New Work

Few images from a series of oils on paper..... Off to Arles today - to walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh...

New Paintings....

A sample of recent work created here in France..... and am happy to receive feedback.....

Century of The Self

Check out this Documentary from the BBC - 4 x 1 hour episodes..... Enlightening and scary - Available from Google Videos
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9167657690296627941#
THE CENTURY OF THE SELF Adam Curtis' acclaimed series examines the rise of the all-consuming self against the backdrop of the Freud dynasty. To many in both politics and business, the triumph of the self is the ultimate expression of democracy, where power has finally moved to the people. Certainly the people may feel they are in charge, but are they really? The Century of the Self tells the untold and sometimes controversial story of the growth of the mass-consumer society in Britain and the United States. How was the all-consuming self created, by whom, and in whose interests? The Freud dynasty is at the heart of this compelling social history. Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis; Edward Bernays, who invented public relations; Anna Freud, Sigmund's devoted daughter; and present-day PR guru and Sigmund's great grandson, Matthew Freud. Sigmund Freud's work into the bubbling and murky world of the subconscious changed the world. By introducing a technique to probe the unconscious mind, Freud provided useful tools for understanding the secret desires of the masses. Unwittingly, his work served as the precursor to a world full of political spin doctors, marketing moguls, and society's belief that the pursuit of satisfaction and happiness is man's ultimate goal.

Bull Fights....

Bull Fights!

Toby and Emma came up from Toulon and JJ & Julie from London for the weekend to witness the soon to be banned cultural experience of Bull Fighting.... mixed feelings - a brutal spectacle not to be repeated. We had fun together despite the intense nature of what unfolded drinking wine and eating weird cheeses. Will post some images of paintings completed in coming week.

Exploring.....

Well we have been out and about a bit lately - last week we met up with Toby & Emma for lunch in Aix en Provence. Met up with them again for the weekend in Toulon for Emma's party. On the way down we had a look around Arles- for a major photographic exhibition program. This week we are taking all the kids to a professional bull fight at Nime Colosseum and again on the weekend with some friends from London. Will be interesting and potentially very challenging but it is being banned from next year in Spain and France so it marks the end of an era. Kids settled in school and allowing us time to focus on making stuff .....

Progression.....

The kids have begun school without too much angst and they all managed to find new friends on the first day - they have accepted their fate and are negotiating language and place well. My art materials finally arrived today and I have set up a studio space out the back. I will embark tomorrow on a new era of work..... Travel news; I am meeting Toby for 2 weeks surfing based at Lacanau near Bordeaux from 6 October. Rose and kids meeting me there then we are off for another week or so to San Sebastian, Bilbao and Barcelona. Rose has begun writing her best seller to rival Dan Brown and is loving her freedom and time.... Few images seeking out antique items and studio space. This weekend heading down to Toulon for Emma's birthday party which falls on the same day as mine!

Around Aubais....

Well our guests have left and we are now getting the children ready for school - starts tomorrow which is a relief. Few photos include a village running of the bulls event last weekend - as we are close to Spain this tradition is strong. In fact we plan to all go to a professional bull fight at the Nime's Roman Collosseum mid September. Also some images from Avignion where we went yesterday and saw a great exhibition by the Spanish artist Miquel Barcelo'.