Dear Jolly Old Saint Nick.

xo

Pigs at the trough show no fear, fat full of death they will not starve this year.

all for £15! bargain. Pay a visit to Beatniks on Magdalen St.

xo

For a pessimist, I'm pretty optimistic.

Around 10 o'clock this morning I was awoken by a delivery man knocking on my door. I had been dribbling in my sleep so I quickly wiped my mouth and rubbish beard before answering the door. I was still in pyjamas and thought "man this guy must think I look like a lazy student" he'd definitely be pretty correct with that assumption.

I treated myself to this book after hearing about it from a couple friends. Most interesting graphic novel I've seen in a while. I've asked my Mum if she'd get me the second one in the series for Christmas which should also be pretty fitting as it's titled "Winter".


Rather than do much new work today I photographed some older stuff I've yet to blog. The below character is based on "Rock Gut Charlie" from the Lewd Acts song.

These pieces are a collaboration with my friend Miggles who is also in his second year at art school. I feel they work well together with his Mike Giant influenced sharpie line work and my red painted background contrasting..(the words are screenprinted Dylan lyrics from the song "Girl From The North Country").

Planning to paint a tribute to the film Up because I simply can't get over how good it was.

xo

Sometimes, it's the boring stuff I remember the most.

xo

Grab your scarf and goggles, let's fly!

What advice would you give to ambitious and talented artists who want to follow in your footsteps?

"I think the most important thing you must bring to the table is your own personal point of view. I've worked with many different artists. Some draw beautifully, but don't have their own point of view, other may draw in a more simple, crude way but have a great perspective on storytelling, specific to them. I've also worked with artists that can do everything exceptionally well; draw, design, animate and understand cinematic storytelling. This is like the triple threat in theater, the person that can act, sing and dance. The main thing throughout, and what I think is most valuable is your own voice and what you can bring to a project that is unique. Even when working on a big movie, that requires the skills of many and where you have to realize a director's vision, you must still bring part of yourself to the work. I think it makes the process more satisfying" -Lou Romano

xo

The spirit of adventure!

I went to see Up at the cinema this evening with my brother. It's definitely now one of my favourites and best of 2009! It's such an uplifting film (no pun intended).

"Basically, the message of the film is that the real adventure of life is the relationships we have with other people, and it's so easy to lose sight of the things we have and the people that are around us until they're gone. More often than not, I don't really realize how lucky I was to have known someone until they're either moved or passed away. So, if you can kind of wake up a little bit and go, "Wow, I've got some really cool stuff around me every day", then that's what the movie's about"-Director Pete Doctor.

"Adventure is out there! "

xo

I want to be stereotyped, I want to be classified.

On Friday I was told (shouted at by horrible men in the pub) that I look like Mr Wally. Bummer! :( it happens all the time. Another nicer dude said I look like Fonzie which I took as a compliment but that guy seemed pretty drunk. I'd just like to look like myself! I'm not planning to change my image because in my opinion hats and glasses rule while being a loud prick is not cool.

oh and except for that little incident I had a rad evening with some of the nicest people.

xo

No shave November.

I was eating cereal this morning when I thought there was a hair on the spoon and it actually turned out to be my mighty beard. My facial hair is at it's all time best right now. I'm not quite ready to join Band Of Horses yet though.

xo

Freshly baked.

Never been so excited about a pencil. Thankyou Tom and Apryl :)

xo

Talk is cheap.

"Just remember that you should take all the bad shit that happens to you and let it strengthen you so you can turn around and be much cooler for it instead of more fucked up for it because if you don't you might end up just destroying yourself before you even get along down the road. You know it'd be really easy to get fucked up by your parents and just be a fuck up for the rest of your life instead of learning from it and making damn sure that you never do that shit to anyone again."

Untouchable-Henry Rollins

xo

they rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws.

I'd quite like my Mum to make me a Max costume.

xo

Every dog.

