This is my latest work;”printing block” is a literal interpretation of its name. Developed from the lino-print “road crossing” and part of the series “how to cross a road” it is a very large printing block made from mdf and plywood. Based on an earlier print, a close up of two zebra heads, “road crossing”, it explores the nature of black, it reflects no light and could in effect not be there, so i’ve taken it away.

“road crossing”

The original design was enlarged transfered to the mdf cut out and assembled. Prior to finishing several prints were taken from the block, printing white on black paper, entitled “major road crossing”. The surface of the block was inked with a roller and has a resulting dimpled effect, the recesses were painted with blackboard paint in an attempt to make them disappear.

“printing bloc” in progress.

The resulting piece has to be seen in the round for the effect to work, initially it looks like a painting or a print but on moving the surface catches your eye disturbing your unconscious and revealing another dimension.

“printing bloc”

Several prints were taken from the block, printing white ink onto black handmade paper, not terribly successfully, it is notoriously difficult to print white on black as the ink is slightly transparrent. But the prints did show that it was possible and that printing block deserves its name.

“printing bloc print”

Its that time of year again all over the capital people are flood ing to the exits. The rush to leave has greater emphasis now that riot season has started. All over town people are looting Primarks and Icelands.

PRIMARKS, I ask you, I blame the teachers, don’t these people know where Harrods is.But I suppose if thats where your horizons are set, mind you they should also realise they will not get away with it, its only bankers that are allowed to rob us blind and then get rewarded for it.

Then there are those poor souls left in Walthamstow, for whom the riots only mean another subject for inclusion in this years Arts Trail. Not that I have responded to that stimuli, being in exile in Ramsgate the only effect the riots had here was that Waitroseclosed an hour early just in case.

The studio is open for the trail from Thursday the 1st 6- 9pm, the full times are listed below, and I am showing some work based upon zebras, part of the “how to cross a road series”.

Everybody else has work on display so it should be a good visit. Matte downstairs will be printing away on his letter presses and on Thursday the 1st is holding the launch of  E17 Poetry Trail Anthology from 7.30.

I have also made an illustration of a wonderful poem by Gerda Mayer called”My Own My Native Land…”

That’s it–

 the house at the back–

home of my childhood.

The bloomers hung out to dry

in what once was the daisyfield

have been added since.

 Unabashed they flaunt themselves

well to the fore.

A flag hoisted by the usurpeers, they say:

Seeker of the past – this is new land.

I have no idea where it will be seen.

We are open for a preview night on Thursday the 1st of September from 6pm, and the Paekakariki Press will be holding the E17 Poetry Trail Anthology Launch from 7.30. We are then open at the weekends and the Wednesday of the trail.

These are the September trail dates for your diary;

Thursday  1st  6-9pm

Saturday  3rd 12-6pm

Sunday    4th 12-6pm

Wednesday 7th 12-8pm

Saturday 10th 12-6pm

Sunday   11th 12-6pm

Mitre Studios, 4a Mitre Ave, rear of 2 Greenleaf Road E17.