weeks, and in August moved to a gallery in Hamburg.

LINKS:http://www.hollowgallery.com/picsgallery.html

Artists include: Billy Childish, Sophie Thunders, James Bradshaw, Andy Fung, Barrie J Davies, Bob Milner, Moeniputlation, Deidre King, Hannah Bays, Tinsel Edwards, Hannah Korhoronen, Emma Wright, Jenny Hardcore, Matthew Clifford, Jo Broughton, Lorenzo Belanguer, Matt Verdon, Michelle Baird, Michael Jackson, Myne, Ian Nesbitt, Robin Clare, Twinkle Troughton, T Staudt, Stephanie Vegh, Bryn Chamberlain, Harry Pye, Paperplane, Mel Hierbert, Stew Ruffles, Paul Cole, Amah-Rose.

I did a cast of my bum for the exhibition.
The piece is a painting of a boys bum, and a plaster cast of my bum. The painting is called: 'I like looking at ARSE/ART', (The S and the E of ARSE are crossed out and replaced with a T) The cast is called: 'I like people looking at my ARSE/ART'.

Thankyou to Cowboy, Nick and Magdalena for helping to do the cast.

Punk Show in HAMBURG

2007-07-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

Punk Exhibition at Galerie Lecocon, Hamburg, and The Rote Flora, Hamburg.

Picture above is a massive handpainted poster which was outside the venue, Rote Flora

Private View at Galerie Lecocon 3rd August 7pm
Private View at Rote Flora 4th August 2-5pm

After the show in Londons East end, the Punk Exhibition was shipped from London to Hamburg for a second showing. London artists collaborated with local artists from Hamburg to create a graffiti based weekend exhibition in the Rote Flora. At Galerie Lecocon, the work that had been displayed in London was installed for a two week show.
Some of the text graffiti I painted at Rote Flora
Moenipulation and his masks

Twinkles....'The Ramones department at M&S'

LIGHT SENTENCE EXHIBITION

2007-02-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

"LIGHT SENTENCE" an exhibition curated by Michael Jackson and Doris Kettner. 25th January - 10th February 2007. Zeuggasse 7, 86150 Augsburg, Germany.
Artists: Klaus Ohad Said Auderer, Chris Dobrowolski, Tinsel Edwards, Michael Jackson, Cathy Lomax, Fabian Marcaccio, Katja Mutz, petrmyer, Richard Prince.

The exhibition was in an old office space in Augsberg near Munich in Germany.

'AM I CONTROVERSIAL ENOUGH' graffiti I did for the show.

Also an article about the exhibition in the Augsberger Allgemaine.

BANKSYS SANTAS GHETTO 2006

2006-12-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

I had a couple of paintings in Banksys Santas Ghetto, this year in an old Clarkes Shoe Shop on Oxford Street.

"The Ghetto is a squat art concept store that opens for the month of December and is now in it's fifth magical year. It features some of the world's finest underground artists and attempts to bring an even greater sense of disillusionment to the whole West End shopping experience. It exhibits work that has never been seen before, sells a range of affordable art and produces some rather dubious novelty merchandise"

Featuring: Mark Jenkins, Ericailcane (eric the dog) - some great art in the back right hand corner, Emma Heron, Peter Kennard and Kat, Ben Turnbull, Antony Micallef, Tom Ormond, Banksy, Simon Munnery, Tittifreak, Eine, David Shrigley, Jamie Hewlett, Pete Fowler, Kelsey Brooks, Tinsel Edwards and Space Invader.

DIY kits at the A MART in Bradford....

2006-11-30T07:40:00.000-08:00

A-Mart is an ART SUPERMARKET, a yearly event which takes place at the Ale and Porter gallery in Bradford.

LINK TO THE GALLERY: www.aleandporter.org

LINK TO A BBC REVIEW: http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/07/arts_a_mart_2006_feature.shtml

Ale and Porter Gallery
25 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1JZ, United Kingdom
Tel. 01225 868919
info@aleandporter.org

THIS IS MODERN ART

2006-10-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

THIS IS MODERN ART

Solo show at Dragon Bar, 5 Leanord St EC2

Private View October 10th 7-10pm
Exhibition runs until 28th October

Including new work.....'THIRTY PAINTINGS IN THIRTY DAYS!'