I saw some men hitting a dog today, not to an extreme but enough to scare and anger it. It looked like they were trying to train it to be an attack dog. I don't consider myself to be a naive person but seeing others act like that often shocks me. I almost turned around to walk the other way. I never want to be like that.

xo

To those who have survived lifes thorns.

"I clearly see the slayers and the hope they destroy.
I clearly see the thieves, and the wonders they deprive the inspired.
Where are the builders?
If I am to die.
If I must die.
I must inspire while I live alongside the dreamers."

xo

Forked Tongues.

Working backwards but I went to see Rise & Fall at the Marquee on Monday evening. So many good friends were there it was a little overwhelming but radicool. I think I actually enjoying hanging out more than watching most of the bands but whatever (it's all good!). R&F sounded great and it was nice to see Lonewolves play again.

xo

(picture- Paco Weekenstroo)

Life is what you want it to be so don't get tangled up trying to be free.

This evening I went to the forum to watch the film "Instrument" about the band Fugazi. It was probably the first event held at the forum I actually wanted to see. It was a directed and introduced by Jem Cohen who I thought seemed a very humble/cool guy. The film was excellent! very long but inspiring and also pretty funny at times. Fugazi are a fascinating band and Guy Picciotto's dancing is awesome.

A few favourite moments...

-when one of the band members said something along the lines of "Rather than sitting around at home waiting for moments to come to you, you're out there finding them"

-Picciotto saying "you ate all my/the chocolate"

-the video of the scene pictured above.

-and this part http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U70ZcLRjIqo

peace!

xo

http://www.jemcohenfilms.com/

http://www.myspace.com/fugazidischord

how am I ever gonna know peace?

xo

What others may want for free, I'll work for your love.

this album makes the approaching winter feel less cold.

xo

Bloody hell.

hung out with Dyson today in the forum.

xo

I hold old memories like a kid who laughs hard and grabs his ribs.

Seeing these guys again in February 2010. Not only are they one of my favourite bands but it'll be in a intimate venue and without a doubt that plenty of rad people will be there (stoked!).

p.s had a fun trip to Nandos this evening..I'm eating like a king so far this week.

xo

Forever young.

"May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young."

Forever Young- Bob Dylan

xo

"You remind me of him. You forget to remember to be afraid"

Today was a good day despite a difficult start. I hate waking up late when you're suppose to do things.

I did my own screenprinting for the first time which was awesome. It was pretty basic stuff but it's helped to get ideas moving in my head.

I continued my half of the collaboration with my friend Migs.

Went to the "Tribute" exhibition at Stew near the art school. It was mostly put on by friends on my course who's work I've seen before however it was cool to see it in a different context. I enjoy "private views" despite the pretentious title..so far they've always involved art(obviously),free beer/snacks and good people.

I hung out with Roxy and Tom and they convinced me to miss my last bus, get a taxi home and dine out in Norwich with them. I had my usual at Waga's and enjoyed some rad banter. The evening was even more spontaneous as we decided to go to the cinema. This may not seem like the most irrational thing ever but I'm usually at home before 8'o clock.

We went to see the film "9" at Vue. I didn't have great expectations for this film. I thought the concept and style looked interesting but I imagined it might just be another cgi film however I thoroughly enjoyed it. From the start the first thing I noticed was how great the sound was, little things like the rag doll's little metal hands on a desk were perfect. The story and ideas seemed original and despite the structure feeling a little sketchy it was a great film which I think will probably be underrated.

I said farewell to R & T. It was lovely to see them both and they kindly gave me money towards my taxi. If either of you happen to read this then thankyou once again!

Strange people come out at night or at least due to the majority of normal people being at home the odd people stand out. One guy made quite an effort to have a staring contest. Got my taxi, for once the driver hardly spoke a word, older gentleman with a walking stick. Home safe and I'm going to sleep soon. Early start tomorrow so I hope I manage to wake up.

xo