Friday 25 February 2011

Artiste Auteur - Original Artist

Like I've said previously there's nothing simple in France, if it is feasibly possible to make things more complex the French are champions at increasing the complexity of anythying bureaucratic. I'm just in the proces of officially declaring myself as an Artist or as it is more widely known here 'an author of original works'. I've almost won the hat which determines that I can produce pieces of art and create invoices for them. This also involves changing my social status, having to change where I pay my social charges and also means that I can only invoice for the creation of original work. Anything repetitive, repeat productions and that changes the rules of engagement and in all honesty I'm not to certain where it goes if we arrive at this point; so for the moment everything is original unless I'm told otherwise!!!

I'm very happy producing Venitian Stucco tablets 'cause no else seems to be interested in using this material. The finish is incredibly profound and well its difficult to show via images on the web so in essence you have to see it to really appreiciate it.

Above is a recent portrait of a very politcal character of the Languedoc region who passed away in November 2010 - Georges Freche. Some claim that Freche was possessed by leaving his mark at every opportunity on the regeon, outspoken in his views and tough on his working colleagues - the only comment I can make is that his direction has certainly changed the face of Montpellier and some surrounding villages over the previous 15 yrs. Whether this is for the good we will see in the fullness of time.

The Director of Cultural Affairs : Nicole Bigas, reserved the portrait 'Mister Montpellier' for the Agglomeration on the evening of the private view 'Un Nouveau Regard' but to date I have received no further communication of how to conclude the sale! On the Flip Side one doesn't have to overlook the fact that this is France and words are cheap regardless of which continent you reside upon. I'm only glad that I sold this portrait to a friend and an honourable busnessman prior to being approached by the elected representative of the Agglo.

OK catch you on the Flip Side of the next wave.

Sunday 9 January 2011

Un Nouveau Regard

Whilst time flies by in the blink of an eye - passions change direction, people take on different roles and things move in all sorts of different ways. It's just over 5 years since I moved to Montpellier and finally I seem to have located a direction and purpose for things that I'm passionate about.

I fell in love with Venetian Stucco some years ago and after participating on a course with a very skillful bunch of guys based up north in the UK, not far from Bradford, I've been expereimenting with the material and creating some interesting pieces of art. I've developed my own techniques and like to think that I am now creating pieces that are sumptuous, original and hold a certain quality that has the potential to be appreciated by a worldwide audience - only time will tell. ( I'm hoping that this appreciation will materialise prior to becoming too old... or at least before I die !).

Anyway 2011 is the year of making one's mark, so to this end I've committed to playing live with my good friend and incredibly talented harmonacist 'Henri Lubrano' in our blues duo namely ' Zee Blue Monkeys' and making a concerted effort to exhibit my artwork and increase my reputation as an English Artist living and working in Montpellier - so if you reading this please spread the word. Some of my work can be seen at LIFE The Gallery in Farnham, Surrey, UK - just ask for Martin or Kerry Kelly and they will be more than happy to assist you.

My first official exhibition sponsored by the City Council of Montpellier 'Montpellier Agglomeration' will take place at the :

Maison d'Agglomeration de Beaus-Arts, Aiguelongue, Plan des 4 Seigneurs
25, route de Nîmes
Montpellier
34000

4th February 2011 - Vernissage / Private View - from 18h30
5th February to 19th February 2011 - 10h00 to 12h30 & 14h00 to 17h30

The format of the Vernissage / Private View will include:

1 - An demonstration of how I produce my work
2 - The production of a small Venetian Tablet / Application of the Stucco
3 - Live acoustic music to bring the evening to a close.

If you're in the region please feel free to share a glass of wine with us at the Vernissage.