'Ghana Must Go',

I often admire Richard Bravery's creative direction over the many jackets he has worked on at Penguin. 'Ghana Must Go' by Taiye Selasi gave us an opportunity to work together.  Many ideas were employed diverting us down a variety of routes. Starting with Ghanese florals, then adding in female silhouettes, next snapshots of New York, butterflies, simple block patterns & finally the colours & structure of African fabrics.  The narrative crosses continents and generations with a powerful and emotive text to boot.  After all that it went in a different direction not involving my prints at all.  Pah!

Black Magic..

Came across this again today, was rather fond of it at the time.. pity they weren't!

'Franco & Treen'

I've been pretty obsessed with my lovely friend Donna's family albums since a visit to her Grandma Nelda's house in Crespano, Italy, back in nineteen ninety something.  Many pictures document the early romance of her folks Franco & Treen.. her Mum's penchant for a fabulous outfit accessorised to the hilt, teamed up with her Dads square shoulders & thick wavy locks make many of their photographs reminiscent of a vintage shoot from Vogue magazine.  They also provide me with a heap of creative fodder to get my mits on..

Currently drying..

     .. the beginnings of "Press & Pull 2" with James Brown, Private View November 7th.  More info soon.

'New York Flagship..'

                         

I am fortunate to have many creative friends.. really clever ones, whose work, ideas and commitment still continues to surprise & excite me.  Bevan is one of these sorts, working as one half of the Creative Director team for atelier Anya Hindmarch.  I met him back in our old studio building, pre heating and reliable electricity.  After a few years freelancing as 'Before After', they (himself & his creative partner Matt) opted for a  proper job, kicking the perils of self employment to the kerb & swiftly settling in to their subsequent new role as Creative Directors.  Years later his perpetual enthusiasm and joy for his work never disappoints.  When he approached me to silkscreen forty odd miniature bag portraits for a subsequent store opening I almost didn't realise his vision.  On seeing the beautiful stills below of Anya Hindmarch's  American flagship Store in New York today, I wonder how my thoughts ever veered off.  Well done you!

Designed by interior architect  Ilse Crawford

Studio Light, 18:15.

 

'Cheating', John Newman

John Newman's second single 'Cheating' is due for release October 7th.  In preparation I worked on three silkscreened colour variations of a beautiful photograph by the very talented Daniel Thomas Smith.  Below are the two that didn't make the edit.. 

 

Art Direction 'Big Active'